Skip to main content

Full text of "Variety (October 1942)"

See other formats 


RADIO 



MUSIC 



STAGE 




Publlahad Weekly at ISi Weat ittta Street, New York, N. I., by Variety, Inc. Annual aubscrlptlon, 110. Single coplea it cenia. 
Entered aa Bocond-claaa matter December 22, ItOS, at the Post ORlce at New York, N. Y., under the act or March I, ia7t. 
COraUQHT, 1M2, BT VABICTT, INC. ALI, RIGHTS RESERVED 



VOL. 148 No. 5 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1942 



PRICE 25 CENTS 







Films in Critical Stage With Its 
Stellar Ranks Decimated-Hornblow 



By MOBI KBUSHEN 

Film production has reached a 
critical stage and the entire fabric 
of the industry is being dangerously 
weakened because the ranks of per- 
formers in Hollywood are being 
decimated; director are frustrated 
by monumental casting problems; 
and studios imperilled by the loss of 
trained manpower In the draft. 
Arthur Hornblow, Jr., Metro pro- 
ducer now In New York, is authority 
for this statement. 

Insofar as saving celluloid is con- 
cerned, Hornblow said that using 4-F 
actors and 'amateurs with ulcers,' in- 
stead of name players, is no solution 
because the ulcerated amateurs can't 
deliver in one take and more footage 
Is needed before a scene is adequate. 

After 10 months of war Hornblow 
finds Hollywood the only university 
of its kind in the world, the most 
powerful yet most neglected in- 
formative and entertainment medium 
of all. 

'Hollywood is unique as a school 
which could be of tremendous value 
in training film technicians for the 
armed forces. Strangely enough, 
both the professors and the students 
•re being taken from it,' Hornblow 
aaid. 'Instead of drafted men from 
the Industry being obliged to leave 
flollywood, the logical thing would 
be for the armed forces to send their 
(Continued on page 68) 



"Borrowing Back' 
Now Looks Cold 



Washington, Oct. 6. 
Secretary of War Stimson's crack- 
down on the Joe Louis-Billy Conn 
fight Is regarded in show business 
as a deathblow to last hopes until 
now entertained that the Govern- 
ment would permit producers to bor- 
row back male picture stars serving 
In the armed forces for occasional 
films. 

Though not openly aired, some 
01 the major studio heads have had 
private dUcussions about making ap- 
plication via Government channels, 
lor loaning back some of the players 
atationed In the continental United 
Slates. 

Concerted action, such as a plea 
on behalf of the industry as a whole, 
(Continued on page 85) 



Cohan and Cagney Should 
Do Very Dandy on 'Dandy' 

Both Jimmy Cagney and George 
M. Cohan stand to make a lot of 
coin out of 'Yankee Doodle Daiidy' 
under the deals Warners made them 
on the picture. Cagney received 
$150,000 as the star, with the pro- 
vision that he also share in the 
profits to the extent of 10% of the 
gross after $1,500,000. Qohan also 
gets the same cut after the $1,500,- 
000 figure. 

It is estimated in Warner sales cir- 
cles that 'Dandy' will show a gross 
rental of $6,000,000 or close. 

Based on a $6,000,000 gross, Cag- 
ney and Cohan would ultimately re- 
ceive $450,000 each. 



SEEK COMICS 
FOR TRIPS TO 
GARRISONS 



Hollywood, Oct. 8. 
Spokesmen for the War Depart- 
ment have approached comedians 
who control their network commer- 
cial prof^rams about making flights 
to England and Iceland between 
broadcasts to entertain the troops. 
The arrangement would be along the 
lines which have obtained in the 
recent trips of Edgar Bergen and 
Bob Hope to Alaska and the Aleu- 
tians. 

The comedians' week would be 
split into two parts. The round trip 
by bomber and camp appearance 
would consume four days and the 
performer would have the remaining 
three days in which to prepare his 
weekly program and broadcast it. 





GLOBAL FUIURL 



Simultaneous Development 
of a World-Wide Market 
for Yankee Jazz and of 
Cheap Airplane Travel 
is Foreseen as Creating 
International Dance Tours 
Between Continents 



MILITARY CLICKS 



By BEN BODEC 

That mystical phrase 'after the 
war' has a special significance for 
dance orchestras. The popularity of 
American style music, thanks to the 
current intensive buildup on short- 
wave radio, via service groups sta- 
tioned in far-olT places, through 
phonograph records carried by 
soldiers and sailors and merchant- 
men into remote areas, is certain to 
be international. Coupled to the 
probable ease of air travel in the 
post-war period it is entirely prob- 
able that American dance orchestras 
will find playdates in Europe, Africa, 
South America and Australia as 
casual as a hop-irom Broadway to 
Hollywood. 

Such is the prediction of one of 
(Continued on page 86) 



SERIES TERRinC 
FOR B'WAY BIZ 



SHOULD EXEMPT ACTORS 



Jasper Deeler Says His Players 
Dr'.if Work of Nat'l Importance 



Philadelphia, Oct. 6. 

On the contention that his actors 
are doing work 'of a national impor- 
tance,' Jasper Deeter, director of the 
Hedgerow Theatre, one of the fore- 
most llittle theatre' groups in the na- 
tion, has asked the Government that 
they be exempted from the draft. 

For the past two years, but only 
revealed yesterday (Mon.), Deeter 
(Continued on page 84) 



Broadway's weekend crowds 
reached a new high Saturday (3), the 
World Series between the Yankees 
and Cardinals being an added mag- 
net. There were so many people on 
the main stem that night that they 
walked in the street, slowing up ve- 
hicular traffic to a crawl or com- 
plete stop. Matinee business was not 
heavy, but theatres were packed by 
dimout time. Picture theatres and 
night clubs were jammed to the 
hilt, too. 

Sunday also saw booming attend- 
ance in legit theatres. An instance is 
'Sons O' Fun,' which got $9,000 at 
the Winter Garden in two pet-form- 
ances. Another is 'Let's Face It,' 
which played Sundays at the Im- 
perial for the first time and in two 
times got $6,850. Both are musicals 
(Continued on page 84) 



Show Biz Accoladed for Its Fine 
Showing on Bonds, Salvage, Morale 



U.S. Theatte Execs May 
Stage Brit 'Heroes' Tours 

England, looking at results ac- 
complished by 'Heroes on Parade' 
and 'Stars Over America' tours, has 
reportedly asked for American 
showmen to go over to put on sim- 
ilar drives in Great Britain. So far, 
the request has been for theatre ex- 
ecutives, since it appears to be pri- 
marily a job of organization. 

With Stanton Griffis and Harvey 
Gibson of Paramount currently in 
London, Bob Weitman, manager of 
the Paramount theatre, N. Y., has al- 
ready been mentioned for the assign 
ment, with one or two other execs 
also in line as alternates in the event 
that Weitman does not go. 



RAIL SHORTAGE 
IMPERILS 
LEGIT 



Office of Defense Transportation 
Saturday (3) ordered the discontinu- 
ance of all special Pullman and 
sleeping cars, causing a flurry In 
legit booking circles. Changes in 
bookings may be necessary. Tele- 
grams from shows on tour were re- 
ceived by the United Booking Of- 
fices, asking the solution. From 
now on, people in shows on the road 
must accept whatever accommoda- 
tions are available, despite travel 
requirements in Equity contracts. 

As a result of the restrictions, one- 
(Continued on page 86) 



STRIPPER SHEDS A PLAY 



Gypsy Bose Lee's 'Ghost In the 
Woodpile' Due for B'way 



Michael Todd proposes producing 
'The Ghost in the Woodpile,' a com- 
edy by Gypsy Rose Lee, who is ap- 
pearing in hia 'Star and Garter,' 
Music Box. 

Miss Lee, who gained attention as 
a burley stripper before entering 
legit, wrote a whodunit, titled "The 
G-Strlng Murder,' which established 
her as a writer of more than av- 
erage- talent. A secon4 mystery 
novel, 'Mother Finds a Body,' fia 
just come off the Simon-Schuster 
presses. 



High praise showered upon the 
motion picture industry and the gen- 
eral amusement' biz in recent weeks 
by important civilian and military 
Government officials, for the various 
services rendered by the industry, 
has led to hope within the trade 
that any U. S. 'squeeze' on the film 
business may be eased to some ex- 
tent. 

Film business, from Indications, 
has assumed new importance and Is 
being rapidly revaluated within the 
general classification of what Gov- 
ernment bodies regard as 'essential' 
industries. This does not necssarily 
mean that the film business activi- 
ties will not be circumscribed. It has 
always been the avowed policy of 
the Government and President 
Roosevelt that the picture business 
is 'essential'. Question in recent 
months, however, has been to what 
extent the industry is essential and 
how far it is to be limited or re- 
stricted. 

A preponderance ot dplnion has 
been that the picture business should 
be allowed to function, on a basia 
as close to normal as compatible 
with wartime exigencies. 

The excellent showing made by 
the film industry in raising $838,250,- 
000 via war bond sales during the 
tough, income tax month of Sep- 
tember; the impetus currently being 
(Continued on page 86) 



Clyde McCoy s 
Entire Band 
Into the Navy 



Memphis, Oct. 6. 

Clyde McCoy's band has switched 
from 'Sugar Blues' to Navy Blue in 
toto and thereby followed precedent 
of couple ot other bands, one ot 
them a Negro unit. 

McCoyites enlisted at the Norfolk 
Naval Air Base, the maestro as a 
Specialist First Class and the per- 
sonnel as Seamen Second Class, all 
in the Aviation Machinists' Mates 
School. 

AMM in.stitutioon was shortly there- 
after transposed Intact to the new 
Naval Training School (Aviation 
Maintenance) at Millington near 
Memphis, Tenn,, and the McCoy or- 
(Continued on page 85) 



BAXDS-TALENT SECTIOX 



Starts on 
Page 4t 



MISCELLANY 



Wednesday, October! 7, 1942 



New Dance Steps of Martial Spirit 
May Be Necessary to Cue Songs 
From Slush Into War Channels 



By ABEL GREEN 

The Office of War Informalion. 
in its quest for socko patriotic and 
war songs, realizes it's up against 
a tough problem which may even 
call for making over the dance 
tastes of America. In short, the 
one-step and the two-step dance 
Idiom of 1917 made possible a host 
of spirited, martial songs ("Over 
There," 'K-K-K-Katy,' 'Hinky Dinky 
Parlez-Vous,' Tipperary," 'Howya 
Gonna Keep *Em Down on the 
Farm, After They've Seen Parce?.' 
'Keep the Home Fires Burnine." 
"There's a Long, Long Trail A-Wind- 
)ng,' 'Madclon,' etc.). Today we're 
a foxtrotting nation. 

Furthermore, we're a listening 
public, due to the radio. 

That it may be difficult to make 
over our listening and dancing habits 
is recognized in Washington, hence 
the next best thing will have to 
be a scientific propaganda campaign, 
enlisting the dancing masters of 
America, the Fred Astaires, Arthur 
Murrays, et al., so that Victory 
Dances, with spirited, military steps 
(a la 'The Lambeth Walk' and 
'Bumps-a-Daisy,' borrowed from the 
British, with their physical business 
of cutting up while dancing) will 
percolate to the masses. 

The trouble, from the viewpoint 
of America's Ministry of Propa- 
ganda, Is that everything is too sac- 
charine. Even our war ballads are 
nothing but love songs with a once- 
over-lightly war background. 'Johnny 
Doughboy Found a Rose in Ireland' is 
just boy-meets-girl; so Is 'He Wears 
a Pair of Silver Wings.' Even Irv- 
ing Berlin's 'I Lost My Heart at the 
Stage Door Canteen' has been ques- 
tioned by the OWI in light of its 
punchline, *A soldier boy without a 
heart has two strikes on him from 
the start,' and 'I Threw a Kiss in 
the Ocean,' also Berlin's, is deigned 
too ballady. On the other hand, 
Government spokesmen are en- 
thused about Berlin's This Time 
Must Be the Last Time,' which is 
also part of his This Is the Army' 
■core, and would like to see this 
rhythmic, military song made into 
a socko hit. Also more in line are 
Berlin's affirmative defense songs, 



U.S. War Song Comm. 



Jack Joy, of the War Dept. and 
music consultant to the OWI, has 
been designated liaison ofTicer to 
a newly formed wartime Music 
Committee, of which Lyman 
Bryson, chief of special opera- 
tions bureau in OWI, is chair- 
man. Members comprise A. J. 
Nordholm of WPB; Harold J. 
Sagalyn, of the Federal Security 
Agency; Dr. Harold Spivacke, 
Library of Congress; Ira Walsh, 
War Manpower Commission; K. 
D. Welch, Treasury Dept.; Jay 
Deiss. Office of Education; E. A. 
Sheridan, Office of Civilian De- 
fense; William B. Lewis, chief of 
radio, OWI, and Joy. 

Official objective, as disclosed 
In Washington yesterday (Tues- 
day) Is to coordinate the writing 
and publishing of worthwhile 
war songs as a 'psychological 
weapon of war.' 



such as 'God Bless America,' 'Arms 
for the Love of America,' 'Hooray, 
I Paid My Taxes Today,' 'Any Bonds 
Today?,' 'Angel of Mercy,' etc. 

Definitely slushy and wishful 
thinking, according to D. C. attitude, 
are songs like 'Blue Skies Are 
Round the Corner,; 'When They 
Sound the Last All Clear,' 'We'll 
Meet Again,' 'White Cliffs of Dover' 
(despite this dany ballad's click on 
both sides of the Atlantic), etc. 

And certainly, argue the OWI 
people, there's much to be depre- 
cated in risque effusions such as 
•The Colonel's Daughter' and 'The 
Army and Navy Say, Yes! We 
Oughta Have the Girls,' or puerile 
stuff such as 'We'll Knock the Japs 
Right Into the Laps of the Nazis,' 
'Slap the Japs,' 'Goodbye Momma, 
I'm Off to Yokohama,* 'We're on 
Our Way to Tokyo,' "Take a Trip, 
That's a Pip, Fly to Tokyo, AU Ex 
penses Paid' and 'It's a K.O. for 
Tokyo,' because it's not true. It 
only lulls us Into a false sense of 
bravado when actually America has 
been losing the war to date, although 
we have no doubt that the final vic- 
(Continued on page 70) 



All Comforts of Snburban Villa 
For Guests of H wood Relief Home 



Hollywood, Oct. 8. 
Without benefit of ballyhoo and In ' 
the quiet good taste with which the | 
project has been carried through toi 
completion, the Motion Picture Re- 
lief Fund's Country House officially 
opened its doors. Only the guests 
themselves were present, with the 
supervisor, Kathryn King Power, act- 
ing as a committee of welcome. 

Forty guests. Including names that 
knew great dlsynctlon in the silent 
films, took possession of the com- 
pleted cottages, set down in the syl- 
van vistas of the Woodland Hills 
scene, renowned even In California 
for its beauty. It's the kind of place 
some misogynist wrote about cen- 
turies ago when he said, 'Where 
every prospect pleases. And only 
man is vile.' It Is about 17 miles 
fii-in Hollywood. 

A misogynist, by the by. Is a pessi- 
mist with dyspepsia and, anyhow 
the poetic gentleman was only half 
right, insofar as the Country House 
at Woodland Hills is concerned. Its 
beauties are unexcelled but, as for 
the human equation, there is nothing 
even remotely vile about the warm 
human sympathy and understanding 
of an industry's people, whose c'o 
nations made this project possible 
So much for the factor of cause. 

As for effect, it is that of a subur 
ban villa colony, with a lagoon in the 
middle setting off the green, rolling 
turf and providing a focal point for 
the surrounding cottages. "These, 40 
in number now, will total 164 when 
the entire 41 acres of the develop 
mcnt are exploited to the full. 
Tailored Spanlah Lines 
Each cottage, specifically provided 
for by individual donations, has ihc 
tailored lines of the modern Spanish 
type bungalow. It Is complete and. 
Indeed, replete with every known 



fundamental accessory, Including 
central heating and lighting. It Is 
(Continued on page 87) 



iyiCTOpy 



BUY 

UNITED 
STATES 

WAR 
SAVINGS 

iONDS 
SIAMPS 



It will cost money to defeat 
Gerviany, Japan and Italy. 
Our government calls on you 
to help now. 

Buy war savings bonds or 
stamps today. Buy them 
every day ij you can. But 
buv thein on a regular basia. 



MAJOR ROACH 
INTO ACTIVE 
SERVICE 



Bo'lin Obys 'Army As Fdm Antobiog, 
Also rieing In 1918 Tip Yip Yaphank' 



Jessel't Choice 



Gterge Jessel's reply to Abe 
Lastfogel's letter re volunteering 
for an overseas tour with USO- 
Camp Shows was terse and to 
the point: 

'I will be happy to go any- 
where In the world. I would 
particularly prefer entertaining 
our boys at the Winter Garden 
in Berlin.' . 



Those Japanazis No 
Pushovers, Pic Heroes 
Most Work Harder 



Major Hal ttoach, with the U. S. 
Army Air Corps and scheduled to go 
into combat zones shortly, has asked 
United Artists distribution execs to 
make an effort to improve play off 
boqkings for the 'streamliners' he 
made last year. Roach points out 
that, from his experience with Metro 
and Pathe, possibly 1,000 accounts 
could be picked up on the second 
year. 

Possibility is that four Roach 
streamliners will be produced, in 
addition to the eight currently in 
release, during the producer's ab- 
sence. Roach envisages possibility 
that, in view of celluloid restrictions, 
two streamliners may before long be 
booked simultaneously lo make a 
picture house program. 

On the verge of going into front 
line duty, 50-ycar-old Roach told his 
distributors, 'My ousinese is now in 
your hands. I hope you'll do a good 
job for me and I'll try and do as 
well for you.' 



Hollywood, Oct. 8. 

From now on the Japs and Nazis 
are going to be' tough hombres on the 
screen, at least in Republic pictures. 
No more of the old Diamond Dick 
stuff where our hero draws his trusty 
rifle from behind clenched teeth and 
100 redskins bite the dust. The idea 
is to teach American youth that this 
country is up against a big league 
war and that our soldiers, sailors and 
marines are not all Supermen. 

The new rule will be enforced, not 
only in war pictures but in westerns, 
where the hero will be restricted to 
two knockouts in any single round. 
In 'G-Men vs. the Black Dragon' the 
pace has been slowed down so that 
the Japs won't look like pushovers. 



Auer's Divorced Wife 

Suicides on Coast 



Hollywood, Oct. 8. 

Norma Auer, divorced first wife 
of Mischa Auer, film comedian, com- 
mitted suicide here Oct. 2 by poison. 

She had recently awarded custody 
of their two children to Auer. Lat- 
ter is now wed to Joyce Hunter, a 
radio singer and actress. 



ENCORES WORTH $1,900 

Jeannette MacDonald Grossed $7,300 
For Army Relief Fund 



For Him It's a Breather 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Bob Hope gets a sort of vacation 
this week, working In a sketch in 
"Star Spangled Rhythm' on his home 
lot at Paramount. 

It is a breathing spell after tour- 
ing Army camps in Alaska and the 
Pacific Northwest and shooting Red 
Cross benefit games on various golf 
links with Bing Crosby. 



Springfield, Mass., Oct. 8. 

Singing locally for the second 
time in two years to an overflow 
crowd in the man^moth Municipal 
auditorium, Jeannette MacDonald 
grossed $7,300 at the box office last 
week for Army Emergency Relief, 
Inc., and added $1,900 more by auc- 
tioning her encores. 

The total was second high on the 
tour. Manager Edward H. Marsh, re- 
ported, Pittsburgh topping the trip. 




'This Is the Army,' in Warner 
Bros, film form, has been set offi- 
cially as to Its screen adaptation. 
,Irving Berlin gave the plot outline 
to Casey Robinson, who's whipping 
the film script into shape now for 
Michael Curtiz, who will direct for 
Warners. The always self-effacing 
Beijin has acquiesced to make 
'Army' a film autobiography, tieing 
together the 1918 'Yip Yip Yaphank' 
with the 1942 soldier show, plus his 
professional life's story. 

Spanning the two will be a caval- 
cade of Berliniana; also his 1941-42 
crop of defense songs ('Any Bonds 
Today?', 'Arms for the Love of 
America', etc.); a dramatization of 
'God Bless America' (first film ver- 
sion), a couple of new tunes and 
the 'Army' score. 

The entire stage cast will partici- 
pate in the WB fllmization, plus 
some marque names to be selected. 
There will be but one femme player, 
a WAAC role, but no other cine- 
matic femininity. She'll be a mar- 
quee name, personating the 'Eileen' 
of the Stage Door Canteen sequence. 
Gen. MarshaH'a Kudos 

Meantime, in Washington, where 
"Army" winds up this week. I glow- 
ing letter from General George C. 
Marshall, Chief of Staff, to Berlin 
and the "Army" cast prompted the 
showman-songsmith to tell his boys, 
"This is the best press notice you'll 
ever receive.' Berlin made photostat 
copies for all th» cast. The letter fol- 
lows: 

'Last night you and the c.nst 
of your show faced perhaps as 
critical an audience as you will 
find on your tour. In the ova- 
tion which you received. I hope 
you found some measure of re- 
(Continued on pcge 86) 



Alex D'Arcy to Egypt, 
Arleen Whelan's Play 



Alex d'Arcy, still in Walter Reid 
hospital, Washington, is slated for 
an assignment in Egypt as liaison 
officer. While of French extraction, 
d'Arcy is himself an Egyptian, and 
knows the country. 

His wife, Arleen Whelan, is cur- 
rently in New York with an eye to 
a Broadway play. She is off 20th- 
Fox payroll. 



Fox Signs Robt. Lewis 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Robert Lewis has pcen signed by 
20th-Fox as actor and dialog director 
on 'Project 47.' 

He is former actor-director of the 
New York Group "Theatre. 



Psychiatric Report on Hitler 
- fiecommended As Vigorous Copy 



The Writers War Board in New York has singled out a bookjacket de- 
scription of Adolf Hitler as an example of effective wartime comment 
oh the enemy. It's by Helen McCloy and appears on the back of her 
latest Morrow-published Basil Willing mystery. Writers War Board be- 
lieves the example may serve to inspire some radio writing of equal vigor 
and impression-creating power. It is also being recommended for use In 
German language leaflets dropped over Germany by airplane. This is the 
copy: 

PSYCHOPATHIC REPORT 

Examining Pst/chiatrist: Dr. Basil Willing 



ABBOTT and COSTELLO 

Broadcasting avary Thursday, 7-7:30 p.m., on NBC Coast-to-Coast 
Network In their own ihow for Camel Cigarette! 
Now on National Release 

In "PARDON MY SARONG" 

A Mayfair Production — Universal Pictures Release 
Under Personal Management of EDWARD SHERMAN 



Main Fact: Subject is a fifty-six 
year old white male still at large, 
who admits recurrent desires to kill 
or enslave everyone not a member 
of his own nation and political 
party, 

Beaetlon Type: Paranoid. Aggres- 
sive desire to dominate. 

Stability: Poor. Screams, weeps 
and reputed to chew rug on slight- 
est provocation. 

So'elal Habits: Unfriendly — espe- 
cially during blood purges. 

Bellglons Habits: Has sent numer- 
ous pastors and priests to firing 
squads and concentration camps, but 
identifies self with God. 

Personal Habits: Vegetarian, tee- 
totaller, bachelor — possibly celibate. 

Case History: Mother, neurotic; 
father, illegitimate; homelife, un- 
happy. Sleepwalked during child- 
hood. Schooling, incomplete; see 
grammatical errors in German edi- 
tion of 'Mein Kampf.' confusion of 
linguistic term 'Aryan' with idea of 



race, etc. Hysterical blindness 
('shell-shock') during World War 1, 
indicating repressed personal fear 
since compensated as protest and 
aggression against Germans who 
sought armistice in 1918. Failure as 
artist and housepainter. 

Bcmarka: An individual is insane 
when he fails to adjust himself to 
society. This subject has inverted 
the process by imposing on the Ger- 
man people a society which fails to 
adjust itself to the individual. He 
has thus created an insane society 
exhibiting many symptoms of an 
insane individual— notably delu.sions 
of persecution and grandeur. 
Prognosif( Incurable. 
Recommendation: Envl r o n m e n t 
should be modified at earliest po.s- 
sible moment. Either execution or 
permanent solitary confinement im- 
perative. 

Method of Carrying Out Recom- 
mendations: Buy U. S. War Bonds 
and Stamp.s. 



By Helen McCloy, author o/ Ihc BASIL WILLING mysleries, 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



MISCELLAinr s 







STUDIO BIGH 




Hollywood, Oot. 6. , 
ProdncerB AssoolaUon, at the 
BontUy moetins Monday (5) night, 
kcid a lengthy dUewslon en the 
PrMldent's wace-fr«Mlnf dlree- 
tlva and let np a eonunltteo headed 
by T. Frank Freeman to meet with 
Qnlldi and anions with view t* 
•onverglns on Joint aetlon. At- 
torneys took the view the unions 
mut first consnit the War Labor 
Beard before any wage changes can 
be effected In prodneer negotia- 
Uens. 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Hollywood is making economy its 
new watchword on account of the 
$2S,000 net income celling. If nec- 
essary to help win the war, Holly- 
wood's high-salaried talent is all 
for it and readjustments will be 
made to meet the new conditions. 
Free ^pending will be el^Inated, 
hitting the smart shops, hlghpriced 
medicos and the exclusive night 
ipots. 

Big time producers and directors 
with family dependents and rela- 
tives will have to reduce or elimi- 
nate handouts. 

Large homes and estates of film 
oelebs in Bel Air, Westwood, Bev- 
( Continued on page 16) 



This Changing World/ 
War Charity Fihn, 
Ready After 1\ Yrs. 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Actual shooting on This Changing 
World,' war charity picture started 
In March, 1940, wound up over the 
weekend at the RKO-Pathe studio, 
with Frank Lloyd directing the final 
lensfaig. With a few details, such as 
montage and re-recording, the pic- 
ture will be ready for national re- 
lease in December. 

Originally planned as a benefit for 
British charities before this country 
entered the war, the idea was 
changed later to divide the profits 
with American war relief, with a 
non-fllm committee named to pick 
the beneficiaries. 

Picture has a cast of 95 stars and 
character players, most of whom do- 
nated their work, and cost approxi- 
mately $400,000 to produce. Shoot- 
ing was done intermittently over a 
period of two years, actually 
amounting to 14 solid weeks of lens- 
Ing, handled by six directors in addi- 
tion to Lloyd. 

Changing conditions in the world 
situation caused numerous changes 
In the scripts. RKO furnished pro- 
duction and diiitribution funds at 
actual cost. 



Albert Lewin Returns 
To Metro Studio Oct. 19 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Albert Lewin returns to Metro 
efter an absence of five years under 
a new contract calling for his serv- 
ices as producer-director-writer for 
three years. Deal followed reports of 
favorable receptions throughout the 
country of 'The Moon and Sixpence,' 
which he directed as his last chore 
for the Loew-Lewin producing com- 
pany. 

New Metro pact starts Oct. 19 after 
Lewin's return from New York. In 
his former stay at the Culver City 
plant, ho was closely associated with 
the late Irving Thalberg as an asso- 
ciate producer and writer. 



Dinah Shore's lat Pic 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Dinah Shore stepped before the 
cameras at Warners today (Tues.) 
M the first principal to work in the 
Eddie Cantor musical, 'Thank Your 
Lucky Stars.' 

Picture is being directed by David 
Butler and produced by Mark Hel- 
linger. 



HOLLYWOOD STILL THE PATSY 



There is a danger that tlie fabric of the 
tightly-knit, highly-organized, intensely spe- 
cialized motion picture industry may be un- 
raveled by hasty regulation and other wartime 
measures leading to loss of studio talent and 
technicians. Once this is done it will be vir- 
tually impossible to regather the fabric. 

Many of the adverse effects now felt in 
Hollywood are due to an apparent lack of con- 
fidence in Government circles in the' industry. 
This is also reported true of relations between 
the British film industry and the British Gov- 
ernment. 



Holljrwood has already done and still has an 
important job to do. It has demonslrated an 
unparalleled striking power as an informative 
medium. Apart from helping the public ap- 
preciate what is required to help win the war, 
Hollywood also has as a prime objective the 
duty of teaching Americans not to lose the 
peace. 



The influence and power of the screen should 
not be thoughtlessly undermined and dissi- 
pated. Both during and after the war it will 
be a powerful adjunct to education in Govern- 
ment, citizenship, trade and industry. 

One of the reasons for the lack of confi- 
dence in Government circles in the picture in- 
dustry is that the industry has not been suffi- 
ciently energetic in jointly presenting its prob- 
lem as it is related to the war effort — not as 
related to its profits, for profits will be at a 
minimum after Secretary Morgenthau gets 
through with the tax bill. There has been a 
marked reluctance on the part of industry 
heads to make clear their needs and impor- 



tance as a war power medium because they 
fear to appear asking for special treatment. 

If the motion picture is important to the war 
effort — and nobody in or out of official circles 
has yet made any forthright statement to the 
contrary — then it should be properly used, not 
by draining it of the men upon whom it de- 
pends, but by fully harnessing its facilities to 
further the war effort. 



Much of the popular prejudice against Hol- 
lywood is due to over-emphasis, via the indus- 
try's own exploitation in the past, of great 
riches in the trade. Despite the income tax 
records, the belief still persists that every 
screen performer is worth a million. Neither 
Hollywood nor any other segment of Amer- 
ican industry will be able to salvage a greater 
income for itself than that fixed by law. 



The lack of comprehension in official circles 
of the problems of the screen and the greater 
usefulness to which it could be put in aiding 
the war effort is due to an unusual diffidence 
on the part of the industry. Hollywood, nor- 
mally articulate, turns dumb in the face of of- 
ficialdom. 



This is a global war. In it every man should 
be in his proper place to ensure maximum re- 
sults. Picture stars join the Army because 
they believe it is the right thing for them to 
do. But would a star such as Gary Cooper do 
a better job for his country showing a man how 
to clean a rifle than he did in 'Sergeant York'? 
Where can he be most useful in the war effort? 



It'g time Hollywood and Washington got 
together. 



Approximately 33% of All Films 
In Past 6 Months With War Angle 



NO B.O. ANTIPATHY TO 
WAR PIX; MORE LAUGHS? 

Although a representative number 
of war pictures have been sent on 
release during the past sea.son, there 
is no noticeable tendency toward 
public apathy against them, accord- 
ing to theatre operating advices. 
However, at the same time lighter 
entertainment (comedies and mu- 
sicals) are in terrific demand, with 
result that six months hence they 
may compare more favorably at the 
boxoffice with present trends than 
will pictures with a war back- 
ground. 

Operators do not know what the 
answer will be as the global conflict 
continues, and contend that it's still 
too early to hazard a guess as to 
what the future holds in the way 
of audience demands. Pointed out, 
among other things, that this coun- 
try has not been in the flght a year 
as yet and there seemingly is still a 
lot of boxoffice support for war pic- 
tures of quality. Those that are bad 
are doing poorly the same as 
comedies or other types of film that 
are of inferior grade. 

There may be a turn toward 
melodramas or mystery films as well 
as family serials with the number 
of war films Increasing. While re- 
ported that some exhibs have al- 
ready complained about the long list 
of war pictures on the way, it is 
claimed there is no cause for alarm 
as yet. 

In fact, an interesting sidelight on 
pictures bearing in one way or an- 
other on the worldwide scrap is that 
they are getting a lot of women. 
Principal explanation appears to be 
that the women are curious about 
the war itself, what their husbands 
or boys may be going through, etc. 
Just how far this curiosity will ex- 
tend, however, is another question. 



Washington, Oct. 6. 
Approximately one-third of all 
features released during the past six 
months had a war angle, an analysis 
by the Bureau of Motion Pictures of 
the Office of War Information dis- 
closes. There were 220 pictures sent 
into distribution during that period, 
with about 70 of them bearing on 
aspects of the world conflict and 
around ISO having no relation to the 
war. 

Leadership of Hollywood pro- 
ducers by the OWI's efficient Coast 
setup is beginning to bear fruit in 
the type of films being produced, a 
study of the analysis reveals. There's 
a noticeable trend, since the OWI 
has been functioning, away from 
easy - to - make, blood-and-thunder 
type stuff and toward pictures on 
the difficult-to-depict issues of the 
war. 

Trend toward yarns with real 
meaning has been a slow one. In- 
creasing evidence of it, however, 
should be seen in releases of the 
next few months, with Hollywood 
production lines gradually turning 
from the stereotyped story to the 
preferred type under the cajoling of 
the OWI. There has been a produc- 
tion spurt toward yarns dealing with 
'The Issues' and 'The Home Front' 
since the OWI issued a blast a few 
(Continued on page 87) 



JESSEL'S 'MAMA' CALLS 
BECOME RECORDINGS 



George Jessel's telephone calls to 
'mama' are being syndicated in the 
form of recordings aa commercial 
one-minute spot announces by Harry 
S. Goodman. First recordings, made 
last week, will be released during 
the next 10 days. 

Jessel Is also being offered for 
complete transcriptions, including 
any commercials sponsors might re- 
quest. 



JAKE SHUBERT SUES 

miEn' FOR 1100,000 

Jacob J. Shubert is again flatter- 
ing 'Variety' in another libel suit 
filed in N. Y. supreme court. He 
throws several bouquets at the pa- 
per, "cbief of which Is the amount 
of damages he asks. It certainly 
makes 'Variety' feel good when 
somebody think^ the rag has $100,000 
to shell out. 

Plus the opinion of 'Variety's' 
wealth, Shubert also acknowledges 
that it's the 'bible' of show business 
and 'possesses a great and wide cir- 
culation and distribution among the 
public in general and in particular 
actors, theatrical and motion picture 
producer.<; and organizations, writers, 
broadcasters,' etc. Coming from 
him, even if his attorneys, Klein & 
Weinberger, wrote it, it can't be 
brushed off as faint praise. 

Shubert is asking lOOG because 
'Variety,' in its Aug. 5, last, issue, 
stated that he was short as little 
as 74c in rehearsal payments to per- 
formers in the fiop 'Cocktails — Five 
to Seven.' Shubert claims that is 
a dirty canard, tending to injure his 
'good name, fame, reputation, busi- 
ness credit and ability.' To ask 
lOOG on a 74c investment is not 
mathematically sound. / 



Ritzes, Jinx Falkenburg 
Top Canal Zone USO Unit 

Latest USO-Camp Shows. Inc., 
unit to go overseas left last week 
for a six-week tour of bases in the 
Canal Zone area. 

Talent consisted of Ritz Bros., 
Jinx Falkenburg and Barbara 
LaMarr, a singer yanked from the 
'Roxy Theatre Revue' unit at the 
conclusion of its stand at Camp 
Croft, S. C. 



D.C. symiiETic 

10 FILM PEOPLE' 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

Tight-appearing provisions of th* 
new anti-inflation law and President 
Roosevelt's decree imposing stringent 
salary controls may be relaxed for 
the film industry, though everything 
is muddled at the. moment pending 
writing and issuance of official regu- 
lations to check the upward spiral of 
living costs. 

The film Industry at first glance 
seems to be extremely hard hit — es- 
pecially the Hollywood end — by the 
initial executive order forbidding any 
Increases in wage rates or salaries 
without Federal approval, and carry- 
ing out the Chief Executive's long- 
cherished idea of a $25,000 net in- 
come ceiling for all individuals. But 
there are unofficial hints the law 
will not be interpreted in such a way 
as to nullify established hiring prac- 
tices, slash present stipends, or in- 
validate existing employment coa> 
tracts. 

Despite the lacing given Senator 
Sheridan powney of California when 
he attempted to write a specific pro- 
tective clause into the anti-inflation 
measiire, the Administration is sym- 
(Continued on page 22) 



Town Without Electricity 
Gets News Via Priest's 
Diesel-Powered Horn 



Tucson, Oct. 6. 

A Catholic priest. Father Glynn 
Patrick Smith, has established a 
unique news service In the isolated 
village of Questa, New Mexico, 
which has no electricity, no news- 
paper, only one telephone and in- 
adequate radio reception. Priest has 
a diesel-operated public- amplifying 
system mounted on roof of rectory 
and he broadcasts in English and 
Spanish each night at 8 pjn. the 
news of the day. 

Loudspeaker can be heard for 
miles around. Something like a riot 
occurs if, for any reason, the priest 
cannot 'broadcast' the news any eve- 
ning. 




Trade Mark Registered 
FOVNdAd by SIMB SILVERMAN 
PobUiilied \rnUj bj VARIETY. lor. 

Sid Silverman, Prealdent. 
154 We»t 4«th Slrcot. New York. N. T 



SUBSCRIPTION 

Annual 110 Foreign Ill 

Single Cnplea 26 Cenia 



Vol. 148 



No.S 



INDEX 

Advance Production Chart . . 18 

Bills 80 

Chatter 05 

Concert-Opera 39 

Exploitation 13 

Film Booking Chart 18 

Film Reviews 8 

Gridcast 87 

House Reviews 78 

Inside — Legit 82 

Inside — Music 03 

Inside — Orche.siras CO 

Inside — Pictures 20 

Inside — Radio 34 

Legitimate 81 

Literati 84 

Music G8 

New Acts 79 

Night Club Review.^ 7(i 

Obitunries Mi 

Orchestras 40 

Pictures 5 

Radio 20 

Radio Reviews . . . .30 

Unit Review 77 

Vaudeville 73 

War Activitie.s 4 

DAILY VARIKTV 

(Publlalied In Hollywood br 
Dally Variety. Ltd.) 
110 a rear — lia foreign 



WAR ACTIVITIES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



H wood Canteen Has a Dizzy Preem; 
Plenty Glamor, But Many Fail to Get In 



■it- 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

All u'as Anally quiet along and with- 
in the purlieus of the Hollywood 
Canteen today, following a formal 
dedication, opening and human rodeo 
that went on to such purpose that it 
stopped traffic in four directions at 
Sunset and Cahuenga blvds. Satur- 
day night (3). The festivity was a 
big success. Too big, in fact. Two 
thousand service men got in, live 
thousand didn't and the Military 
Police and Shore Patrol had them- 
selves a time, breaking up incipient 
mob scenes and trying to convince 
frustrated service men that, if 
they'd only go up to the next corner, 
everything would be all right. 

The next comer was a temporary 
annex to the Canteen, a Oiling sta- 
tion lot where Rudy Vallee's Coast 
Ouard Band proposed to dispense 
dance music, provided they could 
find each other in the mob. They 
finally made it shortly after 10 
o'clock. It was strictly that kind of 
■ night. 

Members of the armed forces 
seemingly bore down on the place 
from all parts of the world and its 
four corners, the line forming shortly 
after six o'clock and, by ceremony 
time at 8:30, extending 200 yards 
around the block. The Canteen, once 
a night club called the Rancho 
Qrande, is a big place, with plenty 
of floor space. But the only way 
thar ' could have competently han- 
dled this mob would have been to 
hire Griffith Park. 

As it was, music and a name floor 
•how went on inside, with the four 
bands of the evening — Vallee, Kay 
Kyier, Duke Ellington end the 
Santa Ana Air Base — inter-changing 
between Canteen and flUing station, 
ao that every man in uniform might 
loin the festivities that lasted well 
Into the night 

Stars Oape at Servicemen 

Thar began in the court, facing the 
Cantaan's front door, with the beauty 
and prestige of the studios grouped 
In stands on either side of the micro- 
phones. For this, the stars and 
■tudio heads paid a total of $10,000 to 
(Continued on page 87) 



RKO Loses Sound Chief 
Ailbcrg to Sigiial Corps 



Shopping for Oakleyi 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 6 
Penn theatre here was play- 
ing 'Panama Hattie' (M-C) the 
day free tickets were offered to 
all purchasers of War Bonds. 
One woman stepped up to the 
window and plunked down 
$37.50 for two $18 Bonds only on 
one condition— that her ducats 
had to be for the coming 'Yankee 
Doodle Dandy,' which was pen- 
cilled to follow 'Hattie' at $1.10 
top. 

When management told her 
that was impossible, she grabbed 
back her dough and left the 
lobby in a huff. 



ARMY REPORTED ALSO 
AT VITAPHONE PLANT 



Negotiations are reported in prog- 
ress under which the U. S. Army 
would take over the old Warner 
Bros. Vitaphone studio in Brooklyn, 
where the company produced most 
of its annual shorts output until a 
few years ago. All the briefles are 
now made at the Burbank plant. 
Understood that the Signal Corps 
branch of the Anny or the Army 
Air Corps might be stationed at the 
studio for the making of films for 
war and training pui-poses. 

Warners maintains a laboratory at 
the old Vitaphone plant, which is 
still in operation, and from time to 
time has leased out space for pro- 
duction purposes. 

Army Signal Corps has converted 
the former Paramount studio at As- 
toria, where films are being made 
for training and other purposes. 



Hollywood, Oct. 8. 
John Aalberg, chief of the RKO 
■tudio sound department and a major 
In the Signal Corps Reserve, checked 
off the lot for active service at the 
SC base photographic laboratory in 
Louisiana for the duration. 

Major Aalberg has been instru- 
mental in promoting enlistments of 
film technicians in the Signal Corps 
for more then a year. He will be ac- 
companied to his Louisiana post by 
John Alton. Benjamin Berg, Carl 
Schillinger, Richard H. Cahoon, Otto 
Ludwig and Don Starling, all studio 
technicians who have achieved Army 
commissions. 



Capt Howard in N. Y. On 
U. S. Overseas Picts Biz 



Capt. Hampton W. Howard, hold 
ing the newly assigned army post of 
officer-in-charge of the distribution 
branch of Overseas Motion Picture 
Service, is in New York from Wash 
ington for a brief stay. In his new 
capacity he controls the distribution 
of film to the armed forces all over 
the world. 

Capt. Howard was formerly 
special public relations man with 
Pai'amount, but during the past year 
he has been chief of the Red Cross 
Hospital Motion Picture Sefvice, 
which he organized. 



FIELDS m NAVY 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Leonard Fields resigned his job as 
associate producer at Republic to en- 
list in the Navy with a petty officer 
rating. 

His last production for the dura- 
tion was 'Secrets of the Under- 
I ground.' 



Fib People in the Army Argue They 
Gin Best IVoduce Service Pictures 



Picture producers in the armed 
forcei, with subordinate rating, have 
In some cases been trying to con- 
vince their superior officers that it 
is best to 'let picture men, regard- 
less of rank, mal^e the pictures.' 
Point which industry recruits stress 
is that it would be advisable to per- 
mit men, with practical experience 
from the studios, guide film produc- 
tion policies. 

Though equipped with extensive 
experience, many of the industry men 
attached to various units are not as 
yet in a position to carry weight in 
determining policy, finding them- 
selves under jurisdiction of officers 
senior in point of service but not 
necessarily as well suited to handle 
pictures. 

Some discusion, also, has arisen 
with regard to the requirements of 
the Army Air Force which has been 
getting films made by the U. S. 
Army Signal Corps. Air Corps has 
been advised to assume direction of 
Its own production, so as to be as- 
sured of exactly the type of film 
wanted. 

Understanding Is that Hal B. Wal- 
lis Js to leave Warners shortly to 
Join the Army Air Corps as a major 



In charge of film production for the 
photographic unit stationed at the 
Hal Roach studios on the Coast. 
Major Paul Mantz is commanding 
officer of the unit on the lot. Per- 
sonnel of the photographic unit, un- 
der Capt. Owen Crump, which was 
stationed at the Vitagraph studio on 
the Coast, has mostly been trans- 
ferred to the Roach studio. 

Top industry execs, meantime, 
who have been trying to split time 
between their studio activities and 
some branch of the U. S. armed 
services, have found it impossible to 
continue on that basis. Like Col. 
Darryl Zanuck and Lieut. Col. Jack 
L. Warner, others find that they can 
best serve by divorcing themselves 
from civilian duties. Wallis, from ac- 
counts, has also been mulling idea of 
dividing his time between army end 
studio work, with indications that 
he'll soon be working full time for 
Uncle Sam. 

Lieut. Col. Warner, from reports, 
will not be active in the Army Air 
Corps photographic unit as in the 
past, but will be attached to the 
staff of Major General Henry Arn- 
old In Washington, where he is re- 
porting for duty. 



Wanger's Flying Femmes 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

War Dept. gave Walter Wanger 
the go-ahead signal on 'The WAFS' 
after scrutinizing the story. 

Picture, for Universal release, deals 
with the work of the femme plane 
ferrying command. 

AEF let Down' 
On DX From U S, 
Sez Mag E£tor 



By GEOBGE FROST 

The Yankee-Doodle boys scattered 
throughout the world have been 'let 
down' by Uncle Sam's radio people, 
travelers arriving at New York's La- 
Guardia Field this week Indicate. Sev- 
eral persons have reported that the 
soldiers aren't getting enough radio 
entertainment, and others allege that 
the material being shortwaved from 
here as well as that pushed into the 
ether by outfits like the BBC is not 
the kind of program the lads in khaki 
want to hear. 

One of the complainers, speaking 
in behalf of army camps In the Unit- 
ed Kingdom, was Harry J. Kern, an 
editor of Newsweek, who was a 
weekend fiying boat passenger. Kern, 
who spent six weeks in the U. K., 
looking 'for background,' said that 
he came ^o the conclusk>n that what 
the American troops in Britain need 
most is a broadcast of football games 
and other sports events. 

These broadcasts should come in 
at a time when they will count most 
— about seven o'clock in the evening,' 
he continued. The hours after din- 
ner. Kern said, can get terribly dull 
in a' military camp, for the boys then 
have very little with which to busy 
themselves.' Kern cited the 7 to 9 
hours as the 'best' broadcast hours 
possible, both for maximum listener 
audience and for morale aid. 
NBC Newsman Bcdnms 
Charles H. Lanius, NBC reporter, 
returned home to Yankeelend for the 
first time in nine years. He left Ger- 
many a year ago and spent the in 
terval in Switzerland. Lanius reports 
that the 'people of the neutral and 
conquered countries are all depend' 
ing on us, and it will be a great day 
(or them when a second front is 
launched.' He said that while the 
governments of the neutrals, includ 
ing Switzerland, are pro-Axis, the 
'people of all the areas are pro- 
American.' 

All news bound for America is 
censored heavily. Lanius said. The 
people on the Continent wait for 
American shortwave broadcasts with 
great interest, however. Lanius held 
that BBC has discredited ' itself 
among its listeners in Europe by 
'foolishly obvious propaganda ef 
forts.' The American-born reports 
are accepted and are generally be' 
lieved to be far more accurate by the 
Europeans, he stated. 

That new program matter is being 
weighed by the BBC in all its 
branches was evidenced by the arrival 
(3) of Patrick C. H. Hillyard, assist 
ant director o fthe BBC's variety de 
partment. also aboard a flying boat, 
Hillyard admitted that he arrived 
to "look at everything' and would 
spend several weeks in the Holly 
wood and • New York radio marts, 
Interested in radio variety talent 
he expressed the hope that he might 
sign several American shows for 
ether duty on the British waves, 
Hillyard pleaded guilty to the charge 
that the thousands of American 
troops within the sound of his com 
(Continued on pege 87) 



D.C Stage Bow's Gala Openmg; 
Servicemen Consume 5,500 Sandwiches 



Laughton's Record 

Charles Laughton's non-stop 
War Bond appearance over the 
NBC network Sept. 29, when he 
aired his spiel on 17 programs, 
goes down as a high-water mark 
in the film industry's 'Remem- 
ber September' campaign. 

Laughton arrived at the NBC 
studios at 7 a.m. and made his 
first talk at 7.4S a.m., continuing 
for 18 consecutive hours there- 
after. In addition Laughton also 
presided over a battery of tele- 
phones and spoke to thousands 
of buyers phoning in their 
orders. 

On Wednesday night C30) at 
the Army Relief benefit in N. Y. 
he lifted the Madison Sq. Gar- 
den throng with another stirring 
spiel. 



CANADA LINING UP 
ITS OWN 'ARMY SHOW 



Ottawa, Oct. t. 
Top Canadian and U. S. theatrical 
and radio people, notably This Is 
the Army' and 39 U. S. army road 
shows, were consulted and studied 
forming the official Canadian 
army entertainment troupe, "The 
Army Show,' announced by Defense 
Minister Ralston as set to go. 

Ralston named no names, but said 
outstanding people of the theatre and 
radio, now in uniform, would be cast, 
both men and women. Show will be 
introduced via radio, then in camps, 
then to the public and probably later 
overseas. Expected to be nucleus of 
another 'Dtimbells,' variety outcrop 
of the last war. 

Canadian Women's Army Corps 
members will canary and hoof. Show 
will have its own 3S-piece band, and 
Ralston said services of the 'best 
known' writers, lyricists and com- 
posers will be used. 

Jack Arthur, Toronto supervisor 
for Famous Players-Canadian Corp., 
is on loan as con.<;ultant producer, 
and Geoffrey Waddington, Toronto 
conductor, will be musical director. 
Troupers will be under military or 
ders at all times, quartered in bar 
racks. 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Gene Aulry. 
Robert Benjamin, 
.lanct Blair. 
IrvinK Brecher: 
Earl Carroll. 
Julius Epstein. 
Philip Epstein. 
Glcnda Farrell. 
Edmund Gwenn. 
Arthur Hornblow. Jr. 
Herman Hover. 
Mervyn LeRoy. 
Jules Levey. 
Albert Lewin. 
Myron McCormick. 
Paul Muni. 
Guy Roe. 
Roy Rogers. 
James Saphier. 
Vic Shapiro. 
M. J. Siegel. 
George White. 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

Helen Hayes unlocked the doors 
at 9 p.m. Sunday (4) and 1,500 sol- 
diers, sailors and Marines walked 
Into the old Belasco theatre and 
christened Washington's Stage Door 
Canteen. Some 15,000 passed the 
portals before the midnight curfew. 

Before the evening was over, they 
had a chance to have food cooked by 
Morton Downey, as head chef, and 
served by Donald Nelson, head of 
War Production Board: Senator Pep- 
per of Florida and ex-Senator 
Ashurst, Paul V. McNutt of the Man- 
power Commission, George Middle- 
ton, playwright, and L. Stoddard 
Taylor, for 30 years manager of the 
Belasco, all of whom served as bus 
boys. 

A Pullmanload of celebrities came 
down from Broadway for the pre- 
miere and all of them appeared on 
the stage during the seven-hour 
opening session. They included 
Bert Lytell, Constance Moore 
Benay Venuta, Walter O'Kcefe, 
Connee Boswell, Peggy Wood, 
John Roysradt. Nedda Harrl- 
gan. Brock and Mrs. Pemberton, Lee 
Shubert, Lawrence and Mrs. Lung- 
(Continued on page 24) 



IBSEN REVIVAL FOR 
NORWEGIAN RELIEF 



Joseph SchUdkraut, Eva La Gal-' 
lienne and Margaret Webster will co< 
star in a revival of Ibsen's 'John 
Gabriel Bjorkman' at a series of 
special benefit matinees during No- 
vember for Norwegian War Relief. 
Expected the shows will be housed at 
the Hudson, N. Y., where Schildkraut 
and Miss Le Galllenne are currently 
appearing in 'Uncle Harry.' 

'Bjorkman' was one of the offerings 
of Miss L« GalUenne's Civic Reper- 
tory Theatre when she and Schild- 
kraut played In varlotis dramas tO'. 
gether. Idea of the Ibsen revival for 
Norwegian relief is inspired by the 
success last spring of Katharine 
Cornell's all-star 'Candida^ revival 
for the Navy Emergency War Relief 
Fund. About $90,000 profit on the en- 
gagement at the Shubert, N. Y., and 
National, Washington, was turned 
over tp the fund. 



Uncle Sams Roll Call 



WB's WAAC and WAVE 

Marcia Ann Borne, billing clerk In 
the Warner eifchange in New Or- 
leans, is the first woman in the em- 
ploy of the company to join the 
WAACs. 

A. former Warner exchange em- 
ployee, Betty Glixon, who was on 
the staff of the company's Chicagi 
branch, went into the WAVEs re- 
cently. 



Lyons Joins Navy 
Harry Lyons, executive in RKO 
theatre department in homeoffice in- 
to Navy. 



Matlclan Joins WAAC 

Albany, N. Y., Oct. 6. 
Mrs. Frances E, Hess of Utica, 
N.'Y., who with her husband tarry, 
soon to enter the army, has been a 
professional magician, was one of 
14 sworn in here as members of the 
WAACs. 



mentator, now has two sons in the 
service, both lieutenants, one with 
the marines and the other in the 
Army. 

Sonny Grebba, drummer with 
Harold Neher orchestra. Army. 



More Friscoitcs 

San Francisco. Oct. 0. 

Gene De Forrest, p.a.. Army. 

Nelson Cullenward, Call-Bulletin 
sports writer. Marines; headed for 
officers' training school. 

Fred Gwyn, KQW announcer, 
Army. 



Gleavea Into Navy 

Maurice Gleavcs, manager of Em- 
pire Ai\d with Interstate past 12 
year.s. Navy. 



Detroit's Contlncent 

Detroit, Oct. 6. 

Abe Shillcr, Detroit booker. Army. 

Dave Zimmerman, former WWJ 
announcer. Is taking his initial train- 
ing before entering the Volunteer 
Officers' School. 

Herschcll Hart, WWJ radio com- 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Ruth Aikman. 
S. Charles Einfeld. 
George Heller. 
Emily Holt. 
Ben Kalmenson. 
Dorothy Lamour. • 
Ross Landesman. 
Tom Luckenbill. 
Ted Sills. 
H. M. Warner. 



Lieat. Earl Allvlne, V.S.N. 

Earl All vine, for the past 18 years 
on -the- production staff- -of- Fcx Mo- 
vietone, enlisted in the U. S. Navy on 
Monday. (5) with rank of lieutenant. 
He's to be attached to the Bureau of 
Aeronautics, motion picture division. 

Allvine has produced several short 
war films for the Gcvernmerit dur- 
ing the past year. 

Herbert B. Lazarus, attorney with 
Paramount 10 years, was inducted 
into the Army last week in New 
York.' Enlisting following member- 
ship in the N. Y. State Guard, he is 
the first member of Par's large legal 
department to go into service. Ex- 
ecutives of Par, including nil the 
company's attorneys, threw Lazarus 
a luncheon prior to induction, pre- 
senting him with two grips. 

Bob Gross, of Warners' still de- 
partment at homeoffice. Army. 

Arthur M. Herskovitz, of the RKO 
purchasing department at home- 
office. Army. 

Otto Pirkola, artist in RKO s N. Y. 
publicity department. Coast Guard. 

Johnny Belmont, RKO mail de- 
partment. Navy. 

Pvt. Leo Pillot, for years in film 
publicity and advertising work, is 
now taking a combat intelligence 

(Continued on page 22) 



Wednesday, Octo5ef 7. 1943 



PICTURES S 







12-State Poll Indicates Most Theatres 
Favor Singles as Conservation Aid 



A poll conducted among exhibitors 
in 12 states where duals are played 
would indicate that a large major- 
ity favors reversion to single bills 
as a means of reducing operating 
hours, thus adding longer lite to 
theatre equipment ana saving on 
electrical power, fl'tm and other raw 
materials. 

Of B96 replies from exhibs, 551 
dual theatres feel that single-fea- 
ture policy would save almost 3,000 
ri'.ming hours per week. In the 12 
states, 188 theatres out o£ the 896 are 
now running singles, while SS play 
doubles part time. 

States canvassed were Connecti- 
cut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, 
Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, 
North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania 
and Wisconsin. The' poll, to be ex- 
tended to other states, is being con- 
ducted by Jack Kirsch, president of 
Allied Theatres of Illinois, a unit of 
Allied States Assn. 

In an Independent canvass made 
by Leo F. Wolcott, president of Al- 
lied Independent Theatre Owners of 
Iowa-Nebraska^ the vote in those 
' tw9 states was 302 in favbr of drop- 
ping duals and 48 against, while 
nine exhibs favored duals only on 
Fridays and Saturdays. 



Benny Than, 42, In 

Benny Thau, 42, Metro production 
exec, leaves the studio shortly to join 
the Army. 

Classifled 1-A, Thau Is reportedly 
seeking to enlist for service away 
from any Army film production unit. 
Meantime Rufus LeMaire has been 
acquired by the studio as his suc- 
cessor. 



Cecil Marks Replaced 
By Sydney Albright As 
Anssie-N. Z. Chief for UA 



Sydney, Ocl. 6. 

Cecil Marks has been replaced as 
Australian-New Zealand chief of 
tJnited Artists by Sydney J. Al 
l^right. Latter had formerly been UA 
East Indies chief. Albright also is 
news commentator for National 
Broadcasting Co. here. 

Rcmovar of Marks is a shock to 
the trade here. 



MICH. INDIES' 
PIX SAVINGS 
IDEAS 



PAR-SELZNICK DEAL 
STILL PALAVERING 



With agreement reached in prin- 
oiple for the purchase by Paramount 
of story properties and talent con- 
tracts held by David O. Selznick, 
negotiations are proceeding as to de- 
tails in conferences that are now 
being held between both sides in 
New York. An early closing may be 
effected. 

While reported on one hand that 
the deal would involve an approxi- 
mate $1,850,000, and on another that 
Selznick is seeking $2,500,000, It is 
authoriutively stated that the de- 
tails now under discussion include 
price, with latter wholly dependent 
upon agreement concerning various 
other details. 

Among other things being taken 
into consideration h. trying -to reach 
a final accord on a deal is the tax 
situation as it concerns Selznick. 

Additionally, whether or not all of 
the Selznick stories and all of his 
director-artist contracts are to be in- 
cluded 4jmkr- the deal remE!;:s tO'lie- 
s.et, with this factor expected to have 
important bearing on the final figure 
Par would pay for Selznick assets. 

The stories owned by Selznick, all 
of which he wants to sell, are 'Jane 
Eyre,' 'Claudia,' 'Keys to Kingdom,' 
Titantic,' 'Tales of Mystery and 
Imagination' and 'Delilah.' 

Talent contracts are on Alfred 
Hitchcock and Robert Stevenson, 
directors; Joan Fontaine, Ingrid 
Bergman, Vivien Leigh. Gene Kelly, 
Valerie Hobson, Dorothy McGuire, 
K. T. Stevens and Alan Marshall. 

J- H. Karp, chief of counsel for 
^ar at its studio, is east on the 
selznick negotiations. Y. Frank 
Freeman, who was in New York on 
the deal two weeks ago when in- 
itiated and has been following 
through on it from the Coast since 
then, could not return east at this 
lime due to press of matters on the 
Coast. 



Detroit, Oct. 6. 

Completing its organization setup, 
Michigan's new Independent Exhibi- 
tors Association has moved for the 
formation of a central buying or- 
ganization and, what's more, agreed 
to a kickback ot savings to reduce 
distributors' expenses. 

Extensive group here, which grew 
up out-State and now is taking in 
Detroit and other big city independ' 
ent exhibitors, has proposed the cen- 
tral buying setup to eliminate the 
expenses of full sales staffs which 
would result in a reduction in rent 
al.s. 

The belief is that a buying group, 
headed by an expert, not only would 
slash rentals but be of great value 
in the war effort by eliminating 
travel to conserve rubber and gas 
for salesmen, reduce the distributors' 
selling costs and provide other sav- 
ings. The group proposed that 90% 
of Its savings go Into reduced film 
rental costs while the balance go to 
cut the ditrlbutors' expenses. - 

William A. Cassidy, of Midland 
prime mover of the organization, 
was elected president at t^e meeting 
In Lansing, with other officers, Jo 
seph U V i c k, secretary-treasurer; 
Harold Bernstein, Bay City, vice 
president, and Mrs. Lillian Pennell 
Hartford: A. Krikorian, Holly; N 
(Continued on page 25) 



MOT's 2d Feature, 

'Marines,' About Set 



'We Are the Marines,' second fea- 
ture to be produced by March of 
Time, is in final production stages 
and should be edited and scored in 
time for screening by the end of this 
month. Twentieth-Fox has first call 
on this feature, but whether it will 
be Included in this season'^ product 
■lineup-is- wportwi -A". .slrictljr,_up,-tO. 
20th-Fox distribution executives, 
'Marines' was Included In on the 
March of Time shorts deal, with that 
'if clause. Question of whether this 
sort of picture would go over well 
'or not after 'Wul;o Isl .nd' also is, un- 
derstood to figure in releasing pros 
peels. 

Producer Louis de Rochemont ob 
talned some material in Maine with 
other footage .'shot at Paris Island. 
San Diego and New River, N. C. M, 
of T. cameramen also are getting 
final scenes from advanced Marine 
Corps bases. 




LDN'T mi 
CANDIDATE 



Coast Heads Bluntly Ex- 
pressed Fear of Industry 
Rep with Life-and-Death 
Powers Over Studios — 
Gov't Has Also Avoided 
Running Film Biz Via 
Censorship or Decree — 
Groups Trying to Lasso 
Post for Friends 



D.C'S BRUSHOFF 



Mutual distrust among Hollywood 
studio bigwigs is ona ot the prime 
factors in absence of representation 
for the industry in Washington 
councils concerning Government 
regulation affecting the industry, or 
appointment ot a picture industry 
czar.' When a. prominent studio 
head was mentioned during Coast 
confabs recently as willing to repre- 
sent the industry, two other studio 
toppers bluntly said they wouldn't 
feel secure if the fate of their stu- 
dios, as well as the others, was to be 
largely determined by a film man in 
so powerful a position. 

With this background, industry 
heads are Inclined to decry the need 
of a film czar with life and death 
powers over the Industry. It Is 
pointed out, also, that the Govern 
ment has not recognized the need 
for such an appointment. Even in- 
sofar as censorship and regulation ot 
film stories is concerned, Govern 
ment officials have been steering 
clear of mandatory action. Those 
pictures which have been made In 
(Continued on page 24) 



EDINGTON BACK 
ON RKO LOT AS 
A PRODUCER 



Hollywood. Oct. 6 
Harry Edington. former RKO exec 
in charge of studio production, will 
be back on the lot as a producer on 
a deal for one picture with option 
for a term contract. 

Former partner with Frank Vin- 
cent in the agency biz, Edington 
took charge of studio production two 
years ago but got enmeshed in pKili- 
tics and had his hands tied in 
operating plant. Deal Is said to be 
the result of fine biz done with 
'Suspicion' which he turned out last 
Fall against advice of studio's master 
mInds; 



Show Biz Geared for Scrap Drive May 
Give Up Old Marquees; Press Co-Op 



BLUMBERGINNEWYORK 
rTOraiE^tONFERME 



Kelly Ends Par Deal 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Burt Kelly checked off the Para- 
mount lot as associate producer after 
completing hi^ two-year contract 
calling for three pictures a year. 

His three films for the 1942-43 pro- 
gram were 'Street of Chance,' 'Pri- 
orities on Parade' and 'Lady Body- 
gqard.' 



Nate Blumberg is back In New 
York to confer with Bill Scully, Uni- 
versal sales chief, on selling cam- 
paigns for forthcoming pictures. 
Company president's business will 
keep him in the cast until about 
Dec. 1. 

Coming east with Blumberg were 
Mort Singer, on a bi-monthly lour 
of his theatre .circuit, and Jules Le- 
vey, chief of Mayfair Pictures. John 
Joseph, pub-ad head, follows later 
this week. 



Sears on Selznick 



Queried last week in Chicago 
about David O. Selznick's pend- 
ing deal with Paramount, Grad 
Sears said, 'We'd be glad to see 
him sell some of his properties 
to Paramount. Then we'd stand 
a better chance ot getting one 
of the Selznick properties sooner 
than from Selznick.' 

Sears later issued a state- 
ment, clarifying Selznick's status 
with UA, to the effect that the 
producer has a 10-picture pact 
with the distributor. 'After he 
has made Ave,' said Sears, 'he 
has the right to withdraw. After 
10 he becomes a stockholder. I 
can assure you that it Mr. Selz- 
nick makes a picture it will b« 
distributed by us and no one 
else. In brief, he has a contract 
and it's still in force.' 



750G ASSURED 
NOEL COWARD 
BYUAINU.S. 



Metro Stitches Schary 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 

Metro and Dore Schary got to- 
gether on a new contract calling for 
his services as producer-writer. 

Schary has been writing for sev- 
eral years on the Culver City lot 
and Is assigned to handle the pro- 
duction reins on some of his own 
scripts. 



Teddy Carr, managing director for 
United Artists-jn Great Britain, re- 
vealed at the. UA sales convention 
last week that the company had 
given one ot the biggest coin guar- 
antees ever recorded for a British 
made picture. It's Noel Coward's 'In 
Whicl\ We Serve,' which King 
George and Queen Elizabeth viewed 
in London two weeks ago. It was 
later stated that the figure to which 
UA was committed tor the American 
market was $750,000, though UA is 
not distributing the film in Britain. 

'Serve' is based on the Ufa story 
ot Lord Louis Mountbatten, soldier- 
sailor originator of the Commandos. 
Carr related that he met Lord 
Mountbatten in Lisbon last year and, 
after chatting with King George's 
cousin about his war experiences, 
decided that there was interesting 
subject material for a picture and 
passed the idea along to Coward. 
Though Carr was in the end unable 
to come to terms with Coward and 
his financial backers for UA distri- 
bution in England, he managed to 
swing the dea? for UA distribution 
of the film In the U. S. 

Carr stated that the Ealing stu- 
dios were making 50% ot their pic- 
tures slanted for the American mar- 
ket, three films of this kind having 
been made for this season, and 
called for an effort to get reasonable 
rentals for this type of product in 
the United States. Among the British 
pictures listed for UA distribution 
in the first block of 18 features is 
Michael Balcom's 'The Foreman 
Went to France,' which is being re- 
leased in Canada under title 'First 
Commando-'- Tv o others have - also 
been completed at Ealing. 'Went the 
Day Weir and 'When the Bells Go 
Down.' 

Outlining production difficulties in 
England, Carr said that Ealing stu- 
dios cannot carry on unless ade- 
quate rentals are obtained for those 
pictures suitable for the U. S. mar- 
ket. 



Einfeld D.C. to L.A. 

S. Charles Einfeld, v.p. In charge 
of advertising and publicity for 
Warners, leaves for Washington 
Thursday (8) for further consulta- 
tion with the War Production Board. 
He may be drafted into Government 
service for the duration. 

He returns to the Coast from the 
capital with his wife. 

At a meeting of the Warner pub- 
licity-advertising department held 
yesterday (Tuesday), Einfeld an- 
nounced WB would double its news- 
paper advertising on the 1942-43 
product. 

Meantime, Harry M. Warner left 
for the Coast Monday night (5k 



Immediately following completion 
of the exhausting September war 
bond campaign, which netted the 
U. S. Treasury $838,250,000, the pic- 
lure industry last week geared up 
for the scrap salvage drive (Oct. 16 
to Nov. 1) which is being planned on 
a scale fully as comprehensive ai 
the former. Show biz exploitation 
methods. Including parades, scrap 
matinees, rallies, special trailers and 
shorts will be used by exchanges and 
theatres in the scrap drive which is 
considered as important as the bond 
campaign. 

* Theatres are planning to pool 
scrap collections on empty lots in 
each section, instead ot establishing 
a depot in each individual theatre. 
During the rubber collection drive 
theatres were loaded up with scrap, 
which they had difficulty in dis- 
posing of later because collecting 
agents were In no hurry to come tor 
It. 

Kids Overly EnthnslasUe 

As an added incentive to promote 
scrap deliveries by youngsters and 
grownups alike, theatres are plan- 
ning to give passes to those bringing 
metal to the designated depots. 
During the rubber campaigns some 
youngsters were arriving at theatres 
with brand new overshoes whicb 
they offered to turn In tor free ad- 
mission. Some exhibs tear the kids 
may have to be disstiaded from tear- 
ing up car rails this time. 

Show biz was asked to take charge 
of the scrap drive from the first day, 
but industry workers pointed out 
that the bond campaign had left 
manpower exhausted and asked tor 
a couple of weeks postponement, 
(Continued on page 16) 



Major Hal Wallis 
To Army Air Force; 
Coi.J.L. Warner to D.C. 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Hal B. Wallis will shift soon from 
his executive job at Warners to an 
executive officer's chore as major in 
the Army Air Force, in charge of 
film production for the photographic 
unit at the Hal Roach studio, where 
Major Paul Mantz - k commanding 
officer. 

Lieut. Col. Jack L. Warner is shift- 
ing from the photographic unit to 
become attached to the staff of Major 
General Henry Arnold in Washington. 



A. M. BOTSFORD JOINS 
ARTHUR LYONS SETUP 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Lyons & Lyons Agency has brought 
In A. M. Botsford as veepee and 
general manager. Former Para- 
mouirt- Btl'. ertlsing cxeo-and- studixt 
producer will be associated with 
Arthur S. Lyons in the new United 
Artists production setup. 

After two decades with Para- 
mount. Botsford was publicity- 
advertising director tor 20th-Fox up 
to the death of Sidney R. Kent. 



Eddie Roddan a Pvt. 

Washington, Oct. 6. 
Edward L. Roddan, for nearly • 
year Washington legman and po- 
litical adviser for the local Motion 

Picture Producers & Distributors 
Association office and former ad- 
ministrative assistant to James A. 
Farley, goes Into uniforrn via the 
draft Tuesday (13). 

Roddan, who covered the White 
House for nine years for Universal 
Service and was ghost writer ond 
confidante for Farley when the lat- 
ter was Democratic National Com- 
mittee chairman, has passed his sec- 
ond physical and reports at Camp 
Lee, Va. He Is 43 and unmarried. 



PICTUBES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Battleship or Grenade, Hose HVood 
Propsters Make 'Em Look McCoyish 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
As priorities tighten grim talons 
about the jugular vein of studio 
materials and really begin to gouge 
and throttle, a system of barter and 
supply is fast setting itself up within 
the Industry, much as it did In hu- 
man chattels some years ago. Right 
now, for instance, a special job of 
gadgeting that successfully simulates 
the visible action of a siege gun or 
the surge of a ship at sea is worth 
eplenty. 

This, anyhow, is what Republic 
Is currently finding out since finish- 
ing 'The Flying Tigers." For prac- 
tically every studio in Hollywood Is 
Interested in acquiring a lend-lease 
option on the two devices used in 
this production to give tremendous 
realism to the bombing of a Japanese 
battleship. 

In the same way, Warners has its 
•Across the Pacific" portable ship that 
works on a steam winch, thus being 
made to roll, pitch , toss and plunge, 
practically at pleasure. The affair is 
virtually life-sized, with the resuH 
that it does a lot of its 'sailing' be- 
tween the dry dock at Burbank and 
many a port of call in Hollywood. 
However, it has remained for RKO 
to dredge up — out of the flotsam of 
a junk yard — the prize exhibit of 
ell the prop departments. 

It's a regulation five-inch naval 
gun ingenuously constructed for use 
In 'The Navy Comes Through,' is 
now being farmed out to Metro for 
use in 'Salute to the Marines,' with 
Paramount, 20th-Fox, possibly Co- 
lumbia and allegedly Warners wait- 
ing their turn. Paramount plans to 
use the gun in "The Story of Dr. 
Wassell,' 20th-Fox in 'Crash Dive." 
$20 Material. $8,000 Labor 
This fabulous contraption was jug- 
gled together at a cost of $20 for 
materials and $8,000 for labor by 
• Tomrny Thompson- and his assistant, 
Russell Sherman, in the RKO prop 
'department. They went down to a 
junkyard and culled the materials 
they wanted from an old washing 
machine and a discarded vacuum 
cleaner, among other things; then 
with the use of wood and electricity, 
they produced a gun whose ersatz 
nature might confuse the practiced 
eye of a Navy man. 

They built it from photographs of 
a real model, giving it the required 
length by a wood-turning job, embel 
lished by a piece of oilwell, drilling 
pipe for its inner barrel. A 30-de 
gree piece of quadrant gear from an 
oil drilling rig was used for the ele 
vating swivel, while the traverse 
gear-boxes came from a bread-mix- 
ing machine, found in a bankrupt 
bakery. From this conglomeration 
plus perhaps a squeegee and an old 
boxing glove, was created a modern 
Navy gun that fires— via an electric 
flash — and recoils, via compressed 
air, all the while operating with the 
swift despatch of a Yankee ^battery 
in the Solomons. That's why the 
line of leasers is forming on the left, 
That, and another reason. It's like 
the old story of the crooked roulette 
wheel the guy said he had to play 
It's the only one in town. 

Republic's break on the rest of the 
field out here is that it started to 
make 'Flying Tigers" before priorities 
set in. It, therefore, came up with 
two rather tremendous items, namely, 
a couple or three of P-40 planes and 
n Japanese war craft, complete 
miniature. Paramount and 20th-Fox 
have already hired the planes at a 
rate that leaves a fair chance of Re- 
public breaking even on their con- 
struction. 

As for the battleship, it seems cer- 
tain to get a play from the other 
lots, sooner or later. It"s a 25-foot 
workable -node! that took three 
months and perhaps as much as 
$10,000 to build. 

But in operation, it is simplicity 
Itself, doing everything that the di- 
rector orders. And why? The di- 
rector himself can operate it, if he 
feels the urge. All he has to do is 
He down out of sight in the body of 
the 'ship' and, with a series of levers, 
make it obey his every whim 



Me, Too 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Lou Costello became a' nltery 
impresario with the purchase of 
Pete and Billy Snyder's Bandbox 
in West Hollywood, making him 
even up with his film partner, 
Bud Abbott, who recently bought 
the Windsor House in San Fer- 
nando Valley. 

Billy Gray n)oved In as emcee 
of the Bandbox, succeeding 
Jackie Green, on tour with a 
vaude troupe. 



HOUSEWIVES TOO BUSY, 
MATINEE PIX BIZ OFF 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 
Gradual collapse of matinee busi- 
ness here — paradoxically as pros- 
perity increases — is starting to whit- 
tle down local theatre grosses which, 
however, still remain at the highest 
level in years due to booming night 
trade. 

Even the housewives apparently 
are too busy to attend matinees any 
more, what with their domestic du- 
ties plus their contributions to the 
war effort. An extreme shortage of 
housemaids, due to the fact that so 
many young women have gone into 
war industries, regarded as a factor 
in the depleted^ matinee patronage. 
Many who formerly had servant 
girls and could devote occasional af- 
ternoons to showgoing now do their 
own housework and are tied down. 
Moreover, according to surveys, 
many more women, including those 
who could afford to 'be idle, are 
working at various jobs, war and 
otherwise, than ever before in the 
city's history. 



Stndio Contracts 



Hollywood, Oct 8. 

Hazel Brooks drew minor player 
contiaet at Metro. 

Ann Carter s player option picked 
UD by Columbia. 

Marilyn Christine, ballet dancer, 
signed by Metro. 

Leighton Noble inked player pact 
a'. Universal. 

Eve Whitney handed acting ticket 
b> Metro. 

Milton Rosen signed as composer 
anc arranger by Universal 

Mary McLeod, schoolteacher- 
actress from Vancouver signed 
seven-jear contrac with Metro. 
Found by scout at Max Reinhardt 
school in Hollywood. 

Charles O'Neal Inked writer con- 
tract at RKO. 

Four Step Bros., hoofers, signed by 
Universal to play singly and as a 
Srcup. 

David Street drew actmg contract 
at Universal. 

Conrad Seller handed scripting 
contract by Metro. 

Andrew Rosenthal drew writing 
ticket at Warners. 

Brenda ."Warshall's player contract 
renewed by Warners. 

Raymond Massey optioned for an- 
other year on his three-pix-a-year 
pact at Warners. 

Louis Da Pron, dance director, 
signed by Universal. 

Pops and Louie, dance team 
signed by Republic, 



Comedy Ptrenuse in Rx Hasn't Changed 
in 25 Years; Its StiH Oime and Sex 



Bragging? 



Hollywood, Oct 9. 

With a shortage of men in the 
film industry, Columbia is pulling 
•omething different— an all-male 
cast in 'Port Said.' 

Melvyn Douglas U slated for 
the top role, with Harry Joe 
Brown producing ■ screenplay 
written by Phillip MacDonald. 



TRANS-LUX IN WASH. 
BUYS ITS BUnJ)ING 



Washington, Oct 6. 
Trans-Lux has just bought the 
building in which it is located at 14th 
street and New York avenue. Prop- 
erty is assessed for $1,400,000 and 
sale price was over that figure. Percy 
N. Furber of New York and P. N. 
Furber, Jr., negotiated the sale for 
Trans-Lux Corp. of New York. John 
J. Major represented Mrs. Evalyn 
Walsh McLean, previous owner. 

Must be money in newsreels. 
Trans-Lux was opened Friday, 

c"="i;.w pu,„ ..... I -i r.'fS 



at Warners. 



PAR HITS PROD. 
PEAK.9IN2 
MOKTHS 



Extra- Jobs Drop Off 
To 17,000, Low for SepLl 



Hollywood, Oct 6. 
Production schedule at Paramount 
calls for nine starters in two months, 
the heaviest and most costly slate 
for any similar period In the studio's 
history 

Hollywood, Oct «. I In the lineup are the Ring Crosby 
September dropped below August musical, 'Dixie," 'The Miracle of 
in job placements for extras to a Morgan's Creek,' 'China,' 'Salute to 
new September low of 17,000, ac- Three,' 'Frenchman's Creek,* 'So 
cording to statistics by Central Cast- Proudly We Hall,' 'Five Graves -to 
ing. Estimated at $12 per job, the Cairo,' 'The Story of Dr. Wassell' 
film atmosphere players drew about and 'Lady in the Dark,' all high 
$20,000 less than they did in August budgeters, 
the lowest figure in 13 months. 
Studio predictions for October are 
little, if any, better. 

Daily wages have been climbing 
but fewer extras have been called, 
with the bulk of the work being 
given to the dress group at $16.50 per 
call. 



atre had a 40-year lease, with other 
tenants paying enough to give the 
house an occupancy rent free. NBC 
has upper two floors of extremely 
valuable corner. 

Trans-Lux is managed by Roland 
S. Robbins, who began his 30th year 
as a front-of-the-house boss this 
week. Robbins managed Keith's in 
its two-a-day regime. 

Last week 'Battle of Midway" gave 
theatre biggest cash week sinc^ open- 
ing. Largest week for attendance 
was for films of King and Queen of 
England"s visit, admission being 
lower. Third largest attendance was 
for burning of Zeppelin at Lakehurst 
in 1037. 



Freeze on Special 
Trayel WiO Affect 



Loba Malina May Get 
Stromberg Pic Role 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 
Luba Malina, singer on tour with 
'Priorities,' is up for one of the leads 
in Himt Stromberg's picturization of 
the Gypsy Rose Lee novel, 'G-String 
Murders.' Role is that of a Russian 
dame. 

Miss Malina recently flew to the 
Coast for a test, returning in time 
to rejoin 'Priorities' before it left 
for the road. It would be her screen 
debut. She was recently given the 



B7 DAVIS J. WALSH 

Hollywood, Oct 6. 
Believe It or don't but there ira 
two basic comedy themes In pictures, 
today as 25 years ago, and offhand 
they seem about as funny as a bullet 
in the back. They are (1) sex and 
(2) crime, and even more extraor- 
dinary is the fact that the author ot 
this most arresting Idea is said to be 
none other than that consummate 
exponent of prattfall. and lemon 
meringue humor. Mack Sennett. 

AU this on the word ot Ed Cline, 
the man who started out in life to 
be a Keystone Cop, but recovered to 
such purpose that surviving the 
great mortality rate through two 
generations ot picture-making, he'i 
still a top hand in broad comedy 
direction at Universal. He says the 
only fundamental difference between 
the old school and the new U that 
people once laughed at motion. And 
now laugh at situations. 

He also says that it wasn't refine- 
ment that stopped pie-throwing In 
pictures. It was World War I. That 
too, the script for the Sennett come- 
dies wasn't based on low slapstick. 
It was taken from the French clas- 
sics. Moreover, the one-piece bathing 
suit didn't originate as an early form 
of the strip-tease. It was brought 
about through an attempt to put 
over some propaganda on fish-eating. 

Sounds kind of crazy. But then 
Hollywood always was a place where 
only the daffy seems feasible. 

'Of course it was World War I that 
stopped pie-throwing,' says Cllne^ 
matter-of-factly. 'The audiences be> 
gan to hiss. They thought we were 
waslinf! food when, in point of fact, 
we weren't using food. However, 
there was no way ot getting that 
point across, so we dropped all food 
sequences for the duration. They 
were getting out of hand, anyhow. 
Why, I once made a -Spanish picture 
in which we threw hot tamales. 
T^t BIf Question Mark 
'At the time, we didn't know what 
made them laugh. We only found 
out later that humor-in-motion was 
a new expression which caught on 
so well with audiences that your 
actors were always falling or throw- 
ing things or jumping into the air 
when plugged from the rear by an 
irate hayseed. What we did waa 
milk the gag until it shriveled. 

'Today of course 'situation' humor 
is the thing, even with slapstick ma- 
terial. Outside of that, though, the 
principle Is largely unchanged. Sen- 
nett said the basic elements were 
sex and crime. The crime part pro- 
duced his Keystone Cop who was an 
imitation ot the French gendarme, 
which was always coming up in our 
material 4>ecause Sennett hired a 



n«l I TwaItb recently given the material 4>ecause Sennett hirea a 

rimi LOCduOD ireKS once-over by Sam Goldwyn for a Frenchman to do the writing and h* 



SPROCKETS AND SOUND 

2 or S-Sproeket Chaogeovera May 
Affect Sound Fidelity 



Hollywood, Oct 6, 
Freezing of railroad schedules, 
meaning the elmination of chartered 
trains of cars, is nothing new in the 
film industry in California, where 
Latest outburst against changing I studios have been up against that 
projection machines from the pres- P''°''>^'" months. The big ques- 
ent type to a 2 or 3-sprocket method "'^^ ^"""^^"^ issued by 

was unleashed this week by veteran Joseph B. Eastman, director of the 
projectionists familiar with rami- Office of Defense Transportation 
flcations of the projection setup. aPPly to the use of chartered 



spot In Bob Hope-Dorothy Lamour 
picture, TTiey Got Me Covered,' but 
deal didn't jell. 



LANA'S 'B' GOES 'A' 



I 'Mary Smith, V. S. A.' Gets Upped 
Bodget From Metro 



'Mary Smith, U. S. A.,* Arthur 
Hornblow, Jr.'s first for Metro, orig 

- ^ Inally scheduled as a B production. 

Aside from the technical 'bugs' they ''"^s. ^ °''<1*'' aPPly'ng to has been lifted into 'A' category with 

claim would result from the new that form of travel may be issued Lana Turner to be starred. Male 
methods, projection experts contend shortly. lead has not yet been selected 

that a cast sprocket could not be Recently the studios have been Yarn is to be projected against a 
employed. They contend the inter- chartering buses, trucks and ordinary wartime Washington background, 
mittent sprockets must be hand- motor cars to convey technical Mervyn Leroy, also east, will leave 
turned or hand-tooled — and that troupes to distant locations and hlr- for the capitol with Hornblow to 
there are not enough tooling experts ing natives as atmosphere players, discuss the backgrounding with 
to go around today. even though the studio must pay | Government officials. 

On the technical sound front, the penalty checks to the Screen Actors 
projection boys believe a change in Guild. On a recent location trip one 
sprockets Is bound to cut down on of the studios paid 1,400 penalty 
the sound fidelity. They cite that checks amounting to $11,700 and 
some 1,000 light vibrations per min- saved money that might have been 
ute go through a projection machine, spent on the transportation, feeding 
and feel certain the new sprocket and housing of extras from Holly- 
method would blur Ihe sound. This | wood 
would have to be eliminated via 



Susan Falls in Line 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Paramount loaned Susan Hayward 
to Republic as the femme lead op- 
posite John Carroll, on loan from 
Metro, in 'Hit Parade of 1943.' 

Picture goes into production this 
week with Albert Rogell directing 
and Albert Cohen producing. 



20th Hitches Hathaway 



changes in the sound head 

Aside from the high cost of a 
changeover the Industry's present 
large backlog of product also figures 
in the situation. In addition to the 
quantity ot features already com- 
pleted or nearing completion, It is 
estimated that possibly 100 
are already started 



Tall Claims From Texas 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Walter Wanger picked Jack Raw- 
others I I'ls to direct 'We've Never Been 
Licked,' based on the military ex- 
Producers would have to scrap Iplo'ts of graduates of Texas A. and 
these or re-shoot them to fit the M. College, which claims to have 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Henry Hathaway signed a new 
director contract with 20th-Fox, 
starting his new pact with 'Tam- 
pico,' a tale of oil tankers in war- 
time. 

Filming starts Oct. 26, with Jean 
Gabin and Gene Tierney in the top 
roles. 



Grayson, Kelly in M-G Pic 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Kathryn Grayson and Gene Kelly 

new projectors, and also reprint all [turned out more Army officers than I draw top spots in 'Private Miss 
those out on release or about to be West Point in the last 20 years. Jones' at Metro, with Jose Iturbi, 
distributed. Raw stock required for Rawlins, who recently wound up concert pianist, and Mary Astor 
this purpose Is viewed as likely to his director chore on 'Arabian prominent in the cast, 
defeat the main purpose for which Nights,' left for Texas to make back- Plctiure is slated for Technicolor 
the new gadget is being considered— ground shots. The picture will be filming, producing by Joe Pasternak 
conservation of raw stock. (released by Universal |and directed by George Sidney, 



adapted many of the old Fiencl) 
farces, even stuff from Balzac and 
de Maupassant.' 

The ideal. It seemed, was to com- 
bine sex with crime, as of when the 
wrong husband is caught in the right 
lady's boudoir, though Cline wat 
clear about that only on one polntt 
There was no relish in finding the 
right husband in the right boudoir. 

As for sex in Itself, Sennett was 
thought to have cornered the comedy 
market in that product, with hli 
bathing girl and the one-piece suit 
But according to Cline, both came 
mostly by accident. 

With the bathing girl, it was all 
due to the studlo'-e .w'.rh to populailzt 
fish-eating as a propaganda measure 
during the Government's 'meatless 
day' period ot the last war. Cline 
was told oft to make a comedy, point- 
ing up these ideas. So, thinking ot 
fish, he deeidetf^ chat the place to 
play his scenes was by the ocean. 
This, in turn, meant bathing suits. 
But the dames In women's suits ot 
the period (which hadn't followed 
the Kellerman model) looked like 
something that had been himg up In 
a wet wash laundry. The alternative 
was men's suits which snugly fitted 
but vary— the forms of Bebe Daniels, 
Gloria Swanson, Phyllis Haver, 
Louise Fazenda, Julia Fay and Marie 
Prevost. 

And we all lived happily ever 
after. 



Story Boys 



Hollywood, Oct 9. 

RKO purchased 'The Captain's 
Confusion,' by Joseph Marshall. 

ZOth-Fox botight MacKinlay Can- 
tor's novel, 'This Happy Land.' 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



PICTURES 



Govt, s Growing Non-Theatrkal 
Prod. Draining Many Technicians 



Growth of the non-theatrical pic- 
ture market, as result of steadily In- 
oiea-sing activity in various Govern- 
m.nt departments ■ which are devel- 
oping large fllm production units, is 
viewed in the trade as likely to be- 
come the fllm industry's most seri- 
ous opposition before the war is 
over. Agricultural, educational, en- 
gineering and other Government 
bureaus, in addition to military de- 
partments, are organizing extensive 
fllm production units and are out to 
corral as much of Hollywood's 
trained personnel as can be found. 
Inroads oiV technical equipment and 
celluloid will, of course, also be felt 
by regular producers. 

The non-theatrical field in the 
U. S. lias until now scarcely been 
touched, in contrast to the rapid 
strides already made In Canada and 
in England. North of the border a 
non-theatrical, audience of more 
than 1.250,000 is already being 
tapped with indications tha it will 
Increase to the full potential of 2,- 
600,000 before long. 

Government officials in Britain 
and Canada, charged with the non- 
theatrical a.ssignmcnt, do not con- 
sider this field as opposition to reg- 
ular entertainment theatres. They 
point out that normal theatre at- 
tendance ha.<! increased in both coun- 
tries despite the informative and 
other pictures made under Govern- 
ment supervision and shown free of 
charge. These sources declare that 
pictures for the non-theatrical mar- 
ket are regarded purely as a cor- 
rollary to commercial picture houses 
. fnd serve to increase interest in the 
cinema. At the same time it is as- 
■ lerted that there is a strong demand 
for GoverniYient pictures, dealing 
with the various phases of the war 
in realistic fashion, among all civil- 
ians, defense plant workers and sol- 
diers. One authority describes this 
Remand as 'a hunger for inside in- 
formation on wha.'s happening.' 

The non-theatrical field in the 
y. S.. surface of which has been 
barely scratched., in the opinion of 
British and Canadian government 
fllm officials, promises to become 
on. of the most important adjuncts 
of Government and education with 
i potential audience of 40,000.000 in 
the U. S. 

Though the.-ie officials are inclined 
to minimize the competitive nature 
M the non-theatrical showings, in- 
dustry reps in the U. S. fear inroads 
on patronage due to this develop- 
ment and are particularly concerned 
about the increasing scarcity of tech- 
nicians, material and equipment 
which would result from large-scale 
Government fllm production. 

SAM GOLDWYN UKELY 
TO RETURN TO UA FOLD 

Sam Goldwyn is considering return 
to the United Artists fold upon com- 
pletion of his current releasing pact 
with RKO, from accounts ending 
June, and has already begun nego- 
tiations for having Goldwyn's Brit- 
uh-made production, 'Spitfire,' sold 
via UA. Grad Sears, v.p. in charge 
Of distiibulion for UA, was on the 
Coast last week to screen 'Spitfire' 
and continue negotiations with Gold- 
wyn which were inaugurated In the 
•ast by James Mulvey. 

Goldwyn tried to obtain a UA re- 
tfase. iast season tor 'Pi idc -of .-the 
Vankees' and They Got Me Cov- 
ered, forthcoming Bob Hope-Dor- 
othy Lamour starrer, negotiations 
oonllnuuig even after it was gener- 
•ily as.sumed that the deal had been 
jet with RKO. UA turned the Gold- 
wyn deal down at the time be- 
cause unable to see its way clear 
distribution terms of 
i.u 'Spitfire' or any 

wn,!u Pf°''"<^'' '-egardless of source, 

tJir^ ? considerably higher, 
to hr,?;,'" °' 'P'-estige' product 
10 bolster Its lagging studio output 
jast season, took the Goldwyn prod- 

?erm,'""'"^.°" ^^"^ producer's own 
terms, includmg an optional releas- 

Inf!*'**' °P^'°" clau.'^e and the 
by^e^:::"'^*^^"' Goldwyn 
t^ex? *M.^^''"'"' 'hen RKO 
cism^irn ".1''"='" vociferous criti- 
medi«..r directorate im- 

pariui ? Preceding Schaefer s de- 
Parluie from the company. 

UA b^r/"' owner-member of 
turn tn h ?°'"« ''KO- "nay re- 
Sgcont^rrtor.'^^''-*''''''^''''- 



Another Bill Fox Item 



Atlantic City, Oct. 9. 
Final clearance towards eventual 
payolT of 2 to 3% dividends to credi- 
tors of the bankruptcy estat. of 
William Fox, former film magnate, 
has been effected by the compromise 
agreement of the bill of a California 
theatre builder. 

The last claim in the six-year 
bankruptcy litigations was that of 
Harold L. Arnold, Inc., of Los An- 
geles, for $35,420 on alleged debts 
incurred by architects' fees and 
other expenses on an unflnished con- 
tract to erect a theatre for Fox in 
1034. 

Allen B. Endicott, Jr., referee in 
bankruptcy, authorized acceptance of 
the compromise, entering th. cor- 
poration's claim at $10,000 and ex- 
punging any amount over that flgure. 
Pro-rata dividend payments will be 
made before the year's end, Referee 
Endicott announced. 



Gov t Disproves 
Talk of Aussie 
Picture Control 



Sydney, Oct. 6. 

There will be no nationalization of 
the Australian motion picture indus- 
try, a government spokesman has 
announced here. This is in reply to 
previous suggestions that one out of 
every three cinemas be closed for 
the duration. Prime Minister John 
Curtin also announced that the goV' 
ernment appreciated all that the in- 
dustry is doing to help the war ef- 
fort. Plan for shuttering a third of 
all Aussie picture theatres apparent 
ly has been shelved. 

Ernest Turnbull, Hoyt circuit 
chief, has placed key theatres of his 
chain at the disposal of the govern- 
ment for special preview presenta- 
tions from time to time, with ad- 
mission being by war bonds ranging 
in value from $40 to $20,000. 

Cooperation of biz leaders her. is 
viewed as wiping out any govern- 
mental interference. 



12tli Pic for Weavers 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
'Mountain Rhythm' makes It an 
even dozen pictures for the Weaver 
Bros. Sc Elviry, who started their 
12th hillbilly effort yesterday (Mon.) 
at Republic, with Armand Schaeter 
producing and Frank McDonald di- 
recting. 

On completion of the picture the 
mountain folks are slated for vaude 
tour. 



BLOCK SELLING 
POUCY BY UA 



Initial proposal to shutter one- 
third of the Australian cinemas was 
viewed in N. Y. as the first step 
towards nationalization of the fllm 
business here. It was feared such 
governmental controls would subse- 
quently extend to other parts of the 
picture industry Down Under. 



ACADEMY BOARD WILL 
PICK NEW OFHCERS 



Hollywood, Oct. 9. 

Walter Wanger. president of the 
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and 
Sciences, announced a new board of 
governors which will meet Oct. 14 
to select Academy officers for the 
coming year. 

Board members and their affilia- 
tions are:' Aclois:--Etitt"ard Arnold. 
Donald Crisp and Charles Coburn. 
Writers: — Lamar Trolti. Charles 
Brackett and Mary McCall. Jr., Direc- 
tors:— E. J. Mannix, Y. Frank Free- 
man and Walt Uisney. Science 
branches:— Ray Wilkinson. Douglas 
Shearer and Farciot Edouart. 



Betty and Bob Snap 

To Salute for Par 

Hollywood. Oct. n. 

Robert Pre.<lon and Betty Rhodes 
draw top spot.'! in "Salute for Three.' 
to be directed by Ralph Murphy and 
produced by Walter MacEwen at 
Paramount. 

Picture, based on a canteen story, 
will be Pre.'ston's last before entering 
the Army. 



Block selling policy adopted by 
United Artists last week is regarded 
by company's field forces as a step 
whereby higher billings can be at- 
tained through quantity sales. UA, 
one of the non-consent decree dis- 
tribs, now enters the ranks of Uni- 
versal and Columbia in selling pro- 
cedure. 

It is conceded that the initial work 
in closing deals will be more diffi- 
cult than selling single pictures, as 
in the past, because of the greater 
volume of coin involved and the 
various percentage and flat rental 
deals to be worked out for UA's en- 
tire product output. CiTsetting this 
difficulty, however, is view that once 
the entire block is sold to an ac- 
count it becomes unnecessary for 
salesmen to return over the same 
route until next season's output is 
ready. 

UA execs flgure non-consent selling 
methods most suitable under current 
conditions. Apart from the profit 
question, block selling is also con- 
sidered most advantageous purely 
from the physical transportation 
angle. 

Announcing 16 features (in which 
three Harry Sherman specials are 
included), six Hopalong Cassidys. 
eight 'streamlined' Hal Roach pro- 
ductions and 12 shorts as the initial 
block to be offered, the UA releasing 
schedule is likely to be upped before 
the season winds up. 

Among productions not in the 16 
features announced are Sol Lesser's 
'Stage Door Canteen,' 'In Which We 
Serve,' Noel Coward British-made 
fllm: and James Cagney, Charles 
Chaplin, Jack Benny, Edward Small 
output. Likely that as -these latter 
productions materialize an indi- 
vidual selling policy wil be set for 
each film. 

In addition to the six westerns an- 
nounced, Sherman stated on the con- 
vention floor that he had two more 
scheduled— a total of eight westerns 
in addition to his three specials. 



RKO's 2nd Block-of-S 

Sticking to blocks-of-five, RKO 
will have a second group later this 
month following screenings to be 
held Oct. 12-14. Included In the sec- 
ond block, however, will b. 'Journey 
Into Fear,' which was tradeshown 
in August shortly after the RKO 
national convention. 

The other four to make up the 
package of flve will be 'Scattergood 
Survives a Murder,' 'Seven Days 
Leave.' 'The Falcon's Brother' and 
'The Navy Comes Through.' 

Only one other decree company 
has not yet started to sell its second 
group of flve each, this being Par. 
Metro u; selling 12 as its Initial 
block, nothing beyond being sched- 
uled. 



Espionage Underfoot 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 

20th-Fox signed Robert Florey to 
direct 'French Underground.' spy 
tale of present day Paris. 

Andre Davan will produce, from a 
script now being written by George 
Kes.sel. 



HERSH SUBS VOTION 
ON LUM,ABNER PIC 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 

Ben Her.'-h moved in as producer 
of ihe Lum 'n* Abner picture. 'Two 
Weeks to Live.' now in work for 
RKO in Culver City. 

Hersh is pinch-hitting for Jack 
Votion, original producer, who has 
moved to Washington, an a lieuten- 
ant in the Army Signal Corps. 



Draft SWG Met 



Proposed War Cmfew for Juves 
Would Meet Film B.O. in Detroit 



No Cheap Skate, This 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Highest budget in the history of 
Monogram is allocated to 'Silver 
Skates,' flrst of the flve features get- 
ting the starting gun this month. 
Ice picture, in addition to Belita, 
Frick and Frack and other top skat- 
ing names, haj Kenny Baker as male 
lead. 

Four others on the October shoot- 
ing schedule are 'Beyond the Great 
Divide.' 'No Escape,' 'Silent Witness' 
and 'Storm Out of the West.' 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Screen Writers Guild named 
George Seaton chairman of a com- 
mittee to nominate candidates for 
officers and board members at the 
annual election Nov. 12. 

Remainder of the committee con- 
>isis of Harold Buchman. Lester 
Cole. Olive Cooper. Morgan Cox. 
Howard Dimsdale. Harry Kurnil?:. 
Gladys Lehman, Frank Parlos and 
Ernest Pascal. 



WPB Ration Order 
Due Shortly; Old 
Print Salvaging 



Major fllm companies may soon be 
obliged to delve into their vaults and 
turn over for salvage their old prints. 
Such a step was recently taken in 
England when an urgent demand 
arose for cellulose, the vital element 
in explosives and one of the prin 
cipal ingredients of film stock. 

Much old film, of course, comes 
back to exchanges, after running 
through the distribution mill, in such 
bad shape that it has habitually been 
sold to fllm salvage firms. However, 
companies have saved many prints 
and vaults are well-filled with tons 
of stock that could be turned into 
cellulose again were it vitally neceS' 
sary. Most of the companies have 
arranged, since the war and threats 
of air raids, to store old fllm outside 
of New York City. A number of 
them have arranged for vault space 
in upstate New York. 

The British Ministry of Supply, in 
addition to asking distribs to 'search 
out all flims which are no longer 
deflnitely required and dispose of 
them to a processing firm,' requested 
that hypo solution from fixing tanks 
be saved for recovery of the silver 
content. 

Actual film rationing order, flxing 
celluloid availability from 10 to 24% 
lower than last year, has not yet 
been issued by the War Production 
Board, though expected any day. 
Announcement made in Washington 
last month on the priority rating 
and rationing, effective for three 
months ending Jan. 1 only, and then 
subject to revision, was in the na- 
ture of a directive and clarification 
of WP^ policy for the time being. 

Film companies have since been 
requested to furnish the WPB with 
a breakdown of the total celluloid 
consumption figures presented while 
the rationing order was under con- 
sideration. It is expected that the 
WPB will i.ssue-th^ rationing deci- 
sion in the form of an order once 
all the figures are in. 



METRO'S RAMIREZ FOR 
NELSON EDDY ROLES 



Carlo.s Ramirez, .^et by Wally 
Downey, in association with ,MCA, on 
a Metro film deal, reports to the 
Coast studio Jan. 1. 

The Latiji singer, chiefly known in 
New York nilerie.s 'he's currently at 
the Waldorf-Astoria) aiul in South 
America grand opera, is being 
primed as a successor to N'clion Eddy 
for romantic vocal lead<. 



Sam Wood's Indie Prod. 
For Columbia Release 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Sam Wood has acquired film rights 
10 the George S. Kaufman-Edna 
Ferber play. 'The Land Is Bright.' 
and will produce and direct it as the 
flrst of his planned series of inde- 
pendent productio:!.^. 

Picture is slated for work at Co- 
lumbia as soon as Wood completes 
his current job on 'For Whom the 
Bell Tolls' at Paramount. 



Detroit, Oct. 9. 

A wartime curfew here to curb 
reported juvenile delinquency is a 
new bugaboo for picture operators 
who have drawn largely from the 
young trade since the war and boom 
here started. 

Curfew agitation started in subur- 
ban Dearborn after charges were 
made that young girls were out until 
all hours of the night with sailors 
from the Naval Training School at 
the Ford plant. Suburban row flared 
up into a fight the press here could 
not ignore since one faction charged 
that the curfew was being ducked to 
whitewash the increasing juvenile 
delinquency in the town and the 
other faction arguing that the action 
was based on the delinquency of 
only a few girls. 

However, the Dearborn row 
flagged the attention of organiza- 
tions here, which had begun to be 
disturbed with the growing problems 
of youth in wartime, and agitation 
was started f<ff even more rigid reg- 
ulations. Contention of the blue-nose 
faction is that the youngsters have 
too much money and freedom — 
particularly with the large fiumber 
of women employed in the Detroit 
arsenals. With less home super- 
vision, they argue, Detroit should 
install an B p.m. curfew and extend 
it up to those 18 years old. 

Police women who supervise the 
theatres here don't fool and pre- 
viously have got tough with the 
houses on the present hours and 
age limits, including cracking down 
on the school skippers when stage 
bands come in. With an increase in 
the age limit and a lowering of the 
evening hour it would cut off a 
healthy source of picture revenue. 



COL PIX PROFIT BEST 
SINCE 1935. $1,611659 



Columbia Pictures net earnings 
for the fiscal year ending last June 
27 totaled $1,611,6S9, after all charges 
and Federal taxes, as compared with 
$552,743 in the previous year ending 
in June, 1941. Company's provision 
for Federal income, excess profits 
and capital stock taxes amounted to 
$1,103,617 in the 12-month fiscal 
period covered by the report. 

In the 1941 fiscal year, Columbia's 
Federal income and capital stock 
taxes totaled $145,420 plus a special 
charge of $84,157. 

Corporation's balance sheet reveals 
current assets of $15,150,000 and cur- 
rent liabilities of $1,990,000. Colum- 
bia working capital was listed as ap- 
proximately $13,160,000. 

Surprising feature of Columbia's 
annual earnings statement is the vast 
improvement in profit for the final 
quarter ending last June 27. The net 
earnings in this fourth quarter to- 
taled $669,709, or more than three 
times as much as in the third quar- 
ter, and more .than double the flnal 
quarter ir. the 1941 fiscal year. 

Parent company's shares of Brit- 
ish revenues are included in the 
consolidated profit-loss statement, 
though the entire amount may not 
be realized in U. S. dollars by the 
expiration of the present agreement 
with the English government at the 
end of this month Net effect of es- 
timated iinrealiztrd revenues- -as-. af.._ 
Oct. 31. 1942. included in earnings, 
amounted to $160,000. 

COLUMBIA PICTURES EARNINGS 
1930-42 

Net profit, except as noted: (•) 
deficit. 

1930 $1,295,958 

1931 560,869 

1932 574,292 

1933 740,241 

1934 1.008.834 

1935 1.815.267 

1936 1.568.816 

1937 1.317,771 

1938 183,393 

19.39 2,047 

1940 512,185 

1941 552,744 

1942 1.611,659 

(By Quarters for Fiscal Year Ended 

June 29, 1941) 
First Second Third Fourth 
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 
$153,878 $153,128 •$32,242 $277,980 
(By Quarters for Fiscal Tear Ended 
June 27, 1942) 
First Second Third Fourth 
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter 
$261,703 $476,044 $204,201 $669,709 



8 



FILM BEVIEW8 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



ROAD TO MOROCCO 



(WITH SONGS) 

fit ..SI- .if Jonr>9 prti- 

- IliDK Croiiliy. llijl) Hope, 
ii . ii-.iMiiPK Anthony Quinn, 
li.K'vit.l l.y Dnvlil Duller; 
>iiiiii iln^clor. .^creenplHV. 
.-.n-l )>i^n lliirMn;tn: muRlc 
• >; cilititi'. Irene 

I. \\ iiliHnl Mfllitr; sonctt. 

.litiiifjt Viin Ih'un-n. 
N. Y. iK-i I. "J-. UuniilnK 



)\ii:inii<lll>l 
<]ti< iti>n. 
D.i-lliv I..II1... 
l>..n>i l>i..ki 
}hil «'..ll.r. .!« 
Flank Ituilir 
il'i— I'.i. v.. 1 

1 ;.nii-i 

J. linnv 11.11. . 
■tr. .1. - h. " n in 
liniF H3 .\IINM. 
Jlin Ivifi'K 
Tim ki- >■ .Iiii-k>i>it . . 
PlIIK-efll* Stialniar 
Miillay KaMin. . . . 

Miliiiin.'ih 

H-.l." Kli.n 

Ahntml Fav 

Allien 1. Mii;l:iy 

.lai'iii] ll;-vsnn. ,Monl(i I4Iue 

Hiinilniaiilen* 

I.iiut]«f I-;t I'laiii',- TIh'o lie Vne. Flroiiho 
KvanH. Suziiniiii R;t)»:\vay. PalHy .Mnce, 
Yvnnnf lie I'lHlit. I'tippy Wllile. 

Aralilan \Va \ri Hiiliih Penney 

Ariihlan lliixi-r . Ditn Seymour 



Uinp Crohby 

Biili Unix 

. . Doriiihy I.Amnur 
... .\nihonv (Juinn 

nnnii Dinke 

A'liiillmir Soki»lofr 
..MIkuil Ritnumny 



You Were Never Lovelier 

(WITH SONGS) 

Columbia relCMhti of Loihh K. K.ii-lniAn 
|irtiilU(.-[lun. Slarii J*>eJ .Xi^lulru. Kita IIh)- 
worlh; fealurVH .Xavler I'UKHt unil lilx or- 
itie^lru. Adolpiie Menjuu. l^xliv UruuKK. 
.\dele Mara, laoltel Klaoin. Uu^ Si-liilllnR, 
lliirbiira Tlrown. l><iu>:liiM l.cuvlit. Illri'ited 
by Wllliain A. Si-iler. S-Tocniiliiy by 
Allcliael Keaaier. Krneal PjiKano and Uel- 
inar lJiivi->. :i|nry li> i.'.iibii. ohvrtii, .-^ixio 
Pundul Jtlnw. Muiil'- by Jet-iiiie K-in, 
lyrk-H by Johnny .Mener. Camera. I'ld 
Teilnlt; i.lllnr. Willi. im I.yim: ilam-eM. Val 
Hanel. ;'ri.\ ifweil In .\' V. » ». I L'. 
Itunnini: llint-. OH MINS. 

Hoberl D.ivlit 

.Maria Acuna 

Kihviirdo 

Cccy Ai-una 

I.lln Aruna 



il 



. Fi 

una ll.i>\M lb 
Atbilphf .MenjMU 
. . UrnokH 
tarn 



Crofby. Hope and Lamour have 
done it again. Their click in 'Road 
to Singapore' and 'Road to Zanzi- 
bar' is eclipsed by "Road to Mor- 
occo.' 

'Morocco' is a bubbling, spontan- 
eous entertainment without a sem- 
blance of sanity: an uproarious 
patchquilt of gagSi old situations and 
a blitz-like laugh pace that never 
lets up for a moment. It's Crosby 
and Hope at their best, with Doro- 
thy Lamour, as usual, the pivotal 
point for their romantic pitch. 

The story's absurdities, all of 
which are predicated on Crosby and 
Hope as shipwrecked stowaways cast 
ashore on the coast of North Africa, 
at no time weave a pattern of re- 
straint. It's just a madcap holiday 
for the fun-makers. 

The scripters, along with everyone 
else associated with the production, 
must surely have realized, of course, 
that the yarn couldn't be played 
straight. The result is some unor- 
thodox film-making that flnds both 
male stars making dialogistic asides 
that kid, for instance, some of the 
film's 'weaknesses' or, in other cases, 
poke fun at various objects that aren't 
even remotely associated with the 
picture. The payoff is when one of 
fhe camels 'talks.' admitting that 'this 
is the craziest picture I've ever been 
in.' 

Hope makes note of his five-year 
contract with Paramount — just in 
case Par's execs disapprove of the 
picture and feel like doing some- 
( thing about it. There is the deceased 
aunt of Hope and Crosby (a be- 
wigged, spinster-frocked dame with 
Hope's puss) who bobs up in spirit 
to plague first one, then the other 
for 'misdeeds' each has' committed 
against the other. One of the film's 
subtler laughs occurs during one 
such sequence, when the aunt chaS' 
Uses Crosby for selling his cousin 
to a Moroccan slave-dealer. Fur< 
lively looking around her, as if 
she's heard approaching footsteps, 
she hurriedly begs leave of Crosby, 
'I can't talk any more,' she says. 
'HTe comes Mr. Jordan.' 

Film-goers will never get a chance 
to determine, at least during the pic- 
ture's unspooling, how realU' incred 
ulous this comedy is. It moves that 
fast. They will see only the rollick' 
ing humor of Hope reclining luxuri- 
ously in the palace of an Arabian 
princess who has acquired him via 
the slave price. They will guffaw at 
the Keystone Koppish complications 
that arise when a coon of the desert, 
played by Anthony Quinn, learns 
that both Crosby and Hope are try- 
ing to muscle into the affections of 
Princess Lamour. They will roar at 
the misfiring of the patty-cake rou- 
tine which they've done in their 
other pix but which this time finds 
Quinn. the intended butt for the con- 
cluding whammo. whacking their 
heads together instead. Whereupon 
Crosby pipes, 'That gag sure got 
around.' 

The entire production represents a 
hefty budget. David Butler's direc- 
tion has kept it all moving at a fast 
pace, and it's to his credit, plus the 
frolicsome performances of the two 
male stars, that many of the silua- 
■ tiofts- are the . sources of amuseipent 
that they are. Four tunes punctuate 
the proceedings, with 'Aint Got a 
Dime to My Name (Ho Hum),' 
warbled by Crosby, showing the most 
commercial possibilities. The others, 
however, are consistent for the pro- 
duction's needs. 

Crosby, of course, is still more or 
less straighting for Hope's inces- 
santly streaming gags. The two have 
never teamed better, nor have they, 
seemingly, romped with such aban- 
don. Miss Lamour is decorative, as 
usual, and perhaps even more so 
garbed in the HoUywqcd interpreta 
tion of Arabian flimsy, Quinn is a 
convincing sheik of the desert, while 
Dona Drake al.'^o acquits herself well 
in the supplementary romance with 
Hope. All the lesser characterizations 
are Grade A. Kahn 



Mrs. Miirln (.aMln. In-bi-l KlHoin 

Fcrnamlo .■^ibilllnR 

Mrs. Deltlnii Aiun.i Il.ubaia llrown 

.luan CaJilin limicLiH I.*»iivlll 

Julln Aruna I'nlhertne t'rait 

Urandmiilher Ai-una Kaihleon Ilnwanl 

I.nulse .Mary Fb :d 

Tnnx- I.atrx I»HrkH 

ItOildy .^Jlnnby Hrnun 

Xavier CuRal iinti MIh (>ii-bi-filrH 



ED KELLY'S SHOBTS 

Edward Kelly, unlil recently as- 
sisiant to Steve Filzgibbon, manager 
of the Fox Movietone studios in New 
York, ha.s been oppointed produc- 
tion and .studio chief of the Caraval 
studios at Hempstead, L. I. 

Carnval. formerly making com- 
mi-rcial pictures, is now making 
shorts of various kinds for Govern 
mental departments. 



A Jerome Kern-Johnny Mercer 
score, Fred Astaire and Rita Hay- 
worth on the dancing and singinT 
end. and Xavier Cugafs crack 
rhumba band for the musical didoes 
are certainly an excellent combina- 
tion of entertainment vitamins. All 
this and a pleasantly comedic .-story 
besides augur well for 'You Were 
Never Lovelier' at the boxofTices 
everywhere. 

This is purely escapist screen fare 
— a song here, a dance, (here and 
Buenos Aires for a background. 
There isn't even a hint of the war, 
and that is some compensation for 
the few slow spots in the .story's un- 
folding. That there can be some 
tightening is obvious in the 98-min- 
ute running time, but the few halt- 
ing moments detract only slightly 
from the picture as a whole. 

Rita Hayworth has never been por- 
trayed lovelier or more talented than 
she is here. It appears almost as 
if cameraman Ted TetzlafT lavished 
most of his attention cn making her 
as attractive as possible. A natural 
beaut, the extra lens care makes her 
a physical standout. She herself 
amply takes care of the rest with a 
nice acting and singing job. plus 
her usually fine hoofology with As- 
taire. 

Nor does Astaire take a back seat 
in any department. The mistaken- 
identity story takes good care of his 
insouciant personality, while the 
Kern-Mercer score and Cugat's mu- 
sic furnish a fine springboard for 
his vocals and extraordinary danc- 
ing. One hoofing bit is in itself a 
gem; that's when Astaire takes off 
on flying feet in the office of Adolphe 
Menjou, playing the role of a grouch 
hotel operator in B.A. The routine, 
including dancing on various pieces 
of furniture, is reminiscent of a 
number Astaire did in 'Gay Di- 
vorcee,' but it well stands repeating. 

The story of 'Lovelier' in itself is 
not entirely original, but Michael 
Fessier, Ernest Pagano and Delmar 
Daves delivered some sparkling dia- 
log in their screenplay. There's an 
abundance of laughs and at least a 
couple of bluish lines that should get 
howls from the more sophisticated 
audiences. 

In a nutshell, the yarn concerns 
the efforts of hotel magnate Menjou 
to get his daughter. Rita Hayworth. 
interested in romance. His eldest 
daughter has already been married 
and imtil the next in line. Miss Hay- 
worth, takes the plunge, his two 
lovesick youngest girls must wait. 
Menjou resorts to sending anony 
mous love letters and orchids to his 
daughter and she tumbles, for the 
anonymous caballero. Astaire. who 
has dropped his bankroll at the lo- 
cal racetrack, is meanwhile trying 
to get a hoofing job at Menjou's ho 
tel. but neither he nor friend Cugat 
can break down the hotel owner's 
animosity. When Astaire, by acci- 
dent, delivers one" of Menjou's love 
notes to Miss Hayworth, she thinks 
he's the unknown romanticist. Men- 
jou can't very well crack, so he 
gives Astaire a job on the promi.se 
that the hoofer will convince the 
girl he's a heel and thus disillusion 
her. Per Hollywood license. Astaire 
almost succeeds in that, but in the 
end gets tKe"gTHs" antf " i.er ■ fmriCT's 
affection as well. 

Kern and Mercer have given the 
film five good songs, with 'You Were 
Never Lovelier' the best of the bal 
lads. 'Shorty George,' which fur- 
nishes Miss Hayworth and Astaire 
a good jive hoofing session, should 
make its mark as a dance band plug. 
'You Were Meant for Me.' 'I'm Old 
Fashioned' and 'Ding Dong Bell' are 
the remaining three Kern-Mercer 
songs and also okay. A sixth num^ 
ber Is 'Chiu Chiu.' by Niranor Moli 
nare. and this server, as a fine band 
specially by CviKat's crew, with 
pretty brunct Linay Romay (un- 
billed) doing the vocal. 

Cugat isn't merely a bandleader 
in this picture, naving also been .ns- 
signed quite a comedy role. He 
acauits him.foU surprisinnly well and 
Hollywood should find frequent use 
for him. both musically and as an 
actor. He has one especial ly funnv 
line when, after a verbal tussle with 
Menjou. he savs. '1 wish I was back 
at the Waldorf.' 

Meniou docs a fine characteriza- 
tion of the ira.scible hotel man. Also 
nlcnt.v okav are Gus Schilling, as 
Mcn.iou's hokoy ^ocrctary: Le.<lie 
Brooks and Adcle Mara, as ihe 
vounpc.st daup.hteis. and Baibarn 
Brown, who wocks romrwhat along 
the lines of Billie - Burke, as Men- 



Miniature Reviews 



'Read to Morocco' (Par) 
(Songs). Hope-Crosby -Lamour 
in a smash boxoffice comedy. 

Ton Were Never Lovelier* 
(Col) (Songs). Plenty okay b o. 
for Astaire - Hayworth starrer 
with Jerome Kern score. 

■Mrs. WIks of the Cabbafc 
Patch' (Par). Well - produced 
remake of American classic. 

'DesUnatlOD Unknown' (U)'. 
Trile dualer with no boxoffice 
value. 

'Talk Abool Jacqueline' (Metro- 
British). Trite, improbable yarn. 

'Eyes of the iJnderworld' (U). 
Very weak programmer. 

'Spirit of SUnford' (Col). Dull 
gridiron comedy-drama. Filler in 
the less important dunl.s. 

'A Yank In Libya' (PRC). Un- 
distinguished meller about a 
Yank correspondent and a N%zi 
plot in Libya. Strictly grinds. 

■In Which We Serve'— (British 
Lion). Noel Coward starred in 
excellent propaganda dealing 
with story of a British destroyer. 

■The Sombrero Kid' (Rep). 
Don 'Red' Barry in a quality 
western that will please all hoss 
opera fans. 



sentimental aspects of the Alice He- 
gan Rice classic, accentuating his 
work on exposition of characters and 
events. Production mounting pro- 
vides excellent background tot the 
tale, with Leo Tovers photography 
top grade. Walt. 

Destination Unknown 

Unlvervul releuH« of Marshall Gram pro- 
duction. Directed by Ray Taylor. Fea- 
urea Edward GarKun, Irene Hervey. .Sntii 
l.eveiie. Turhan Bay. Keyo Uuke. Willie 
Funir. Srr«enplay, l.ynn HlKsa and John 
Heehan. Jr.. adapted from nrlKlnal by Law- 
rence Hazard and John Kafka; cam-Ta. 
John W. Boyle: munic director, H. J. .Sal- 
ter. Previewed In projection room. N. Y.. 
Oct. 1, '4L>. Running time. 63 .MIN«. 

Drlgga Hannon William GnrKan 

Elena Irene Hervey 

Victor Sam I.evi>ne 

Muto Turhan Dry 

Secretary Kcye Luke 

Kiirl itenner Felix Itanch 

Wellinielon Donald Stuart 

Winn Fu Olaf Hyiten 

l.leut. Kawalie Edward rolebroitk 

Kaiiner Willie Kunc 

Col. Suyukawa Ctiai-tea I.unfc 

DanlelB Herbert Heyea 



lou's skittish wife. Isobel Elsom de- 
livers a neat portrayal as a friend of 
the family; ditto Douglas Leavitt as 
her husband. This is the first major 
part in -a fihn for Leavitt (and Lock- 
wood), who was a standard comic in 
the old two-a-day vaude era. 

William A. Seiter turned in a good 
directorial job, as did Liouis F, Edel- 
man on the production end. Perhaps 
the only exception is early in the 
film, when Cugat's band appears to 
be crowded into too small a space 
for its 'Chiu' specialty. Scno. 

Mrs. Wiggs of The 
Cabbage Patch 

Hollywood, Oct. 2. 

Paramount release of Ralph Murphy pro- 
duction, directed by Murphy. Features 
Fay Balnter. Hugh Herbert. Vent Vague, 
Carolyn I.ee. Bcreenplay by Doris Ander- 
son, Wllllnm Slnvena McNutt and Jane 
.Storm, bnsed on novel by Alice Uegan Rice 
and play by Anne Crawford Flemer: cam- 
era, T.ei> Tover; editor, Anne Bauchens. 
Tradenhown In 1,. A. Oct. 1. •J2. Running 
lime, HO MINS. 

Mrs. Elvira Wlgga Pay Balnter 

Europena Wlggs Carolyn Lee 

Mra. Marcus Throckmorton. .Hugh Herbert 

MIsa Tahlltin Hniy Vera Vague 

Dr. Rot>ert Redmond John Archer 

MImi I.iicy Olcott Uarbara Brltton 

Asia WIeps netty Brewer 

Dr. Olcott Mornnl Olsen 

Billy WIggs Carl .Switier 

Australia WIggs Mary Thomas 

Jimmy Wliige Billy Lee 

Mrs. Prescntt Beliv Parrlngton 

Mrs. Oraham Ethel OrlRles 

Mrs. Olcnit Janet Beecher 

Mr. WIggs Harry Shannon 

Postman clem Revnna 

RoKotflce Man John Sheeban 

.lacob Dlezal c>lln Howlln 



Sixty-three minutes of suspense- 
less 'action' — that's 'Destination Un- 
known.' It's a ti-ite yarn of familiar 
genre, and it'll be lucky to survive 
double bills. 

Edward Gargan and Irene Hervey 
are in the lead roles, and the story, 
which concerns itseU with the pre- 
Pearl Harbor intrigues of the Far 
East and some hidden jewels, falls 
to do justice by either performer, 
Gargan is an American flyer fight- 
ing for Chiang Kai-Shek, while Miss 
Hervey is somewhat nebulously in- 
-serted for the romantic implications. 

Dialog, production, story — they're 
all of the quickie type. Kahn. 



Talk About Jacqueline 

(BRITISH-MADE) 

London, Sept. 25. 

Metro release of Excelulor Kllin-.Maicel 
Hellmun prodtirlion, Fcutum Cnrlu ].eh- 
mann, Hugh WIlllaiDs. Directed by riiul 
Stein. Screenplay, Roland Pertwre. Mitr- 
Jorle Deana from novel by Kathrin Hol- 
land; cainern, liernurd and Cyril Knnwles. 
At Empire. London. ItunnInK ibne. M 

MIchnel Thomas Hugh willlnms 

Jacqueline Marlow Carlu l.ehmunn 

June Marlow Joyce Howard 

Leelle Waddlngton Roland Culver 

Donald Clark John Warwick 

Aunt Helen Mary- Jert >ld 

Captain Tony Brook Guy Mlddleton 

Colonel'a Wife Martlta Hunt 

Lionel Max Adrian 



This is the third film version of 
'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch' 
to be turned out by Paramount. It's 
closeness to the fir.st talker setup of 
1934 is seen in retention of script 
credits to the late William Slavens 
McNutt and Jane Storm, with cur- 
rent refurbishing by Doris Ander- 
son. Well made on the production 
side, with Fay Bainter, Hugh Her- 
bert and Vera Vague delivering ex- 
cellently - etched characterizations. 
Sentimental drama with plenty of 
surefire hoke, pictiure will hit mod- 
erately in the keys, but is a natural 
for the audiences in the family and 
back country circuits. 

Developing at a consistently mod 
erate pace, picture again displays the 
experiences of Mrs. Wiggs and her 
brood of five children living in pov 
erty on the other side of the tracks. 
Vera Vague is the neighboring 
spinster who selects a husband from 
the matrimonial catalog and draws 
■mSfSfy "HUgh-Keroert. Carl Switzer 
is the oldest boy who peddles kin 
dling to add a few pennies to the 
family income, while Carolyn Lee 
is the youngest of the flock. Story 
details the dire poverty of the fam- 
ily — the acquisition of a horse: de- 
veloped friendship of the young 
doctor, John Archer, for the family 
the illness and death of Jimmy: in- 
trusion of meddling charity agents 
to take two children for adoption 
outside: and final return of Wiggs, 
who's been away to the Klondike 
seeking gold, to make a happy con 
elusion. In between, there's the ele- 
mental but surefire comedy antics 
and romance of Miss Vague and 
Herbert. Minor romance between 
Archer and Barbara Britton is held 
In minimum footage and means lit 
tie. 

. Miss Bainter is excellent as the 
mother of the Wiggs' grouo, and 
adds stronnth to the classic. Herbert 
and Miss Vague team nobly for zany 
antics throughout. Little Carolvn 
Lee, Betty Brewer. Carl Switzer. 
Marv Thomas and Billy Lee are 
neatly cast as the five youngsters. 
Archer is okav for his limited op- 
portunity, while minor support is 
nrovided bv Miss Britton, Moroni 
Olsen and Olln Howlin. 

Ralph Murphy, in dual post as 
producer-director, kept close to the 



Not likely this will go far, on 
either side of the Atlantic. Improb- 
able story must have lost much in 
transition from book to screen, with 
hackneyed 'should a woman tell?' 
theme that is also reminiscent of 
Michael Arlen's 'Green Hat.' 

Girl with a past, yachting and 
flirting on the Riviera, meets noble, 
femme-shy young research medico 
from the Far East and marries him 
against her better judgment. When 
he runs across scandalous gossip 
associated with her name, wife^s kid 
sister nobly steps in, claiming she 
is the subject of notoriety. Only 
when the youngster's budding ro- 
mance seems jeopardized does the 
elder one confess the duplicity to 
her husband. 

Carla Lehmann doesn't look tem- 
peramental enough to warrant her 
implied promiscuity and, being a 
wealthy girl of good family, no mer- 
cenary motives could serve as ex- 
cuse. The fact that she stages a 
ttimble while horse-back riding to 
attract the attention of the young 
doctor (with whom she has had 
brief encounter on continental train) 
is merely silly, considering he is of 
the same hoiise party and she will 
meet him anyway at breakfast. 

Production is on a generally mere- 
torious scale and little fault is to be 
found with direction. Supporting 
cast, as frequently happens in Brit- 
ish pictures, is equal, if not superior, 
to featured players, Hugh Williams 
having little to do but yearn and 
brood over his unsought romance. 
Roland Culver, as always, gives a 
polished performance as his friend 
who tries to save him from getting 
hurt. Clem. 



Uce who's hiding a prison record 
while on the romantic side athwart 
him is Wendy Barrie, whose per- 
formance as his secretary rates close 
to a new low. Dix fails to give a 
convincing performance as the police 
officer, while Don Porter, mixed into 
the romantic side, shows Utile 
Chaney is Dix's ex-convict pal wh() 
works for the police chief as chauf- 
feur. Kid is Billy Lee. He's played 
down. The veteran Lloyd Corrigan 
is hardly the type to be associated 
with gangsters. 

As occurs frequently, the news- 
paper headlines and the stories run 
on page 1 are ridiculous and in this 
ease they're extreme. Chor. 

The Spirit of Stanford 

(WITH SONGS) 

Columbia releane of Sam While priKlur- 
llon. Featurea Frunkle All>ert. .MitrKuerlie 
Chapman. Shirley Pattenuin. Kuv Horrla 
Robert Stevens. Directed by ("harleii nar- 
ton. .Vreenplny. Howard J. tlreen. Wil- 
liam nrent, .VIck Lucnia: story. William 
Rrent, Nick I.ucnts: cameru. Frnnx F. 
Hlaner. John Stumer- editor, Jnines Swee- 
ney. Reviewed at tlie Pariimounl. Ilrnok- 
lyn. N. r., Oct. I. Running time. 74 MINH. 

Frankle Albert FYankle Albert 

Fay Edwards Marguerite Chapman 

T.lnk Wyman Mntt Willis 

Juno Rogers y«ilrley Patterson 

''*lni> Kay Jlnrrla 

rilff namard llobert flievens 

Don Farrell Lloyd Bridges 

Buzz Coslello Forrest Tucker 

Bu'eh nilly licchner 

Skeats Harold I.inilon 

Mr.H. llliby VoHa Boyer 

Emio .Nevera Emie Neveis 



Dreary, uneventful campus comedy 
drama, with Stanford University's 
ail-American quarterback Frankie 
Albert as light marquee bait, meas- 
ures up strictly as filler material for 
the duals to coincide with the fall 
football season. 

Production is marked by sloppy 
story treatment, unimaginative di- 
rection and astonishing disregard for 
casting requirements. Aside from 
Marguerite Chapman who registers 
photogenically for the most part, un- 
der favorable camera handling, 
there's a noticeable absence of In- 
teresting profiles. 

Action is painfully slow, with ex- 
ception of a couple of football se- 
quences, and dialog becomes so in- 
ane at times that it's embarrassing. 

Albert, playing himself, report- 
edly autobiographlcally. is totally 
Inadequate for picture purposes. 
EUrnie Nevers, another Stanford foot- 
ball great, is also in, but for a short 
bit. 

Story has Albert as a conceited 
college football hero who decides to 
quit and turn professional just as 
Stanford Is up against one of the 
toughest games of the season. When 
he learns that his roommate is seri- 
ously ill, Albert returns to win the 
game for his school. Romantic in- 
terludes with Miss Chapman are sub- 
ordinated to the gridiron theme. 

The Four Vagabonds, singing and 
instrumental quartet from the niter- 
ies. come through nicely with a few 
unbilled melodies. Mori. 



Eyes of the Underworld 

Unlver5Mil release of Uen Plvar produc- 
tion. Stars Rlcluird Dlx: featurea Lon 
Chaney, Wendy Barrie. Don Porter, Lloyd 
Corrlgan, Billy Irfe. Directed by Roy Wil- 
liam Nelll. Story, Maxwell Shane; adapta- 
tion, .Michael L. Simmons un<l Arthur 
Strawn: editor, Frank Grosti: photograjihy. 
George RoblnKon. At RIolto. N. Y., week 
Oct. :i, '42. Running time, 61 .MINH. 

Chief Illchard Uarry Uiihanl DIk 

Uenny l.on Chanoy 

llclly Wendy Unrric 

Ja.son Don Porter 

.Mickey nilly I.ee 

Thomas Lloyd Corrlgan 

'Eyes of the Underworld' is third- 
rate program material, poorly pro- 
duced, tritely written and directed. 

Lon Chaney has dropped the Jr. 
on his name and the public may be 
confused whether or not this is a re- 
issue. U made a picture in 1929 
called 'Eyes of the Underworld.' At 
the Rialto Sunday afternoon (3), 
when this was being caught, inquiries 
were being made as to whether the 
picture was old or new, especially 
since Chaney was billed on the 
marquee without the Jr. appellation. 

Rickety story deals with car and 
tire racketeering, a switch from the 
racketeering angles of 1929, if this 
is a remake in anything aside from 
the title. 

Richard Dix plays a chief of po- 



A YANK IN LIBYA 

Producers Itcletislni: Curi>. n lease of 
George M. Merrick proiluctlon. Features 
Waller Woolf King. H. B. Warner. Juan 
Woodbury. Parkyakurkus. L>unriin Renal- 
do. Directed by Albert Herntan. Original 
story and screenplay. Art4iur St. rinire and 
Sherman Lowe: lainerfi. Kilwaiil Linden; 
edll.ir. L. R. Rrown. At New Vnrk. .N. V.. 
dual. Sept. ;tO, '42. Running time. 61 
.MIN8. 

llerl>ert Forties II. It. Warner 

Mike Mklune V.nlier Wtolf King 

Nancy Brooks Josn WuwMmry 

Benny Rykes rarhy.-ikailius 

Sbelk David Paivan llenaldo 

."helk Ibrahim tleorge I.cwis 

Yussof Ptreyer WIIMnm Vaughn 

I'blllln Graham Howard Hanks 

Hadlthn Aniiiiillii Morris 



'A Yank in Libya' never ap- 
proaches the action and thrills syn- 
onomous with the Libyan warfront. 
It's strictly for the grinds. 

The story is about a Yank war 
correspondent (Walter Woolf King) 
who discovers that the Nazis are 
smuggling guns to the native tribes- 
men. When the local British consul 
(H. B. Warner) doesn't send for (he 
English equivalent of the marines, 
the newshawk goes oft to solve 'uhe 
case on -his -ewit/ - 

Only performer to benefit is Park- 
yakarkus, who plays his comedy 
role to the hilt Frnn. 



IN WHICH WE SERVE 

(BRmSH-MADE) 

London, Sept. 23. 

British Lion relejine of Two t'llii-.- Pro- 
duction. Stars Noel Cowurd; fcatun-s John 
Mllla. Bernard .Miles, Cella Johnson. Di- 
rected by Coward and David l>"iin. Si rlpt. 
spofinl music and protlucllon by Oiwaril; 
camera, Ronald Neanie. At Gaumoni ibo- 
atre. Ixindon. Running time. IIS MIN". 

Captain -D' Noel Cnw.trd 

Shnny niuke John lllil» 

Waller Hardy Hernar.l >fib'' 

All! Kinross Cella Jobnsin 

Mrs. Hardy Jnvco Carey 

Freda I.ewla Ka.v WaMi 

Number One t)er,-k KIpbinMlone 

Flags Michael Wildlni: 

Guns Hiilteii ..ian-^oin 

Tnrps Philip Kri-nil 

Knginecr Commander.... llallard Berk'-l'-v 

Doctor lame.i* Donalil 

Snotty '.<*))itnni>> lliaiiunn 

Mr. Blake c.t-^yff inrniy 

Mrs. niHkc...- Kiithleeii lliiiripon 

Maiiivon l-'enwli-k. . .PenrMip» Duilley Ward 

Pilot Hiihcrt r.irxc 

Sub. Lieut. R.N.V It Kenni-l»i Carlen 

Tuung Stoker Ita 'i.inl Aiiepli-"<'Ui:i> 

No less than half a do7.cn crodils 
for this film go to Noel Coward. 
And they're well earned. All inni- 
(Conlinued on page 25) 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



PICTURE GROSSES 



'Crossroads'-Vaude So-So $38,000 
Tops Chi; 'Neighbor'-Beimy Fields 
Sock 23G, Trnd You 12G for 5th 



Chicago, Oct. 6. 

Slight letdown in theatre patron- 
age this week, but entertainment- 
minded weekend crowds are help- 
ing maintain grosses at above aver- 
age levels. 

Holdovers of important pictures 
are doing nicely. Third week of 
'Wake Island,' second week of 'Gay 
Sisters* and final week of 'Pride of 
Yankees,' are stout. Benny Fields, 
topping vaude, at the Oriental, with 
'Hi Neighbor,' is getting a sock total. 
Estimales for Thb Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 3S-5S-6S- 
75) — 'Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (12th 
wk). Holding up to $8,500. Last 
week, grand $9,800. 

CUeago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— 
•Crossroads' (M-G) with Louise 
. Massey and Westerners on stage. So- 
so $38,000. Last . week, 'Across Pa- 
cific' (WB) plus Eddy Howard orch, 
fine $43,800. 

Garrlck (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-75) 
— Across Pacific' (WB) and 'When 
Busses Roar' (WB). Fair $6,000. 
Last week. 'Holiday Inn' (Par) plus 
'World at War' (U. S.), $6,800. 

OrlenUI (Iroquois) (3.200; 28-33- 

44- 55) — 'Hi Neighbor' (Rep) plus 
Benny Fields and Chicago favorite 
Jimmy Joy. Sock $23,000. Last 
week, 'Man's World' (Col), Shep 
Fields and Dolly Kay, good $20,300. 

Palace (B&K) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) 
—'Pride of Yankees' (HKO) (6th 
wk). Holding up amazingly in final 
week, grand $12,000. Last week, 
sock $13,400. 

Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 
75)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (3d wk). 
Taking in big $Il,0OO. Last week, 
$12,600. 

State-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55- 
65-75) — 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) (5th wk). Bright $12,000. 
Last week, terrific $14,800. 

United Artiste (B&K) (1,700; 35- 

45- 55-75)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (2d 
wk). Doing business at $10,000. 
Opening last week, $14,800. 

Woods (Essaness) (1.200; 33-44-55- 
75) — 'Between Us Girls' (U) and 
'Destination Unknown' (U) (2d wk). 
After great opening week, still 
strong at $6,000. Last week stout 
$9,200. 

DANomooo 

IN HUB SPOTS 



(Col) (2d wk). Good $14,000. Last 
week $16,800. 

Truulax (Translux) (900; 17-28- 
44-55) — 'Bowery at Midnight' 
(Mono) and 'Phantom Killer' 
(Mono). Average $4,500. Last wedc 
'Joan Ozark' (Rep) and 'Foreign 
Agent' (Mono), $5,W)0. 



Boston, Oct. 6. 
'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and "Tales 
of Manhattan' are bellwethering 
Hub films this week. The first is a 
slight disappointment, its fancy 
prices keeping the take down to 
$38,000 in two houses, while the sec- 
ond, double featured at the Me- 
morial, is skipping along to fine $27,- 
500. 'Yankee Doodle' figures to 
switch to the Esquire, which reopens 
Thursday, and hold on as long as 
possible. 

A cold snap and the fact that three 
legit houses are doing a hefty trade 
seemed to offer no particular com- 
petition. A defense demonstration 
Sunday brought a mammoth crowd 
to town, the film spots benefiting 
considerably. 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 44-55-65-75 
85)— 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) with 
Stan Kenton orch, Mary Brian, 
Frank Paris and Three Stooges. The 
Stooges are popular here and the 
film's a sleeper, the take coming to 
fine $29,000. Last week 'Pardon 
Sarong* (U) with Bill Robinson, Ella 
Fitzgerald, Doc Wheeler orch; on 
second week, ft1ftyt22,500. 

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 75-$1.10)— 
Tfankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). Show- 
ing in a well-heeled neighborhood, 
but they won't go for fancy prices, 
and b.o. is slack at $12,000. Last 
week 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Thru 
Different Eyes' (20th), $5,500. 

MemorUI (RKO) (2,000; 44-55-65- 
75)— 'Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 
Highway By Night' (RKO). Sub- 
stantial drawing card doing very 
well at $27,500 and set for another 
*'J'ne. Last week 'Pride Yankees' 
IviS"' 'Flying with Music' 

(20th) (7th wk). $13,000. 
^ M'tropollten (M-P) (4,367; 30-44- 
55-65-75)— 'Wake Island' (Par) and 
A-Haunting We Go' (UA) (2d wk). 
Drooping fast as expected, but not 
oad on second take at $16,500. Last 
week, same bill, smash $29,000. 

Orpheum (Loew) (2,900; 44-65-75) 
— Talk Town' (Col) and 'Atlantic 
Convoy' (Col) (2d wk). Pleasing 
enough at $18,000. Last week $21,000. 

Faramonnt (M-P) (1,800; 75-$1.10) 
wJi*2^®.^ Doodle Dandy' (WB). 
well-ballyed and advertised and 
Vf. \ '^"'^ spot at $26,000. No 
i,;^:. Last week 'Holiday 

(Mfu'v^V;^^"^ 'Thru Different Eyes' 
(20th), $12,500. 

Tifu**'* r^^oew ) (44-85-75) — 'Talk 
Town (Col) and 'Atlantic Convoy' 



'DandyV^l Top Too High 
For Cincy, So $12,000 
Is Under Expectations 



Cincinnati, Oct. 6. 

For the second consecutive week 
there is a climb of several notches 
in the main line's general b.o. 

'Iceland,* at the Albee, and 'Wake 
Island,' in the Palace, are in a photo 
for top coin. Close behind is Yan- 
kee Doodle Dandy,' at the Shubert 
for a fortnight's stay at upped scale, 
yet returns are under expectations, 
the burghers shying on the advanced 
prices. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 
'Iceland' (20th). Good $13,000. Same 
last week for 'Desperate Journey* 
(WB). 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000: 40-44-50-60) 
—'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d 
wk). Perking swell at $8,000, fol- 
lowing last week's (1st) dandy 
$13,000. 

Family (RKO) (1.000: 17-28)— 
Little Tokyo' (20th) and 'Mexican 
Spitfire Ghost' (RKO), split with 
'Riders of West (Mono) and 'Baby 
Face Morgan' (PRC). Steady $2,100. 
Ditto last week for 'Sweetheart of 
Fleet' ((Tol) and 'Thundering Hoofs* 
(RKO), divided with 'PoUce Bul- 
lets' (Mono) and 'Regular Fellows' 
(PRC). 

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)— 
'Desperate Journey' (WB). Move- 
over from Albee for second week. 
Okay $5,000. Last week 'Somewhere 
Find You' (M-G) (2d run), big 
$7,500. 

Keith's (Libson) (1.500; 33-40-50)— 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G). Transferred 
from Palace for second stanza. Sat- 
isfactory $4,500. Last week "Tomb' 
stone' (Par), fair $4,000. 

Lyric (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 
'Somewhere Find You* (M-G). Sec- 
ond transfer for third week. Pleas 
ing $4,500. Last week 'Holiday Inn' 
(Par) (4th wk), fair $3,000. 

PaUce (RKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 
'Wake Island' (Par). Hefty $13,000. 
Same last week on 'Panama Hattie' 
(M-G). 

Sbobert (RKO) (2,100; 25-40-75- 
$1.10) — 'Yankee Doodle Dandy" 
(WB). In for a fortnight at ad- 
vanced prices. Under expectations 
at $12,0(10. Natives don't like high 
scale. Last week 'Pride of Yankees' 
(RKO) (4th wk), at 33-40-50c scale, 
dull $3,500. Pic fetched sweet $32, 
000 for the engagement. 

'WAKE ISLAND' SOCK 
$10,000 IN INDPLS. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 6. 

Grosses are spotty, some up and 
some down, with business running 
strongly on weekends. Dick Jurgens 
band at the Circle is a cinch to take 
top money. 'Wake Island' is leading 
the straight film competition. 
Estimates for Tbis Week 

Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600; 33-44- 
55) — 'Mexican Spitfire's Elephant' 
1KK07 with Dick Jurgensi- band 
Another newcomer here, Jurgens* 
energetic jive is pacing for $16,000, 
matching Ihe good take of 'Just Off 
Broadway' (20th) with Woody Her- 
man band last week. 

Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.200; 28- 
33-44) — 'Wake Island' (Par) and 
'Live on Danger' (Par). War thriller 
is big reason for sock $10,000 draw. 
Back at regular scale, house is do- 
ing almost as well as last week, 
when Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) 
got $10,500 at 75-$1.10. 

Keith's (Ind) (1,200: 28-44)— 'Not 
Ladies Man' (Col) with vaude. Do- 
ing average $4,000 in four days. 
'Powder Town' (RKO) plus vaude 
gathered swell $4,400 last week. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 28-33-44) 
— 'Tish' (M-G) plus 'Sabotage Squad' 
(Col). Old folks are taking mild 
$8,600 worth of sentimental comedy. 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Miss 
Annie Rooney' (Rap) breezed to 
smash $11,500 last week in spite of 
cool press reception. 

Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,850: 28-33- 
44) — 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 
'Pierre of Plains' (M-G). Sleeper 
success at Circle two weeks ago still 
good for $3,700 on comeback here. 
Last week, 'Tales of Manhattan' 
»(20th) clicked for $4,500 at 40-55 
scale. 



First Rons on Broadway 

(iSubject to change) 

Week of Col. 8 

Asior — 'Pride of the Yankees' 
(RKO) (13th week). 
(Reviewed <n 'Variety' July IS) 

Capitol — 'Panama Hattie' 
(M-G) (2d week). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' July 22) 

CrIlcrloD— 'Wings and the Wo- 
man* (RKO) (7). 

(Reviewed In 'Variety' May 13) 

Globe— 'Manila Calling' (20th) 
(3d week). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 16) 

Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy* (WB) (20th week). 

(Reviewed In 'Variety' June 3) 

Music Hall— "Tales of Manhat- 
tan* (2Qth) (3d week). 

(Reviewed In 'Variety' Aug. 3) 

Faramonnt — 'The Major and 
the Minor' (Par) (4th week). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 2) 

Rialto— 'Boogie Man Will Get 
You' (Col) (10). 

Rivoll — 'Wake Island' (Par) 
(6th week). ^ 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' June 3) 

Boxy— 'Girl Trouble' (20th) (7). 
(Reviewed In 'Variety' Sept. 23) 

Strand — 'Desperate Journey' 
(WB) (3d week). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) 
Week of Oct. 15 

Astor — 'Pride of the Yankees' 
(RKO) (14th week). 

Capitol — 'A Yank at Eton' 
(M-G). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) 

Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy' (WB) (21st week). 

Mnslc Hall — 'Tales of Manhat- 
tan' (20lh) (4th week). 

Paramount — The Major and 
the Minor* (Par) (5th week). 

<lvoli — 'Wake Island' (Par) 
(7th week). 

Boxy- -Iceland' (20th) (14). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) 

Strand- 'You Can't Escape For- 
ever* (WB) (16). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 28) 



TiPER'-SPIVAK 
OK $20,000 
IN BUFF. 



Series Mobs Skyrocket N. Y. Biz; 
Tales' 2d Great $102,000, lives' H.O. 
Fme 43G, 'Somewhere'-Vaude, 30G 



Bufialo, Oct 0. 
"Pled Piper,' coupled with CharUe 
Spivak's orch, is registering a box- 
oflice wdllop here at the Buffalo. 
Rest of the major houses have h.o.'s, 
but okay biz. 

Estimates (or Hila Week '■ 
Buffalo (Shea) (3,500; 35-55)— 
'Pied Piper' (20th) and Charlie Spi- 
vak orch. Heading for excellent 
$20,000. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' 
(M-G) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G), 
good $15,400. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) 
— "Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d 
wk). Holding strong for probable 
$10,000. Last week, excellent $18,400. 
- Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 35-55)— 'Pana- 
ma Hattie' (M-G) and 'Pierre of 
Plains* (M-G) (2d wk). Looks like 
good $7,500. Last week, 'Footlight 
Serenade' (20th) (2d wk), only fair 
$6,500. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 35-50) 
—'Pardon My Sarong' (U) (2d wk) 
and 'Mystery of Marie Roget' (U). 
Second week still whirling the wick- 
ets for fine $12,000. Last week, 
splendid $18,500. 

20th Century (Ind.) (3,000; 35-55)— 
'Big Street' (RKO) and 'Friendly 
Enemies' (UA). Fine start indicates 
$11,000. Last week. 'Bambi' (RKO) 
and 'Joan of Ozark' (Rep) (2d wk), 
sturdy $8,500. 



TALES' SOCKTOOOO, 
MONT'L; W 8G, RO 



Montreal, Oct. 6. 
'Tales of Manhattan' is the bell- 
ringer this week with handsome 
$10,000 in sight. 'Holiday Inn.' in 
its second stanza, is also going great. 
Capitol dualer is stout with 'Across 
the Pacific' while Orpheum is click- 
ing on 'Moon and Sixpence.' hold- 
over. 

Estimates for This Week 
Palace (CT) (2.700: 30-45-62)— 
'Tales Manhattan' (20th). Pacmg 
fine $10,000. and topping town. Last 
week 'Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d wk), 
$6,000. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Blondie's 
Event' (Col). Another click, hit- 
ting high S7,500. Last week 'Yank at 
Eton' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' 
(M-G), $5,500 on h.o. 

Loew's (CT) (2,800: 35-53-67)— 
'Holiday Inn' (Par) (2d wk). Socko 
$8,000 after smash $10,500 last week. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-52) — 
'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) and 
'Postman Didn't Ring' (20th). Sight- 
ing good $4,000. Last week 'Bic 



World Series crowds, in New York 
to see the games and have fun, 
jammed the theatres on the week- 
end. In some cases, also, the busi- 
ness on Monday (5) was extremely 
good, notably at the stageshow 
houses. 

All the holdovers show uncom- 
monly good strength, while the lone 
newcomer of importance, 'Panama 
Hattie,' should get the Capitol a rea- 
sonably substantial $30,000 and will 
be retained a second week. 

An indication of what the series 
mobs meant to the holdies is pointed 
up strongly by the $102,000 the Music 
Hall will do on the current (2d) 
stanza of 'Tales of Manhattan* and 
the sustained potency of bills in sev- 
eral other houses. Paramount, on its 
third week with 'Major and Minor,' 
■Tony Pastor band, Andrews Sisters, 
others, concluded last night (Tues- 
day), hit a sock $61,000, only $6,000 
behind the prior round. 

Likewise the Strand is holding to 
an exceptionally fast pace, with 
'Desperate Journey' a smash $47,- 
000 for the second week winding up 
tomorrow night (Thursday). Strand 
and Par both holdover. 

Roxy went to a good $43,000 with 
'Orchestra Wives' on its holdover, 
ending last night (Tuesday), for a 
highly profitable two-week run. The 
house ushers in 'Girl Trouble' today 
(Wednesday). It's slated for only 
seven days, with 'Iceland' dated to 
follow. 

The second-run State is in the 
homestretch, burning up the track 
with Lana Turner-Clark Gable's 
'Somewhere I'll Find You' and a 
stage bill including Joe E. Lewis and 
Bonnie Baker. Indications point to 
a fancy $30,000 or close. 

Unusual is the way ^Manila Call- 
ing,' secondary first-ruii, is perform- 
ing at the Globe. Starting out indif- 
ferently. It built on its initial week 
to $12,000, upsetting early calcula- 
tions of the management, and cur- 
rent second lap will not be far be- 
hind at staunch $10,000. Thus, it will 
be held another inning. 

'Wake Island,' with a big weekend 
under its belt, mounted to $26,000 on 
the fifth semester at the Rivoll con- 
cluded last night (Tuesday). It 
holds. 

Astor, housing 'Pride of the Yan- 
kees,' which also got a nice lift from 
the visiting baseball fans, is slated 
to receive 'For Me and My Gal' on 
Oct 21. 

Estimates for This Week 

Astor (Loew's) (1,140; S5-65-$1.10) 
—'Pride of Yankees' (RKO-Gold- 
wyn> (12th wk). About $15,500 seen 
for this week (12th), which com- 
pares very favorably with last 
stanza's $16,500, added pull coming 
from series crowds. 'For Me and My 
Gal' (M-G) is scheduled to open 
here Oct. 21. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 35-55-85- 
$1.10-$1.25)— 'Panama Hattie' (M-G). 
Doing very well at $30,000 and holds 
over. Last week, 'Between Us Girls' 
(U), fioundered, under $15,000. 

Criterion (Loew's) (1,062; 35-44- 
55-75-85)— 'Wings and the Woman' 
(RKO) opens here today (Wednes- 
day), succeeding 'Pardon My Sarong' 
(U) which got stout $11,000 on its 
final (6th) round and $15,000 on the 
fifth. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,250; 35-55-75-85) 
—'Manila Calling' (20th) (2d wk). 
Hitting forcefully, looking $10,000 
this week on the holdover, while the 
first built far beyond expectations to 
nudge $12,000. Remains a third 
stanza. 

Hollywood (WB) (1.225: 83-$1.10- 
$1.65-$2.20) — 'Dandy' (WB) (19th 
wk). Near to departure, but still 
showing .suitable profit; last week 
(18th) rounded out to $10,500, fair. 
Leaves Oct. 18, with 'Now. Voyager' 
(WB) to open Oct. 22 at pop prices 
under a continuous run policy lo be 
established here. 

Palace (RKO) (1.700; 28-35-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) 
(2d run) and 'Falcons Brother' 
(RKO) (1st run), dualed. This 
twain will get about $8,300. mild. 
Last week. 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (2d 
run) and 'Bu.sses Roar' (WB) (1st 
run) $9,300. oke. 

Paramount (Par) (3.664; 35-55-85- 
99-$l. 10)— 'Major and Minor' (Par) 
and. on stage, Tony Pastor band, 
Andrews Sisters (4th wk). Plenty 
of dynamite left in this show, with 
the third week through last night 
(Tuesday) piling in hefty $61,000 as 
against prior (2d) week's take of 
$67,000. Picture goes a fifth .stanza, 
with Gene Krupa supplanting Pas- 
tor and the Andrew.s trio. 

Radio City Music Hall (Rocke- 
fellers) (5.945; 44-55-85-99-11.65)— 
'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) and 
stageshow (2d wk). Hammering 



hard at the boxoffice. this week (2d) 
appearing $102,000, smasho, and only 
a little behind the initial seven 
days* grab of $107,000. Does a third 
stretch. 

BUIto (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 
'Eyes of Underworld' (U). Though 
panned, title is apparently account* 
ing for an okay $7,700 or thereabouts. 
Last week, 'Counter Espionage* 
(Col), ^6,200, mildish. 

Blvoli (UA) (2,092; 35-55-75-85-99) 
—'Wake Island' (Par) (6th wk). 
Sustained gait brought nice profit at 
$26,000 for the fifth canto ended last 
night (Tuesday). The fourth was 
over $28,000. Remains on. 'Moon 
and Sixpence' (UA) set to follow. 

Boxy (20th) (5.886: 40-55-65-75-85- 
99)— 'Girl Trouble' (20th) and new 
stageshow open here today (Wednes- 
day) after two fine money-making 
weeks with 'Orchestra Wives' (20th), 
se:ond being $43,000, first $55,000. 

State (Loew's) (3.450: 39-44-55-75- 
99-$1.10)— 'Somewhere 1 11 Find You* 
(M-G) (2d run) and Joe E. Lewis, 
Bonnie Baker, others, on vaude 
show. A lot of action at the wicket 
here, with big $30,000. or close, 
sighted. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' 
(Par) and Carmen Amaya, Peggy 
Fears, Jack Durant, under $25,000, 
but satisfactory. 

Strand (WB) (2,756: 35-55-75-85- 
99-$1.10) — 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
and Heidt-Carle (2d wk). Remark- 
able holdover stamina being exhib- 
ited here, thanks to the film, current 
(2d) round looking $47,000. On the 
first seven days gross skyrocketed to 
$52,000. Holds third week. 



'BAMBI' HUGE 
20GIND.C 



Street' (20th) and 'Date with Falcon' 
(RKO). $3,500. 

Orpheum (Ind) (1.100: 30-40-60)— 
'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) (2d wk). 
One of the major attractions to play 
here, only theatre's size keeping 
down gross. Fine $4,000 after socko 
$4,500 last week. 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

Walt Disney's 'Bambi' is surprising 
this week by leaping out front from 
the opening wicket. Usually Disney 
draws big matinee trade, but this 
one is getting the grown-ups at 
night. Keith's calls it Santa Claus in 
October. 'Wake Island,* at the Earle, 
Is attracting the males, and 'Orches- 
tra Wives* at the Capitol is getting 
{he hip swingers. 

Estimates for This Week 

Capllol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44-66) 
-'Orchestra Wives' (20th) with 
vaudeville headed by Jim Barton. 
So-so $20,000. Last week 'War Vs. 
Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) and vaudeville, 
$24,500. 

Columbia (Loew) (1,234; 28-44)— 
'Somewhere I'll Find You' (M-G). 
Neat $6,500 in sight. Last week 
'Footlight Serenade' (20th), $6,000. 

Earle (WB) (2,210; 28-39-44-66) — 
'Wake Island' (Par) with vaudeville. 
Stout $20,500. Last week 'Yankee 
Doodle' (WB) (3d wk), $1.10 top, 
$10,100. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,800; 40-50-65)— 
'Bambi' (RKO). This one is a pleas- 
ant surprise, stupendous $20,000. 
Last week 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) 
(3d wk), trim $8,500. 

MctropolltoD (WB) (1,600: 28-44)— 
'A-Haunting WiU Go' (20th). Trim 
$7,500. Last week 'Moscow Strikes 
Back' (Rep) and Tombstone' (Par), 
$7,400. 

Palace (Loew) (2.242; 28-55)— 
'Holiday Inn' (Par). Will get sizzling 
$16,000 in second week. Last week 
walloping $22,500. 



Too^ht,' $15,000, 
Brilnant in Jersey C. 



Jersey City. Oct. 6. 

The Stanley is getting a terrific 
play with 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' 
the George M. Cohan biog heading 
for wham $30,000. It is in for a lim- 
ited engagement of one week. 'Foot- 
light Serenade,' at State, is also 
keeping the wickets humming. 
Estimates (or This Week 

Loew's (Loew's) (3.205: 30-35-40- 
55-60)— 'Miss Annie Rooney' (UA) 
and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA). Not 
expected to top blah $10,000. Last 
week. 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) 
and 'Sunday Punch' (M-G) (2d wk), 
trim $10,000. 

Stanley (WB) (4.500: 75-$1.10)— 
■Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). Get- 
ting a great play and figures for 
monumental $30,000. Last week (30- 
35-40-55-60), "Pardon Sarong' (U) 
and 'Busses Roar" (WBi. big $19,000. 

State (Skouras) (2.200: 30-35-55- 
60-70)— "Footlight Serenade" (20th) 
and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). 
Adding up to very bright $15,000 
and may hold. Last week, "Lady in 
a Jam' (U) and "Invisible Agent* 
(U), .satisfactory $12,000. 



10 



PICTURE GROSSES 



W^ftn^sday^ October 7, 1942 



Tunepix Dominate Philly; Inn' Nifty 
mM We Looks for Bright 21G 



Philadelphia, Oct. 6. 

Musicals hold the limelight in 
Philly this sesh and the tune-pix 
are getting the lion's share of the 
shekels that are pouring into Philly's 
bright lights belt. 

"Holiday Inn,' at the Stanley, and 
•Panama Hatlie,' at the Fox, are the 
top-grossers. Also in the heavy 
inonev class i.s the vaudfllm combo 
of 'A-Haunting We Will Go' and Al- 
vino Key's band. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aldine (WB) (1,303: 35-46-57-68- 
75)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (4th wk). 
Okay S7.000 for this scsh. Last week 
good $8,000. 'Pied Piper' (20th) bows 
in tomorrow iWcd). 

Arcadia iSablosky) (600; 35-46-57- 
68) — 'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) 
(2d run ). Poor S2.40D. Last week 
'Crossroads' (M-G). pallid $2,400 for 
second week of second run. 

Bovd (WB) (2.569: 35-46-57-68-75) 

— Talk of Town' iCol) (2d wk). Sat- 
isfactory $12,500 for holdover sesh. 
Initialer ok.-iy $19,000. dIus $2,500 for 
bonus lihowing at Earle last Sunday. 

Earle (WB) (2.768: 35-46-57-68-75) 

— A-Haunting We Go' (20th) with 
Alvino Rey orch. Jitterbugs sending 
bo. up to nice $25,500. Last week 
'Apache Trail' (M-G) plus Ink Spots 
and Luckv Millinder, fine $30,000. 

Fox (WBp (2,425: 35-46-57-68-75) 
—'Panama Hatlie' (M-G). Grabbing 
off next-lo-top coin with bright $21,- 
000. Last week 'Orchestra Wives' 
(20th), nailed okay $12,500 for hold- 
over chucker. 

KarUon (WB) (1,066: 35-46-.'>7-68) 
—'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d 
run) (2d wk). Fifth week down- 
town, but still fruitful $5,800. Ini- 
tial week of second run try good 
for $7,000. 

Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68) 
—•Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (2d run) (3d 
wk). Very fine $5,200 for tenth week 
in midtown. Last week great $6,000 
for second week of second run. 

Mastbaum (WB) (4,692; 46-S7-75) 

— Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (2d 
wk). Nice $18,000, after good $2'7,500 
for opener. Will hold for third 
round. 

Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-57-68- 
75)— 'Holiday Inn' (Par). Grabbing 
off the duke in the b.o. stakes with 
neat $22,500, in addition to cushy $3,- 
200 for extra showing at Earle Sun- 
day. Last week 'Eagle Squadron' 
(U), bowed out after its second week 
with pale $10,000. 

SUnton (WB) (1.457; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Invisible Agent' (U) (2d wk). Lots 
of customers for war thriller with 
$7,500 for second sesh. Bow-in got 
$9,500, bright for this small-seater. 



/WAKE' GREAT {12,000 
IN STURDY LOUISVILLE 



Louisville, Oct. 6, 

Plenty ot high-powered product 
In town and all are doing fine busi- 
ness. 'Wake Island,' well exploited 
and timely, is the top grosser, but 
all the -others will be well up there 
when the returns are all in. 'Pride 
ot Yankees,' solo at Strand, is prov- 
ing to be an unusually opportune 
booking during the World Series and 
is cleaning up at slightly upped 
prices. 'Across the Pacific,' at Mary 
Anderson, is keeping up with the 
rest of the field. 

Estimates for This Week 

Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) 
(1,400: 15-30-40)— 'Tales of Manhat- 
tan' (20th). Moveover from Rialto 
after bumper week at that house. 
Probably excellent $3,000. Last 
week. 'Panama Hatlie' (M-G) and 
•Calling Dr. Gillespie' (M-G) (2nd 
wk), good $2,500 on moveover from 
Locw's Stale. 

Kentucky (Swilow) (1.250? 15-25) 
—'-Mis. Miniver' (M-G). Return en- 
gagement, but patrons not overly 
numerous. Looks like they expect 
double features at this hou.se. Aim- 
ing at fair $1,800. Last week, 'Blue 
Horizon' (Par) and 'Magnificent 
Dope' (20th), medium $1,700. 

Loew'9 State (Loew's (3.300; 15- 
30-40)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-GJ and 
•Atlantic Convoy' (Col). Catching 
sound $9,000, but under expectations 
Last week, 'Tish* (M-G) and 'Sabo- 
tage Squad' (Col), average $8,500. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 
15-30-40)— 'Across the Pacific' (WB). 
Single bill getting reasonable share 
of the generous biz around this 
week. Pointing to solid $4,500. Last 
week. 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3d wk), 
wound up engagement with husky 
$3,000. 

Rialto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 
30-40) — -Wake Island' (Par) and 
•Blondie Victory' (Col). Pic has had 
tremendous exploitation and final 
tally should be one of the best of 
the current season, probably $12,000. 
Last week, 'Tales Manhattan' (20th), 
sturdy $10,000. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400- 
18-40-60) — -Pride of Yankees' 
(RKO). Prices upped slightly and 
patrons giving this one plenty of 
support. Eveiything pointing to 
sock $9,000. Last week 'Always in 
Heart' (WB) and 'Berlin Correspond- 
ent' (20th), medium $3,000. 



W Loud $12,100 In 
Port.; 'Gay Sis' $10,700 

Portland. Ore., Oct. 8. 

'Sergeant York" returned at popu- 
lar prices and is doing fairly well 
teamed with 'Spirit of Stanford' at 
the Ma.vfair. "Talk ot the Town.' at 
the big Paramount, is pacing Die city 
with a sock total. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadwav (Parker) (1,900 ; 75- 
$1.10)— 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) 
(2d wk). .Racking up strong $10,000. 
First week, giuanlic S17.500. 

Mayfalr (Parker-Evergreen) (1,500: 
40-50-65)— Sgt. York' (WB) and 
'Spirit of Sl:nifoi-d' (Col). Nice $6,- 
500. Last week, 'Are Husbands 
Nece.'ifaiy' (Par) with Major Bowes 
Girl unit on stage. $9,000. 

Orpheum (Hamrick-Evergrecn) 
(1,800: 40-50-65)— -Gay Sisters' (WB) 
and 'Enemy Agents' (Col). Stout 
$10,700. Last week. "Holiday Inn' 
(Par) and "Spy Ship' (WB) clo.sed 
five days of third stanza for $5,400. 

Paramount (H-E) (3.000; 40-50-65) 
— "Talk of Town" (Col) and "Love 
Edgar A. Poe' (20th). Sock $12,100. 
Last week, 'Magnificent Ambersons' 
(RKO) and 'Berlin Correspondent' 
(20th), okay $8,400. 

United Artists (Parker) (900; 40- 
50-65) — 'Crossroads' (M-G) and 
'Friendly Enemies' (UA) (2d wk). 
Good $5,000. First week, $7,000. 

Kaye Ordi-'Key' 
Great $36,000 
In Healthy Del 



Detroit, Oct. 6. 
Even with six houses now operat- 
ing in the loop here, holdovers con- 
tinue to back up product under the 
generally strong patronage In this 
boom center. Only two of the six 
theatres have new entries this week. 

Michigan will go out in front with 
strong biz on 'The Glass Key,' cou- 
pled with Sammy Kaye's orch. Only 
other new product is at the small 
Adams, with 'Invisible Agent' end 
'Daring Young Man.' 

Estimates tor This Week 
Adams (Balaban) (1,700: 50-65)— 
'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'Daring 
Young Man' (Col). Nice $8,000. Last 
week 'Pied Piper' (20th) (4th wk) 
and 'Lucky Legs' (Col) (2d wk), 
okay $6,500. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 55-75) 
—'Pride Yankees' (RKO) (2d wk) 
and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th) (1st 
wk). New coupling with top pic- 
ture should bring choice $26,000. 
Last week with 'Give Out, Sisters' 
(U), smash $37,000. 

Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 
50-65) — 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 
'Road Happiness' (Mono) (2d wk). 
Bill, which got three big weeks at 
Michigan, is set for fin? $7,500, after 
neat $10,000 last week. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
50-65)— 'Glass Key' (Par) and 
Sammy Kaye orch. Big $36,000. 
Last week "Juke Girl' (WB) and 
"World at War,' fair $15,000. 

Palms-State (United Detroit) (3,- 
000; 50-65)— "Wake Island' (Par) and 
'Twin Beds' (UA) (2d wk). Having 
bowed in as first-run house, theatre 
is doing great biz: $17,000 sighted, 
after $24,000 in first stanza. 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(2,000; 50-65)— "Married Angel' (M- 
G) and 'Cardboard Lover' (M-G) 
(2d wk). Strong $10,000, following 
nifty $14,000 in first week. 



Roar' (WB), Despite recent In- 
creased price scale, this second-run 
house isn't realizing proportionate 
b.o. gain. Not much better than 
mild $2,700 in sight, 'Inn' having 
been milked during its flve-week 
stay at the Paramount. Last week 
'Tarzan Adventure' (M-G) and 
'Jackass Mail' (M-G), poor $2,100. 

Paramonnt (Adams-Par) (2,000; 
35-45-55-60-75)— 'Major and Minor' 
(Par) (2d wk) and 'Moscow Strikes 
Back' (Rep) (Ist wk). In sec- 
ond time aroupd, 'Major' buttressed 
by Russian pic, looking for heavy 
$17,500. Last week great $18,600. 

Proelor'B (RKO) (3,400:35-44-60- 
70-85)— 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) 
and 'Just Off Broadway' (20lh) (2d 
wk). Leaning toward tat $18,000 
second time out, two nights of vaude 
helping. Last week terrific $24,800, 
grosses swelled by vaude Monday 
and Tuesday nights. 

Slate (Loew's) (2.G00: 30-40-55-65- 
75) — Miss Annie Rooney' (UA) and 
'Friendly Enemies' (UA). Dull $13,- 
000. Last week Somewhere Find 
You' . .(MtG). .and .'Brookljm.-iJrchid^ 
(UA) (2d wk), smash $15,800. 

'Iceland' Nice $15,500 
Pacing Oke St. Louis; 
'Yank at Eton' 13G, 2d 

St. Louis, Oct. 6. 

Mobs in for the world series games 
the middle of last week gave the St. 
Louis a swell play and theatres en- 
joyed the best week in many moons. 
And biz currently Is a bit above 
average with midsummer heat pre- 
vailing at getaway. 

Estimates for This Week 

Loew'a (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)- 
"Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Affairs 
Martha' (M-G) (2d w-k). This is the 
13th holdover at this house since 
Jan. 1. Should tack on another $13,- 
000 to the swell $17,500 first stanza. 

Anbaasador (F&M) (3,000; 30-40- 
60)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'World 
at War' (U.S.). Not more than $12,- 
500 average. Last week 'Yankee 
Doodle Dandy' (WB) and shorts, 
$16,600, tUted scale ($1.10 top) not 
being any help. 

Fm (F&M) (6,000; 30-40-50)- 'Ice- 
land' (20th) and 'Girl Trouble' 
(20th). Weekend biz will boosf gross 
to fl5^ to top the town. Last 
week 'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 
'Secret Enemies' (WB). $16,000. 

MIsseurl (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50)— 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'In- 
visible Agent' (U). Moveover from 
the Fox won't garner more than $6,- 
600, but above average. Last week 
'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Holi- 
day Inn' (Par), also m.o., surprise at 
swell $8 300. 

SI. £«'dIs'(F&M) (4,000; 40-50-60) 
—'Pride Yankees' (RKO) and 'Spit- 
fire's Elephant' (RKO) (2d wk). Ex- 
pected to add $10,000 to the $14,000 
grabbed for first week. Both far 
above average. 



Dandy' Strong $30,000 in Pitt, 
Hlfives' Above Average at $9,500 



-44- 



'JOURNEY' DUAL BIG 
$6,000 IN OMAHA 



Omaha, Oct. 6. 
'Desperate Journey' and 'Lucky 
Legs,' at the Brandeis, are getting 
a nne figure. Bob Crosby's band at 
the Orpheum plus 'A Gentleman 
After Dark,' also heading for nice 
take. 

Estimates for This Week 
Brandeis (Mort SingerT (1,500; 11- 
30-44-50)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
and 'Lucky Legs' (Col). Very big 
$6ln)0. Last week, 'Big Street' 
(RKO) and 'Spilfire's Elephant' 
(RKO), weak $3,500. 

Orpheum (Tristates) (3,000; 20-40- 
55-65)— Gentleman After Dark' 
(UA) and Bob Crosby band. Strong 
$17,000. Last week. 'Mr. V (UA) 
and 'A-Haunting We Go' (20th), light 
$7,800. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2.000; 11-30-35- 
50)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (2d- wk) 
with 'Men of Texas' (U) (1st wk). 
Nice'$7,300. Last week, with 'One 
Born Every Minute' (U), smash $12,- 
300. one of biggest weeks in the- 
atre's history. 

Town (Goldberg) (1,400; 11-20-30) 
—'Boot Hill Bandits' (Mono), 'Pan- 
ther's Claw' (Indie), and 'Mad 
Monster' (Indie), triple, split with 
'Robbers ot Range' (RKO), 'Sleepy 
Time Gal' (Rep), and 'Lone Star 
Law Man' (Mono), and 'Gentlemen 
from We.it Point' (20th), and 'Marie 
Roget' (U), good $1,300, with stage 
.show Saturday ancl Sunday helping. 
Last week, 'Sons of Pioneers' (Rep), 
'Joan of Ozark' (Rep), and 'Mayor 
ot 44th St.' (RKO). triple, split with 
'Double Trouble' (Mono), 'Mercy Is- 
land' (Rep), end 'Skyline Serenade' 
(U). and 'Boss of Hangtown Mesa' 
(U) (first-run), 'Magnificent Dope' 
(20th), and 'Secret Agent of Japan' 
(20th), fair $1,000. 



rWAKEIS.'17G 
UEADS DENVER 



'Major' 2d Plus Russe Pic 
Big $17,500 in Newark 

Newark. Oct. 6. 

Couple of potent hold-overs, 'Ma- 
jor and Minor." at the Paramount, 
and 'Footlight Serenade,' at Proc- 
tor's, are in the b.o. van this week. 
New films are mostly dull and carry- 
ing little weight. 

Estimates for This Week 

Adams (Adams-Par) (1,950; 25-40- 
65-75-99)— 'This Time for Keeps' 
(M-G) and. on stage, Billy Rose's 
Diamond Horseshoe revue, 'Mrs. As- 
tor's Pet Horse.' Brilliant $20,000, 
with the stage unit carrying all the 
weight. Last week "Marie Roget' 
(U), plus Martha Raye and Sam 
Donahue orch, good $17,000. 

Branford (WB) (2.800; 30-44-55-60- 
75)— 'Between Us Girls' (U) and 
"Men of Texa.s' (U). Spotty dual 
doesn't figure for much belter than 
mediocre $13,500. Last week 'Across 
Pacific' (WB) and 'Give Out, Sis- 
ters' (U) (2d wk), held up well with 
$13,000. 

Capitol (WB) (1,200: 20-30-35-44- 
55) — 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and "Busses' 



tales; 'BIG st; each 

GOOD $12,000 IN PROV. 



Providence. Oct. 8. 
The World Series was played else- 
where, but its effects were felt here- 
abouts when matinee fell off during 
airing ot the game. A civilian de- 
fense parade Sunday (4) didn't help 
either, but biz is still so much bet- 
ter than average that no one is kick- 
ing. 

All even in honors for high spot 
of the week are 'Tales of Manhattan ' 
at Majestic, 'The Big Street.' at RKO 
Albee, and 'A Yank at Eton.' at 
Loew's State, which is enjoying an 
additional week's run. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2.300; 30-40-50)— 
Big Street' (RKO) and 'Sherlock 
Holmes Terror' (U). Paced for 
strong $12,000. Last week 'Bambi' 
(RKO) and 'Highways by Night' 
(RKO) (2d wk). nifty $8,000. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400: 30-40- 
50)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Care- 
ful, Soft Shoulders' (20th) (2d run). 
Good $3,500. Last week 'Footlight 
Serenade' (20th) and 'Loves of Poe' 
.(20th) (2d run), nice $3,500 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 29-39-50)— 
'Raid by Night' (20th) and vaude. 
Falling off slightly to fair $6,000. 
Last week 'A-Haunting We Go' 
(20lh) and vaude, good $6,500 

Majestio (Fay) (2,200; 30-40-50)— 
'Tales Manhattan' (20th). Though 
weekend slightly off, everything else 
to keep spot happy; nifty 
$12,000 m sight. Last week 'Gay 
Sisters' (WB) and 'Careful, Soft 
Shoulders' (20th), ditto. 

MetropollUn (Indie) (3,200; 30-55) 
— Kid from Kansas' (U) and Johnny 
Scat Davis orch and Marion Hullon. 
Hurl on Sunday matinee because of 
civilian defense parade, but mart- 
aged nice $7,500 in three days. 

SUte (Loew) (3,200: 30-40-50)— 
"Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Pierre of 
the Plains' (M-G) (2d wk). Rooney 
.still a strong drawing card, and giv- 
ing this one swell $12,000. Knocked 
off grand $18,000 in opening sesh 

Strand (Indie) (2,000; 30-40-50)— 
"Holiday Inn" (Par) (2d wk). Sec- 
ond week nearly rivalling hefty first 
week gross. Looking tor swell $10,- 
000. First week took in zowle $12,000 



Denver, Oct. 6. 

'Wake Island' had no trouble cop- 
ping most money here with its open- 
ing week at the Denham, end stays 
over. Smashed record for most 
people seeing a film at this house 
over the weekend, but there were so 
many children, it failed to crack the 
money mark by narrow margin. 

Denham grabbed publicity on their 
'Letters from Marines' contest on 
'Wake Island.' Stories were run a 
week prior to opening, with letters so 
full of news that on opening day of 
film one paper ran four pages ot 
them. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aladdin (Fox) (1.400; 40-50-60)— 
'Orchestra Wives' (20lh), after week 
at Denver. Fair $4,500. Last week, 
'Big Shot' (WB), after Denver week, 
fair $4,000. 

Broadway (Fox) 1.040; 30-35-40-50- 
60 )— 'Cro.s.<!roads' (M-G) and 'Sunday 
Punch' M-G), after two weeks at 
Orpheum. Mild $3,000. Last week, 
'Talk Town' (Col), after a week at 
each Denver and Aladdin, fair $3,000. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1.750: 30-40-50- 
60)— 'Wake Island' (Par). Smash 
$17,000, and holding over. Last week, 
'Holiday Inn' (Par) (4lh wk) and 
'Live on Danger' (Par) (2d wk), nice 
$8,000. 

Denver (Fox) (2.525: 30-40-50-60) 
—'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Escape 
from Crime' (WB). Great $14,000. 
Last week. 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) 
and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th), big 
$13,500. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600: 30-35-40- 
50t60) — 'Somewhere Find You* 
(M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' (M-G). 
Sock $14,800. and holds. La.'st week. 
'Crossroads' (M-G) (2d wk) and 
'Sunday Punch' (M-G 5 (2d wk). 
$8,300. 

Paramount (Fox) (2,200: 30-45)— 
'General Died at Dawn' (Par) (re- 
issue) and "Spirit of Stanford' (Col) 
Fine $8,500. La.st week. 'Gold Rush' 
(UA) and 'Spy Ship' (WB), big 
$9,000. 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 

Big noise this week, of course, i; 
•Yankee Doodle Dandy' at Penn, at 
75c-$l,10. While money's way up at 
Penn, attendance hasn't been extra- 
or(linary and general opinion is that 
the price may not only have been 
too tough, but wasn't exactly right 
for this house, where 'Dandy' marks 
first break in history in policy, 

Fulton, with 'Pardon My Sarong,' 
is . doing swell in second week, but 
Ink Spots-Lucky Millinder, at Stan- 
ley with Tish,' won't get nearly the 
trade the stage combo grabbed just 
a yeair ago. 'Orchestra Wives' it 
only doing moderately well at Har- 
ris and unlikely to move, while 
'Panama Hattie will get barely 
average h.o. biz at Warner. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fulton (Shea) (1.700: 30-40-55)— 
'Pardon My Sarong' (U) ,(2nd wk). 
Abbott and' Costello comedy still 
going strong on h.o. and presages 
at least $7,500. That's more than 
enough to insure anofher session and 
possibly even a fourth. Last week, 
]ust under smash $11,000. 

Harris (2,200; 30-40-55)— 'Orches- 
tra Wives' (20th). Around $9.50C. 
over average. Last week. 'Talk of 
■Town' (Col), wound up second weeft 
at almost $9,000. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3.300; 7B- 
$1.10)— 'Yankee Doodle' iWB). No 
film in years has received the raves 
this one got, but hou.<:e and scale 
don't jibe and while $30,000 Is e 
sensational figure for Penn. it repre- 
sents only average attendance and 
isn't nearly what everybody had 
looked for. Moves to the Warner for ^ 
second week. Last week, 'Panama 
Hattie' (M-G), fell down at finish 
line and wound up at $16,500. 

Senator (Harris) (1.750; 30-40-56) 
—'Talk of Town' (Col) (3d wk). 
Moved here after fortnight at Harr 
ris and should clock nearly $4,500 

?ood. Last week, 'Spirit of Stanforil' 
Col) and 'Counter Espionage' (Col), 
around $2,000, light. 

Bit! (WB) (800; 30-40-55)— 'Hoi. 
idV.Jna! <Pa') <3d wk). Followed 
regular Penn-Warner-Rilz route 
here and by comparison doing bet- 
ter in h.o. spots than it did at orlgf 
inal stand. Looks like $3,000 at 
small-seater, very good. Last weeli, 
'Somewhere Find You' (M-G), Hi 
fourth week, sot $2,350. 

StMley (WB) (3,800 ; 30-44-55-66) 
— "Tish' (M-G) and Ink Spots-LuckSr 
MlUinder. Picture panned to fare> 
thee-well and Inkers and Millinder 
will have to be satisfied this tim< 
with $18,000. as against nearly $25,- 
000 they rolled up in '41. Rated a 
disappointment. La.st week, Charli* 
Barnet-Diosa Costello and "Synco- 

fation' (RKO) a wash-out at under 
16,000. 

Warner (WB) (2,000: 30-40-55)— 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G) (2d wk). 
Brought here from Penn and lent 
picking up the slack musical started 
to show at tag end of engagement 
there. Maybe $5,800, just fair. Last 
week 'Holiday Inn' (Par), also 
moved from Penn, fine at $7,000. 



'Moon' Into N. Y. Rivoli 



The Rivoli. N. Y., now owned SO- 
SO by Paramount and the United 
Artists theatre circuit, has brought 
"Moon and Sixpence' from UA to 
follow "Wake Island' (Par), which 
reopened the house recently after a 
summer .shutdown. 

Par, to supply the house with 
whatever product it can, has 'Glass 
Key' slated to follow 'Mobn,' while 
another possibility for the Riv is 
'Mrs. Wlggs of the Cabbage Patch.' 



'EILEEN'-YAUDE HEFTY 
$18,000 IN BALTIMORE 



Baltimore. Oct. 6. 

Town's new entrie.^ of 'A Yank at 
Eton,' at Loew's Century, and My 
Sister Eileen,' spliced to a strong 
vaude layout at the combo Hipp, are 
registering extra slronc grosses. 
Former opened with special War 
Bond admission preview, which 
grossed $350,000 for the effort an<l 
attracted a capacity crowd. "Eileen 
is very potent in spite of oppojish 
of legit version here during first 
three days of run. 

Estimates for This Week 

Centnry (Loew"s-UA) (3.000: 17- 
28-35-40-55)— 'Yank at Eton' iM-G). 
Maintaining strong pace to indicated 
$15,000. Last week 'Seven Sweet- 
hearts (M-G), mild $10,900. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2.240: 
17-28-38-44-55-66) — Si.sler Eileen' 
(Col) plus vaude. Strong combo 
drawing town's top biz at possible 
$18,000. Last week 'Wings and Wom- 
an' (RKO) and vaude, good $16,2*0. 

Keith's (Schanberger) < 2,406: 17- 
40-44-55-66) — 'Reap Wild Wind' 
(Par) (moveover). Some months 
later than previous three -week run 
at Stanley, but rather steady at $12,- 
000; upped scale helping. La.<:t week 
'Between Us Girls' (U), okay 
$11,400. 

Mayfair (Hicks) (980: 20-40)— 
'Husbands Necessary' iPar) c2d wk). 
Holding all right at $3,000, Hfler good 
$5,100 on Initial sesh. 

SUnley (WB) (3.286: 28-40-75- 
$1.10) — "Yankee Doodle Dandy' 
(WB) (3d wk). Holding well at in- 
dicated $14,000, after very solid $4fl,- 
800 total for previous two rounds. 
Revised admish helping. 

Valencia (Loew's-UA) 1 1,450: 17- 
28-44-55)— 'Panama Hattie' iM-G) 
(2d wk) (moveover). Attracting 
good trade to indicated grand total 
of $11,200 tor two stanzas, after 
equally brisk response previously in 
downstairs Century. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



PICTURE GROSSES 11 



Tind You Terrif $24,000 in Frisco; 
fake Is; 18G, Dandy IIG, Both H.a 



San Francisco, Oct. 6. 

With holdovers riding every screen 
except one, grosses are down from 
recent high levels. They're still 
plenty profitable, however. 

Sole newcomer is 'Somewhere I'll 
Find You,' at the Fox, with terrific 
$24,000. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fox (F-WC) (5,000: 50-65.)— 'Some- 
where Find You' (M-G) and 'Escape 
from Crime' (WB). Terrific $24,000. 
Last week, 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 
'Pierre Plains' (M-G), great $20,000 
for five days. 

Golden GaU (RKO) (2,850; 44-55- 
75)— 'Bambi' (RKO) and Ina Ray 
Mutton's orch (2d wk). Good $18,000. 
Last week, same bill, $25,000, a little 
less than expected, but still socko. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,440; SO- 
BS)— 'Talk of Town' (Col) and 'Spirit 
Stanford' (Col) (2d wk). Holding 
up to $14,800. Last week, great $10.- 
fiOO 

Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 50-65) 
—'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Priorities 
Parade' (Par) {2d wk). Pacing the 
holdovers in pix-only houses at 
rugged $18,000. Last week, torrid 
S26.000. 

St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 35-40- 
65)— 'Gay Sisters' (JVB) and 'Pierre 
Plains' (M-G) (moveover). Will hit 
$7,000. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' 
(Par) and 'Berlin Correspondent' 
(20th) (moveover), big $7,500. 

United Artists (UA-BUimenfeld ) 
(1100; 35-40-55)— 'Broadway' (U) 
and 'Madame Spy' (U) (4th wk). 
Down to $4,800 on the long stretch. 
Last week, $6,700. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 75-$1.10) 
—•Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) t2d 
wk). Another great session at $17,- 
000. Last week, smash $28,000. 

WDr. GiUespie' 
Tops K.C. With $9,000; 
'Siren'-W Sad 7G 

Kansas City, Oct. 6. 

The weather over the weekend is 
hurting business this week slightly. 
■Tlsh," plus 'Calling Dr. GUlespie at 
Midland Is pacing the town. 'Wake 
Island' at Newman is okay in its 
third session. 

Estlmatea for This Week 

Esquire and Uptown (820 and 
8.043; 11-35-50) — 'Orchestra Wives' 
<20th) (2d wk). Pleasant $6,500 seen 
after $8,750 initial stanza. 

MIdUnd (Loew's) (3,500; 11-35-50) 
— Tish' (M-G) and 'Calling Dr. Gil- 
lespie' (M-G). Bright $9,000. Last 
week, 'Panama Hattie* (M-G) and 
'Grand Central Murder' (M-G), 
lusty $12,500. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 11- 
85-50) — 'Wake Island' (Par) (3d 
wk). Satisfactory $6,000 to wind up 
run, with nifty $8,500 for second 
frame and socko $13,000 initial stint. 

Orphenm (RKO) (1,600; 11-35- 
60)— 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and 'King 
Kong' (RKO) (Reissues). Mild $5.- 
eOO. Last week, 'Gay Sisters' (WB) 
end 'Escape Crime' (WB) (2d wk). 
pleasing $6,700 after healthy $10,000 
opening session. 

Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,110; U-35) 
—'Jungle Siren' (PRC) and 'Lure of 
Islands' (Mono) with vaude. Thin 
$7,000. Last week. 'Loves of Edgar 
A. Poe' (20th) and Sally Rand, in 
Peisoij, sock $11,000. 

DANDY' REOPENS B'KLYN 
HOUSE; NIFTY $22,000 

Brooklyn. Oct. 6. 

Good biz at all downtown deluxers. 
With Fabian Paramount and Strand 
garnering lion's share. Paramount is 
big with "Talk of Town' and 'Spirit 
of Stanford.' Strand reopened this 
week with 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' 
and Is getting first-rate response. 
Estimates for This Week 

Albte (RKO) (3.274: 30-50-65)— 
•Footlight Serenade' (20th) (2d wk) 
J"d 'Falcon's Brother' (RKO). Quiet 
♦12.000. Last week, satisfactory $18.- 

Fox (Fabian) (4.023; 30-55-65)— 
Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Moonlight 

2??*5!i*"^«' (I*eP) <2d wk). Good 
♦15.000. Last week, peachy $22,000. 

Met (Loew's) (3,618; 30-55-05)— 
somewhere Find You' (M-G) and 
Pierre of Plains' (M-G) (2d wk). 
$12,000. Last week, husky $22.- 

A.?*™".'""' (Fabian) (4.126: .30-55- 
Cf»~; ."^ °' Town (Col) and 'Spirit 
Stanford' (Col). Booming $22,000. 
Last week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 
JT?*"?? Meet Queen' (Col) (4th wk). 
nice $12,000. 

.Y!i?"^^(WB) (2,950; 75-$1.10)- 
rpSSo Dandy' (WB). House 

reopened with this one. Getting 
000 aiming for $22.- 



Key City Grosses 

estimated Total Gross 

This Week $2,359,900 

(Based on 27 cities, 183 thea- 
tres, chte/(v first niits tncrudtng 
N. V.J 

Total Gross Same Week 
Last Year $1,801,900 

(Based on 25 cities, 184 theatres) 



GRID UPS MPLS.; 
EILEEN' BIG 14G 



Minneapolis. Oct. 6. 
'My Sister Eileen' stands out as 
the most important new film cur- 
rently and has the State turnstiles 
clicking pleasantly. Two other new- 
comers. Benny MerofT's stage revue. 
"Funzaflre.' plus 'Magnificent Dope' 
on the screen at the Orpheum. and 
the Gopher's 'Smith of Minnesota' 
also are delivering. 

Trade was helped by weekend 
football crowds attracted by the 
Minnesota-Iowa Seahawks' game 
dci^pite motoring restrictions. 
Estimates for This Week 
Aster (Par-Singer) (900; 17-28)— 
•Little Tokyo" (20th) and 'Dr. Broad- 
way" (Par), dual first-runs. Good 
$1,800 in five days. 'Danger in the 
Pacific' (U) and 'Thundering Hoofs' 
I RKO). also dual first-runs, opened 
Monday (5). Last week, 'Spitfire 
Elephant' (RKO) and 'Enemy Meets 
Queen' (RKO). dual first-runs, good 
SI.COO in five days. 

Centuty (P-S) (1.600: 30-40-50)— 
'Wake Island" (Par). Moved here 
from State after good week there, 
i Looks like satisfactory $5,000. Last 
week. 'Pardon Sarong' (U), strong 
$4,800 after week at Orpheum. 

Gopher (P-S) (1.000: 28-30)— 
'Smith of Minnesota' (Col). Built 
around Minnesota's AU-Amerlcan 
half-back and starring him, it's good 
boxofTice at a time when local foot- 
ball fever is at a high pitch. Good 
$4.U00 in prospect. Last week, 'Men 
of Texas' (U), mild $3,000 in six and 
half days. 

Orpheum (P-S) (2.800: 40-44-55)— 
'Magnificent Dope' (20th) and Benny 
MerofT's 'Funzafire' on stage. Well- 
liked show and satisfactory film 
but looks only $11,000. mild. Last 
week, 'Are Husbands Necessary' 
(Par) and Jan Garber orch, fair 
$14,500. 

SUte (P-S) (30-40-50)— 'My Sister 
Eileen' (Col). Plenty of raves for 
this corking comedy and it's going 



for sock $14,000. Last week, 'Wake 
Island' (Par), good $10,000. 

Uptown (Par) (I,l60; 30-40)— 
'Crossroads' (M-G). First neighbor- 
hood showing. Climbing toward 
good $4,000. Last week, 'Gay Sisters' 
(WB), first neighborhood showing, 
fine $4,500. 

World (Par-Steffes) (350; 30-40-50- 
55)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) (2d wk). 
Fortnight here very profitable after 
disappointing first week at State. 
Good $2,400, after strong $3,400 open- 
ing session. 



Ilfings for Eagle' Best 
In Seattle, Big $12,000; 
'Dandy' OkelOG on H.O. 



Seattle. Oct. 6. 

Blue Mouse is tilting to Sac for 
'Tales of Manhattan' on moveover 
from Paramount theatre. 'Wings for 
Eagle' at the Paramount is leading 
the town, with holdovers in many 
spots this week. 

Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(800; 40-50-65)— 'Manhattan' (20(hi 
and 'Soft Shoulders' (20th) (4th wk i. 
Hot release from Paramount theatre, 
great $4,800. Last week (30-40-58). 
'Holiday Inn' (Par) and 'Poe" (20th). 
(4th wk). $3,800. 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2.349: 40-50- 
65)— 'Pride of Yankees" (RKO) i2d 
wk) and ' World at War" (U.S.). 
Smash $9,000. Last week. 'Yankees' 
(RKO) with 'Just Off Broadway' 
(20th), wonderful $12,200. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1.650: 30-40-58)— 
'Talk of Town' (Col) (6th wk). Sur- 
prise at $7,000. and holds. Last week, 
nice $6,100. 

Mnslo Box (H-E) (2.600: 30-40-58) 
— 'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Martha' 
(M-G) (4th wk). Good $3,700. Last 
week, same pair, $4,000. 

Mnslo Hall (H-E) (2.200: 40-50-65) 
— 'Moscow Strikes Back' (Rep) and 
'Spitfire Sees Ghost' (RKO). Stout 
$7,500 in six days, makinc way for 
Seattle Symphony. Monday. Last 
week, 'Pride Yankees" (RKO). big 
$9,200. 

Orpheom (H-E) (2,600; 75-$l.l0)— 
•Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d 
wk). Big $10,000 but tilted scale is 
being felt Last week, same film, 
$17,000. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 40-50- 
65)— 'HaUway to Shanghai' (U) and 
'Timber' (U), plus vaude. Good $8,- 
500. Last week, 'Give Out, Sister' 
(U), plus Major Bowes unit, big $10,- 
000. 

Paramount (H-E) (3.039; 40-50-63) 
—'Wings for Eagle' (WB) and 'Tomb- 
stone' (Par). Great $12,000. Last 
week. 'ManhatUn' (20th) and 'Soft 
Shoulders' (20th) (3d wk), solid $8,- 
000. 

Boosevelt (Sterling) (800: 30-40- 
58)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (4th wk). 
Good $3,800. Last week, $4,200. 

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800: 20- 
30)— "This Our Life' (WBi and 'Mar- 
ried Angel' (M-G) (3d run). Great 
$4,500. Last week. 'Lost Horizon' 
(Col) (reissue) and 'Joan of Paris' 
(RKO), $4,300. 



'Sarong' Sturdy $37,000 in Two L A. 
Houses; Tind You 39^26 in Three 
Spots; 'Journey V^/^ for 2d Week 



Broadway Grosses 

Estimated Total Oron 

This Week $402,000 

(Based on 13 theatret) 
Total Gross Same Week 

Last Year $370,7*« 

(Based on 14 theatres) 



m'-$iw)oo, - 

BIG IN CLEVE 



Cleveland, Oct. 6. 
Top-notch product Is kicking up 
terrific rivalry at key houses, but 
each stand's getting its share. "Talk 
of Town' is drumming up sizzling 
tally for the Hipp, with possibilities 
of a h.o. 

Backed by Will Osborne's orch and 
Merry Macs, 'Pied Piper,' at Palace, 
has enough pep to pass "Talk,' while 
'Wake Island' buiMs up more fire- 
works for nextdoor State. 

Estimates for This Week 

Alien (RKO) (3,000; 35-40-45-55)— 
'Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d wk). Ordi- 
nary take for moveover, $4,S()0. Last 
frame, 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3d wk), 
extra nice $5,200. 

Hipp (Warners (3,700; 35-40-45-55) 
—'Talk of Town' (Col). It's class 
stuff for this action house, but sock 
from the start; swell $19,000 and per- 
haps another stanza in sight. Last 
round. 'Eagle Squadron' (U), nearly 
lost its wings, only $9,000. 

Lake (Warners) (800; 35-40-45-55) 
—'Gay Sisters' (WB). Aiming for 
good $2,700 on shiftover. Last lap, 
'F(x>tlight Serenade' (20th), mediocre 
$1,200. 

Palace (RKO) (3,700; 40-60-70)— 
'Pied Piper' (20th) plus Will Os- 
borne's orch and Merry Macs. Looks 
like a steady builder toward great 
$26,000, or more. Last week, 'Sher- 
lock Holmes Terror' (U) with (Char- 
lie Spivak orch, Ann Corio, Borrah 
Minnevitch, mighty satisfactory at 
$24,000. 

SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 35-40-45-55) 
—'Wake Island' (Par). Hurt by all 
the competishi but banging away at 
worthwhile $11,000, or better. Last 
week, 'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G), 
poor at barely $9,000. 

Stiliman (Loew's) (1,872; 35-40-45- 
55)— 'Moscow Strikes Back' (Art- 
kino). First Russ war flicker house 
ever essayed and going encourag- 
ingly toward $5,500. Last week, 'Pan- 
ama Hattie' (M-G) (2d wk), smart 
$7,500. 



NATIONA L BOXOFFIC E SURVEY 

'Wake Island,' 'Dandy,' 'Pride Yankees,' 'Tales Manhattan,' 
'Holiday Inn' Real Coin-Getters In Keys Currently 



With plenty of holdovers and extended runs in evi- 
dence in principal key cities, new product is finding it 
tough getting started excepting for scattered playdates. 
I Only 23 engagements are split among some 11 new 
features currently. The result is that such boxoffice 
stalwarts as 'Wake Island' (Par), 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy" (WB), 'Tales of Manhattan' (20th), 'Holiday 
Inn" (Par) an(i 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) continue the 
backbone (or exhibitors in the big keys. 

'Wake Island' is all over the map with topflight coin. ' 
Continues strong in its sixth N. Y. week at $26,000 
and is stout $20,500 in Washington with vaudeville. In 
San Francisco, $18,000 second week; Indianapolis, sock 
$10,000; Detroit, great $17,000 second session; Omaha, 
nice second week: Boston, trim $16,500. second sesh; 
Louisville, great $12,000; Cleveland, $11,000; Cincinnati, 
hefty $13,000; Denver, leading the city at $17,000 and 
Chicago, big $11,000 third week. 

'Dandy,' which 'Variety' correspondents report en- 
countering some opposition on 75c-$1.10 scale, is trim 
$38,000. two Boston theatres. In Frisco, second week 
sock $17,000: Jersey City, gigantic $30,000; Pittsburgh, 
fancy $30,000: Ciiicy, $12,000; Baltimore, nice $14,000, 
third sesh. 'Pride' is $26,000 in second Detroit week, 
sock in Louisville, smash in Seattle, $18,000 for second 
Philly sesh. $10,000 in second St. Louis stanza. $15,500 
for fifteenth N. Y. session and $12,000 for sixth Chi- 
caiio week. 

"Tales" is topping Montreal and on holdover is great 
S102.000 in Mew York's Music Hall. In Providence, it 
i.s sloiit: Boston. $27,500; Cincy, swell second sesh; 
strong SIO.UOO in BiilTalo holdover. 'Holiday Inn' (Par), 
largely holdovci- now. is doing $16,000 in second Wash- 
ington week. $10,000 for Providence h.o., nifty $22,500 
in Phibdelphia. sncko in second Montreal stanza and 
line on Detroit moveover. 

Most likely newcomers look to be "The Major and 
the Minor" (Par). "My Sister Eileen' (Col), 'Iceland" 
(20ll;i. 'Yank at Eton" (M-G), 'Between Us Girls' (U), 
"Dc^ijerate Journey" (WB) antl 'Panama Hattie' (M-G). 



Other new entries include 'Glass Key' (Par) and 'This 
Time for Keeps' (M-G J. Former appears in only one 
big spot, doing a stout $36,000 in Detroit with band. 
'This Time," in same category, is getting $20,000 in 
Newark aided by stage revue. 

'Major-Minor' is hefty $61,000 in third week at large 
N. Y. Paramount and big $17,500 for Newark holdover. 
'Iceland' is leading St. Louis at $15,500 and is $13,000 in 
Cincy. 'Between Us Girls' is strong in second Chi 
week and $13,500. Newark. 

'Eileen' is tops in Baltimore at huge $18,000 aided 
by vaudeville while strong in Minneapolis. 'Yank at 
Eton' is trim in St. Louis, $12,000 for second Provi- 
dence week, fine $15,000 in Balto and equally good in 
Louisville. 'Journey' is doing big $47,000 on Its New 
York holdover with band, is $24,500 in two Los Angeles 
spots on holdover and is big in Omaha. 'Hattie,' with 
good $30,000 in N. Y., has bright $21,000 in Philly, U 
good on its Buffalo holdover. 

Continued strength also is Iteing shown by 'Pardon 
My Sarong' (U), 'Somewhere I'll Find You' (M-G), 
'Bambi' (RKO), 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Talk of 
Town' (Col). Abbott-Costello comedy is pacing two- 
house combo.4 in L.A. at stout $37,000, is big $12,000 in 
Buffalo h o., big Pitt second session and sturdy $11,000 
in .sixth N. V. stanza. "Find You' is leading Frisco 
with giant $24,000. is great $14,800 in Denver, $39,500 in 
three L A. theatre-;. "Bambi" is smash $20,000 in D. C. 
and $18,000 for .second Frisco sesh helped by band. 
'Talk" is a loud $32,000 holdover in' two Boston spots, 
$19,000 ill Cleveland. $14,800 second Frisco stanza. 
"Wives' is makinij its be>t ihowing in N. Y. with trim 
$43,000 .second week. 

From Variety' reports: 'Pied Piper' (20th). great 
$26,000 in Cleveland with band, and okay $20,000 in 
Buffalo with same support. 'Tish" (M-G) is pacing K.C. 
at $9,000. 'Footlight Serenade' (20th), $18,000 in sec- 
ond Newark sesh. S13.000 in J.C. and fine $29,000 in 
Boston with band. 'Wings for Eagle' (U) is pace- 
maker in Seattle. Big Street' (RKO) is fine in Buffalo 
and strong $12,000 r. Providence. 



Los Angeles, Oct. 6. 

Looks like the city and surround- 
ing towns have gone on a gasoline 
binge before the 4-gallon weekly ra- 
tioning becomes effective because all 
business is up currently. Main thor- 
oughfares were clogged with cars 
of all vintage over the weekend 
when biz was best. 

An example of the bullish Satur- 
day and Sunday was the Abbott-Cos- 
tello 'Pardon My Sarong' at the 
RKO Hillstreet. It picked up $9.- 
JOQ of the_week's $20,000 total these 
days. Takings at other spots also 
boomed over the weekend. Weather 
rated perfect. 

Estimates for This yiteV 

Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1.516: 33- 
44-55-65-75)— 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and 'Just Off Broadway' 
(20th). In on three-house ■ parlay, 
nice $6,500. Last week. 'Miniver 
(M-G) (10th wk). at S2.600. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034: 33- 
44-55-65-75)— 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and 'Just Off Broadway' 
(20th). Great $14,000. Last week. 
'Iceland' (20th) and 'Little Tokyo* 
(20th), okay $11,800. 

Downtown (WB) (1.800: 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
(2d wk). Smash $12,500 after good 
$14,500 on initial week. 

Fonr Stor (UA-WC) (900: 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Pied Piper" (20th) and 
'Haunting We'll Go' (20th) (5th wk). 
Only $1,800, foUowlng $2,600 last 

Hawaii (G&S) (1,100; 33-44-55-65- 
75)— 'Wings and Wonnan' (RKO) and 
'Submarine Raider' (Col). Air-sea 
combo mixing for tclm $4,000. plenty 

?:ood here. Last week, 'Gunga Din' 
RKO) and "King Kong' (RKO) (re- 
issues), okay $1,800 on five days of 
second week. 

HoUyweod (WB) (2,756: 33-44-55- 
65-75) — 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
(2d wk). Held up for strong $12,000 
following opening stanza's solid 
$15,500 

Orphenm (D'town) (2,200; 33-44- 
55-65)— 'In Old California' (Rep), 
with Abe Lyman's band on stage, 
diving to painful $12,000. Last week, 
'Parachute Nurse' (Col) et\<\ 'F«f;ane 
from Crime' (WB). w'th r iipgi 
Hampton's band, meagre $14 000. 

Pantoges (Pan) (2,812: 44-55-65-75) 
— 'Pardon My Sarong' (U* nn-* 'Sher- 
lock Holmes Voice' (U). Abbott- 
Costello's latest hitting nke S17.000. 
Last week, 'Talk of Town' (Col) (3d 
wk) and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U) (1st 
wk). $11,000. 

Paramoan't (F&M) (3.S0fl: 33-44-55- 
65-75)-^ 'Wake Island' (Por) and 
'Youth on Parade' (Rep) <2^ wk). 
Stout $18,000 following smash $25,000 
in first frame. 

Paramount HoIIvwo«mI (F ^- M ) 
(2.204; 33-44-55-85-75)— 'WPkp Ts1-nd' 
(Par) (2d wk). Fancy $12,000 rfter 
$15,000 on opening week. 

BKO Hillstreet (RKO) (2 "72; 33- 
44-55-65) — 'Pardon Saronc' (U) and 
'Sherlock Holmes Voice' (U). Laii^h- 
o-meter will register a ' swingy 
$20,000. Last week. Talk of Tbwn' 
(Col) (3d wk) and 'Give Out. Sisters' 
(U). $11,500. 

SUte (Loew-WC) (2.204: 33-44-55- 
65-75) — 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and 'Just Off Broqdway' 
(20th ). Fine $19,000. Last week. 'W- 
land' (20th) and 'Little Tokyo' (20th), 
$17,800. 

UA (UA-WC) (2.100: 33-44-55-65) 
—'Iceland' (20th) and 'Littl- Tokyo' 
(20th ). Skating to smart S5.800. Last 
week. 'Panama Hattie' 'M-Oi and 
'Pierre of Plain.s' (M-G\ SO 100. 

Wilshire (F-WO (2.29fi: 33-44-1)5- 
65) — 'Iceland' (20th) anH 'Little 
Tokyo' (20th). Nice S5.200. Last 
week. 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 
'Pierre Plains' (M-C). $6,500. 



'Eileen' for Music Hall 



Music Hall. N. Y.. has bought 
'Sister Eileen' from Columbia to fol- 
low 'Tales of Manhattan.' current, 
which is figured for a minimum of 
three weeks and possibly four. This 
one was long delayed in reaching 
the theatre due to the 10-week run 
of 'Miniver.' 

Also booked by the Hall are 
RKO's "One More Honeymoon' and 
"You Were Never Lovelier" (Col). 



Dogs Have Their Day 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 

Dogs are having their day in Hol- 
lywood, not only as pets of the Tail- 
waggers but as heroes in war films. 

At 20th-Fox, Bryan Foy is pro- 
ducing 'The Army Pup." based on a 
yarn by Robert Mctzlcr, and at Me- 
tro Arthur Freed is handling the 
production leash on 'Dogs of War,' 
a tale of canine militancy by Wil- 
liam Kozlenko. 



AT 





JOAN 




T 



/n 



I 
\ 



BILLIE BURKE • FRANK CRAVEN 
AlAN DHRT • HELENE REYNOLDS 

Direcfed by Produced by 

HAROLD SCHUSTER • ROBERT BASSLER 

Screen Play by lodisfot Fecfor and Robert Riley Cruncher 
Oripinol Sfory by lodit/oi Fodor, Vkkf Bourn and Guy Trotptr 



CENTURY- FOX 
PICTURE 



Wednesday, October 7, 194? 



EXPLOITATION 18 



Par Turns to Smaller, More Informal 
Meets; Other Theatre, Exchange Briefs 



In llie past, having held several 
laiuc convention-type sessions at- 
icnded bv Ihe company's theatre 
nartnci-.<. "Paramount in the future 
tvill hold quiet, informal meetings 
on a smaller basis without any of 
the former ballyhoo. The get- 
toccthers. to cover operators and 
narlnci-s. will be for certain sections 
rather than for the whole country. 

Leonard H. Goldenson, Par v.p. 
over theatres, will probably sched- 
ule a meeting for one of the terri- 
tories in a week or two. Place not 
set. 

Pai tner.<i of the Par theatre chain, 
all of whom have been busy in their 
respective domains on the Septem- 
ber boM drive and othe r w ar actlvi- | . ..^ 
X\c< arc cxpected to De drlfttne Into "Whi 
N Y from time to time shortly to gen 
go over theatre matters with home- 
office execs. . , 

Tracv Barham, operator of Par's 
string in Utah and Idaho, was In 
N Y la.st week on product deals. He 
headquarters in Salt Lake City, 

Kalmenaon'a CMst O.O. 

Ben Kalmenson, Coast-bound, left 
Friday night (2) for Chicago and 
other exchange points en route. He 
will wind up on the Coast in a week 
or 10 days to discuss product coming 
up, see pictures that are completed 
and huddle over sales policies. 

Kalinenson returned to New York 
only last week after a tour of vari- 
ous exchanges in the midwest. 



Matthews Upped to Winnlper 

G. A. Matthews, formerly salesman 
for Warners Toronto branch, now ex- 
change manager at Winnipeg, suc- 
ceeding Lou Geller, who died re- 
cently. Some years ago prior to 
shitting to Toronto, Matthews was in 
charge of the Winnipeg branch. 

Buermele Leaves Co-Op 

Detroit, Oct. 6. 

A difference in opinion over op- 
erational policies was given as the 
reason for the retirement of Carl 
W. Buermele as general manager of 
Co-Operative Theatres of Michigan. 
He had served in that capadtv for 
the past four years. Buermele Is ex- 
pected to move into an official ca- 
pacity with another film organiza- 
tion shortly. 

No successor is to be named at 
this time, it was said, and Samuel 
Barrett, head booker, will double- 
head the Co-op jobs, taking over the 
managerial chores. 

This town's new secretary of the 
Department of Public Works has 
been picked from the movie biz. 
Hazen L. Funk, for 14 years manager 
of the Great Lakes here, was named 
to the post by Mayor Edward J. 
Jeffries. Amusement biz previously 
had been recognized here with ap- 

f ointment of several theatre and 
adio men to other civic commis- 
sions. 



Kosco to 20th-Fox In PiU 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 

Charles Kosco, veteran Columbia 
talesman, ha^ resigned to accept a 
sales post here at 20th-Fox, where 
he replaces Joe Hanna, who quit 
several weeks ago after 24 years of 
service with the company. At Col, 
Kosto has been succeeded by Hol- 
brook Bissell, former Col branch 
manager in Cleveland for eight 
jrears, who resigned that berth in 
1039 to go into advertising business. 

J K. (Robbie) Robertson, assist- 
ant to James Totman, head ofWB's 
theatre advertising department, 
granted indefinite leave on accoimt 
of illness, and Henry Burger, man- 
ager of Smoot, Parkersburg, W. Va., 
bemg brought into publicity office to 
take over his duties. Robertson, 
who used to manage Warners' houses 
in State College, Pa., has been ailing 
for couple of months and recently 
underwent major operation to cor- 
rect stomach condition. 

J. G. Furrer resigned as West Vir- 
ginia sales representative for PRC 
here to go with RKO In Cincinnati 
as salesman. He'll cover same ter- 
ritory for his new connection. 

Sam W. Gould manager of WB's 
Konyon. on Northside, upped to su- 
pcrviser s berth in Greensburg, Pa., 
where he'll look after Manos and 
also two other Warner spots there. 
Post was previously held by Joe 
Freeman, into the Army. Lige 
urien, from Belmar, replacing Gould 
at Kenyon. 

Fred Wallace is John Walsb's new 
asst. and p.a. at Fulton, succeeding 
tiordon Kearsey, now in training as 
?, "^val flying cadet. Wallace, old- 
time Pitt theatre man, for number 
i' been doing publicity work 

aI. • u • ^"^ was last here for U 
aium-beating 'Eagle Squadron.' 

Margaret Casey, student booker at 
w-G exchange, been promoted to 
snn. department, taking over 
sf°'J1''*'*'*.''y Allen Douglas, re- 
signed lo go into dairy business with 
i '^„/^iher here. Wahaneta Gardner 
's Offices new student booker. 

irwin Marcus, from National 
nrl"" Service's Cleveland office, 
R, Tl^l *o assistant manager of 
ih^^' Stanch under Perry Na- 
than. He follows John A. Scott, who 



enlisted in the Army couple of weeks 
ago. 

Engagement Just announced of 
Ernest A. Stearn, Par booker here, 
and Regina Abravanel, local girl. 
He s son of Norbert Stern, who owns 
and operates South Park Drive-In. 

Lou Hess, veteran U salesman, 
granted a six-week leave by branch 
manager Pete Dana to take rest on 
doctor's orders. He'll spend it at 
Lakewood. N. J., returning to his 
job around end of November. 

Variety Club here has cancelled 
its annual banquet: proverbially 
show biz' biggest shindig of the year 
here, and doesn't intend to put on 
another Big Top affair until after 
the war. Although in other cities 
■where — tents — exist — banquets were 
generally called off, local officers de- 
cided few weeks ago to try to go 
through with the Pittsburgh party, 
and set the date for Oct. 25. Chief 
Barker Joe Hilier had even appoint- 
ed a general chairman, Ira Cohn, 
head of 20th-Fox exchange. 

But meeting last week demon- 
strated to membership the impossi- 
bility of staging a banquet to match 
previous ones and rather than take 
a chance en a possible flop, whole 
project was dropped. It would have 
been the 14th in the Variety Club 
series here. 



Jack Chalman Back In S. A. 

San Antonio, Oct. 6. 
Jack Chalman named publicity di- 
rector of local Interstate theatres by 
E. E. Collins, city manager, replac- 
ing Clarence H. Moss, commissioned 
a captain in the U. S. Army Air 
Corps. Chalman comes from the 
Dallas home of Interstate. 

Over a year ago Moss replaced 
Chalman, who went to Dallas; now 
Chalman returns to his old post. 



K. C. WB's All-Femme SUta 

The Warner club in Kansas City 
has elected ^fFicers for the coming 
year and all are women members 
of the Warner exchange there. TTiey 
are Rosalee Birenboim, president; 
Nelly May Dahlin, first v.p.; Bessie 
Buchhorn, second v.p.; Helen McCoy, 
secretary; Henrietta Spinoza, treas- 
urer, and Margie Zimmerman, re- 
porter. 

Exchange loses its first employee 
to the WAACS this week. Evelyn 
Miller, of the contract department. 



John Meyers Subs Keen 

Phelps, N. Y., Oct. 6. 
David W. Keen, owner of the 
Phelps theatre, enlisted in the army 
but feer that the village's only Aim 
house would close for the duration 
was dispelled when John Meyers, 
of Newark. N. Y.. agreed to man- 
age it. Meyers was formerly man- 
ager of the Strand, Palmyra. 



Sol Shafer Retires 

Rochester. N. Y., Oct. 6. 

Sol Shafer, manager of Schine's 
Liberty and an original partner 0f 
J. Myer Schine in Syracuse and 
Oswego, has retired after '26 years in 
the business. He made a fortune in 
theatre deals and as a stockholder 
In Schine Enterprises. He has lived 
in Rochester for the last 18 years, 
managing at various times the 
Grand, State, West End and Liberty. 
His son Is an instruclor-ofTicer with 
the Army Air Force in Texas. 

Stockton Leigh. manager of 
Schines' Monroe and slated for early 
draft induction, also resigned. City 
Manager Bud Silverman took charge 
of the Monroe, moving his offices 
to that building from the Riviera. 
Al Hostler moved in from the Gran- 
ada, Buffalo, to manage the Riviera 
and Lake. Neil* Henry, house .man- 
ager, is running the Liberty under 
Silverman's supervision, and Tom 
Farnan joins the Monroe slafT as' as- 
sistant to Silverman. 



Berkeley, C'al.'s Tax Ideas 

San Franci.sco. Oct. 6. 

City council of tiansbay Berkeley 
ordered city manager Chester C. 
Fisk to draw up ordinances slapping 
taxes on theatre tickets and on du- 
cats to other 'amusement events.' 
Football games at University of Cali- 
fornia, Berkeley, also would fall un- 
der 'amusement events' heading. 

The proposed tax would be Sc. for 
admissions from 15c. to 99c.; 10c for 
from $1 to $1.99 events: ISc on tick- 
ets costing from $2 to $2.99. and 20c 
on all ducats over that amount. 



Isis. Denver, Fire 

Denver. Oct. 6. 

Fire started from a motor spark on 
a paint sprayer caused $2,000 damage 
to the drapes, screen and stage of 
the Isis theatre. Workmen were 
painting the screen when the fire 
started early in the morning. Sam 
Gates, stagehand, suffered burns on 
the hand while fighting the flames 
prior to the arrival of the fire de- 
partment. 

Movement of Spanish and Mexican 
laborers into new areas, in Colprado, 



mainly agricultural and mining, has 
caused demand to be stepped up for 
Spanish and Mexican films. Several 
theatres are now using them for the 
first time. 

Owen Vendeventer, formerly with 
Fox, is manager of t)ie Rex, Rapid 
City, S. D., succeeding Marvin Olson, 
who has joined the army. Ben 
Benda, also formerly with Fox, is city 
manager at Rapid City, as well as Elk 
theatre manager. 

Fred Flannagan, owner of the Star, 
Seibert, Colo., to California for a 
vacation. 

Dick Conley, Gem, Golden, C61o., 
manager, recuperating after an ap- 
pendectomy. 

Murray MillhoUand, former sales- 
man for RKO in Australia, now sell- 
ing for the same firm here. 

Dennis F. Baca has reopened his 
Tigues, Bernalillo, N. M., after keep- 
ing it closed five months. 

Leo McNamara, film inspeclor at 
PRC, has gone to the Egyptian as 
maintenance man. 



Seattle Changes 

Seattle. Oct. 6. 

Dick Reed, former manager of 
Queen Ann theatre. Sterling subur- 
ban house, has been advanced to 
manager of Roosevelt (Sterling), suc- 
ceeding Bill Robinson, resigned. 
Herb Stuart, who also manages the 
Arabian for Sterling, takes on added 
chore at the Ann. 

Bob Schmidt of Minneapolis, where 
he was at Paramount theatre, is new 
assistant to Dick Wasson at Palo- 
mar (Sterling). 



MAJOR DEVEREUX'S MA 
SEES IIVAKE IS/ VERY Q.T. 



Washington, Oct. 6. 
Mother of Major James P. S. 
Devereux, commander of the Wake 
Island Marine detachment, now a 
prisoner of the Japanese, came to see 
the screen 'Wake Island' at the 
Earle. 

Invalided, and in a wheel chair, 
she expressed a desire to see a re- 
creation of the gallant and dramatic 
fight made by her son and his 
sta unch Devil-dogs. Mrs. Devereux 
^efused~t6 be a guest of the manage- 
ment, requested that Paramount and 
theatre ofTicials keep her visit a 
secret. In respecting her wishes all 
theatre officials were warned not to 
ask her how she liked 'Wake Island.' 



Ex-Postmaster Joins Circuit . 
Spartansburg, S. C, Oct. 6. 

Dan Hill, former postmaster, has 
joined Publix-Bamford theatres, 
Asheville, N. C, as manager of State 
and in public relations capacity. 

Cecil Young, former member of 
Paramount st^, Asheville, has joined 
army air corps and is training as 
sergeant at Miami base. 

Paramount, Asheville, has installed 
femme ushers. 

W. G. Taylor, formerly with Pub- 
lix-Bamford theatres, has enlisted 
in marines. 

Plaza, Asheville, is giving war 
bonds and stamps instead of cash to 
bank nitc takers. House is one of 
few in Dixie continuing giveaways. 

L. A. Johnston, Miami, connected 
with Wometco Theatres, Inc., has 
acquired sites for three Atlanta 
houses when and if OPM will re- 
lease materials. Plans call for 1,500, 
1,200 and 900 seaters. 



FILM BIZ MOBHJZES 
FOR AUSSIE'S CAMPAIGN 



Pix Eds on the Dailies Stress Fihn 
Pidilicity is Weak, Space Curtailed 



-44- 



Despite 'Mrs. Miniyer' 
Boycott, Metro Backs 
Pic Up With Big Ads 



Steps being taken by the picture 
industry to cooperate with Australia 
on its 'Austerity' campaign were re- 
vealed at the International Film Re- 
lations Committee session last Mon- 
day (5) at the Hays office. Details 
of the Aussie drive, patterned after 
that used in Great Britain, was de- 
tailed by Carl MiUiken, Hays office 
foreign manager, as related to him 
by Sir Owen Dixon, Australian 
Minister to the U. S. 

Anzac campaign is aimed at get- 
(ing all"Australiahs To' be sir icftisr 
severe) in living under wartime con- 
ditions. Albert Deane. Paramount 
foreign ad publicity chief, is acting 
as liaison rep for the film business 
in this effort. 

Plans are being laid for each 
major company to turn out a 60- 
second trailer and two disc record- 
ings. Outstanding Hollywood stars 
would speak both for the films and 
records. 

Practice in helping the Australian 
campaign will serve effectively in 
any future documentary film or 
recording effort instigated, because 
there already is talk of such a series 
of morale subjects designed to 
toughen up the U. S. public to"waf^ 
time regulations and realigning their 
lives to war tempo. 

IFRC paid tribute to Arthur Luric, 
N. Y. correspondent for the Egyp- 
tian Mail, Cairo, who has joined the 
U. S. Army. He is an Egyptian, but 
is now stationed at Ft. Dix, New 
Jersey. 



SPECIAL JUYE M-OFF 
FOR NEW BERGEN FILM 



Based on early demand for tickets, 
RKO expects to entirely sell out in 
all its Greater New York and West- 
chester houses for the special morn- 
ing premiere of two pictures this 
coming Saturday (10). 

Show will be 'Here We Go Again.' 
with Edgar Bergen, Fibber McGee 
and Molly, plus a western, 'Red 
River Robinhood,' both of which are 
RKO. 

Preem, going on al 9:30 in the 
morning, is only for children, except 
that anyone over 16 will be admitted 
if accompanied by a chfld. Admis- 
sion will be 25c kids, and 3Sc adults. 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 

Running large Institutional display 
ads in the newspapers calling Atten- 
tion to the 'Mrs. Miniver' engage- 
ments at neighborhood and subse- 
quent-run houses throughout the 
Twin Cities, Metro, in effect, 'pun- 
ishing' the recalcitrant exhibitors- 
who have 'struck' against the film 
and are boycotting it because the 
terms of the deal require them to 
pay around 50%. Although the com- 
pany denies that this is a retaliatory 
move, it adds to the independents' 
pocketbook suffering resulting from 
rejection of the best boxoffice pic- 
ture here in years. Threats have 
been made that the exhibitors who 
have cancelled won't be permitted to 
reconsider and it is stated definitely 
that, contrary to expectations, the 
picture will not be offreed at lesser 
terms later. 

This is the first time any company 
ever has run such newspaper dis- 
play ads for neighborhood and sub- 
.sequent-run engagements of any of 
their pictures. With the attraction 
playing on percentage in all of the 
neighborhood situations it's plenty 
good business for Metro, however, 
helping no doubt to swell the com- 
pany's end. 

The development is a break all the 
way through, for the- Paramount cir- 
cuit's neighborhood theatres inas- 
much as, with few of the competing 
independent houses playing the film, 
they"get-the-'Mrs;-^4inlver'-bUBinesSi 
The chain is making full capital of 
the situation and M-G also is doing 
everything possible to help it reap 
the benefit. M-G newspaper ad, for 
example, stated that the Arion, a 
Paramount circuit nabe house, 
would be the only theatre in north- 
east Minneapolis at which residents 
will be able to see the film. 

Some independent exhibitors re- 
fusing to play 'Miniver' have had 
pressure brought on them by Ameri- 
can Legion posts and local groupi 
to book the film, but haven't swerved 
from their course. 



SHORT PREEMED IN TEX. 



San Antonio, Oct. 6. 

'Beyond the Line of Duty', screen 
story of the Menard (Texas) boy 
who became famous as Major Hewitt 
T. Wheless of the U. S. Army Air 
Corps, is having its world premiere 
showing at the Interstate Majestic 
here in conjunction with the current 
showing of 'Wake Island'. Much of 
the featurette in which Major Whe- 
less plays himself was filmed by 
Warners at Randolph and Kelly 
Fields here. At the time an air 
corps lieutenant, Wheless sprang to 
public fame when President Roose- 
velt cited in a nationwide radio ad- 
dress his valiant flying over the 
Pacific war area. 

The film follows his progress as 
an aviation cadet Into the oflicers 
ranks of the fiying service and in- 
cludes in its personnel some of its 
most famous airmen of the day who 
are now stationed at the flying fields. 
Major Wheless holds the Distin- 
guished Service Cross and other 
honors. 



Claiming that many film compa- 
nies do not realize how the war has 
drastically curtailed space availabl* 
for any news, motion picture editors 
and some managing editors bluntly 
told picture companies, in a recent 
survey, that the bulk of publicity 
emanating in or received from Hol- 
lywood is poor and unusable. Most 
of these film company probes sought 
to discover what is wrong with in- 
dustry publicity and how it might 
be improved. Outstanding survey 
was made by 20th-Fox, but all re- 
plies from the editors who handle 
picture news and publicity followed 
the same pattern. 

Most replies blasted the material 
received from the studios, many of 
the editors being aware that this is 
the source of most stories. Few 
found fault with publicity written 
in the cast. The universal complaint 
of those queried was that much 
.screen news is plain silly. They said 
loads of it lacks news value, being 
useless for publication under war- 
time conditions. Others said many 
items represented a complete waste 
of time and paper. 

Several film eds took time to send 
in horrible examples- of trite pub- 
licity. Others suggested 'read our 
paper' as to what is suitable to send 
out. Majority of replies stated they 
were able to get all the news they 
needed— and more-up-to-date than 
in publicity releases — from the trade 
papers. 

> One editor wrote: 'Just send us 
the facts. And if they require devel- 
opment, we'll dress them up.' 

Others replied that apparently 
most studios turn out their publicity 
on the poundage basis, pointing out 
that apparehtly it did not matter to 
the film company studio publicists 
that few of the verbose stories ever 
saw the light of day. 

Admitting they still will \ise mats 
and cuts when stories justify, edi- 
tors emphasized that these must ba 
comparatively small in size because 
of the reduced space available ia 
dailies. Many squawked about the 
type of scribes used on the Coast to 
turn out the reams of useless pub- 
licity palaver. Some even hinted that 
the studios must bfe employing for- 
mer sports writers who are still 
writing to fill up columns Instead of 
gearing their material to the needs 
of the limited space given to screen 
news. 



PAR'S PUBUCISTS' 10% 
TILT TO ARBITRATION 



Question of whether Paramount 
should have included publicity-ad- 
vertising department members of 
the Screen Publicists Guild In i^ay- 
ment of bonuses the past two quar- 
ters of this year, has been submitted 
to arbitration. 

The American Arbitration ASsn., 
final arbiter' of disputes under the 
SPG contract with distributor home- 
olTices, will provide a panel of 
names to Par and SPG, from which 
one arbitrator will have to be agreed 
upon by both sides to study the 
complaint and make a decision. 
When Par paid a bonus of 10% 
. _ on the first $100 of salary and 5% on 

skipped the SPG members on its 
payroll,, whereupon the union put in 
a squawk. Nothing was done about 
it — and when Par paid a similar bo- 
nus on Sept. 25 for the third quarter, 
the SPG members were again 
passed up. 

Bonuses were not paid to SPO 
workers in Par on either quarter, 
since under the contract previously 
signed the union's members received 
a 10% increase in salary retroactive 
several months back. Par bonuses 
have been paid since Jan. 1 this year 
in order to offset increased cost in 
living. 



P Jl's Pay More Dues 



Hollywood. Oct. 6. 

Screen Publicists Guild has in- 
creased its dues with the proviso that 
all members in the armed forces are 
aw^ded paid-up memlpcrship cards 
for the duration. 

From now on, the senior flacks will 
pay $7.50 quarterly, juniors $6.75 and 
apprentices $0. 



14 



KARIEfr 



WtHncaday', October 7, 1942 




Open wide your playing time! Another Warner Wonder 
Sliow is on the market! 50 engagements set and the time 
already extended in practically every one!! (4w«k.toN.Y.,o,.»«!) 




NANCY COLEMAN • RAYMOND MASSEY- art^ k^iov 'A HAL B. WALL1S 

Directed by RAOUL WALSH • Ongmal 8cre«n Play by Arthur T. Horman . Muslo by Max Staintr PRODUCTION 

SCRAP AAONTHI SCRAP MONWI SCRAP MONTH! SCRAP MONTHI SCRAP MONTH I SCRAP MONTHI 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



PICTURES 



IS 



The Women Who Run the Men 



Secretaries to Hollywood's Film Chiefs Are Key 
Links in the Industry 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Hollywood, they say, has "beeri 
kind of kidding itself all these years 
about its Napoleons of the industry, 
the six or so men whose merest 
whim is a white man's law out here: 
thr old masters-of their-fate and 
captains-ol-their soul stuff, to b. - 
row a phrase from Henley. Yes, 
these men, in a sense, do run Holly- 
wood — with their bush buttons nnd 
ducal decrees and connivings. pho- 
bias, fixntions and moments of acute 
gumption. 

But. in another sense, it isn't six 
men. or 60, who really do the 'run- 
ning.' It's more like six women — 
or so they say. 

However, the blatherskiters of the 
press departments need feel neither 
eliUcci nor alarmed by this slale- 
mcnl. For the names of the women 
don't happen to be Joan Crawford, 
Jean Arthur, Irene Dunne, Claudctte 
Colbert, Myrna Loy, Lana Turner 
or Rita Hayworth; or, in fact, any- 
body obvious, with headline or mar- 
quee name value. 

They're the all-powerful secre- 
taries, the Missy LeHands of the in- 
dustry — not seen, not heard, not in 
many cases known except by hear- 
•aay: but still the cool, efficient type 
w^o, like a stage manager, stand 
quietly in the wings and make the 
curtain go up and down. To put it 
more succinctly, they're the people 
who 'run' the men who run Holly- 
wood. 

It's This Way, Mr. Mayer 

And to put it another and further 
way, they're the type who knows 
what Louis B. Mayer is going to do 
with his day before L. B. does. 

The lady who does exactly that 
Is named Ida Koverman, confldential 
advisor and buffeteer-in-chief for 
the Metro production liead. She's been 
there a long time, her executive lati- 
tude is vast and there's very little 
taking place on the lot that she 
hasn't exerted some influence upon. 
Foi her's is the unseen hand that 
pulls the strings that make the pup- 
pets dance and her name is spoken 
softly and with some degree ot 
veneration. 

There's a great deal that goes on 
i.n this town that Miss Koverman 
knows AlM3ut and, with the carte 
blanche she enjoys in the matter 
of executive decisions, she has a 
lot of pretty important gents tip- 
toeing around her with devout re- 
spect. 

Like the ladies in Col. Zanuck's 
Inner-shrine— before the 20th-Fox 
head went into khaki for the du- 
rati( n — she is actuated by a sense 
ot knowing instantly what the boss 
man would do in a given instance; 
who he'll want to see, Instanter, and 
who can be seen next day, next week 
—or never. It will be readily un- 
derstood from this that the destinies, 
the hopes and tears and ambitions 
of many thousands in the industry 
often rest upon the decisions of 
th< ladies in question. 

The two thus running interference 
for Zanuck during his stewardship 
Over 20th-Fox production were Bess 
Bearman and Dorothy Hechtlinger. 
There was no suggestion of divided 
authority in this arrangement, either. 
Misa Bearman was a modified Ida 
Kcverman in the Zanuck cabinet, 

to further executive duties— having 
to do with production. 

Mlnlmnm of Boraps 
Not quite so powerful but non: 
theless an admitted factor In the af- 
fairs of state at Paramount , is Sid- 
ney Brecker who, as secretary, first 
- to Adolph Zukor and now to Y. 
Frank Freeman, not only has made 
the wheels go around through the 
years but has been in a position to 
see that they do so with a minimum 
01 bumps. 

Dave Selznick had Just such a 
Liidy Friday in the person ot Mar- 
cella Bennett and has another now 
fi Frances Ingalls. The latter took 
over not so long ago when Miss 
Bennett resigned to get married. 
Hftli have been able to keep the 
producers day as free as possible 
irom deuiled distractions, since 
^ to know with acute 
exactitude what he wants done, and 
no'v and when he wants it. A 
situation like that, however, can put 
a:> awful kibosh on a caller's pro- 
posed program, since he's got to 
make a -practice' sale of hinv-elf 
and hu Idea at the outer defenses 



before ever going to the mat with 
"th? producer inside. 

Rosemay Foley is Lady-in-Ambush 
No 6 on thU list. She has a unique 
position at Universal, being so im- 
portant to the success of Walter 
Wanger's organization that her of- 
ficial status is that of first assistant 

Of course, there are others with 
commensurately high qualifications, 
but the forementioned are essen- 
tially the all-American six-woman 
line, operating up ahead of the ball 
while clearing away debris, the 
trivia, the unnecessary and the un- 
welcome — the buffers before whom 
Fate itself might recoil In fact, buff- 
ing neatly and quickly done, while 
you wait. And wait. And wait. 



$225,000 TripleOamage 
Suit Vs. WB in Philly 



Philadelphia, Oct. 6. 

A suit tor $225,000 triple damages 
was filed last week in U. S. district 
court against Stanley-Warner Co. 
and seven major distributors on the 
charge that they entered a con- 
spiracy to ruin the value of the 
Lawndale, a Northeast Philly nabe, 
owned by Mrs. Flora H. Friedman. 
Mrs. Friedman, wife of Henry 
Friedman, who operates the house, 
alleged in her suit that the Warner 
company had not only conspired to 
'relegate the Lawndale to an inferior 
position' to a Warner house in the 
vicinity, but had 'stripped the bouse 
of sound and projection equipment' 
during the time that Warners had 
the Lawndale under lease. 

Mr. Friedman declared that 
when Warners were unable to get a 
new lease at their terms in 1937. 
they studiously removed valuable 
electrical equipment, advertising 
frames, etc.. in order to interrupt 
the flow of patrons to the Lawndale.' 

This action, the suit declares, 
forced the Lawndale to close for 
several nnonths 'to further depreciate 
its value' and cost $50,000 to repair 
and modernize before the house 
could reopen. 

At the time Warners operated the 
Lawndale. the suit declared, the 
house was a key house in the area, 
having clearance over the Oxford. 
alMut one mile distant. The Lawn- 
dale having been built before the 
Oxford, naturally had priority in 
films, said Mrs. Friedman. 

But since Warners, unable to ob- 
tain a new lease on the Lawndale. 
bought the Oxford, that hou.<;e has 
enjoyed 14 days priority over the 
Lawndale. 

In his brief. Mrs. Friedman's at- 
torney. Normal Ball, declared that 
this action was 'further evidence of 
the complete monopoly which War- 
ners enjoys in Philadelphia.' 

Seeking damages under the Clay- 
ton, Sherman and Robinson-Patman 
acts, Mrs. Friedman is asking $75,000 
trebeled — as allowed in these cases — 
in addition to attorney's fees and 
court costs. Named as co-defendants 
with Warners are Paramount, War- 
ner Bros. Pictures, RKO, Columbia. 
Locw's, United Artists and Univer- 
sal. 

In 1939. Mrs. Friedman, her hus- 

UndiiirT' ihr 



Honest Dishonesty 

Trenton. Oct. 6 
Dan Stevenson, press-ad rep- 
resentative for the Hildinger 
Theatres, says he got into his car 
one morning last week and 
found a note in it reading. 

"We have taken your tires, 
but In the envelope on the seat 
is the money with which we are 
paying you. You can get other 
tires. We can't.' 



Burbank Drive-h 
Wins Clearance 
Cut; Nix in Bronx 



A drive-in theatre, the San Val In 
Burbank, Cal., has won a substantial 
reduction in clearance favoring three 
regularly-operated houses in that 
area, the Major. Magnolia and Loma. 

Formerly getting a 63-day clear- 
ance, It is now reduced to 28 days as 
result of a decision of the Appeal 
Board of the American Arbitration, 
which upheld the findings of the 
Iccal Los Angeles arbitrator. Appeal 
was taken by the operators ot the 
Major, Magnolia and Loma. 

Distribut' s involved are Loew's, 
Paramount, Vitagraph (Warners) 
and RKO. 

Nix in Bronx 

Efforts of the operators of the 
Ogden. Bronx. N. Y.. to wipe out the 
seven-day clearance in favor of the 
Ml. Eden, o part ot the Consolidated 
chain owned by Julius Joelson, have 
felled on appeal to the American 
A-bitration Assn. 

AAA's Appeal Board ruled the 
local Ne / York arbitrator was cor- 
rect in dismissing the complaint 
orieinally broupht by the 0?den. 
holding that the existing clearance 
is reasonable. 

The product ot two companies in- 
volved, Loew's and Par, provides for 
tht seven-day clearance, while 20th- 
Fcx. RKO and Vitagraph furnish 
pictures to the two houses day-and- 
date. 



POST-MORTEMS ON UMPI 



Some Still Mourn Abortive Try For 
United Film Front 



The burial of United Motion Pic- 
ture Industry without tearful cere- 
monie.'!. especially from Paramount 
and Warner Bros., brings to an end 
an attemot which, from inside, had 
as its origin the organization of an 
industry front designed to offset 
Federal legislation consequent upon 
the consent decree. Prior to the 
launching ot the movement tor 
UMPI. certain leaders in the film 
business are said to have felt that 
some such form ot unity as UMPI 
would be advisable in the face of the 
decree and developments of a poten- 
tial character which the industry 
might have to face. 

Now there is no united front, even 
as to tax problems and mourned in 
some inner quarters is the fact that 
UMPI tax committees in every Con- 
gressional district in the country go 
by the wayside with the folding of 
UMPI unless the local exhibitors and 
distributors who are on these com- 
mittees wish to continue them. It is 



Everyone Acts in H'wood, Even Frogs, 
Penguins, Lions, and Also 'Gators 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Maybe it's true what they say 
about Hollywood, that there's a 
broken heart (and G-string) for 
every heel -n Vine street and the 
local pat of gold at the end of the 
resident rainbow is flUed with bra.ss 
knuckles. That, in effect, this is 
Heartbreak Town and almost no- 
body, for long, can lick it. 

Th^n again, It cotfld be that 
they're trying to do it the cor ■ 
plicated way, such as going in for 
self-expression via exclamation leg.<!. 
an alabaster brow and curvature of 
the bosom, all of which can be and 
often is very effectual. But it 
might' be simpler in the end just to 
get yourself, say, a performing louse. 
Or a gila monster with personality. 
Or a parakeet that sings alto. 

There's good money in that sort 
of thing— plenty good, money. Ask 
any gent or lady with a good, rc- 
liiible water buffalo cached in the 
back garage. Ask Rennie Renfro, 
who admits to paying off on close 
to $40,000 In 1938, who did even 
better last year and plans to top 
everything in 1942 with the dog. 
Daisy, operating In the 'Blondie' 
series and. cleaning up, plus about 
a dozen other Renfro dogs, In 'Black- 
outs of 1942' at El Capitan. 

It isn't necessary to ask Capt. 
T. Luxford, owner of Pete the Pen- 
quin. The 'captain is saying it in 
municipal court, where he's suinj; 
Paramount, because it won't release 
Pete to play in the local run ot 



Aaron Goldberg's WiO 
Remembers His Staff 



, . • , , doubtful that they will. Some might. 
arners l6r tM'Ttj^»'^.!!!^';^-'±!j^. ?I! ^1^.^/^^ 



iI?r^1nr?„*h'ZTnf"/h.'i'''"" I national tax commilt^hlid^d by 
liar action in behalf of the Lans- c„,.,.„„ ci,.„.,,o 
downe, a subuijjan house they own, P''"" '>«""'^as. 



I and operated. The case never came 
to trial. Warners made an out-of- 
court settlement under which the 
chain leased the fheatre. 



Names 10 in N. Y. Suit 
For $62,132 Damages 

Dnmage.<; of $62,132 are sought 
from Optic lor. Inc., experimenters 
in color film, the estate of Ogden L. 
Mills and eight other detendams in' 
a N. Y. supreme court suit disclosed 
last week. Action was brought by 
Morris L. Welch, former associate 
ot the defendants. 

Welch alleges he was abandoned 
in Germ.iny. where he was carry- 
ing on the development and perfec- 
tion ot motion picture equipment 
as per an agreement when he was 
hired by the defendants in 1937. An 
answer by Opticolor generally de- 
nies the complaint and claims 
Welch failed to return equipment 
supplied to him for the German 
work. 



When UMPI wa.s fli-.st formed, it 
was feared that the decree, then and 
still without United Artists. Univer- 
sal and Columbia, would be extended 
to include Federal legislation affect- 
ing the film indu.stry in other ways. 
Some months after UMPI was 
launched, the Government ackowl- 
edged its failure to bring in the so- 
called Little Three, which had been 
unexpected, and thereupon the 
movement detoured from shorls- 
forclng, conciliation, enlarged arbi- 
tration, etc., to sales policy, latter 
being its death knell. 



EATZ DOUBLES UP 

Hollywood. Oct. 0. 

n.iy Kalz. former per.soiinel man- 
aucr of the Leon Schlesini»er cartoon 
plant, is combining his old job with 
the post left vacant by Henry Binder, 
production manager, who left the 
studio to join the Navy. 

George Winkler, chief of the ink- 
ing and painting department, takes 
over part of Binder's old duties. 



San Francisco, Oct. 6. 

Will of Aaron Goldberg, dean ot 
the indie exhibs here, who died Sept. 
22, made bequests to 14 employees 
from an estate believed to exceed 
$200,000 in value. Goldberg, opera- 
tor of six theatres, provided in his 
will that employees who had been 
with him 15 years or more would 
receive $250 each, those with 10 
years' service $100 each, and five- 
year workers $50. 

Bulk of estate was left to his wife. 
Rita, with the Community Chest 
and Jewish Welfare Fund to get 
$1,000 each, and relatives to receive 
$15,000. 



DITTO IN NW 



Indies Repeat Tbelr Balk At 'HIcb' 
Pif Terms and % 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 
Northwest Allied claims a rebel- 
lion among independent exhibitors He once 'stood' for Dorothy Lamour 



the 'Ice Follies.' Idea, it seems, wai 
to put Pete on skates— and let natur* 
h:.ve its head. 

But Par had a prior contract, i« 
apparently holding Pete to it and 
won't waive, even for the brief en- 
gagement Result: Luxford is ask- 
ing $1,500 damages, ostensibly the 
iro promoter's price. That'll give a 
cursory idea of the money angle, 
foi the pictures produce a demand 
that is constant and it's not unknown 
fi>r the animal star to outdraw the 
featured player — and even out-play 
him or her. Or both. 

That's what Skipper the Seal did, 
for instance, with Barrymore, La- 
me ur. Fonda. Raft and Lynn Over- 
man in 'Spawn of the North." More- 
over, the story was worse and so, 
at lengthy last, it came about that 
th^' only thing good in the produc- 
tion was Skipper. He was prac- 
tically consumate In the role. He 
played himself. 

Curly's Tricky Baven 

That's what Jimmy the Raven's 
doing in 'Edgar Allen Poe' at 20th- 
Frx. He's owned by a gent named 
Curly Twyfford. who keeps him 
constantly occupied, for Jimmy can 
carry coins from person to person, 
lift a dgaret from a guy's mouth 
and do all kinds of antics. He cur- 
rently 'quothing' at Ed Poe's w.k. 
chamber door. 

Other studios are reaching co- 
piously Into the exchequer to p^y oft 
animal, bird and reptile acts, the 
e>ception being Metro. It owns 
Asta outright for the "Thin Man' 
-scries and maintains its > own me- 
nagerie, much as Universal used to 
do. According to° a studio inventory, 
fnere is the following assortment of 
our foot-footed . friends now on the 
premises: Three baby elephants, one 
Chimp, one big lion, 45 deer, 0 
bears, 20 raccoons, one psssum. four 
foxes. 20 hounds, ^ree squirrels, 
Five baby alligators, and a random 
litter of livestock. 

No jumping frogs, though. War- 
ners has those for the 'Mark Twain* 
picture, having impor.cd them from 
the Mother Lode country. They are 
alleged to jump 15 feet or more, 
which is almost as far as their own- 
e:-. Alt Jermy, Jumps every time he 
sees the salary Warners pays him 
IS technical advisor. 

It may be Judged from this that a 
great deal of eccentricity creeps in 
with animal thespianism, not the 
least of which came about - when 
Daisy, the dog, was in two pictures 
and needed a double. Daisy was 
bought from a pet shop window for 
$3. whereas the studio had to pay 
$500 for the double. 

Then there's -Ponchartrain Billy, 
the 'gator— very old, very tractable. 



against terms and allocations now 
being demanded by distributors is 
slowing up buying to a snail's pace 
in the' territory. The body itself has 
made no effort to foment a rebellion 
or discourage buying, its heads de- 
clare. With a few exceptions, how- 
ever, according to the reports reach- 
ing its office here, theatre-owner.s 
are refusing to do business at the 
terms demanded. 

At present most of the exhibitors 
have enough to carry them for some 
time and can afford to wait, it's 
pointed out. In many of the towns 



.sitting on his back, though, come to 
think of it, a lot of us would stand 
for that, too. But, of course, Billy 
was just like all the gators. He went 
hibernating in the winter right in 
the middle of a scene, which is to 
say that he sank to the bottom of the 
tank and went to sleep. Studio In- 
genuity finally solved that one. They 
turned steam into the tank, BUly 
thought It was spring again, he woka 
up and they went on with the pic- 
ture. 

Snaps Only at Food 

Jnckie the Lion is another 'gentle- 



there has been loss of population | man.' He's as docile as an old rug 

and will let anybody wrestle him 
around,^ including Joe E-Brov 



that, It's alleged, has cut down 
osses.. Nevertheless, the exhibitors 



or more for their product than a 
year ago. Percentage terms are 
called particularly onerous. 



Technicolor Uncertain 



The uncertain outlook regarding 
earnings and raw stock conservation 
were pointed out as reasons for 
Technicolor directors postponing 
action on the capital stock dividend 
until the December meeting. Techni- 
color paid 25c earlier this year. Dr. 
Herbert T. Kalmus, president of the 
corporation. i.s.sued a statement out- 
lining these tacts after the directo- 
rate meeting last week. He stated 



ir Guy 

Standing's brother was killed In 
a lion picture, and so they're always 
I on the alert tor a reversion to type 
' by Jackie or any other cat. That's 
one thing they didn't have to worry 
about in the case of tbe trained flees, 
once expressly imported here from 
West 42d street. 

But the wild boars In the 'Lives ot 
a Bengal Lancer' were something 
else. Very vicious, practically ber- 
serk—or something. So they possed- 
•d the entire location to keep the 
boars from goarlng up the nearby 
residents. All they did was come 
out of their cages, sit up on their 
hind legs and 'oink, oink' for food. 
And one of their number, who'd 
been especially trained to grapple 



that also the slump in volume which 

occurred the middle of the present | on the ground with Sir Guy Stand- 
year i.s now converted into a current ' '"C- 'ost his tusks two nights be- 
demand beyond the capacity of f'"'c. Nobody but Standing and the 



Technicolor to handle 

Besides the conservation ot motion 
picture film and taxes, Kalmus cited 
the effect of the rapid labor turnover 
and loss of trained employees to the 



trainer knew it, the latter then 
f.ishioning some ersatz or makeshift 
or upper denture tusks, so that the 
scene could go on. Everyone was 
amazed by Standing's bravery, as 



armed .services as making it difficult i he grasped the tusks in both hands 
to determine profits or volume and rolled the boar In the dust, the 
cleiirlyat this time. 'director being particularly agitated. 



16 PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Hollywood Bewildered 



CAnllnucd from pase 3 



eriy Hills and San Fernando Valley 
will suffer a severe decline 
realty values and the loiu; of taxes 
on property will hit enormous fig- 
ures. 

A radical change in the standard 
of living will take place, with small 
homes and apartments becoming the 
rule. And many questions and 
angles arise on the problems pe- 
culiar to the Hollywood contingent 
that win be affected. 

Of foremost concern i.* whether 
the $25,000 net income will be re- 
troactive to the first half of 1941, in 
which ca.se all coming under the 
edict will have to dig into reserves 
to pay up on coin already spent. 

Hollywood, according to comment 
of the first few days, is r»ndy to 
conscientiously meet the new con- 
ditions and will be happy to co- 
operate to win the war. However, 
stars, directors, writers, et al, who 
have been getting big fees per pic- 
lure will undoubtedly restrict the 
number of pictures turned out an- 
nually when their gross earnings hit 
above $125,000 annually, which will 
allow about $25,000 net. There's a 
chance that stars and directors get- 
ting around $100,000 or more per 
picture will decline engagements 
where the entire income has to be 
turned in as tax, resulting in Gov- 
ernment's losing considerable in- 
come tax from the Hollywood sector 
through lesser activity of high- 
bracket personalities. 

Attorney's Huddle 

Studio heads and their attorneys 
moved into close formation Monday 
(5) to arrive at some conclusion as 
to how the $25,000 ceiling on incomes 
will affect their personal lives, busi- 
ness operations and labor negotia- 
tions. The directive freeze, it is be- 
lieved, imperils contracts with ^u- 
dio unions calling for automatic pay 
raises, with many hundreds running 
past the $5,000 annual limit. Such 
clauses may become inoperative un- 
less Economic Stabilization Director 
James Byrnes rules otherwise. 

Counsel for labor unions have de- 
clined to hazard any guess until a 
definite status is fixed on the Presi- 
dential order. 

Actors, writers and directors who 
rale well over $25,000 figure they 
might get under the wire on directive 
which makes exception for those 'as- 
signed to more difficult or responsi- 
ble work.' Meantime the President's 
directive is being read and re-read 
by the industry's five-figure crowd 
and is the subject of conversation 
wherever picture people congregate. 
Everybody is reading their own in- 
terpretations into the official order 
and hoping for the best when the 
blow falls as to what's what. 

President Roosevelt's decree 
merely laid down the broad policies 
to be implemented by specific regu- 
lations end rulings from Leon Hen- 
derson, the War Labor Board, el al, 
under Byrnes' supervision. 

Officials in Washington are all 
waiting for clarification and hud- 
dling to discuss knotty legal points. 
The best information here is that 
only salaried workers getting under 
$5,000 annually can get a raise with- 
out Federal Government approval, 
but even this Is a matter of dispute 
at present 



ON FILM LABOR 



Freezing of salaries by Govern- 
mental order, creating an uncomfort- 
able stir throughout the picture in- 
dustry, has aroused immediate specu- 
lation as to what the position of the 
unions will be and what exceptions 
to the strict letter of the regulations 
may be ultimately made. With labor 
attorneys already giving study to the 
sweeping legislation affecting .<:alaries 
and price ceilings, it i.c indicated 
that considerable clarification may be 
nece.s.sary. One question i.s whether 
any increases given to union' labor 
since Sept. 15 will be permitted to 
stand. 



Another is whelhei the employer is 
given the power to arbitrarily reduce 
any salaries of over $5,000 a year 
now being paid members of trade 
unions as broadly indicated by the 
regulations. While there are many 
unionists not making over $5,000 
annually, there are still a large num- 



ber, especially In studios, who are 
getting upwards of this amount. 
lATSE 

In the absence of Richard F. Walsh, 
president of the International Alliance 
of Theatrical Stage Employees, which 
has much at stake, Jim Brennan, 
vice-president, stated that while 
there's lots of room for argument 
both ways, he doubts that existing 
contracts can be disturt>ed. He al^o 
questioned the ability of an employer 
to cut due to the specialized type of 
work performed by lA members and 
those of other unions. 

The lA has some locals whose con- 
tracts expired Aug. 31 and have not 
been renegotiated. In the case of 
these, since old contracts expired 
prior to Sept. 15, date at which 
salaries are frozen, it is believed in 
the lA that the contracts can be 
written as of Aug. 31 and made retro- 
active to that date. 

Walsh is in Toronto attending the 
American Federation of Labor con- 
vention which opened Monday (4). 
The matter of frozen salaries and 
pending negotialions. where increases 
are sought, will probably be dis- 
cussed there. 

In addition to the lA group of 
unions, there are others in show busi- 
ness whose position is a quesion. in- 
cluding musicians, electrical workers. 
Screen Publicists Guild, office worker 
unions, etc. 

Aside from the possibility of re- 
ductions where yearly salaries are 
over $5,000, imions whose contracts 
call for renegotiation of wage scales 
next year or at other dates, may be 
stymied on that count. 

This includes the Screen Office & 
Professional Employees Guild which 
has contracts with several eastern 
homeoffices and exchanges but does 
not with others, including Paramount 
and United Artists. In case of the 
latter an election was held but there 
has been none for Par, including its 
exchange, Par News and music sub- 
sidiaries. Where contracts are not in, 
it's dubious whether an increase can 
be negotiated although wofking 
hours, severance pay. etc., no doubt 
would not be affected in any way. 



Wi8.-Mich. Indies Resoke 
Not to Make Resolutions 

Milwaukee, Oct 6. 
Convention of the Independent 
Theatre Protective Association of 
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan at 
the Hotel Schroeder here Sept 30 
Oct 1 did a lot of talking in execu- 
tive session, but adopted only one 
resolution and thatr— not to make 
any more resolutions for the dura 
lion. 

Allied Caravan took up one of 
the two days discussing remedies for 
the current ills that beset the indus- 
try and the 300 exhibs in attend- 
ance. 

Will Ainsworth, of Fond du Lac, 
was reelected pres.; Charles Trampe, 
of Milwaukee, vice-pres.; August 
Bergholz, of West Bend, secy.-treas., 
with Harry Melcher, of Milwaukee, 
and Jimmy Boden, of South Mil- 
waukee, elected to the board of di- 
rectors to succeed Andy Gutenberg 
and Ben Marcus, resigned. 



SHERMAN'S PITCH 



Libretto Sounds Good as to Why 
Westerns Belong In Classier Cinemas 



Harry Sherman. Paramount's vet 
producer of sagebrush operas now 
being released through United Art- 
ists, at the UA sales convention in 
Chicago ending last Thursday (1). 
expounded the theory that the be.<;t 
people would go to see westerns CA 
little fight in the second reel and a 
big fight In the fifth',— Grad Sears) 
providing they're shown in the pro- 
per theatres instead of shooting gal- 
leries. 

Sherman, who plans to produce 
the last Will James novfel. 'Ameri- 
can Cowboy,' and the life of Buffalo 
Bill in Technicolor with Joel Mc- 
Crea for 1943 release, said that west- 
erns have been undersold. He as- 
sierted that he didn't know of a 
single western ever made which had 
lost money either for the distributor 
or exhibitor. In this connection, how- 
ever, Sherman mentioned .several 
typical instances where westerns 
grossing $1,500 and $1,600 on a book- 
ing paid off $50 or $60 in rentals, 
'"aerman^a.sed his contention re- 
wp,'»>vf!lf *fa »J JC3»jn« pow°r of west- 
erns mSufSi as ?Ta4s' iUuiences are-f' 
concerned on a survey recently 
made showing .some 15.000.000 copies 
of western pulp magazines being 
sold monthly, which was figured at 
a reader circulation of 75.000.000. 
Sherman added that 75% of these 
readers were professional people — 
physicians, lawyers, engineers, nurs- 
es, etc. He claimed that these readers 
wouldn't hesitate to patronize west- 
ern pictures providing they are 
shown in suitable houses. 

In substantiation of his contention 
regarding appeal of horse operas for 
all classes, Sherman also pointed out 
that some 5.000,000 copies of the 
Mulford books have been sold by 
Doubleday, Doran. Recently Double- 
day, Doran printed a series of six 
Mulford western sagas, chosen at 
random, in book form .selling at $10 
per set. Over 400.0U0 sets were sold 
at this price, indicating ihe higher 
income audience yet to be tapped for 
picture houses. 



Bands for U Shorts 

Universal Is leaning heavily on 
name bands as backbone for its 
shorts department this .season. 

Among the bands set are Harry 
James, Jan Savitt, Del Courtney and 
George Olsen. 



FARMERS' CASH 
AUGURS WELL 
FOR NW B.O. 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 
With farmers' cash income hitting 
a new all-time record high of $130,- 
000,000 and country lumber sales at 
the second highest August level in 
the Federal Reserve bank's 22-year 
records in this district, film ex- 
change heads are more confident 
than ever that this fall and winter 
will witness unprecedented theatre 
prosperity throughout the North- 
west. 

Present figures are contained in 
the bank's report just issued for 
August. They also show that war- 
inflated business activity increased 
throughout the territory over the 
July level and was higher than a 
year earlier, but that continued 
shrinkage in consumer lines is start- 
ing to be felt. 

Bank deposits and investments in- 
creased at record rates in August, 
the monthly review pointed out. For 
the film industry here, however, its 
most significant statement was: 
'Farmers' cash income rose to the 
highest level for any month on rec- 
ord.' 



Show Biz Scrap Drive 



Contlaned (ronf page S j 



planninc to give the salvage drive 
impetus around Oct 15. 

About 1,000 theatres In the area 
serviced out of New York Metro- 
politan exchanges are participating 
in the drive in the N. Y. sector. First 
scrap matinee will be held around 
Oct 24, when admission will be by 
scrap only. Trailers, radio and 
newspaper ads are planned as well 
as parades with kids dressed in cos- 
tumes made from scrap. 



Combo Bus and Theatre 
Tickets Inspire Suit 



Philadelphia, Oct. 6. 

Harry Fried, operator of the Riant, 
Conshohocken. Pa., filed suit Friday 
(2) in Superior Court asking that the 
Schuylkill Valley Bus Co. be forced 
to sell combination bus-film tickets 
to residents of Norristown. a nearby 
town, who wish to attend his house 
in Conshohocken. 

Fried, who also operates three 
houses on the nearby Main Line, 
declared that the bus company sold 
such combination tickets in Consho- 
hocken good for rides and admission 
in Norristown theatres. He claimed 
that refusal of the bus lines to sell 
ducats good in his theatres constitut- 
ed 'illegal discrimination. 



ban again.st Sabbath films and differ- 
ent laws in both towns would make 
lhe_ sale 'complicated.' 



Boothmen Too Scarce, 
Exhib Staggers Sked 

Marshfield, Wis., Oct. 6. 
Unable to get projectionists be- 
cause .so many of them have gone 
into the army and the navy. John 
Adier, vet operator of three houses 
here, has been compelled to take 
measures that add up to closing one 
theatre. The New Adler is kept open 
all week. The old Adler is operated 
Ihrce d.iys a week, and the Relda is 
open four days a week. 

This ai ranKement is made to avoid 
the complete closing of one house, 
which might throw it into the dis- 
card before normal conditions re- 
turn. 



TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 

'Show Time' jit Universal became 
Show Business.' 

'Stand By to Die' at RKO has been 
shifted to Flight for Freedom.' 



Old Marquee* for Salvage 

In view of the urgenF need for 
scrap materials, believed in some 
industry quarters that theatres may 
be asked to tear down their mar- 
quees or at least strip them of vital 
metal such as steel, brass and cop- 
per. Not only do marquees contain 
much valuably-required metal, but 
outer and inner lobby frames are in 
many cases made of . brass or chro- 
mium steel. 

Concern over the possibility of a 
move against theatre marquees fol- 
lows the proposal made by Edgar J. 
Nathan, Jr.. President of the Bor- 
ough of Manhattan, New 'York City, 
that apartment houses, night clubs 
and cafes voluntarily raze their 
canopies. 

Nathan asked that owners dis- 
mantle canopies at once so that the 
metal therefrom could be picked up 
on collection day, for the drive in his 
borough, Oct. 15. 

While just a recommendation from 
Nathan so far, pointed out that the 
seriousness of the need for metals 
could result in an order for the re- 
moval of canopies of all kinds, in- 
cluding tho.se in front of some office 
buildings, stores and other establish- 
ments. 

With that, though drastic, also 
could come regulations affecting 
theatre marquees, e.specially since 
their value for advertising purposes 
has been trimmed due to dimouts. 
This would be no less serious, how- 
ever, from the theatre operator's 
point of view than the move under 
way to requisition cooling systems. 
Much apprehension exists with re- 
spect to the latter. 

Complete demolition of marquees, 
also involving a big labor problem, 
wo|ild deface house-fronts the same 
as certain buildings would be af- 
fected in that connection where 
canopies are removed. 

Assumption under voluntary or 
forced razing is that owners would 
have to bear all labor costs. 



all members urging them to stage 
similar shows on or before Oct 10, 

f4,4N From St Louis Scrap 

St Louts, Oct, 6, 
Local use has been enriched by' 
$4,400 through a s«rap-iron drive 
sponsored by Fanchon & Marco and 
St Irouis Amusement Co. houses in 
St Louis coimty. Last week 750,000 
pounds of scrap iron was sold at auc- 
tion to a local dealer and 60,000 
pounds of scrap rubber also collected 
in the drive will be sold later. 

The kiddies received, free adnii.sh 
to flicker shows In 35 houses for each 
10 lbs. of metal and r jbl>er produced. 
Additionally Harry C. Arthur, Jr., 
prexy of the F&M organization here, 
awarded four pinto ponies to the two 
boys and two girls who produced the 
greatest poundage iron and rubber. 
Other prizes also were dished out to 
enterprising young 'uns. 



PHARMACIST NAMED TO 
PASS ON SOEG DISPUTE 



Press-Plx Merg:e Drive 
Following meeting held Monday 
(5) at the offices of the National 
Newspaper As.sociation in New York, 
the picture indu.slry's scrap drive 
was merged with the campaign cur- 
rently being conducted by the press. 
Among those' at the meeting were 
Richard W. Slocum. chairman of the 
NNA. Monroe Greenthal. of the War 
Production Board, and Arthur 
Mayer, War Activities Committee. 

Film workers will capitalize on the 
impetus given the scrap drive by 
the newspapers. Approximately 
1,700 dailies are giving the cam- 
paign front page space. 

Meantime, Oscar Doob. who was 
on loan from Loew's to head up ex- 
ploitation for the film industry's 
September War Bond drive, has re- 
turned to his home office desk. Earl 
Wingart, on loan from the film in- 
dustry's ea.stern publicity commit- 



that they could not sellTicKels in ari7re^TrSr'^3?*lf{f-'^^ 
Norristown because that town has a ' ' 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Judge B. Rey Schauer, who is pre- 
siding over the wage argument be- 
tween the Screen Office Employees 
Guild and the major film exchan^, 
appointed W. J. Milmet, a pharmgci.st, 
as an impartial arbiter. The other 
two are Louis R. Stein, attorney, 
representing the Guild, and Frank 
Belcher, speaking for the exchanges. 

Only one question, that of wages, 
remains to be settled. Other prob- 
lems of the original controversy 
have been ironed out by mutual 
agreement. 



Allen Sparrow Taking 
Over Mike Collen's Dist. 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 

Allen Sparrow, with Loew's for 22 
years and most recently located at 
Richmond, Va., has been named to 
take over M. J. CuUen's theatre dis- 
trict, the midwestern section extend- 
ing from Kansas City to Pittsburgh 
and including Columbus, St. Louis 
,and Dayton. Cullen recently re- 
signed to become a captain in the 
Army Specialist Corps and reports 
for training next Monday (12) at 
Forf Meade, Md. 

Sparrow, who was in town yester- 
day (5) for farewell party lo.ssed in 
Cullen's honor by 'Variety Club here, 
is making rapid swing around his 
territory this week' with his prede- 
cessor. 

George Peters, Loew manager in 
Reading, moves to Sparrow's spot in 
Richmond. Brock Whitlock, man- 
ager of Loew's Columbia, Washing- 
ton, D. C, is promoted to the Read- 
ing spot. 



All B'way Houses Get 
•Bataan' V Short Oct. 8 

With release dates .set on its first 
two 'Victory shorts. Paramount is 
spotting .'Letter From Bataan' in all 
Broadway houses, including the 



drive. 

Ernest Emerling, Loew's publicist, 
has been appointed chairman of the 
Publicity and Exploitation Commit- 
tee for the industry scrap drive in 
the New York metropolitan area. 

Among others working on the ex- 
ploitation committee are Ed Schrei- 
ber. of the Vl\C: Paula Gould, 
Loew's; Harry Mandel. RKO; Eddie 
Dowden, Loew's; Mike Siegal, Cen- 
tury; Janice Rentschler and Jack 
Harris, Skouras; John Cassidy. Buck 
Harris. Ray Malone. Fred Herkowitz, 
Patty Grasso. all RKO, and others. 



«Hl«a-|i^ 



ing Oct. 8, the na- 



Frledl's Scrap 

Minneapolis. Oct. 6. 
John J. Friedl. exhibitor state 
chairman of the War Activities Com- 
mittee, will handle the scrap drive 
for all theatres in Noi tli and South 
Dakota. Wiscon.<in. and Minnesota 
served out of Minneapolis exchanges. 



Special Salvage Shows 

Richmond, Va., Oct. 6. 
All theatres here put on special 
shows last Saturday (3) for scrap 
collections. W. H. Crockett, presi- 
dent of the Motion Picture Theatre 
Owners of Virginia, has circularized 



'They Shall Not. Die,' goes out on 
general release Oct. 25, Lidice Memo- 
rial day, since the short concerns 
the fate of Lidice... Czechoslovakinn 
village wiped out at the order of the 
German military. Preem of the pic- 
ture will be Oct. 23 in Lidice. III. 

Par is setting a radio dramatiza- 
tion Of 'Not Die,' with efforts being 
mrde to have Madeleine Carroll, Eric 
Von Stroheim, Stirling Hayden and 
Clifton Fadiman in the ca.st. It is 
planned to air it over WNEW. N. Y., 
and possibly other radio stalion.s. 
Oct. 25. 

Par is giving its Victory Shorl.s to 
exhibitors for $l-per-day rental, and 
reports 7,500 contracts already signa- 
tu.-ed on all four subjects. All profit 
will be turned over to the War Ac- 
tivities Committee to go to some se- 
lected charity. 

Third Victory short i.s 'AUIrich 
Family Gels Into the Scrap,' 
dealing with the national salvane 
drive. It is hoped that prinLs will 
be available before the current sal- 
vage campaign is over. Painmount 
will have some 250 prints available 
on the first Victory shorts, or about 
twice the normal number put out 
on a short subject. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1048 



17 




HERE'S TO 



WITH a salute to all the great war pictures that have 
contributed so inspiringly to the nation's morale* 
Columbia offers a diversion in a great motion pic- 
ture. ..aimed at LAUGHTER... BEAUTY... MUSIC. c 
SHEER ENTERTAINMENT . . . 



"YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER" is a musical motion 
picture produced in a manner refreshingly new to 
this form of entertainment. 

NEVER before In her shining screen career has the 
exotic beauty of RITA HAYWORTH shown to such 
advantage . . ♦ never before in his rise to greatness 



have the agility and magnetic personality of FRED 
ASTAIRf reached such heights . . . never since 
SHOW BOAT has Jerome Kern composed such 
ear-tingling tunes: 

' '"''W\yt VyA}>h\iOMJ '' ^ ' l VJ UlAL LOVD»E » r ' »'«M^ 
"DEARLY BELOVED" » "WEDDING IN THE SPRING ' 

AND in his grandest manner, XAVIER CUGAT 
and His Orchestra, with their extraordinary song 
hit. CHIU CHIU. 

IT is all here... in one mighty piece of entertainment 





18 PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Advance Production Chart 



I/ollntood, Oct. 6.— United Artists has a pood ilort 
it) us quest 0/ producers ond pictures to release durino 
Die 1942-43 season. VA producers iioiu number 16 with 
wore scheduled to join the VA group, it has bought 
Irom Paromount, at this writing, 10 /iItms ujtth Harrv 
■Sliertiian production label. Four 0/ these ore to be 
u-estcm specials ond the retnoininj sii 'Hopolongs.' 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



All the studios iioio arc opcrnlino 011 1942-43 slates 
with Poromount homiie the lorgest bockloe wih 25 
/eotures either completed, in the culling' room or in 
producion. 

Warners and Uniucrsnl ore iu full stride with 21 
filnxs either completed, in nittiiip room, or in produc- 
tion ond 23 features in /iiial staees of production or 
readv for eihlbition respccfiueli/. 



Cohunbia 



FeaturM , 
Wcslcmi 
Serl»U . . 



ProiulMd 
•42--4S 
.. 48 
.. 16 
4 



Com- 
ptrl«d 

S 

5 

1 



8I1U0I- 
Ini 
Z 
1 

e 



Now 
CultlDf To (■ 



9 
2 
1 

12 



29 
8 
t 

S9 



Totola M * 

Pictures in cutting room or awaiting relase: 

STAND BT ALL NETWOBKS, war drama; prod., 
Jack Fler; dir.. Lew Landers; no writing credils; cam- 
• L-a, Henry Freulich. Cast: John Beal. Florence Rice, 
■Kenneth MacDonald, Alan Baxter, Don Beddoe, Mar- 
garet Ifeyes, Mary Treen, John Tyrrell 

BOSTON BLACKIfe, mystery; prod., Wallace Mac- 
Donald; dir., Michael Gordon; no writing credits: cam- 
era, Henry Freulich. Cast: Chester Morris, Richard 
Lane, George E. Stone, Constance Worth, Lloyd Cor- 
rigan, WUUam Wright, Forrest Tucker. John Tyrrell. 

SHALL I TELL TBI, dir., Charles Barton: no writing 
credits; camera, Phil Taimura. Cast: Margaret Lindsay, 
John Beal. Bert Gordon, Dorothy Ann Seese, Sig Arno, 
Constance Worth, Nedda Parker, Louise Squire, Hal- 
«ne Hill, John T. M'. ray, James Morton. 

COBIMANDOS STBIKE AT DAWN, formerly COM- 
MANDOS COME AT DAWN, drama: prod., Lester 
Cowan; dir., Lt Commander John Farrow; no writing 
credits; camera, William Mellor. Cast: Paul Muni, Anna 
Lee, Edmund Gwenn, Ray Collins, Alex Knox, Rose- 
mary De Camp. 

THE DESPERADOES, western In Technicolor; prod., 
Harry Joe Brown; dir., Charles Vidor; no writing cred- 
its; camera, George Meehan. Cast: Randolph Scott, 
Glenn Ford, Evelyn Keyes. Claire Trevor, Edgar 
Buchanan. 

SOMETHING TO SHOOT ABOVT, musical; prod., 

dir., Gregory Ratoff: no writi- g credits: camera, Fraiu 

Planer. Cast* Don Ameche, Jack Oakie, William Gax- 

ton, Cobiha Wright. Jr. 
TOU WEBE NEVEK LOVELIES, musical; prod., 

Ia>u Edelman; dir. .William Selter; no writing credits; 

camera, Ted Tetzfaff. Cast: Fred Astaire, Rita Hay- 

vortti, Adolphe Menjou, Xavier Cugat and his band. 

kobel Elsom, Leslie Brooks, Adele Mara, Catherine 

Craig, Gus Schilling. 

CRT WITHOUT BIEN, drama; prods.. B. P. Schul- 

berg and Samuel Bronston; dir., Sidney Salkow; no 
writing credits; camera, PhU Tannura. Cast: Linda 
PameU, Claire Trevor, Doris Dudley, Leslie Brooks, 
Michael Duane. 

SILVER CRT RAIDERS, western; prod., Leon 
Barsha: dir., WUliam Berke; no writing credits: cam' 
era, Benjamin Kline. Cast: Russell Hayden, Bob 
Wills, Alma Carroll. 

THE FRIGHTENED STIFF, comedy-drama; prod.. 
Earn Blschofl; dir., Richard Wallace: no writing credits; 
camera, Joseph Walker. Cast: Loreita Young. Brian 
Aherne, Miss Jeff Donnell, Sidney Toler. Lee Patrick, 
Blanche Yurka, Norman Willis, Joseph McGuinn. 

JUNIOR ABMT, drama; prod., Colbert Clark; dir.. 
Lew Landers; no writing credits; camera, L. W. O'Con- 

' nell. Cast: Freddie Bartholomew. Huntz Hall, Billy 
Halop, Bobby Jordan, Bernard Punslcy. 

JUNIOR ARMY, drama: prod., Colbert Clark: dir . 
Lew Landers; screen play, Paul Gangelin: story, Albert 
Bein; camera, Charles Schoenbaum. Cast: Freddie Bar- 
tholomew, Billy Halop. Bobby Jordan. Huntz Hall, 
Boyd Davis, William Blees, Richard Noyc.<:, Joseph 
Crehan, Don Beddoe, Charles Lind. Billy Lechner, 
Peter Lawford, Robert O. Davis. 

THE BOOGIE MAN WILL GET YOU. drama: prod.. 
Colbert Clark; dir.. Lew Landers: .screen pby. Edwin 
.-Blum: adaptation, Paul Gangelin; based on story by 
Hal Fimberg and Robert B. HunU camera, Henry 
Freulich. Cast: Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, Maxie 
Kosenbloom, Jeff Donnell, Larry Parks. Maude Eburne, 

Eon Beddoe, George McKay, Frank Puglia. Eddie 
aughton, Frank Sully, James Morton. 
PRAIRIE THUNDER, western; piod.. Leon Barsha; 
dir., William Berke; screen play, Fred Myton: story, 
Ed Earl Repp and J. Benton Cheney: camera. Benjamin 
Kline. Cast: Russell Hayden. Bob Wills. Dub Tavlor, 
Lucille Lambert, John Merton. John Maxwell, Jack 
Kirk, Edmund Cobb, Ernie. Adams. 
O NE DA NGEROUS NIGHT, drama: prod.. David ^ i, 



(For information o] theatre and film exchange bookers Variety preseiiis 
a complete chart of feature releoses oj all the American dwirioutiiio com- 
panies for the current quartertv period Date of reviews as pit;en in 

Variety and the runnltig time 0/ prints ore included.) 
Key to Tt/pe Abbreviations: M— Melodrama; C-^omedv; CD — Comedy- 
Orama; W— Western;' D— Drama; RD— Romantic Drama; MU— Mustcai. 
flourcs herewith indtcat« dote of Varietv'* rev(«tti and running time. 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 7/t3/«2 



era; L. W. O'Connell. Cast: Michael Lanyard, Jamison, 
Sidnel Shaw, Eve, Dickens, Inspector Crane. 

LAUGH TOUR BLUES AWAY, comedy drama; prod.. 
Jack; dir., Charles Barton; story and screen play, Harry 
Eauber; additional dialog. Ned Dandy: camera, Philip 
Tannura. Cast: Jinx Falkenburg, Bcrl Gordon, Doug- 
lass Drake. Isobel Elsom, George Les.';ey. Vivien Oak- 
land. Dick Elliott. Phyllis Kennedy. Robert Greig. 

Columbia Pl> In ProdncUon 
MERRY-GO-ROUND; prod., dir., George Stevens: 
1)0 writing credits; camera, Theodore Tetzlafl. Cast: 
Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea, Charles Coburn. 

POWER OF THE PRESS, drama; prod.. Leon Bar.sha; 
dir.. Lew Landers: no writing credits: camera uncred- 
lled. Cast: Guy Kibbee, Lee Tracy. OHo Kruger, Vic- 
tor Jory. Gloria Dickson. Rex Williams. Don Beddoe, 
Frank Sully, Tom Dugan. Douglas Lcavilt, Arthur 
Hohl, Joseph Crehan, Douglas Drake. 

ROBIN HOOD OF THE RANGE, western: prod.. Jack 
Tier; dir.. William Berke: no writing credits. Cast: 
Charles Starrett, Kay Harris. 



credits; camera, George Folscy. Cast: Mickey Rooney, 
Lewis Stone. Fay Holdcn. Esther Williams. 

THE MAN ON AMERICA'S CONSCIENCE, histor- 
ical drama; prod., J. Walter Ruben; dir., William 
Dleterle; no writing credits; camera, Harold Rosson. 
Cast: Van Heflln, Ruth Hu.ssey. Lionel Bariymore, Mar- 
jorie Main. 

REUNION, drama: prod.. Joseph L. Mankiewicz; 
dir., Jules Dassin; no writing credits, camera, William 
Daniels. Cast: Joan Crawford, Philip Dorn. 

JOURNEY FOR MARGARET, drama; prod., B. F. 
Fineman; dir., Herbert Kline: no writing credits; cam- 
era, Paul Vogel. 'Cast: Robert Young, Laraine Day. 

WHISTLING IN DIXIE, comedy mysteiy; prod., 
George Halght; dir.. S. Sylvan Simon; no writing 
credits, camera, Clyde De Vinna. Cast; Red Skelton. 
Ann Rutherford, Diana Lewis. Rags Ragland. 

GAMBLER'S CHOICE, drama; prod., Sam Marx; dir., 
Joe Newman; no writing credits: camera, Jackson Rose. 
Cast: WlUiam Lundigan, James Craig, Patricia Dane. 

SKTWAT TO GLORY, air drama: prod., B. F. Zeifl- 
man; dir., George Sidney; no writing credits, camera, 
Paul Vogel. Cast: Frenchot Tone, Marcia Hunt. 

KEEPER OF THE FLAME, drama; prod., Victor 
Seville; dir., George Cukor; no writing credits; camera, 
William Daniels. Cast: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hep- 
burn. 

CLEAR FOR ACTION, navy drama: co-prod., Robert 
Z, Leonard and O. Q. Dull: dir., Robert 1.. Leonard; no 
writing credits; camera, Charles Rosher. Cast: Robert 
Taylor, Charles Laughton. Brian Don.evy, Walter 
Brennan. 

PRESENTING LILLY MARS, drama; prod., Joe 
Pasternek; dir., Norman Taurog; no writing credits; 
camera, unassigned. Cast: Judy Garland, Richard 
Carlson, Fay Bainter, Spring Bylngton, Ray Mac- 
Donald. 

DR. GILLESPIE'S NEW ASSISTANT, drama: dir., 
Willis Goldbeck; no writing credits; camera, Robert 
Folsey. Cast: Lionel Barry more. Van Johnson, Alma 
Kruger, Nat Pendleton, Nell Craig, Marie Blake, Hor- 
ace McNally, Walter King-iford. 

Metro PIz lo Prodootlon 

DU BARRT WAS A LADT, musical In Technicolor; 
prod., Arthur Freed; dir., Roy Del Ruth; no writing 
credits; camera, Karl Freund. Cast: Red Skelton, Lu- 
cille Ball, Rags Ragland, Virginia O'Brien, Zero Mos- 
tel. Gene Kelly, Tommy Dorsey and Band, Donald 
Meek, Douglas Dumbrille, George Olvot 

SALUTE TO THE MARINES, drama; Technicolor; 
prod., John Considine, Jr.; dir., S. Sylvan Simon; no 
writing credits: camera. Duke Green and Charles 
Schoenbaum. Cast: Wallace Beery, Fay Bainter, Wil- 
liam Lundigan, Marilyn Maxwell, Keye Luke, Jim Da- 
vis, Don Curtis, Ray Collins, Mark Daniels, Fritz 
Leiber, Noah Berry, Jr., Russell Gleason. 

LASSIE COME ' HOME, drama; prod., Sam Marx; 
dir., F^ed Wilcox; no writing credits; camera, Len 
Smith. . Cast: Roddy MacDowall, Edmund Gwen, Reg- 
inald Owen, Dame May Whitty, Ben Webster, Donald 
Crisp, Nigel Bruce, Elsa Lancaster, Lassie. 

CABIN IN THE SKY, ell Negro musical: Arthur 
Freed; dir.. Vincent Minnclli: no writing credits: cam- 
era, Les Wagoner, Cast: Ethel Waters, Lena Home, 
Rex Ingram, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Duke Elling- 
ton and band, Louis Armstrong, Kenneth Spencer, Buck 
and Bubbles, Moke and Poke. 

THE HUMAN COMEDY, comedy-drama: dir., Clar- 
ence Brown: no writing credits; camera, Harry Strad- 
ling. Cast: Mickey Rooney, Frank Morgan, Van Johnson, 
Fay Bainter, Donna Reed. Dorothy Morris. Marsha 
Hunt, Gene Kelly. Henry O'Neill. Richard Quirl, James 
Craig, Darryl Hickman, Barry Nelson, Ann Ayres. Rita 
Quigley. 

ASSIGNMENT TO BRITTA.N'Y. war film: dir.. Jack 
Conway; no writing credits; camera, Charles Rosher. 
Cast: Jean Pierre Aumont. Signe Hasso, Reginald 
Owen, Susan Peters. Richard Whorf, Margaret "Wych- 
erly, George Coulouris, Darryl Hickman, John Emery. 

THREE HEARTS FOR JULIA, comedy drama: prod., 
John Considine, Jr.: dir.. Richard Thorpe: no writing 
credits; camera, George Folsey. Cast: Reginald Owen, 
Marta Linden. Jacqueline White. Ann Richards, Rus- 
sell Gleason, Melvyn Doug! s. Ann Sothern, Felix Bres 
sart, Lee Bowman, Richard Ainlcy. 
"NOTlIING VENTURED, eomcdy drarna: prod.r-Pan'^ 

Walter Brennan, Eugene Pallclte. Dame May Whltiy 
Pamela Blake, Howard Freeman, Millard Mitchell 
Ward Bond. 



escape from Crime (WB) 8/3 M 

This Above All (ZOtb) S/13 BD 

nerre ol the Plains (M-G) 8/11 M 

Thundering Boots (RKO) W 

HI Neighbor (Rep) C 



SI B. Travl*-J. BUhop 
118 T, Power-J. Fontaine 
•S J. CoiroU-B. HDSiey 
•1 T. Holt-B. WhIUey 
J. raiker<J. Archer 



WEEK OF RELEASE 1/38/42 



Jackass MiU (M-0> «. 17 
The Sombrero Kid (Rep) it/1 
Joan of Oiarlc (Rep) 7/22 
Invisible Agent (U) t/i 



CD 

C 
C 
M 



1» 



W. Becry-M. Main 
D. Barry-L. Merrick 
J. Cavena-J. E. Browa 
L Maisey-J. UaU 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 8/«/4« 



Blondle For Victory (Col) C 

Crossroads (M-G) S 24 RD i4 

Smart Alecks (Mono) 9/8 >ow C « 

Klondyke Fury (Mono) T/IS W M 

Call of the CanyoB (Rep) I/I9 W 71 

It Happened In FUtbush (2eth) 8/3 CD M 

Pardon My Sarong (U) 8/S C 83 



P. Blagleton-R. Lake 
W. Pewell-H. Lamarr 
B. Pryer-M. Boicnblooa 
E. Lowe-L. Falrbanki 
O. Autry-S. Burnett 
L. Nolan-C. Landli 
AboU * CostoUo 



WEEK OF RELEASE— «/13/4> 



Bad Hen of the HIUs (Col) « 

Mrs. Miniver (M-G) S/13 D 13:1 

milbUIy BUtekreIg (Mono) 9/18 C 83 

Timber (U) 8/12 C SM 

Tb« Old Homestead (Rep> 8/28 C 88 



C. Starrett-L. Walten 
O. Oaisen-W, Pldgeon 
B. Doncan-E. Kennedy 
U CarrlUo-A. Divine 
Weaver Bros. 



WEEK OF RELEASE 8/28/42 



Talk of the Town (Col) (7/29 CD 118 

Borders of the West (Mono) W 

Are Bosbands Necessary (Par) 8/11 CD W 

Priorities on Parade (Par) 1/29 MU 19 

Bambl (BKO) S/2T CD 78 

The Pled Piper (20th) 1/8 D 84 

Shadows of the Sage (Rep) W 



C. Grant-J. Arthnr 

B. Jonei-T. McCoy 

B. MUland-B. rieldt 

A. Millet— J. Johnson 

(Disney Cartoon) 

M. WooUey-R. McDonell 

Three Mesqnetccrs 



WEEK OF RELEASE— a/27/42 



One Thrilling Night (Mono) 1/1 M 
Calling Or. GlUesple (M-G) 8/11 M 
Loves of Edgar Allan Poe (29th) 1/8 M 



89 J. Beal-W. McKay 
*« L. Barrymorc-P. Don 
87 J. Sheppard-L. Darnell 



WEEK OF RELEASE 9/3/42 



Vengence of the West (Col) W 

Sabotage Squad (Col) 8/s M 

Ariiona Stagecoach '(Mono) W 

The Big Street (RKO) 8/5 CD 

Orchestra Wives (28th) 8/12 MU 

Across the PaelOc (WB) 8/19 M 



91 



B. BUIott-Tex Rlttcr 

B. Bennett-K. Harris 

Range Boaters 

H. Ponda-L. BaU 

O. Ment|omery-A. Rutherfd 

B. Begart-M. Astor 



WEEK OF RELEASE 9/10/42 



Spirit of Stanford (Col) CD 

Isle of Missing Men (Mono) M 81 

Youth on Parade (Rep) W 

Sunset Serenade (Rep) 9/9 W S8 

Bells of Caplstrano (Rep) 9/ IS W 13 

Mexican SpUllre's Elephant (RKO) 8/S C «3 

Berlin Correspondent (28th) 8/12 M 7a 

Give Out Sisters (U) 9/2 MU SS 



F. Albert-M. Chapman 
B. Boward-G. Roland 
J. Hubbard-M. O'DrlscoU 
B. Rogers-B. Parrlsh 
O. Autry-S. Burnett 
L. Velex-L. Errol 
V. Gllmore-D. Andrews 
Andrews Sisters 



WEEK OF RELEASE 9/17/42 



King of the Stallions (Mono) 
Somewhere I'll Find Yoo (M-O) 
Wings and the Woman (RKO) 
Careful. Soft Shoulder (29th) 8/12 
Halfway to Shanghai (U) 9/9 
One of Our Aircraft Is Missing (U) 



W Thnndercloud-D. O'Brien 

8/B RD 181 C. Gable-L. Turner 

M vt A. Neegle-R. Newton 

M 10 V. Brnce-J. Ellison 

M 81 I. Hervey-K. Taylor 

M G. Tearle-E. Postman 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 9, 24/42 



My Sister EUeen (Col) 9/18 CD 

Police Bullets (.Mono) M 

Bandit Ranger (RKO) W 

Just OS Broadway (201h) 1,12) CD 

Sin Town (U) 11/30 M 

Desperate Journey (WB) 8/19 D 



97 



66 
73 
107 



R. Russell-B. Aherne 
J. Marsli-J. Arrhpr 
T. Holt-C. Edwards 
L. NoUn-M. Weaver 
C. Bennett-B. Crawford 
E. Flynn-R. Regan 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 18/1/42 



Lucky Lees (Col) MU 

Phantom Klllrr (Mono) M 

Highways by Meht (RKO) M 63 

Iceland (20th) 8 12 MU 79 

Get Hep to Love (U) 8 30 MU 79 

Moon and SIxpcnre (U) D 

Moscow Strikes Back (Arlklno) 8. 19 SS 



J. Falk«nbiirg-K. Harris 

D. Piircell-J. Woodbury 

R. Carlson- J. Randolph 

S. IIea(e-J. Payne 

G. Jean-J. Fraiee 

G. Sanders-H. Marshall 

(Documentary) 



WEEK OF RELEASE 18/8/42 



Daring Young Man (Col) C 

,Foreign Agent (Mono) M 

^ere We Go Acaln (RKO) 8,26 C 7S 

Girl Trouble (20th) 9 23 CD 81 

Destination Unknown (U) 18 '1 M 63 

You Cant Escape Forever (WB) 8,'2< CD 77 

Flylns Tigers (Rep) 9/23 M 98 



J. E. Brown-M. Chapman 
3. Sheldon-C. Storm 
E. Bergen-McGrc «r Molly 
D. Ameche-J. Bennett 
I. Hervey-W. Gargao 
G. Brent-B. Marshall 
J. Waync-A. Lee 



Metro 



PromlMd 
■42-'43 
.. SO 



Com- 
plrtrtl 
12 



Slliint- 
liii; 
8 



Now 

( III I Ilia To go 
12. 18 



Features .... 

Pictures In cutting room or awaiting release: 
RANDOM HARVEST, drama; prod., Sidney Franklin; 
dir., Mervyn LeRoy; story based on novel by James 
Hilton; camera, Joseph Ruttcnbcrg. Cnsl: Ronald Col- 
man, Greer Garson, Philip Dorn. 

ANDT HARDT'S LAST FLING, comedy-drama; 
prod., General Office; dir., George Seilz: no writing 



, SinTtV oTMIrrneSita^CoR 



secret Enrniles (WB) 8 19 
Moonlight In Havana (U> 



Monogram 



. PrAinlfl«d 
•«-'4S 

Featurea 34 

Westerns 16 




Ciitllng To so 

6 18 
1 14 

7 32 



ToUU S« 9 2 7 

Pictures In cutting room or awaiting release: 

FOREIGN AGENT, spy-ringer; prods., Martin Moo- 
ney. Max King; dir., William Bcaiidine: original story, 
Martin Mooney; screenplay by Martin Mooney and 
John Krafit; camera. Max Stengler. Cast: John Shel- 
ton. Gale Storm, Ivan Lebedcff, Hans Schumm, Wil- 
liam Halligan, George Travell. Patsy Moran, Lyle Lat- 
tel, Herbert Rawlinson, Kenneth Harlan, Jack Mulhall, 
David Clarke. 

TEXAS TO BATAAN. western: prod., George W. 
Weeks; dir., Robert Tar\,scy; no writing credits; cam- 
era, unassigned. °asl: John King, Max Terhune. 
Davey Sharpe, Marjorie Manners. 

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR, formerly HOMICIDE 
SQUAD, melodrama, prod.. Lindsley Parsons; dir., Jean 
Yarbrough; no writing credits; camera unassigned. 
Cast: Edith Fellows, John Miljan, Robert Lowery, Jan 
Wiley, Pat Gleason, John Maxwell. 

BOWERT AT MIDNIGHT, horrorer; prods., Sam 
Katzman and Jack Dietz; dir., Wallace Fox: no writing 
credits; camera. Mack Stengler. Cast: Bela Lugosi, 
'Continued on page 20) 



WEEK OF RELEASE— lO/lS/42 



CD" 
M 

"".<f • 
M 
M 



S8 



Bt SiiUl&-A~. Judge 
K. Sharp-Tcrhune 
l,.-!#«fcsS<*'f««ie»)f »v~»» •"^■"J 
C. Stevcns-F. Emrrson 
A. Jones-J. Fraice 



TRADESHOWN AND FOR FUTURE RELEASE 



Night In New Orleans (Par) S/8 
Once Upon a Thursday (M-G) S/28 
Yankee Doodle Dandy (WB) 8/3 
Holiday Inn (Par) 6/11 
Eagle Squadron (U) 6/11 
Tombstone (Par) 6/11 
1 Live In Danger (Par) 6/11 
Apache Trail (M-G) 6/24 
United We Stand (20th) 1/1 
The Young Mr. PIU (20th) 1/1 
FootUcht Serenade (2eth) 1/8 
The Pride of the Yankees (RKO) t/ls 
Flying Fortress (WB) 1/lS 
War Against Mrs. Hadley (M-G) 8/S 
Journey Into Fear (RKO) 8/S 
Tales of Manhattan (20th) 8/S 
Cairo (M-G) 8/12 
Wake Island (Par) 8/12 
A Yank at Eton (M-G) 8/12 
Now. Voyager (WB) 8/19 
Wildcat (Par) 9/2 
The Glass Key (Par) 8/2 
The Major and the Minor (Par) 9/2 
Between Us Girls (U) 9/2 
Eyes In the Night (M-G) 9/9 
Me and Me Gal (M-C) 9/9 
White Cargo (M-G) 9/16 
The Omaha Trail (M-G) 9/18 
Springtime In the Rockies (20th) 9 26 
The Hard Way (WB) 9/26 
The Hidden HR;<d (WB) 9/26 
(}corge Washln.'ton Slept Here (WB) 9. 
The Forest Rangers CPar) 9/30 
Henry Aldrlch, Editor (Par) 9/30 
The Falcon's Brother (RKO) 9/30 
Street of Chance (Par) 9/30 
Road to Morocco (Par) 10/1 
You Were Never Lovelier (Col) 10 1 MU SO 
Mrs. Wlges of Cabbage Patch (Par) 10 7 M 80 



M 


IS 


M 


68 


MU 


I2S 


MU 


181 


RD 


Its 


W 


IS 


M 


13 


W 


«« 




66 


M 


118 


MU 


81 


D 


128 


M 


no 


D 


8S 


M 


•8 


CD 


117 


MU 


101 


D 


81 


CD 


88 


D 


117 


CD 


10 


M 


8S 


«'D 


100 


CD 


88 


D 


88 


MC 


104 


D 


89 


W 


61 


MU 


90 


D 


lOH 


M 


67 


26 CD 9.1 


M 


8S 


CD 


12 


M 


70 


M 


74 


CD 


at 



D. Lamour-R. Denning 
M. Hnnt-R, Carlson 

J. Cagney-J. Leslie 

B. Croaby-F. Aslaire 
R. Stack-D. Barrymore 
R. DIx-K. Taylor 

C. Morrls-J. Parker 
L. Nolan-D. Reed 
(Documentary) 

R. Donat-R. Morley 
J. Payne-B. Grable 
G. Cooper-T. Wright 
R. Oreene-C. Lehman 

E, Amold-F. Bainter 
J. Cotton-D. Del Rio 
(All star cast) 

J. MacDonald- R. Young 
B. Donlevy-R. Preston 
M. Rboney-E. Gwenn 
B. Davls-P. Hcnreld 
R. Arlen-A. Judge 
R. Donlevy-V. I4ike 

G. Rogcrs-R. Mllland 

D. Barrymnre-C. Cummlngs 

E. Amold-A. Harding 
J. Garland-G. Murphy 

H. Lamarr-W. Pldgeon 
J. Cralg-P. BUke 

B. Grable-J. Payne 

I. Luplno-D. Morgan 

C. Stevens-E. Frasrr 
J. Benny-A. Sheridan 

F. MacMurray-P. Goddard 
J. Lydon-C. Smilh 

G. Sanders-T. Cnnway 
B. Meredlth-C. Trevor 
R. Crosby-B. Hope 

F. Astalre-R. Ila.vworth 
F. Balnter-C. Lee 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



19 



Dayton I 



Richmond! 




Harrisburgl 



Atlonto! 



WilmingtonI 




New Orleans! 




Providence I 



Edmund Gwenn • Ian Hunter • Freddie 
Bartholomew • Mafta Linden • Juanira 
Quifclev • Alan Mowbny • Screen Play 
by George Oppenhelmer, Lionel Houscr 
and Thomas Phlppt • Original Story by 
George Oppenhelmer • Directed by 
NORMAN TAUROG • Produced 
by JOHN W. CONSIDINE. Jr. . A 
Metro-Goldmlne>Mayer Picture. 




Syrdcusel 




—and 

Held Over 

in its first 

nine cities! 
*Tank At Eton" 

is the latest 

release to top the 

headlines in 

M-G-M's famed 

Terrific Twelve! 

One big hit 

after another 

from Metro- 

GOLDMINE- 

Mayer, 

THE 
INDUSTRY'S 
HIGH! 



Get in the 

SCRAP 

with a 
SCRAP 
MATINEE I 



to PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued from page 18) 

Wanda McKay, John Archer, Dave O'Brien, Hay Miller, 
John Be rkes, V ince Barnett. 

WAB DOGS, alimials; pioa.rC6orge"WrWeeks;^iiV 
S Roy Luby; no writing credits; camera, Robert Cline. 
Cast Billy Lee, Addison Richards, Kay Linaker, Brad- 
ley Page, Herbert Rawlinson. 

■NEATH BROOKLYN BRIDGE, drama; prods., Sam 
Katzman and Jaclt Diclz; dir., Wallace Fox; no writmg 
ci-edits. Cast: Leo Gorcey, Bobby Jordan, Huntz Hall, 
Cabrielle Dell, Ann Gillis, Noah Beery. Jr. 

WEST OF THE LAW, western; prod., Scott R. Dun- 
lap; dir.. Howard Brctherton; no wrilint; credits; cam- 
era, Harry Newmann. Ca.st: Tim McCoy, Buck Jones, 
Raymond Hattpn. 

RHYTHM PARADE, musical; prod., Sydney Wil- 
liams: executive prod.. Lindsley Parsons; dirs., How- 
ard Bretherton and Dave Gould; original screenplay, 
Carl Foreman and Charles Marion; camera. Max 
Stengler. Cast: Gale Storm, Robert Lowery. Margaret 
Dumont, Chick Chandler, Cliff Nazarro, Jan Wiley, 
Nils T. Granlund, Mills Brothers, Candy Candido, Julie 
Milton, Sugar Gekse. Jean Foreman, Ted Fio Rito and 
orchestra, Florentine Gardens Revue. 

Monogram PIx In Production 

LITTLE MOBSTERS, drama; prod., Sam Katzman; 
Bsso. prod., Barney Sarecky; dir.. Wallace Fox; screen 
play, Gerald Schnitzer; camera, Mack Stengler. Cast: 
Leo Gorcey, Hunt Hall, Bobby Jordan, Gabriel Dell, 
Pamela Blake, Sammy Morrison, Bennie Bartlett, Dave 

gurand, Bobby Stone. Daphne Pollard. Vince Barnett, 
enry Hall. 

SILVER SKATES, musical; prod., Lindsley Parsons; 
Bupervised by William Shapiro; dir., Leslie Goodwms; 
no writing credits; camera, John Mescall. Cast: Kenny 
Baker. Belita, Frick and Frek, Irene Dare, Danny Shaw, 
Gene Turner. Eugene Mikeler. 



ParamooDt 



Stndlo 



FromlMd Tom- Sliool- 
'42-'4a pirtnl \nt 

.. 3S s a 



K«w 
CllMtal Tu (o 
13 18 

18 



ToUb : . . . . U I > 1) 

Pictures in cutting room or awaiting release: 
THE PALM BEACH STORY, comedy; asso.. prod., 
Paul Jones; dir., Preston Sturges; screenplay, Preston 
Slurges; camera. Victor Milner. Cast: Claudette Col- 
bert, Joel McCrea, William Demarest. 

NO TIME FOB LOVE, comedyrdrama: asso. jprod^, 
Fred Kohlmar; dir., MilcheU Leisen; n6 wWitln? credits; 
camera, Charles Lang. Cast: Claudette Colbert, Fred 
MacMurray, Richard Haydn, Ilka Chase, Paul McGrath, 
June Havoc, Marjorie Gateson, Robert Herrick, Morton 
Lowry. 

STAR SPANGLED RHYTHM, musical; asso. prod., 
Jo.seph Sistrom; dir.. George Marshall; no writing 
credits; camera, Leo Tover. Cast: Betty Hutton, Eddie 
Bracken, Victor Moore, Walter Abel, Anne •Revere, 
Cass Daley, Gil Lamb,'CecU KeUaway, Edgar Dearing, 
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Katberine Dunham, Walter 
Dare Wahl and Co., William Haade, Maynard Holmes, 
James Millican, Eddie Johnson, Slim and Slam, Louise 
La Planche, Lorraine Miller. ° 

HENRY ALDRICH GETS GLAMOUR, comedy; prod., 
Walter MacEwen; asso. prod., Jules Schermer; dir., 
Hugh' Bennett; no writing credits; camera, Dan Fapp. 
Cast: Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith, John Lytel, Obve 
Blakeney, Frances Giflord, Gail Russell. 

LUCKY JORDAN, drama; asso. prod., Fred Kohlmar; 
dir., Frank Tuttle; no writing credits; camera, John 
Seitz. Cast: Alaji Ladd, Marie McDonald, Helen 
Walker, Mable Paige, Sheldon Leonard, Lloyd Cor- 
rigan, Russell White, Dave WiUock, John Wengraf, 
Sheldon Leonard. 

HIGH EXPLOSIVE, formerly YOU CAN'T LIVE 
FOREVER, drama; prods., Williams Pine and Thomas; 
dir., Frank McDonald; no writing credits; camera, Fred 
Jackman, Jr. Cast: Chester Morris, Jean Porter, Barry 
Sullivan. 

HAPPY GO LUCKY, musical in technicolor; asso. 
prod., Harold Wilson; dir., Curtis Bernhardt; no writing 
credits; camerr, Karl Struss; color camera, Wilfred 
Cline. Cast: Mary Martin, Dick Powell, Eddie Bracken, 
Betty Hutton, Rudy Vallee, Mabel Paige, Clem Bcvans, 
Sylvia Open, Gene Cale, Frances Raymond, Irving Ba- 
con, Arthur Loft, Paul McVey, Donald Kerr, Lorraine 
Miller, Barbara Slater, Rebel Randall, Aileen Haley, 
Lynda Grey, Louise La Panche, Caleb Peter.son, Kay 
Linaker. Jean Fenwick, Frederick Clark, Lillian Ran- 
dolph, Napoleon Simpson, Olaf Hytten. Harry Harris, 
Edgar Norton, Rita Christiana, Lancelot Pinard, Charles 
R. Moore, Leyland Hodgson. 

LADY BODYGUARD, drama: prod.. Sol C. Siegel; 
B.'i.so. prod.. Burt Kelley; dir., William Clemens; screen- 
play, Edmund Hartman, Art Arthur; based on story by 
Edward Haldeman. Vera Caspary; camera, Daniel Fapp. 
Cast: Eddie Albert. Anne Shirley, Raymond Walburn, 
Rocer Pryor, Ed Brophy, Maude Eburne, Clem Bevans, 
Mary Treen. Gus Schilling, Charles Halton, Olin How- 
lin. Jack Norton. Donald MacBridc, Emmctt Vogan, 
John H. Dilson, Harlan Briggs, George M. Carleton. 
Gordon De Main, Frances Morris. Jack Stoney. Fred 
Graham. Kernan Cripps, Charles R. Moore, Sam Ash, 
Wilbur Mack. Jack Gardner. 

WRECKING CREW, action-drama; prods.. William 
Pine and Williaim Thomas; dir., Frank McDonald: no 
writing credits; camera, Fred Jackman, Jr. Cast: 
Richard Arlen, Chester Morris. Jean Parker. Esther 
pale, Pat West, Joe Sawyer. Frank Melton. William 
Hall, George McKay. Eddie Waller, Fred Sherman, 
Alexander Granach. 

MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY, comedy drama; 
prod.. Sol C. Siegel; asso. prod., E. D. Lcshin; dir., 
Robert Siodmak; original screenplay, F. Hugh Her- 
bert; camera. Daniel Fapp. Cast: Richard Carlson, 
Martha O'Driscoll. Frances Gifford, Cecil Kellaway, 
Florence Bates. Mabel Paige. Velma Berg. Francis 
Pierlot, Fern Emmelt. Betty Farrington, Milton Kib- 
bee. ^ 

GREAT WITHOUT GLORY, di'ma: dir.. Prostoi) 
Sturges; screen play by Pi-cston Sturges; camera. Vic- 
tor Milner. Ca.st: Joel McCrca. Betty Field. Harry 
Carey. William Demarest, Julius Tannen, Franklin 
Pangborn. 

HENRY ALDRICH DOES HIS BIT; prod.. Walter 
MacEwen; asso. prod.. Jules Schermer; dir.. Hugh 
Bennett. Cast: Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith. Diana 
Lynn, John Litel, Olive Blakeney. 

MOOT PLANE FROM CHUNGKING, drama: prod.. 
Walter MacEwen; asso. prod., Michel Kraike; dir.. 
Bialph Miuphy; screen play. Earl Felton, Theodore 
Reaves and Lester Cole; adaptation by Sidney Bid- 
dell; based on story by Harry Hervey; camera, Theodor 
Sparkuhl. Ca.st: Robert Preston, Ellen Drew, Stephen 
Cferay. Sen Yung. Soo Yong, Otto Kruger. Ernest 
Dorlon, Tamara Geva, Allen Jung, Ted Hacht, Lee 



Tung Foo, Luke Chan. Angel Cruz, Loren L. Raker. 
John Bleifer. 

Paramoont Pis lo Prodoctlon 

fOR-jyaOM THE BELL TOLLS, drama; prod.-dlr., 
Sam WoodT novel Tjy Ernest -Hemingwayi-camera,-Ray^ 
Rennahan. Cast: Gary Cooper. Akim Tamiroft'. Katma 
Paxinou, Joseph Calleia, Vladimir Sokoloflf, Milkhail 
Rasumny, Edward Cianelli, Fortunio Bonanova, Dun- 
can Renaldo, Alexander Granach, Leonid SnegofT, Lilo 
Yarson. Martin Giuralaga. Victor Varconi, Eric Fel- 
dary, Leo BulgakofT. Fcodor Chaliapin, Jean De Val, 
Armand Rohind. Dick Botilier. . 

TRUE TO LIFE, drama; prod.. Paul Jone-s; dir.. 
George Marshall; original screen story by Ben and Sol 
Baizman and Bess Rafel; camera. Charles Lang. Cast: 
Mary Martin, Franchot Tone. Dick Powell, Victor 
Moore. Mabel Paige, Beverly Hudson, Raymond Roe. 
Bill Doincicst. 



Wa.<^hinglon theatre executives are talking of establishing a priority list 
on benefits for which they are asked to provide talent. As it stands today 
there are II worthy causes for which acts are contributed weekly. Stage 
Door Canteen will make 12. 

Managers-flre-pa»4^al- to shows-foi:- Walter-Reed_hospllal_andJiie_Ka.val_. 
hospital at Bethesda. In these Federal homes, recovering from .<:crious 

ounds, are men from Pearl Harbor and the Pacific areas, subject to long, 
confinement. Boiling Field and Fort Belvoir are also favored. Stage Door 
Canteen is listed as a spot where the entertainment Is provided for sol> 
iers and sailors who have all Washington to choose from in show <:hop> 
ping. Many feel that Hrst priority for volunteer talent should be allo- 
cated to shul-in.":. 



Repvblic 



Boris Morros. co-producer of 'Tales of Manhattan,' explained he pulled 
out the W. C. Fields sequence in the picture because it made the feature 
too long. Fields came in after the E. G. Robinson Incident, buying the 
tail coat in a second-hand shop to add dignity to his profession as a tem- 
perance lecturer. Fields cutting will soon be released as an independent 
two-recler. It is capable of standing alone as a short, he feels. 



Features . 
Westerns 
Serials . . . 



PniinUfd r«<a- 

.3* » 

..32 3 

.. « I 



a 

1 



Cattlnc Te 

i * M 

4 t3 

• a 



ToUls 1* * * • 

Pictures in cutting ropm or awaiting release: 
ICE-CAPADES REVUE, icer; prod, Robert North; 
dir., Bernard Vorhaus; no writing credits; camera, John 
Alton. Cast: Ice-Capades skating troupe personnel, 
Vera Vague, Jerry Colonna, 

SUNSET SERENADE, western; asso. prod^ dir., 
Joseph Kane; no 'writing credits; camera. Bud Thack- 
eray. Cast: Roy Rogers, (Gabby) Hayes, Bob Nolan, 
Pat Brady, Themselves, Helen Parrish, Joan Woodbury, 
Onslow Stevens, Roy Barcroft, Frank M. Thomas, Jack 
Kirk. 

X MABKS THE SPOT, drama; prod.-dir., George 
Sherman; no writing credits; camera. Jack Marta. 
Cast: Damian OTlynn, Helen Parrish, Dick Purcell. 
Neil Hamilton, Jack La Rue. Anne Jeffreys, Esther 
Muir. Edna Harris, Joe Kirk, Dick Wcssel, Robert 
Homans. 

OUTLAWS OF PINE BIDGE, western: a.sso. prod., 
Eddy White; dir., William Witney. Cast: Don 'Red' 
Barry, Emmett Lynn, Noah Beery, Jr., Lynn Merrick, 
Clayton Moore, Donald Kirke, Stanley Price, George 
Lewis. 

JOHNNY DOUGHBOY, army; asso. prod.-dir., John 
H. Auer; no writing credits; camera, John Alton, Cast: 
Jane Withers, William Demarest. Ruth Donnelly, 
Henry Wilcoxon, Pat Brook, Bobby Breen, Bobby 
Coogan, (Seorge MacFarland, Billy Lenhart, Kenneth 
Brown, Sandra Henville, Cora Sue Collins, Beverly 
Hudson, Carl Switzer. 

HEART OF THE GOLDEN WEST, western; prod., 
Joseph Kane; dir., 1^1 Felton; no writing credits; cam- 
era, Jack Marta. Cast; Roy. Rogers. George 'Gabby' 
Hayes, Smiley Burnette, Sons of the Pioneers, Edmund 
MacDonald, Walter Catiett. 

VALLEY OF HUNTED MEN, western; prod., Lou 
Gray; dir.. Jack English; screen pluy, Albert DeMond 
and Morten Grant; based on original by Charles Ted- 
ford; camera, Bud Thackeray. Cast: Bob Steele. Tom 
Jinunie Dodd, Anna Marie Stewart. Edward Van 
Sloan. Roland Varno, 'Arno Frey, Louis Armstrong, 
Bob Stevenson. 

THE CBOOKED CIRCLE, drama; asso. prod., Ar- 
mand Schaefer; dir., Frank McDonald; screen play. 
Jack Townley; camera. Bud Thackeray. Cast: Donald 
Barry, Jean Parker, George Cleveland, Bradley Page, 
Ralph Morgan, Jessica Newcombe, Marjorie Cooley, 
Dick Wessei. 

SECBET8 OF THE UNDEBCROUND, drama; asso. 
prod., Leonard Fields; dir., William Morj^an; screen 

glay, Robert Tasker and Geoffrey Homes; original storv 
y latter; camera, Ernest Miller. Cast: John Hubbard, 
Virginia Grey, Lloyd Corrigan, Miles Mandcr, Robin 
Rayrhond, Ben Welden, Maria Shelton Neil Hamilton, 
Olin Howlin, Dick Rich. 

BepvbUo PIx Ib Production 
BIDIN' DOWN THE CANYON, western; prod., Harry 
Grey; dir., Joseph Kane; no writing credits; camera. 
Jack Marta. Cast: Roy Rogers, Linda Hayes. Lorna 
Gray, George 'Gabby' Hayes, James Seay, Sons of the 
Pioneers. 

G-MAN VEBSUS THE BLACK DRAGON, serial; 
prod., William O'SuUivan; dir.. William Witney; no 
veiling credits; camera. Bud Thackeray. Cast: Rod 
Cameron, Constance Worth, R6land Got, C. Montague 
Shaw, Nino Tlpitone. 

THE SUNDOWN KID, western: asso. prod.. Eddy 
White; dir., Elmer Clifton; no writing credits; camera 
Ernie Miller. Cast: Don 'Red' Barry. Lynn Merrick, 
Ian Keith, Ted Adams, Wade Crosby. Helen MacKcller, 
Emmett Lynn. 



With bulk of shooting completed, 'Private Smith of U. S. A..' drst of 
RKO-Pathe's "This Is America' shorts, will be ready for previewing in the 
next week. Slavko Vorkapich, director who was sent east frorri Holly- 
wood, and Larry O'Reilly, cameraman, headed the crew which just got 
back from making the army shots in Maryland. Film is set for Oct. 
23 release. 

Private Smith' details the transformation of th« average American 
youth into a first-class private. Understood that one of the government 
film units wanted to make a similar story but got the red light by the 
U. S. Army because |IK() had submitted the Idea first, RKO-Pathe has 
listed 'Women at Arms' and "Men of Tomorrow,' later about the Boy 
Scout movement, as titles for the next in this aeries. 



Major Alexander de Soversky, author of 'Vlctoiy Through Air Power,' 
is prolonging his stay on the Coast indef, acting as advisei' lo Boeing 
Aircraft and doing the screen commentary on the Walt Disney cartoon. 
Eugene Lyons, editor of 'American Mercury,' who ghosted the de SeVersky 
book. Is back in N. Y. after a fortnight's preparation on the Disney screen 
script. * 

Incidentally, de Seversky is talking about suing Life mag"^ for giving 
Uegedly false credit to one of his ex-RepubUc Aircraft as.sociatPs. The 
flying expert, who has been championing the P-47 plane, is himself suing 
Republic on a business deal. 



New photographic device known as the Concentroscope. will be used 
for the first time in- the Charles R. Rogers picture. The Powers Girl,' as 

new method of emphasizing or dimming any area of the screen without 
the use of usual camera clo.seup. Idea, devised by Stanley Cortcz. cnmcra- 
man, consists of a series of photo-electric cells attuned to modulations of 
controlled intensity. Its first use in the Rogers film is to stress certain 
players and instruments In the Benny Goodman band while the cHinera 
continties one uninterrupted take without a change of focus. The 
emphasized closeup-efTect is achieved by dimming down the rest o( the 
screen. 



RKO-Radio 



rnuiilHMl Coni- 

Studio 28 7 

Westerns 7 6 

W. Disney 1 6 

S. Goldwyn 2 1 

H. Wilcox I e 

J. VoUoB t 0 

S. Lesser 2 0 

Jerrold Brandt 2 t 



InK 
.1 
0 

1 
1 
e 
1 



Now 
CilMliiK Ti> BO 
6 12 
2 
• 

« 

1 

17 



ToUls 45 14 6 > 

Pictures in cutting room or awaiting release: 

SCATTERGOOD SURVIVES A MURDER, mystery 
prod.. Jerrold Brandt; dlr, Christy Cabanne; no writing 
credits: camera, no credit. Cast: Guy Kibbee, Mar- 
garet Hayes, John Archer, Wallace Ford, Florence 
Lake, John Miljan, Spencer Charters, Willie Best, Mar 
garct McWade, Margaret Seddon. 

PIRATES OF THE PRAIBIE, western; prod., Bert 
Gilroy; dir., Howard Bretherton; screen play, Morton 
Grant and Doris Schroeder; camera, Nick Musuraca 
Cast; Tim Holt, Nell O'Day, Cliff Edwards. 

GUN LAW, western; prod., Bert Gilroy; dir., Sam 
Nelson; no writing credits; camera. Max StenglerV 
Cast: Tim Holt, Joan' Barclay, Cliff Edwards, Bud Mc 
Taggart. Ed Cassiday. 

ONCE UPON A HONEYMOON, coroedy-drama 
prod.-dir.. Leo McCarey; no writing credits: camera, 
George Barnes. Cast: Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, 
George Sanders. 

SEVEN DAYS LEAVE, formerly, SWEET OB HOT, 
musical; prod, dir., Tim Whelan; no writing credits 
(Continued on page 22) 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 



Fresh advances in Universal common shares and certificates of the 
same, both on the N. Y. Curb Exchange, again produced comment that 
simplification of the corporate structure was near. This was promptly 
denied by U homeoffice officials. Most sensational advance wns scored 
by the Universal common stock, in which there is little activity and only 
a few shares in the hands of the public. It climbed iVi points in n single 
day to $28. Common certificates reflected these gains by pushing foi w.-ird 
to nearly $8. 



Norway in Revolt,' March of Time short, was being .shown at an 
underground gathering in Oslo, Norway, at the time of the recent British 
aerial bombing of Quisling headquarters, according to word received yes- 
terday (Tuesday) at the N. Y. office of M. of T. 

Time officials reveal that several prints had been smuggled jnto Nor> 
way. They're being exhibited at several spots where anti-Nazi Nor- 
wegians continue carrying on their underground fight against the Germans. 



New problem for indie producers is to keep their production crews 
together. With the demand for labor exceeding the supply, competent 
craftsmen are switching from the independents to the majors, where they 
are assured of steadier work. To solve the problem, the solo producers 
are making agreements with each other to arrange their shooting sched- 
ules In consecutive order, so that working crews may be shifted back 
and forth without any loss of time. 



One gag to come out of the United Artists convention in Chicago hap- 
pened on the closing day. After hearing about the pictures from Para- 
mount that UA has on its current season's program lor several days, the 
delegates walked out of the Concluding session and spotted Adolph Zukor, 
seated in the Blackstone hotel lobby. 'Aw, he's come to take back his 
pictures.' one UA exec cracked. Zukor just happened to be in the same 
hotel on his way back from the wedding of his grand-daughter in Arizona. 

There has been a cut of 43 minutes from the original British-made 'Fly- 
ing Fortress,' which is being released in the States by Warners. It's a 
Warner production that originally ran 110 minutes when reviewed by 
'Variety' in its issue ot July IS from London. At that time Jolo recom- 
mendeiH a slosn Tri ruhnnTg tSsn^''^9^.<dld"f^^'4l^^■?Tife~^lUI^•a'.'itablC^O^ An.erltan 
audiences. Richard Greene and Carta Lehmann are starred. 



With the return to the U. S. last week of Merle Oberon. rumors atient 
the supposed tiff between the actress and Al Jolson on their recent over- 
seas jaunt for USO-Camp Shows, Inc., were once again rife and not 
squelched until Jolson wired Miss Oberon as follows: 

'Told newspapermen no truth about quarrel Nice story in papers. Hope 
you had fine trip It was swell knowing you. , . .' 



Since it deals with oldtime vaudeville, 'For Me and. My Gal' was con- 
sidered by Metro for an advanced-price run at the Palace, N. Y., the 
apogee of vffudevillians' ambitions in years gone by. Palace is now oper- 
ated by RKO as a double-feature house. However, Metro is putting 'Gar 
into the Astor Oct. 21 on a continuous, popular-priced policy. 



Too much economy in the use of film Is costing one studio plenty for 
original shooting. Producer and director, attempting to edit the picture 
before filming, did too thorough a job. Result was a choppy story that 
failed to hang together. Now they are making 30 added scenes lo fill the 
vacant spots in the yarn. 



Included among 19 aliens interned by the N. Y. federal court l.nst week 
is a former distributor of Italian propaganda films. Withholding names, 
the announcement was made by P. E. Foxworth, assistant director of the 
FBI in N. Y. A music publisher of Italian extraction, not interned, has 
been reported under FBI quiz. 



Add to champ filmgoers Don Carle Gillette, in charge of trade paper 
publicity for Warner Bros, at the homeoffice. Though no longer on 
trade papers when he used to see more than 550 features a year, Gillette 
itiU gets around to catch six or seven pictures weekly. Capt. Barney 
Oldfleld, now in the army, for years was in the champ class while sei ving 
as a newspaper and trades correspondent at Lincoln, Neb. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



21 



WH«BF EVERY 
FOOT COUNTS 



UNDER present conditions, new importance 
attaches to the famed dependability of 
Eastman negative films. Their special abili- 
ties, wide latitude, and exceptional uniform- 
ity see. to it that every scene has its full 
quota of high photographic quality. Eastman 

r 

Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y. 

J. E. BRULATOUR, INC., Distributors 

Fort Lee Chicago Hollywood 



PLUS-X SrPER-XX 

for generat siudio use when tittle tight is avaitable 

BA€KGROmD-X 

for backgrounds and generat exterior worle 



EASTMAN NEGATIVE FILMS 



22 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued trom page 20) 

camera, Robert De Grasse. Cast: Victor Mature, Lucille 
Ball, Freddie Martin and band, ^^es Brown and band, 
Peter Lind Hayes, Marcy McGuire, Mapy Cortes, Har- 
old Peary. Buddy Clark. 

NAVY COMES THROUGH, war drama; prod., Islin 
Auiter; dir., Eddie Sutiierland; no writing credits; 
camera, Nick Musuraca. Cast: Pat O'Brien, George 
Murphy, Desi Arnaz, Jane Wyatt. 

CAT PEOPLE, horrorer; prod., Val Lewton; dir.. 
Jack Tourneur; screen play, De Witt Bodine; camera, 
Nick Musuraca. Cast: Simone Simon. Kent Smith, 
Jane Randolph, Tom Conway. 

THEY'VE GOT ME COVERED, comedy; prod., Sam 
Goldwyn, dir., David Butler; no writing credits; camera, 
Rudolph Mate. Cast: Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, 
Phyllis Ruth,- Henry Guttman, John Abbott, William 
Yetter, Edward Clannelli. Donald McBride. 

LADIES DAT, baseballer; prod., Bert GUroy; dir., 
Leslie Goodwins; no writing credits; ca- era. Jack Mc- 
Kenzie. Cast: Lupe Velez, Eddie Albert, Max Baer, 
Patsy Kelly. 

RKO Plx In Production 

FLIGHT FOR FREEDOM, formerly STAND BT TO 
DIE, air drama; prod.. David Hempstead; dir., Lothar 
Mendes; no writmg credits; camera, Johnny Mescall. 
Cast: Rosalind Russell, Fred MacMurray, Tom Conway. 

TARZAN TRIUMPHS, action; prod., Sol Lesser; dir., 
William Thiele; no writing credits; camera, Harry 
Wild. Cast: Johnny Welssmuller, John Sheffield, 
Frances Gifford, Martin Kosleck, Rex Williams. 



20th Centory-Fox 



PmmlMd Com- Shoot- 
Features 46 16 1 



Now 
Cnttlitff To Ko 
12 11 



Pictures in cutting room or awaiting release: 
THUNDER BIRDS, air drama in Technicolor; prod., 
Carryl F. Zanuck; dir., William Wellman, original, 
l,aurence Stallings; screen play, Lamar Trotti; camera, 
Ernest Palmer. Technicolor, Ray Renahan. Cast: Gene 
Tierney, Preston Foster,. Dana Andrews, Janis Carter, 
Dorothy Deering, Vivian Mason,' Mary Scott, Claire 
James, Elaine Fenwick. 

THE BLACK SWAN, adventure in Technicolor; 
prod.. Darryl F. Zanuck; asso. prod., Robert Bassler; 
dir., Henry King; asst. dir., Henry Weinberg; npvel by 
Rafael Sabatini; camera, Leon Shamroy. Cast; Tyrone 
Power, Maureen O'Hara, Laird Cregar, Thomas Mit- 
chell. Georg2 Sanders, Anthony Quinn, George Zucco. 

CHINA GIRL, drama; prod., Ben Hecht; dir., Henry 
Hathaway; original screenplay, Ben Hecht; camera, 
Lec Garmes. Cast: George Montgomery, Gene Tierney, 
Myron McCormick, Osa Massen. 

THAT OTHER WOMAN, comedy-drama; prod., Wal- 
ter Morosco; dir., Ray McCarey; no writing credits; 
camera, Joseph MacDaniel. Cast: Lynn Bari, James 
Ellison, Janis Carter. 

THE OX-BOW INCIDENT, outdoor; asso. prod.. 
Lamarr Trotti; dir.,' William Wellman; no writing 
credits; camera, Arthur Miller. Cast: Henry Fonda, 
Dana Andrews, Mary Beth Hughes, Anthony Quinn. 

MT FRIEND FLICKA, drama in Technicolor; prod., 
Ralph Dietrich; dir., Harold Schuster; no writing 
credits; camera, unassigned. Cast: Roddy McDowalT, 
Preston Foster, Rita Johnson. 

THE MEANEST MAN IN THE WORLD, comedy; 
pi'od., William Perlberg; dir., Sidney Lanfleld; no writ- 
Ins credits; camera, Peverell Marley. Cast: Jack Benny, 
Pi iscilla Lane, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson. 

OR. RENAULT'S SECRET, mystery; prod., Sol M. 
Wurtzel; dir., Harry Lachman; no writing credits; 
camera, Virgil Miller. Cast: John Sheppard, Lynn 
R-berts, J. Carrol Nalsh, George Zucco. 

MFE BEGINS AT 8:30, drama; prod., Nunnally John- 
ec dir., Irving Pichel; no writing credits; camera, 
C: Ties Clarke. ;ast: Monty WooUey, Ida Lupino, 
Jr 1 Shepperd. 

THE UNDYING MONSTER, horrorer; prod., Bryan 
F:v: dir., John Brahm; no writing credits; camera, 
L' ;:an Ballard. Cast: James Ellison, Heather Angel, 
Jc n Howard, Melville Cooper, Heather Thatcher. 

C^RASH DIVE, submarine; prod., Milton Sperling; 
dii.. Archie Mayo: no writing credits; camera, Leon 
Shamroy. Cast: 'Tyrone Power, Anne Baxter, James 
G':;ason, Charles Grai*iwin. 

OVER MT DEAD BODY, mystery comedy; prod., 
Walter Morosco; dir., Mai St. Clair; no writing credits; 
camera, Lucien Andriot. Cast: Milton Berle, Mary 
Bc'li Hughes, Jill Warren, Reginald Denny, Wonderful 
Smith. 

QUIET, PLEASE, MURDER; mystery; prod., Ralph 
Dietrich; dir., John Larkin; original screen play, John 
Larkin: camera. Glen MacWilliams. Cast: George San- 
ders, Gail Patrick, Lynne Roberts, Sidney Blackmer. 
2Sth Centory Plx In Frodnction 

MARGIN FOB ERROR, drama; prod,, Ralph Diet- 
rich; dir., Otto Preminger; screen play, LlUie Hayward; 
original play, Claire Booth; camera, Lucien Andriot 
Cast: Milton Berle, Otto Preminger, Joan Bennett, 



Kurt Neumann: screenplay. Earle Snell. Clarence 
Marks; camera. Bob Pittack. Cast: Arline Judge, Wil- 
liam Bendix, Max Baer. Joe Sawyer, Grace Bradley, 
Marjorie Woodsworth, Veda Ann Borg. 

THE MOON AND SIXPENCE, drama; prodL. David 
L. Loew; dir. Albert Lewin; screen play, Al Lewln; 
camera, John Seitz. Cast: George Sanders, Herbert 
Marshall, Eric Blore, Doris Dudley, Florence Bates, 
Steve Geray, Irene Tedrow, Devi Dja Javanese Troupe. 

CALABOOSE, western; prod., Glenn Tryon (Hal 
Roach); dir., Hal Roach, Jr.; no writing credits; camera, 
unassigned. Cast: Jimmy Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr., 
Mary Brian. Marc Lawrence. Paul Hurst. 

TAXI, MISTER, drama: prod., Fred Guiol; dir.. Kurt 
Neumann; screen play, Earle Snell. Clarence Marks; 
camel a, Robert Pittack. Cast; William Bendix, Grace 
Bradley, Joe Sawyer, Sheldon Leonard, Jack Norton. 

FALL IN, army series; prod.. Fred Guiol; dir., Kurt 
Neumaivi; no writing credits, camera, Robert Pittack. 
Cast: William Tracy. Joe Sawyer, Jean Porter, Arthur 
Hunnicutt, Robert Barrat, Rebel Randall. 

YANKS AHOT, army; prod., Fred Guiol; dir., Kurt 
Neuman; screenplay, Eugene Conrad and Ned Sea- 
brook; camera. Robert Pittack. Cast: William Tracy, 
Joe Sawyer. Marjorie Woodsworth. 

THE POWERS GIRLS, drama; prod.. Charles Rogers; 
dir., Norman Z. McLeod; no writing credits; camera. 
Stanley Cortez. Cast: Carole Landis. George Murphy, 
Dennis Day, Anne Shirley. Powers Models. 

DEVIL WITH HITLER, comedy; prod., Glenn Tryon; 
dir., Gordon Douglas; screen play. Al Martin; camera. 
Robert Pittack. Cast: Alan Mowbray, Bobljy Watson, 
George E. Stone, Marjorie Woodworth. 

NAZTY NUISANCE, comedy: prod.-dir., Glenn 
Tryon; screen play. E^rle Snell and Clarence Marks: 
camera, Robert Pittack. Cast:- Bobby Watson. Joe Dev- 
lin. Johnny Arthur. Jean Porter, Ian Keith, Henry Vic- 
tor. 

PRAIRIE CHICKENS, comedy drama; prod.. Fred 
Guiol; dir.. Hal Roach, Jr.; screen play, Arnold Del- 
gard and Earle Snell: camera, Robert Pittack. Cast: 
Jimmy Rogers, Noah Beery, Jr., Joe Sawyer, Jack Nor- 
ton, Raymond Hatton, Rosemary La Planche. 

YOUNG AND WILLING, drama; prod.-dir.. Ed- 
ward H. Griffith; screen play and camera, uncredited. 
Cast: William Holden, Eddie Bracken, Susan Hayward, 
Robert Benchley. 

BORDER PATROL, formerly MISSING MEN, west- 
ern; prod., Harry Sherman; dir., Lesley Selander; no 
writing credits; camera, unassigned. Cast: William 
Boyd. Andy Clyde, J. Kirb^. Claudia Drake, Duncan 
Renaldd. 

I MARRIED A WITCH, drama; asso. prod., Preston 
Sturges; dir., Rene Clair; screenplay, Robert Pirosh 
and Marc Connellyu suggested by a story of Thome 
Smith and completed by Norman Matson; camera, Ted 
TetzlafF. Cast: Fredric March, Veronica Lake, Susan 
Hayward, Robert Benchley, Cecil Kellaway, Elizabeth 
Patterson, Esther Howard, Robert Warwick. 

SILVER QUEEN, drama; prod., Harry Sherman; dir., 
Lloyd Bacon: no writing credits; camera, Russell Har- 
lan. Cast: George Brent, Priscilla Lane, Bruce Cabot, 
Eugene Pallette, Lynne Overman, Guinn 'Big Boy 
Williams, Janet Beecher. Katharine Booth. 

THE CRYSTAL BALL, drama; asso. prod., Richard 
Blumenthal; dir., Elliott Nugent; no writing credits; 
camera, Leo Tover. Cast: Ray Milland, Paulette God- 
dard, Virginia Field. William Bendix, Cecil Kellaway. 
Mable Paige, Clem Bevans, Gladys George. 

HOPPY SERVES A WRIT, western; prod., Harry 
Sherman; dir., George Archainbaud; no writing credits; 
camera, Russell Harlan. Cast: Bill Boyd, Jan Christy, 
Jay Kirby, Andy Clyde, Victor Jory, George Reeves. 

AMERICAN EMPIRE, western; prod., Harry Sher- 
man: dir., William McGann; screenplay, Don Hartman, 
Frank Butler; story by Melvin Frank, Norman Panama; 
camera, Ru.<:sell Harlan. Cast: Richard Dix, Preston 
Foster. Frances Gifford, Leo Carrillo, Jack La Rue. 
Chris-Pin Martin, Ian MacDonald. 



Universal 







Coin- 


Sbeot- 


Now 






•K-'*3 


plcled 


bur 




To 


Featnres 


.... 56 


I* 


8 


15 


23 


Serials 


4 


2 


0 


1 


1 


Westerns .* . . . 


7 


1 


0 


6 


0 


Totals 


67 


13 


8 


22 


24 



Pictures in cutting room or awaiting release: 
EYES OF THE UNDERWORLD, formerly DESTINY, 
melodrama; asso. prod.. Ben Pivar; dir., Roy William 
Neill; screenplay, Michael L. Simmons and Arthur 
Strawn; based on an original story by Maxwell Shane; 
camera, George Robinson. Cast: Richard Dix, Wendy 
Barrie, Don Porter, Billy Lee, Lloyd Corrigan, Lon 
Chaney. 

STRICTLY IN THE GROOVE, musical; asso., prod 
Joseph G. Sanford; dir., Vernon Keays; original screen 



^-j^^^t.J'AgifiKj.?S.I'l^.WJ|'j. I 'l^y pf' iii^i'' ^piipp'jl^ f ^^" Kenneth Jllggins: Warren Wilson: camera, John 



Ernest Palmer. 6ast: Betty Grable, (George Montgom- 
ery. Cesar Romero, Phil Silvers, Frank Orth. 

THE SEVENTH COLUMN, drama; prod., Sol M. 
Wurtzel; dir., Louis King; no writing credits; camera, 
Glen MacWilliams. Cast: Philip Dorn, Anna Sten, Vir- 
ginia Gilmore, John Shepperd, Merrill Rodin. 

DIXIE DUGAN, comedy drama; prod., Walter Mo- 
rosco; dir., Ray McCarey; no writing credits; camera, 
Peverell Marley. Cast: Lois Andrews, Charles Ruggles, 
Charlotte Greenwood, Ann Todd, James Ellison, Kay- 
inond Walburn. 



United Artists 



Roach 



Promlwd Com- 
'it-'4» plrtfd 



8 



Cagney 0 

Korda 1 

Balcon 1 

Lesser 1 

Loew-Lewln 1 

Pressborger 2 

Stromberg 3 

Benny 0 

D. O. Selznick 0 

Mayfair 1 

Sherman 10 

Rogers 1 

Cinema Guild 3 



Shoot- 


Now 




inK 


Ciiltlnir To 


«o 


0 


7 


e 


0 


0 


0 


0 


0 


1 


• 


0 


1 


0 


0 


1 


0 


1 


0 


0 


0 


2 


• 


• 


3 


0 


0 


• 


0 


0 


0 


0 


e 


1 


0 


4 


6 


1 


0 


0 


0 


3 


0 


1 


IB 


IB 



Totals 32 

Pictures in cutting room or awaiting release: 
THE MoGUERINS FROM BROOKLYN, formerly 
BROOKLYN BRIDGET, drama; prod.. Hal Roach; dir.. 



than $400,000 per annum. 
:?tt^'I W11 I J » ^»i <i » W'»l*: »> i% . >>tt ^ c Hit Hardest 



D. C. Sympathetic to H'wood 



Continued from page 3 



pathetic to the particular problems 
of the picture people. Talent es- 
pecially will get every possible break, 
although some of the company execu- 
tives — particularly those in the upper 
bracket of six-figure incomes— aren't 
consider^ In need or likely to get 
much Governmental mothering. 

The people the antl-inflatlon law is 
aimed at are groups far 'removed 
from motion pictures. It's the wage- 
earners whose pay envelopes are 
swollen tar beyond normal size be- 
cause of overtime hours; the brass- 
hats in companies with fat war con- 
tracts who have been upping their 
own salaries and declaring them- 
selves lush bonuses, and the coupon- 
clippers who are pocketing large 
slices of Federal outlays for arma- 
ment that will be the target of the 
price-control, wage-limitation 
crusade. 

Still, there is room for argument 
and reason for apprehension in film 
circles. The legislation, for one thing, 
has some tricky and contradictory 
clauses. And, furthermore, the Presi- 
dent's directive to Economic Stabil- 
ization Director James F. Byrnes 
conveys authority to crack down on 
individuals in both Hollywood and 
the New York home offices. Until 
Byrnes has promulgated the .specific 
rules and the War Labor Board has 
set some precedents, the film indus- 
try must share the general bewilder- 
ment about what the latest attempt at 
economic dictatorship means to the 
individual pocketbook, pay envelope, 
and sal&ry check. 

Contradictory Section 10 

For instance: Section 10 of the law 
specifies that nothing in the language 
shall be construed as abolishing 'ad- 
ditional compensation' when it Is 
customarily paid." But there is no 
comparable provision staling in .'n- 
disputable terms that the law does 
not supersede existing contracts that 
may have terms inconsistent with the 
objective of freezing compensation 
for any group of workers. Whether 
Congress can enact a statute that is 
retroactively applicable to union 
agreements — or to the individual 
pacts between actors, directors, 
writers, or executives and the em- 
ploying corporations— remains to be 
settled. Some of the legal brain- 
trusters who had a considerable hand 
in writing the bill aren't able to 
agree on this aspect of the final draft. 
And when they are called on to 
interpret the President's decree, they 
throw up their hands. 

On the surface, it looks as it 
Hollywood in particular might suffer 
severely. The provision of the execu- 
tive order calling on 'Czar' Byrnes 
(Economic Stabilization Director 
James Byrnes) 'to take the necessary 
action' to make sure no salary tops 
$25,000 after taxes and fixed obliga- 
tions strikes very close to home. 

In the final analysis, however, 
there is doubt whether this feature 
of the anti-inflation program should 
cause much head-scratching. The 
big-salaried Hollywood figures are 
among the largest buyers of insur- 
ance in the nation, it was pointed 
out. Furthermore, the prospective 
new income tax scale makes the 
question of limiting net incomes 
pretty academic, since the stiffened 
levies will take practically every- 
thing above $25,000 and in order to 
have a residue of this size an indi- 
vidual would have to gross more 



individual with higher standards of 
living who have unusual expenses 
ai^ heavy obligations. 

The administration has given vir- 
tual assurances that the law will be 
administered gently as far as Hoi* 
lywood and .the rest of the film in- 
dustry are concerned. But, for po- 
litical reasons, these assurances have 
had to be sub rosa. Otherwise, the 
New Dealers would lay themselves 
open to charges- that while sobbing 
about the 'underprivileged one-third' 
they were winking at the big in- 
comes shown on the Treasury De- 
partment and Securities & Exchange 
Commission rosters for people in 
pictures. 



U.S. Roll Call 

S Continued from page 4 

course in the Army at Salt Lake 
City. 

HoUis Kennahan, stationed at Ft. 
Benning, (Sa., where he's been tak- 
ing a training course, graduated 
Monday (5) and will shortly be 
commissioned a second lieutenant. 
Formerly with Warners, handling 
trade publicity at the homeoffice, 
he enlisted seven months ago. 

Norma Sulak, 12 years secretary to 
H. C. Kaufman, Columbia's manager 
of exchange operations, has resigned 
to join the Women's Auxiliary Army 
Corps. She's the first Columbia em- 
ployee to be accepted as a WAAC. 
Miss Sulak reports to Ft. Des Moines 
after a vacation ir her home town, 
Chicago. 

Arthur M. Herskovitz, in RKO 
purchasing department; Otto Pirkola, 
artist with company's publicity de- 
partment; and John Belmont, of the 
mailing department, in the armed 
services last week. Herskovitz went 
into the Army, Belmont enlisted in 
the Navy and Pirkola joined the 
Coast Guard. 



Pangborn, Grace McDonald. Mary Healy, Martha Til- 
ton, Richard Davies, Dinning Sisters, Jimmie Davis. 
Diamond Solid-Aires. Jimmy Wakely T^-io and Ozzie 
Nelson and His Orchestra. 

MADAME SPY, mystery; asso. prod., Marshall Grant: 
dir., Roy Willicftn Neil; screenplay, Lynn Riggs and 
Clarence Upson Young; original story, Clarence Upson 
Young; camera. George Robinson. Cast: Constance 
Bennett, Don Porter, John Litel, Edward S. Brophy, 
John Eldredge, Nana Bryant. 

THE GREAT IMPERSONATION, drama; asso. prod., 
Paul Malvern; dir., John Rawlins: screen play, W. 
Scott Darling, based on novel by J. Phillips Oppenhelm; 
camera, George Robinson. Cast: Ralph Bellamy, Eve- 
lyn Ankers, Kaaron Verne. Edward Norris, Charles 
Colman, Henry Daniel, Audrey Mathor, Mary Forbes. 

WHO DONE IT7, comedy: asso. prod., Alex Gottlieb; 
dir., Earle C. Kenton; screenplay by Stanley Roberts, 
Edmund Joseph, John Grant; original story by Stanley 
Roberts; camera, Charles Van Enger. Cast: Bud 
Abbott and Lou Costello, Patrlc Knowles, William 
Garg^n, Louise Allbritton, Jerome Cowan, William 
Bendix, Mary Wickes. Don Porter, Thomas Gomez, 
Ludwig Stossel. 

NIGHT MONSTER, formerly HOUSE OF MYSTERY, 
mystery melodrama: prod.-dir.. Ford Beebe; asso. prod., 
Donald H. Brown; original screenplay, Clarence Upton 
Young: (;^mera. Charles Van Enger. Cast: Irene 
Hervey, Leif Erikson. Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill. Don 
Porter, Ralph Morgan. Nils Asther. Janet Shaw, Frank 
Reicher. 

BEHIND THE 8 BALL, formerly OFF THE BEATEN 
TRACK, musical comedy; asso. prod., Howard Bene- 
dict; dir., Edward F. Cline; screen play by Stanley 
(Continued on page 24) 



The company executives may feel 
the pinch more than talent. Be- 
cause the bill specifies that bonuses,, 
commissions, and other remunera- 
tion must be considered- in dealing 
with 'wages' or 'salaries.' In the 
case of many of the film industry 
names high on the annual income 
roster, a large element of the total 
receipts usually is the extra cash 
on top of the weekly check. 

On the question of contracts with 
escalator clauses, Byrnes is expected 
to issue clarifying rulings. He will 
be urged, at any rate, to give assur- 
ance the Government has no inten- 
tion of denying automatic raises 
based on long service. And the 
War Labor Board, which must ap- 
prove any pay boosts, is chiefly con- 
cerned with the swelling pay en- 
veloped of manual laborers who are 
getting 56 hours' money for a 48- 
hour week, bonuses for night shifts, 
and other extra compensation. 

What the Government is trying to 
accomplish, economists acknowledge, 
is skim off the excess purchasing 
power that results from sharply- 
increased incomes of persons who 
literally don't know what to do with 
their money. Not to penalize the 



446 From Metro 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Metro's service flag now has 446 
stars. 

That many studio workers com- 
prising 40 departments are now 
with armed forces. 

Gilbert Warrenton, cameraman. 
Army Air Force. 

Bill Lewis, press agent, Xrmy. 

Charles Welbourne, cameraman, 
Army Air Force. 

Zeke Canova, screen actor. Coast 
Guard. 

Francis Martin, screen actor. Navy. 

Paul Vogel, cameraman. Army 
Signal Corps. 

Samuel Cummings, screen actor. 
Army. 

Jack Mungus, exhibitor. Army. 
Charles Piercy, fllm booker. Navy. 
Michael Wilson, screen writer. 
Marines. 

Ed Tucker, studio technician. 
Army. 

Glennon Maloney, theatre man- 
ager. Army. 

Tim McCoy, screen actor. Army. 

Allen Hawkins, theatre treasurer. 
Army. 

Ben Peskay, theatre operator, 
Army. 

John Campbell, screen actor. 
Army Air Force. 

Russell McKinley, studio tech- 
nician. Army. 

Donald Crisp, fllm player. Army 
Intelligence. 

Elliott Daniel, pianist. Coast 
Guard. 

. . Billy Marcas, drummer. Coast 
Guard. 

Fritz Feld. fllm actor. Army Sig- 
nal Corps. 

Arthur S. Wenzel, press agent, 
Army. 

Stanley Goldschn.idt, assistant fllm 
director. Navy. 

Les Orlebeck, film director, Army 
Signal Corps. 

Eddie Hunt, musician. Coast 
Guard. 

James Lappert, fllm librarian. 
Army Signal Corps. 

Jerry Young, fllm librarian. Army 
Sig'ial Corps. 

Arthur Johnson, songwriter. Army. 

Ray Harper, assistant fllm director. 
Army. 

^ Hugh Presley, cartoon production 
manager, Marines. 
John Rose, fllm press agent. Army. 



Seattle Theatreman Into Navy 

Seattle, Oct. 6. 
Jack Corcoran, former assistant 
manager to Bill Hamrick at the 
Music Hall (Hamrick-Evergreen). 
has Joined Naval Air Corps as pilot 
trainee. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



lETY 



23 



WITHOUT SCRAP 
THE SCRAPS OVER! 




Enlist your theatre today in the People's Army 
For salvage! There is nothing more vital! 
The war machines will halt 
Without scrap metal . . .without scrap rubber! 
America needs patriots! 
Big theatres or little theatres, get in the scrap ! 
Show the film "Salvage"-^ 
Use the two-fisted press-book ! 
America's salvation tomorrow 
Depends on America's SALVAGE today 1 




(Right: 
Press 

-for 
'pdtriotsl) 




Sponsored by.theWar Activities.Committee.of the Motion J^icture Industry, J50i Broadway, 
New York City {Room 408)., Get the film *fSALVAGE"'jrom^your nearesf,RKO Exchanget 



24 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Advance Production Chart 



(Continued from page 22) 

Aobciis and Mel Ronson; original story. Stanley Rob- 
ens- camera, George Robinson. Cast: Rltz Brothers, 
Carol Bruce. Dick Foran. Grace McDonald, Johnny 
Downs, William Demarest, Sonny Dunham and his or- 
i-ht'.Mra. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES IN WASHINGTON, meller; 
BSfo. prod., Howard Benedict; dir., Roy William Neill; 
fciecn play, Bertram MiUhauser, Lynn Riggs; original 
Ftorv. Bertram' Millhauser; based on the characters cre- 
ated bv Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; camera, Lester White. 
Ca.-il: Basil Rathbonp. Nigel Bruce, Marjorie Lord. John 
Archer. Don Terry, George Zucco, Henry Daniell, Ed- 
mund MacDonald. 

IT COMES UP LOVE, formerly ON THE BE.VM, 
comedy drama with songs; asso. prod.. Ken Goldsmith; 
dir.. Charles Lamond; screen play, Dorothy Bennett, 
Charles Kenyon; suggested by a story by Alecn Leslie 
and Jay Dratler; camera, George Robinson. Cast: Gloria 
Jean. Ian Hunter, Donald O'Connor. Louise Albritton, 
Frieda Inescort, Charles Coleman. 

LITTLE 'JOE, -THE WBANGLEB, western; asso. 
prod.. Oliver Drake; dir.. Lewis D. Collins; screenplay, 
Sherman Lowe. Elizabeth Beecher; original story. Sher- 
man Lowe; camera. William Sickner. Cast: Johnny 
Mack Brown, Tex Hitter, Fuzzy Knight, Jennifer Holt, 
Jimmy Wakeley Trio. 

CHEYENNE ROUNDUP, outdoor adventure; asso. 

frotl.. Olived Drake; dir., Ray Taylor; screen play, 
Imer Clifton and Bernard McConviUe; original story. 
Elmer Clifton; camera. William Sickner. Cast: Johnny 
Mack Brown. Tex Hitter. Fuzzy Knight, Jennifer Holt. 
The Jimmy Wakely Trio. 

RAIDERS OF SAN JOAQUIN, western; asso prod.. 
Oliver Drake; dir.. Lewis D. Collins; screenilay. Elmer 
Clifton, Morgan B. Cox; original story, Patricia Harper; 
camera. William Sickner. Cast; Johnny Mack Brown, 
Tex Hitter, Fuzzy Knight. Jennifer Holt. Jimmy Wake- 
ley Trio. 

TENTING ON THE OLD CAMP GBOUNDS, west- 
ern: asso. prod., Oliver Drake; dir., Lewis D. Collins; 
screen play, Elizabeth Beecher; original story. Harry 
Fraser; camera. William Sickner. Cast: Johnny Mack 
Brown, Tex Hitter, Fu2zy Knight, Jennifer Holt Jimmy 
Wakeley Trio. 

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SECRET 
WEAPON (tent title); mystenr drama; asso. prod.. 
Howard Benedict; dir.. Hoy WiUlam NelU; screenplay 
by 'Edward T. Lowe. W. Scott Darling, Edmund L. 
Hartmann; based on the story. The Dancing Men.' by 
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; adapted by W. Scott Darling 
and Edward T. Lowe: camera, Les White. Cast: Basil 
Rathbone. Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill Kaaren Verne, 
William Post Jr., Dennis Hoey. , . 

MOONLIGHT IN HAVANA, musical; asso. prod., 
Bernard W. Burton; dir., Anthony Mann; original 
screenplay by Oscar Brodney; camera, Charles Van 
Enger. Cast: Allan Jones, Jane Frazee, Marjorie Lord. 
Don Terry. William Frawley. Grace and NIcco, Horton 
Dance Group, The Jivin' Jacks and Jills. 

MUG TOWN, action melodrama; asso. prod.. Ken 
Goldsmith; dir., Ray Taylor; screenplay by Brenda 
Weisberg, I«wU Amster, Harold Tarshls, Henry 
Sucher; original stoir, Charles Grayson; camera. Jack 
Mackenzie. Cast: ftead End Kids and The Little 
Tough Guys with Billy Halop, Huntz Hall, Bernard 
Punsly, Gabriel Dell, Grace McDonald, Tommy KeUy. 
Jed Prouty, Edward Norris. 

THE 9LD CHISHOLM TT.AIL, outdoor-adventure; 
asso. prod., Oliver Drake; dir., Elmer Clifton: screen 
play, Elmer Clifton; original story, Harry Fraser; cam- 
era. William Sickner. Cast: Johnny Mack Brown. Tex 
Bitter, Fuzzy Knight Jennifer Holt Jimmy Wakeley 
Trio. 

THE MUMMVS TOMB, melodrama; asso. prod., Ben 
Pivar; dir., Harold Young; screenplay. Griffin Jay and 
Henry Sucher; original story, Neil P. Vamidc; camera, 
George Robinson. Cast:-' Lon Chaney, Dick Foran, 
John Hubbard. Elyse Knox, George Zucco. Wallace 
Ford. Turhan Bey. 

ARABIAN NIGHTS, romantic adventure In Techni- 
color, Walter Wanger production: dir., John Rawlins; 
eiory and screen play. Michael Hogan; additional dia- 
log, True Boardman; camera. Milton Krasner. Cast: 
Jon Hall. Maria Montez, Sabu. Leif Erickson. Billy Gil- 
bert Edgar Barrier, Shemp Howard. John Qualen, 
Charles (Coleman. Richard Lane. Elyse Knox. Acqua- 
netta. Carmen D' Antonio. Eloise Hart Helen Pender. 

PASSING THE BUCK (tent, title), comedy: asso. 
prod.. Howard Benedict; dir.. Harold Young: no writ- 
ing credits; camera. Charles Van Enger. Cast: The 
Ritz Brothers, Jane Frazee, Robert Paige, June Clyde. 

THE LONE STAR TRAIL, outdoor-adventure; asso. 
prod., Oliver Drake; dir.. Hay Taylor; no writing cred- 
its: camera. William Sickner. Cast: Johnny Mack 
Brown and Tex Ritter. Fuzzy Knight Jennifer HoU. 
The Jimmy Wekeley Trio 

Univer&al Fix In Production 
FOREVER YOURS, comedy-drama; prod.. Bruce 
Manning; asso. prod.. Frank Shaw; screenplay by Boris 
Ingster and Leo Townsend: original story by Sonya 
Levien; camera. Woody Bredell. Cast: Deanna Durbin, 
Edmond O'Brien, Barry Fitzgerald. Arthur Treacher, 
Esther Dale, J. Frank Hamilton, Frieda Inescort, Elisa- 
beth Risdon. Harry Davenport Kim Wong. 

FLESH AND FANTASY, co-prods.. Charles Boyer 
and Julian Duvlvier; dir.. Julien Duvivier: no writing 
credits: camera, Stanley Cortez and Paul Ivano. Cast: 
Charles Boyer, Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stan, 
wyck, Thomas Mitchell. Anna Lee, C. Aubrey Smith, 
Dame May Whitty. Edward Fielding. June Lang, Frank 
Mitchell, Charles Winninger, Grace McDonald, Lane 
Chandler. Clarence Muse, Mary Ann Hyde. 

NIGHTMARE, melodrama; written and produced by 
Dwipht Taylor; dir.. Tim Whelan; based on novel, "Es- 
cape.' by Philip MacDonald; camera, George Barnes. 
Cast: Diana Barrymore. Brian Donlevy Henry Daniell. 
Eu.stace Wyatt David Clyde. Gavin Muir. 

SHADOW OF A DOUBT, drama; an Alfred Hitch- 
cock production presented by Jack H. Skirball Produc- 
tions, Inc., for Universal release: prod.. Jack H. Skir- 
ball; dir.. Alfred Hitchcock: screen play, Thornton 
Wilder, Sally Benson, Alma Rcville: original story. 
Cordon McDowell; camera, Jo.seph Valentine. Cast: 
Teresa Wright. Joseph Gotten Macdonald Carey. Patri- 
cia CoUinge. Henry Travers. Hume Cronyn, Wallace 
Ford. 

PITTSBURGH, drama: a Charles K. Fcldman Group 
Production; prod,. Robert Fellows: dir.. Lewis Scilcr: 
no writing credits: camera. Robert DeGrasse. Cast: 
Marlene Dietrich. Randolph Scott. John Wayne. Frank 
Craven, Louis Allbrilton, Shemp Howard, Thomas 
Gomez, Ludwig Stosscl. 

CORVETTES IN ACTION, melodrama: prod.. How- 
aid Hawks; dir.. Richard Ro.sson; no writing credits: 
camera. Harry Perry. Cast: Robert Stack. Dick Foran. 
Patric Knowle.s. 

WHEN JOIIHNY COMES HOME, muesical; asso. 



prod., Bernard W. Burton; dir.. Charles Lamont; no 
writing credits: camera, George Robinson. Cast; Allan 
Jones, Jane Frazee. Gloria Jean, Donald O'Connor, 
Peggy Ryan and Phil Spitalny and His All-Girl Or- 
chestra. 

IT AIN'T HAY, comedy; asso. prod.. Alex Gottlieb; 
dir.. Erie C. Kenton; no writing credits: camera. Charles 
Van Enger. Cast: Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. 



Warners 



' rromlrtrd Com- 

■42-'l:l iilplril 
Studio No set number 11 



Slinnt- 
inic 
4 



Now 
Culling To (o 
21 



D. C. Canteen's Gala Preem 



Continued from page 4 



Pictures in cutting room or awaiting release: 
GEORGE WASHINGTON SLEPT HERE, comedy- 
drama; prod.. Jerry Wald; dir.. William Keighley; screen 
play. Everett Freeman from the stage play by Moss 
Hart and George S. Kaufman; camera. Ernie Haller. 
Cast: Jack Benny. Ann Sheridan, (jharles Coburn. 
Percy Kilbride. Hattie McDaniel, William Tracy, Lee 
Patrick, Joyce Reynolds, John Emery, Charles Dingle, 
Douglas Croft Harvey Stephens, Franklin Pangbom. 

NOW, VOYAGER, drama; prod., H9I B. Wallis; dir., 
Irving Rapper; no writing credits; camera. Sol Polito. 
Cast: Bette Davis, Paul Henr.eid, Claude Rains, Bonita 
Granville, Ilka Chase, Gladys (iloopcr, Janice Wilson, 
John Loder, Lee Patrick, Franklin Pangbom. Michael 
Ames, Charles Drake, Mary Wickes. James Rennle, 
David Clyde, Frank Puglin. 

THE HARD WAY, drama; prod., Jerry Wald; dir., 
Vincent Sherman; screen play, Daniel Fuchs and Peter 
Viertel; camera, James Wong Howe. Cast: Ida Lupino, 
Joan Leslie, Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, Leona 
.Maricle, Paul Cavanagh, Gladys George, Nestor Paiva, 
Roman Bohnen. 

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, drama; prod.-dir.. Frank 
Capra; screen play, Julius J. and Philip G. Epstein; 
from staee play by Joseph Kesselring; camera, Sol 
Polito. (Jast: Gary Grant, Priscilla Lane. Raymond 
Massey. Peter Lorre. Jack Carson, Joseph Hull, Jean 
Adair, John Alexander, Charles Lane, Edward Mc- 
Namara, Edward McWade. 

THE CONSTANT NYMPH, drama; prod., Henry 
Blanke; dir., Edmund Goulding; screen play, Kathryn 
Scola; from the novel by Margaret Kennedy and the 
play by Margaret Kennedy and Basil Dean; camera, 
Tony Gaudio. Cast: Charles Boyer, Joan Fontaine, 
Brenda Marshall, Alexis Smith, Charles Cobum, Dame 
May Whitty, Jean Muir. Peter Lorre. 

FLYING FORTRESS, drama; produced at Tedding- 
ton studios: dir. Walter Forde; screen play. Brock Wil- 
liams, Gordon wellesley and Edward Oryhurst; camera, 
Basil Emmott Cast: Richard Greene. Carla Lehman, 
Betty Stbckfleld, Donald Steward, Charles Heslop, Syd- 
ney King, Basil Radford. 

SECRET ENEBOES, drama; dir., Ben Stoloff; screen 
play, Raymond L. Schrock; camera, James Van Trees. 
Cast: Craig Stevens, Fraye Emerson, John Ridgely, 
Charles Lang, Robert Warwick. 

GENTLEMAN JIM, drama; prod., Robert Buckner: 
dir. Raoul Walsh; no writing credits: camera, Sid 
Hickox. Cast: Errol Flynn, Alexis Smith. Jack Carson, 
Alan Hale, John Loder, Dorothy Vaughn. 

MURDER ON WHEELS, mystery: dir.. D. Roff Leder- 
man; original screen play. Raymond L. Schrock; cam- 
era, Richard TVavls, Charles Lang, Eleanor Parker, Cy 
Kendall, Wade Boteler. 

GORILLA MAN, drama; dir., D. Ross Lederman; 
original screen play, Anthony Coldewey; camera, James 
van Trees. Cast: John Loder. Ruth Ford, Marian HaU, 
Richard Fraser, Paul Cavanagh, Lumsden Hare, John 
Abbott Mary Field. 

CASABLANCA, drama: prod., Hal B. Wallis; dir., 
Michael Curtiz; screen play, Julius J. and Philip G. 
Epstein and Howard Koch; from a play by Murray 
Burnett and Joan Alison; camera, Arthur Edeson. Cast: 
Humphrey Bogart Ingrid Bergman. Paul Henreid, 
Claude Rains, Conrad veldt Sydney Greenstreet Peter 
Lorre. 

WATCH ON THE RHINE, drama: prod., Hal B. Wal- 
lis; dir., Herman Shumlin; no writing credits; camera, 
Merritt Gerstad. Cast: Bette Davis, Paul Lukas. Ger- 
aldine Fitzgerald, Lucil Waltson, Beulah Bondi. George 
Coulouris. Donald Woods. Henry Daniell, Donald Buka. 
Eric Roberts, Janis Wilson, Mary Young. Kurt Katch, 
Edwin Kaiser, Robert O. Davis, Clyde Fillmore. Frank 
Wilson. Clarence Muse. 

DESERT SONG, drama; prod., Robert Buckner; dir., 
Robert Florey; no wirting credits; camera, Bert Glen- 
non; technicolor director, Natalie Kalmus. Cast: Den- 
nis Morgan. Irene Manning. Bruce Cabot. Victor Fran- 
cen, Lynne Overman. Gene Lockhart, Faye Emerson, 
Marcel Dalio, Felix Basch, Gerald Mohr, Joole Johnson, 
Curt Bois, Albert Morin. Jack LaRue, William Ed- 
munds, Wallis Clark. 

PRINCESS O'ROURKE. drama; prod., Hal B. Wal- 
lis; written and directed by Norman Krasna; camera. 
Ernie Haller. Cast: Olivia de Havilland. Robert Cum- 
mings, Charles Coburn, Jack Carson, Jane Wyman, 
Harry Davenport Gladys Cooper. Minor Watson, Nan 
Wynn. Curt Bois. Ray Walker. 

MYSTERIOUS DOCTOR, melodrama; dir.. Ben Sto- 
loff; no writing credits. Cast: Lester Matthews. Art 
Foster, Hank Mann. Forrester Harvey. Clyde Cook, 
Frank Mayo. Matt Willis, Harved de Becker, Creighton 
Hale. John Loder, Stuart Holmes. 

ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN, drama; prod.. 
Jesse L. Lasky: dir., Irving Rapper: no writing credits; 
camera, Sol Polito. Cast: Fredric March, Alexis Smith. 
Donald Crisp. Alan Hale. John Carradine. Bill Henry. 
Robert Barrat, Walter Hampden, Joyce Reynolds. Whit- 
ford Kane. Percy Kilbride. Nana Bryant. 

Warners Fix In Production 

AIR FORCE, air saga; prod.. Hal B. Wallis; a How- 
ard Hawks production; dir. Howard Hawks; no writing 
credits; camera. H. F. Koenekamp. Cast: John Gar- 
lield. Gig Young. George Tobias. Arthur Kennedy, John 
Ridgely. Ray Montgomery. Charles Drake. Harry Carey. 
Ward Wood. James Brown, Bill Crago. 

ACTION IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC, drama; prod.. 
Jerry Wald; dir., Lloyd Bason; screen play. John How- 
ard Lawson and W. R. Burnett: no camera credit. Cast- 
Humphrey Bogart Raymond Massey. Alan Hale, Peter 
Whitney. Julie Bishop, Sam Levene. 

BACKGROUND TO DANGER, drama; prod., Jerry 
Wald; dir., Raoul Walsh; no screen credit nor camera. 
Cast: George Raft. Brenda Mar.shall, Sydney Green- 
street, Peter Lorre. 

EDGE OF DARKNESS, drama; prod.. Henry Blanke- 
dir.. Lewis Milestone; .screen play, Robert Rossen; based 
on novel by William Woods; camera, Sid Hickox. Cast- 
Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan. Walter Huston. Nancy Cole- 
man. Helmut Dantine. Judith Anderson. Ruth Gordon 
John Bcal. Morris Carnovsky. Charles Dingle. Roman 
Bohnen. 



ner. Antoinette Perry, Elsa Maxwell, 
Margaret and Elaine Perry, Frances 
Paperte, Helen Jepson, James F. 
Reilly, Lorella Val-Mery, Murray 
Seamon, Milton Shubert, Radio 
Harris, James— and Mrs; Stroock— 
Sally Pemlck, Arthur Richman, 
James Sauter, Helen Menken, 
Theresa Hebbum, Joseph Schild- 
kraut Ina Claire, Elizageth Lore, 
Genevieve Tobln, Jackie Cooper. 
But that was not all, Wash- 
ington entertainers really turned 
out for the opening of the Serv- 
icemen's Club. "This Is the Army' 
came up from the National theatre 
for two shows; Little Jack Little, 
James Barton, Linda Ware, the Di- 
Oitanos, and these orchestras: May- 
flower hotel, Ralph Hawkins, Cross 
Roads, Capitol theatre. Casino Royal 
and the entire show from the King 
Cole room. 

By 8 p.m. there were 2.500 uni- 
formed men in the Canteen, jam- 
ming every inch of space, and the 
most enthusiastic audience an actor 
could ask for. Eric Johnston, of the 
United States Chamber of Com- 
merce, paid $500 to occupy the 'an- 
gels' box. Boys were welcomed by 
a distinguished group of socialites, 
including Mrs. Harry Hopkins, Mrs. 
WUUam T. Borah, Mrs. Claude Pep- 
per, and Mrs. Lawrence Lowman. 
senior hostesses. 

The boys brought their appetites, 
disposing of 5,500 siindwiches, 1,000 
pies, 20 tanks of coffee, thousands 
of bottles of soft drinks, many cakes 
and cigarets. Food stand was 
erected in the old mezzanine bal- 
cony with kitchen- adjoining. 

Canteen actually conveys the at- 
mosphere of the theatre. Miniature 
stage has been erected in front of 
the proscenium and the dance floor 
and tables are on the orchestra floor. 
It is a perfect reproduction of an 
old English toy theatre and will be 
even more in the mood when Wat- 
son Barrett's murals are mounted. 
Decor is brown, white and cardinal 
red. One hundred socialites and 
Government workers served as 
junior hostesses and dance partners. 

Day before the official opening. 
Canteen had a pound party, where 
anybody who contributed two 
pounds of canned goods or other 
non-perishable edibles could have a 
peek. They were still measuring 
and weighing canned goods on Sun- 
day, with the best guess more than 
a ton was brought in by 10,000 Sat- 
urday customers. 

American Theatre Wing plans to 
send talent down from Broadway 
several times a week. This will sup- 
plement night club and theatre en- 
tertainment from Washington. Local 
talent committee: Eddie PlelmV 
Jilly Baer, Paul Young, Harry 
Auger, Maurice Kafka and Paul 
Schwartz. 



Sam Stiefel's Gesture 

Philadelpha, Oct. 6. 

Each Friday night Sam Stiefel 
fakes the entire stage show from his 
Fay's theatre to perform at the Stage 
Door Canteen. 

Last Friday (2), the show featured 
Salici's complicated puppet show 
which has hundreds of pounds of 
complicated stage paraphenalia 
which takes hours to put together. 
Rather than disappoint the service 
men. Stiefel sent 500 free ducats to 
the Canteen. He couldn't bring the 
show to the canteen — so he brought 
the canteen to the show. 



Phllly's Negro Canteen 

Philadelpha, Oct. 6. 

Plans for the opening of a Canteen 
for Negro servicemen have virtually 
been completed here and the spot, 
endorsed by leading Negro civic 
leaders, will be opened shortly. 

Only hitch so far is the final selec- 
tion of a place to house the Canteen. 
Being considered now are the Olym- 
pia and Strand ballrooms, both in 
the heart of the Negro amusement 
belt. A couple of weeks ago. it looked 
like the Canteen would be set up at 
the Lincoln theatre, but owner of 
the house last week told the Canteen 
committee that he intended to re- 
open the house for sepia pix and 
vaude in the near future. 

Tentative plans call for elaborate 
opening ceremonies with Mrs. Frank- 
lin D. Roosevelt invited for the 
event. 

Establishment of the Negro can- 
teen, first of its type in the country, 
ends a controversy which has di- 
vided the Negro community. 

One group, headed by Mrs. Ray- 
mond Pace Alexander, wife of a 
prominent Negro attorney, has main- 
tained that such a project would 



constitute 'segregation' and insisted 
that Negro service men be given 
equal treatment with white soldiers 
and sailors at the Stage Door Can- 
teen at the Academy of Music. 
- ' (Negrff - service meis "are" welcome" 
at the Stage Door Canteen here, but 
proponents of the Negro canteen 
maintain that the colored men are 
more 'comfortable' in a place of 
their own.) 

Magistrate Edward Henry, chair- 
man of the Negro Canteen Commit, 
tee. answering Mrs. Alexander's 
arguments, said: 

'I'm against segregation as much 
as anybody else, but why should we 
sacrifice the happiness of our boys 
over an issue which can't be settled 
at this time. We must be realistic 
about these things. Our boys need a 
place to go to. Now when they come 
into town they're at loose ends and 
wind up in these dives on South 
Street where they get into all kinds 
of trouble. The boys are timid about 
going to the State Door Canteen', 

Henry said that the Negro com- 
munity and the colored Elks would 
be asked to contribute for the main- 
tenance of the Negro canteen. Henry 
and members of his committee visited 
the Stage Door Canteen last week 
and conferred with members of the 
Canteen committee on methods of 
operation. 



Nix Czar 

— Continued from page S s 

line with Government Ideas are 
largely the result of suggestion 
rather than decree. -Some producers 
have, in fai;t, complained that the 
Government has not taken a firm 
enough grip on production. 

When Eddie Mannix was called 
to Washington recently, possibility 
was that he would be asked to take 
over coordination of film production 
in line with national wartime re- 
quirements. It developed however, 
that the spot War Production Board 
officials had in mind was as czar of 
scrap metal Mannix, from accounts, 
felt that he could be more use- 
ful to the Government in his present 
spot Several others have also been 
mentioned for the film czar spot in- 
cluding Walter Wanger, George J. 
Schaefer and David O. Selznick. 



'WlahlDl Tblnkiof' 

Washington, Oct. 6. 

David O. Selznick and George J. 
Schaefer have both been nixed as 
possibilities for the post of govern- 
ment film 'czar.' Washington execs 
close enough to the President to 
swing such an appointment won't 
go for either of the men. both of 
whom reportedly have had an eye 
out for the job and friends lobby- 
ing for them. 

As a matter of fact, there ap- 
pears no certainty whatever that 
the possibility of a government's 
'Will Hays' ever existed anywhere 
but in the minds of groups who 
have been trying to lasso the post 
for various of their friends. 

Should anyone like Selznick or 
Schaefer be named to an official 
post, such as that suggested, it would 
appear necessarily that he'd top 
Mellett. Otherwise, the only spot 
that might use such a man would be 
Coa.st representatives of the Mo- 
tion Picture Bureau of the Office of 
War Information. That job is now 
held by Nelson Poyntcr. Mellett has 
consistently opposed film people for 
key jobs in his setup, claiming they 
are too subject to industry politics 
and dissensions. 

OK On Mellett 

Mellett has from time to lime 
been a target of criticism in the 
national and the film capital, but it 
has never got beyond the whisper- 
ing stage. Most of it has been to 
the effect that he is too much of an 
innate gentleman and not tough 
enough to deal with the film indus- 
try. However, with Hollywood now 
showing great willingness to co- 
operate with the government and the 
output of the right type of films im- 
proving, it appears that Mellett's 
methods are okay. 

That nevertheless doesn't stymie 
the efforts of those who would for 
personal glory or sincere desire to 
do their part in the war effort at- 
tempt to promote themselves as po- 
tential supreme arbiters of the in- 
dustry. It's widely known here 
that several of- the wouUl-bcs have 
been in Wa.shington politely pi'os- 
elyting on their own hook or h.-ive 
had powerful friends in the capital 
doing the wire-pulling for them. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



PICTUBE8 



25 



Par Victory, ITs First '42-'43 Shorts 
Plus M. of T. Trench' Top Week's List 



•A Letter from Bataan' (Par, Vic- 
orv short, 15 mins.)— Both in story 
-md-cast-thU-sets such a strong pace 
that subsequent Victory shorts may 
find it difficult to hold the gait. It's 
strong fare with no punches pulled. 
'Letter' is the documentary, propa- 
eanda short at its best— something 
the average exhibitor will welcome. 

Plot is constructed around the 
Idea that the lack of proper food 
and medical supplies took many 
American lives on Bataan. It follows 
tv/o American soldiers on anti-air- 
craft duty in the Philippines. Story 
claims one was killed because the 
gunner could not see at night (for 
lack of vitamins), and the other 
fatally wounded for the same reason. 
The latter, the letter-writer, later 
dies as a result of leg amputation. 
Plenty of tear-jerker qualities, and 
brings grimness of war. directly 
home. Cast 'headed by Richard Ar- 
len, as the letter-writer; Susan Hay- 
ward, as his wife; Janet Beecher, as 
the mother; Jimmy Lydon and Joe 
Sawyer are nicely picked and come 
through in trim fashion. Maxwell 
Shane's screenplay, William H. 
Fine's direction and William C. 
Thomas' production all are excel- 
lent. 

■We Refuse To Die' (Par, Victory 
short, 15 mins.) — The Nazi crime 
against Lidice, Czechoslovakian vil- 
lage, is the basis for this grim war 
story. Although the male population 
of this Czech community was wiped 
out on the order of the Nazi milttary, 
film shows that the spirit lives on. 
Story has Barr^^-SuUjvan.^as Paul, 
the typical villager, returning from 
the grave to tell about Lidice which 
was burned to the ground after the 
men had been mowed down with ma- 
chine guns, and women and children 
transported to labor camps. 

Iron heel of the Nazi military is 
depicted as arousing villagers. When 
the protector assigned by the Nazis 
Is killed, the Nazis order Lidice 
wiped off the earth. A high officer 
is assigned to see that the order is 
executed. He is awakened, apparently 
from sleep, when his lieutenant runs 
to him exclaiming that no matter 
, how many times they are shot down, 
the male population refuses to dia. 
Finally the general realizes it is a 
dream— that the crumpled heaps 
mean the men were killed by the 
machine-gun fire. Story imparts the 
idea that the spirit of these dead 
men, so ruthlessly slain, .lives on. 

Besides Sullivan's stalwart per- 
formance, excellent work is turned 
in by Ellen Drew, Lionel Royce, 
Henry Victor and Henry Rowland. 
Maxwell Shane has scripted an in- 
telligent story while William H. 
Pine's direction and William C. 
Thomas' production are worthy of 
many features. 

'Jan Savitt's Serenade In Swing' 
(Universal, band short. 16 mins.) — 
Cashing in on the radio and present 
name-popularity of Jan Savitt's or- 
chestra, the producers here have 
concocted a highly original short. It 
offers the Savitt crew in the most 
favorable light, with excellent sound 
and intelligent pacing of novelty 
numbers and vocalizing. In addi- 
tion, Six Hits and a Miss, seven- 
member singing combination, meas- 
ures up to its radio rep. 

Opening stems from a blackout of 
Broadway (N. Y.), with orchestra 
memljers taking cover in a museum. 
What ensues is supposed to be a re- 
hearsal, giving film an informal 
touch. Martha Tilton. at one time 
with Benny Goodman's band, sings 
'Whispering.' while Kenny Stevens 
vocalizes 'Now and Forever.' Both 
click, the comely Miss Tilton scoring 
on her ballading and looks. 'Six 
Hits' are best with 'There'll Be Some 
Changes Made.' Rhythm Rascals, 
male vocal threesome, romp through 
a. swing tune. Miss Tilton and Stev- 
ens come bark for duet of Til Re- 
member .\pril and You." 

While this may run a bit long for 
some programs, there is not a dull 
moment. A smash subject for the 
band-loving patrons. 

Canadian Patrol* (U. Variety 
View 9 mins.)— Closeup of the 
«.oyal Canadian Mounted Police, 
giving a brief outline of the train- 
ing of recruits, but centering on 
tneir varied activities. Superbly 
Photographed, this Is an excellent 
"".oj"'. despite humdrum narration. 
TO 1. "v Victory Garden' (U. 

wait Lantz color cartoon comedy, 7 
Starting out slowly with an 
oaa collection of implausible devel- 
opments, this builds into a stout 
comedy cartoon. Andy spills some 
aifT'j his arid garden with 

*^'°"Pdmg results. Fast action 
combined with color put it over. 
Vi^' Democracy' (U, Variety 

inff^"' "lins.)— Home of Thomas 
JcfTerson at Montlcello, W. Va., is the 
•h^f^eround for this trim picture of 
diffprt °' Democracy. It give a 
different closeup than the usual sort, 
P^'"? centered on tlie numerous in- 
ventions and time-saving devices 
n*?«"on installed in his home, fix- 
iif;.^ photographed and narrated, 
accounfs s""on8 entry for most 

Tim.*'%«^!*!!,""6 French* (March of 
i'me, 20th-Fox, mi mins. )— Moving 



Current Short Releases 

(PUNTS IN EXCHANGES) 

(Compiled by Besa Short) 

•Show Horse* (RKO, 10 mins.). 
About horses, with hoss-buggy 
angle stressed. 

'Picturesque M a g s a c h nsctts' 
(M-G, 9Vi mins.). Fitzpatrick 
color travelog. 

Kfodern Mexico City* (M-G, 
9% mins). Fitzpatrick color 
travelog. 

'Commanlty Sine No. 2* (Col, 
10 mins.). Includes 'One Dozen 
Roses,' 'Conchita Lopez,* 

•A Nation Dances' (WB, 19 
mins.). Russian dance festival, 
held in Moscow, purportedly in 
fall, 1941. 

'Dover Boys of Pimento V 
(WB, 10 mins.). Gay Nineties 
version of hero, pretty damsel 
and villain; comedy drama. 

'Spirit of Demooracy' (U, 10 
mins.; reviewed in this issue.) 
Closeup of Thomas Jefferson's 
home. 

'AIoDf Texas Bange' (20th, 10 
mins.). Big Bend country of 
Texas; travelog. 

'Royal Araby' (20th, 0 mins.). 
Thaw expedition visit to Syrian 
desert and cities nearby. 
' 'State vs. Glenn Wlllett' (RKO, 
18 mins.). First of 'Famous Jury 
Trials' drama. 

'Andy Panda's Victory Garden* 
(O, 7 mins.; reviewed in this is- 
sue.) Panda color cartoon 
comedy. 



story of the France which continues 
its fight against the German yoke 
despite the Nazi triumph of 1940 is 
grippingly told in this second M. of 
T. to be distributed by 20th-Fox. 

Using shots, apparently taken 
while March of Time still had an 
offlcQ in Paris, the gloom created by 
the oppressive methods of the Nazis 
is skillfully painted. Operations of 
the French underground are glossed 
over without tipping the Germans 
as to just how they do operate. Rise 
of Col. Charles de Gaulle as head of 
the Free French fighters is deftly 
pictured. Operations of these con- 
tingents in Free French Africa, Cale- 
donia and other spots also are given, 
many of the shots being the first 
from these locales. Intelligently 
edited, with the usual fine March of 
Time camerawork and spoken narra- 
tive, this is a strong entry for all ac- 
counts. 

'Even as I. O. U.' (Three Stooges 
comedy. Col. 15% mins.) — Sturdy 
Stooges comedy and a great im- 
provement over recent efforts. Some 
of the slapstick is old, but the script- 
ing is a vast pickup over many com- 
edy stories. Efforts of trio to shift 
from racing dope sheet peddlers to 
real money betters on the ponies is 
basis of yarn. 

'Old and Mudern New Orleans' 
(Travelogue. Col. 10 mins.) — Inter- 
esting travel short contrasting old 
quarter of New Orleans with up-to- 
date downtown sector. 

■Trotting Kings' (Sports, Col. 10 
mins.) — Closeup of trotting horse 
from a foal to champ on the racing 
track, seeking prize coin at Croshen. 
N. Y. Topnotch camera job is pol- 
ished off nicely by Bill Stern's great 
spoken narration. Wear. 

Youngest Moppet? 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Believed to be the youngest mop- 
pet to play an Important speaking 
part in a picture, Lucy Daniel, two 
years and four months old, went to 
work yesterday (Mon.) in 'Hitler's 
Children' at RKO under direction 
of Irving Reis. 

Edward A. Golden produces, with 
Bonlta Granville, Tim Holt and Kent 
Smith in the top spots. 



Grey Changes Hosses 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Harry Grey, who held the pro- 
duction reins on the Gene Autry 
pictures at Republic before the cow- 
boy star moved into the Army, takes 
over the as-sociate producer chore 
on the Roy Rogers western, 'Ridin' 
Down the Canyon.' 

In addition to the cowpoke film, 
Grey is assigned to produce a Re- 
public musical, still untitled. 



A LAMMISTEB 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 
Republic's new Don Barry pic- 
ture has more aliases than a safe- 
cracker. 

It's now 'Traitor Within,' alias 
'Eleven Were Brave.* alias 'False 
Faces," alias 'Cioolced Circle.' 



Film Reviews 

Continued from page S 

IN WHICH WE SERVE 



cations point to an artistic propa- 
ganda success, both here and in the 
48 states. 

It is the story of a British de- 
stroyer, from its completion to its 
destruction at sea by the Germans. 
She is dive-bombed in the Battle 
of Crete, but the survivors carry- 
on the fight. It is a grim tale sin- 
cerely picturized and splendidly 
acted throughout. Only one impor- 
tant factor calls for criticism. It is 
that all the details are too prolonged. 

The author-producer-script writer- 
composer and co-director gives a fine 
performance as the captain of the 
vessel, but acting honors also go 
to the entire company. 

Stark realism is the keynote of the 
writing and depiction, with no gloss- 
ing of the sacrifices constantly be- 
ing made by the sailors. They are 
seen clinging to a rubber raft, with 
cut-ins of several of them thinking 
of their wives and families at home 
and then fiashing back to them In 
the water. This effect is impres- 
sive ti) a degree. 

The British Navy. Army and Air 
Force contributed generously to the 
ensemble effects and their services 
were intelligently utilized. The battle 
and shipwreck scenes are vividly 
photographed, and it would be 
wholly unfair not to pay tribute to 
everybody connected with this ore- 
tentious topical subject - Jolo. 



THE SOMBRERO KID 

Republic relenac of GeoTKf Sherman pro- 
duction. Stars Don 'HeU' Barry; fealuree 
Lynn MerrU-k. John Jamea. Joel Friedkln. 
DIrecled by Oeoree Sherman; camera. 
William Bradford: editor. William Thomp- 
son. At .S'eiv York. N. Y.. dual, Sept. 30. 
■rj. RunnlnR llnir. 08 MINS. 

.lerry Holden...i Don 'Red" Barry 

Dorothy Runh«<1I .-.Lynn Herrick 

Tommy HoMcn John James 

L'riah Mnrlln Joel Friedkln 

Phillip M.nrlln Rand Brooks 

Tom Holilen. Sr Ra1>«rt IfomAna 

Scnoke Denton Stuart Hamblen 

JuiIbo Tntcr Rob McKenzle 

Panamlnl Slim Andrews 

Tanftart Stanford Jolley 

Bnrnelt Frank Brownlee 

Mrs. Rnrnctt Anne O'Neal 

'The Sombrero Kid,* with its neat 
gunplay, good riding and hard fight- 
ing, has emerged as a crackerjack 
boss opera by dual standards. 

Yarn has Don 'Red' Bdrry as a 
fugitive who innocently becomes in- 
volved with a crooked outfit headed 
by Joel Friedkln, who plays the 
local banker. Barry's cinematic 
brother, just appointed the new 
marshal, arrests him for an acci- 
dental killing and, at the trial, Barry 
is found guilty and sentenced to 
death. However, thanks to friends, 
he escapes to the hills and eventu- 
ally rounds up the gang and recov- 
ers the mine that had been stolen 
from his father by the crooked 
money-bags 

Cast is uniformly good with Barry, 
Robert Homans and Friedkln doing 
the best jobs. Fron. 



40 Whacks for Connie 



Hollywood, Oct. 8. 

Warners assigned Constance Ben- 
nett to the femme lead in the 
whodunit, 'Forty Whacks,' to be di- 
rected by William Clemens and pro- 
duced by William Jacobs for an 
autumn start. 

Picture is based on a murder 
novel by Jeffrey Homes, now being 
dramatized by Joel Malone and 
Richard Weil. 



COL. RENEWS BILL STERN 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 
Columbia gave sportcaster Bill 
Stern a new contract as commen- 
Utor on the studio's World of Sports 
series. 

One short features John Mon- 
tague as the 'Shovel and Rake 
Golfer.' 



Micli. Indies 

Continued from page S 



Frank, Wayland, and Harry Fox, 
Mason, directors. 

The organization also voted to take 
a strong stand against percentage 
pictures being forced by distributors 
by the method of refusing to sell 
subsequent blocks if the original 
block containing the percentage pix 
were not accepted. Along with this 
stand, the MIEA condemned any 
practice which would call for ad- 
vanced prices for special films. 

Previously the organization sent 
out questionnaires to the Stale's ex- 
hibitors on the subject of sales pol- 
icies and percentage deals which 
will be used as the basis of policy. 
The organization will make a strong 
organizational drive in the cities to 
bolster the small towners with big 
town support. 



Chi Ops Howl Down IVexy Walsh's 
Proposal to Admit Termit' Holders 



Chicago, Oct. 6. 
Memjjer.<! of Local 110, Chicago 
Motion Picture Operators Union, 
howled down new membership plan 
proposed by international president 
Richard Walsh of New York in a 
hectic meeting Thursday night (1), 
whereby 271 men now holding tem- 
porary permits as motion picture 
operators were to have been admit- 
ted to the organization. Members, 
clamoring and yelling for the floor 
from every part of the house, loudly 
denounced the plan as 'a dastardly 
scheme designed to jam member- 
ship rolls with an enrollment of un- 
desirables, incompetents and stooges, 
hand-picked by the officers of the 
union.' 

Several speakers hotly stressed 
fact that officers' plan would create 
100 more members than there are 
available jobs. They branded idea 
as a scheme to bring into union a 
large number of questionable char- 
acters with dubious actual standing 
as motion picture operators. 

Conclusion of speakers as to the 
fair way to end the permit setup 
was to admit .no more than 123 new 
members, selecting them on basis of 
their seniority rights as permit card 
holders. All members present at 
meeting were incontestably opposed 
to admission of a greater number. 

Walsh finally agreed and" appointed 
committee of five men from audience 
to nominate new committeemen. 
Three of the five were voted In by 
the members to handle the situation 
They were ?»hilip Kore, Ora Bebb 
and Herman Goldberg. 

This committee is to report Nov. 
S. Suggestion was made and approved 
to push plan that will make it pos- 



sible to vote on a small group of 
new members at each of a series of 
forthcoming meetings. By thus doing, 
they can minutely examine charact> 
ers. fitness and sponsorship of each 
candidate, weeding out undesirables. 



DISNEY-SCG 
MAKEPEACE 



Hollywood, Oct. 5. 

Walt Disney has ended his long 
controversy with the Screen Car- 
toonists Guild by signing the first 
contract in the industry carrying 
the labor-management clause. Ne- 
gotiations, completed in only 36 
hours, also a first for speed In 
such deliberations. 

Unprecedented provision in new 
contract stipulates 'there shall be a 
Labor-Management Committee com- 
posed of five employees designated 
by the union, and five persons 
designated by the employer. Labor. 
Manogement Committee shall un- 
dertake to develop methods designed 
to speed production, increase effi- 
ciency, eliminate bottlenecks and 
constantly improve relations be- 
tween Labor and Management. Said 
committee shall recommend to em- 
ployer establishment of schedule of 
awards for such employees as may 
have made acceptable suggestions 
fbr speeding productions and in- 
creasing efficiency. 

New contract expires June 1, 1M4. 



New York Theatres 



3rd WEEK 

Errol Flynn* Ronald Reagan 

In Warner Bros. Hit 

"DESPERATE JOURNEY" 

IN PERSON 

HORACE HEIDT 

With FRANKie CARLE 
And Hi* Mutlcal Kntghta 

STRAND. B'woY at 47ih St 

"GET IN THE 8CBAP" 



DON 
AMECHE 



JOAN 
BENNETT 



"GIRL TROUBLE*' 

It'S'^V BOXY 




Ql'EEN OF HValCAL SHOW8I 

PANAMA HATTIE" 

Bfd Ann 
SKELTON • 80THBBN 
An M-G-M Picture 

CAPITOlggSr* 



B WAY & 
4 71h SI 



PALACE 



Hetty Orable • Victor Maturs 
John Payne 
"Footlight Serenade" 

and 

"THE FAIXrON'R BBOTHER" 
Omu SANDERS JaM flANDOLPH 



■BRILLIANT— A HIT'— Aadcrna, Jeiini.-An, 

50c $1 & $1.50 

8tt. Nlihto Only 90a. U 12.S» PiM Tai 
Sonja Ucnle & Atlbur M. Wlru praaaDt 
A NEW HliSICAL ICETBATAOANZA 

STARS ON ICE 

CENTER THEATRE. Raakafallar Caotar 
CO. 9-5474 
Amerlca'a Only Ice Theatre 
Evtt.. Incl. Bun. •:40 Mita. Watf.,8it. tad Sua. 
Mall Ordara PrtmaUy Flllad— N«. Maa. Parf, 
Eitrt Mat. Calumbua Day, Oct. II 



SAMUEL GOLDWYN PRESENT* 

GARY COOPER in 
THE PRIDE OF 
THE YANKEES 

(Tha LKa at Lau Oahrlg) 
Raleata4 Thr«u|h RKO-Radia Plaluraa, Ina. 
ACTnR B'aay Patular Prieea Caat. 

BUY WAR BONDS AND STAMPS 



JAMES CAGNEY 

As George AL Cohan in 

Taiikee Doodle Dandy'' 

Warner BrSa. Success 

HOLLYWOOD THEATRE 

All Saab Hunt* — Tvlee Dally. t-.4S.S49 
■'way, girt *t CI. 7-9S49. 

"am or the scbaf" 



17th Week! 



MICHAEI. TODD'S 

Star ; Garter 



RAnic 

CITV 



MUSIC HALL 



HELD OVKK 



"TALES OF 
MANHAHAN" 

spectacular Stage Production* 



LOEWS 

STATE 

Laat TImaa Wad. 
CLARK DABLE 
LANA TURNER 
In M.a.M.'a 

"SOMKtVHKBR 
I'LL FIND YOC" 
la Parian 
JOE E. LEWIS 
ElIra! 
WEE Bannia BAKER 



Starla Thuri.. Oct. • 
. Gary G/a*t 
Jaan Arthur 
Ranald Caiman 

"THE TALK OF 
THE TOWN" 
In Parian 
Marthi Raya 
Wally Brawn 
Baitar Shavar 
Ollva 4 Gavia 



MidaliM 
Faatura 



26 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



CBS Tabs Co-Op League Program 
A 15-Minute Commercial; NBC 
Rejects It on 'Membership Grounds 



Thc Co-opcialive League of the 
U. S. A . a consumer organizalion, 
eimoiinced to the press yesterday 
(Tuesday) that it was lodging a 
protest with the Federal Communi- 
calions Commission against the ac- 
l,on of NBC and CBS in rejecting 
0 refolded series of programs which 
the league sought to place on sev- 
eral CBS and NBC managed and 
operated or spot-booked stations. 
As the result of this complication 
flic league has postponed the start- 
ing date oi: it.'; spot campaign in 30 
eastern markets from Oct. 15 to 
Nov. l.i. 

Judging from the statements of 
■Wallace Campbell, in charge of the 
lor.gues New York office, the re- 
sentment of the league is more acute 
toward NBC than it is toward CBS. 
The latter held that the sample re- 
cording was a 15-minute program 
with a 15-minute commercial and 
the league figured that Columbia 
offered a viewpoint that could be 
considered debatable. NBC, ac- 
cording to Campbell, turned down 
the business on the ground that (1) 
It dealt with a controversial subject 
and (2) that its primary purpose was 
to solicit memberships, both of 
vhich practices are taboo as far 
as NBC's commercial policies are 
concerned. Campbell's contention is 
that its proffered advertising copy 
seeking to urge or organize con- 
sumer co-operatives comes under 
the head of legitimate business and 
has as much right to the air as Gen- 
eral Foods and Standard Brands. 
Campbell admitted that the sample 
recording was almost entirely de- 
voted to dramatizations of consumer 
movements, but he denied that the 
script continued an untoward re- 
flection on branded goods. 

The league is composed of about 
£.500 member groups and these local 
organizations are in such businesses 
as agriculture, grocery stores, pe- 
troleum products, insurance and 
«roup medical help. The NBC spot- 
Jjooked stations involved in the con- 
troversy are WTAM, Cleveland, and 
KDKA, Pittsburgh, w)iile the CBS 
outlets sought by the league were 
WCCO, Minneapolis, and WJSV, 
-.Washington. 



Radio City Symphony 
May Resume Sabbath 
B'casts for Half-Hour 



If the Radio City Music Hall sym- 
phony orchoilra docs return to the 
ail it will be as a half-hour program. 
Gus Eysscll. the Hall's managing di- 
rector, is nioaiuvhile making a sur- 
vey on which to base a decision. 

Suspeiijion of the Hall's Sunday 
hour on the Blue Network Sept. 25 
is believed to have been influenced 
in part by conditions arising from 
the war. Willi all phases of trans- 
portation faced with rationing or 
priorities, there's the question of 
whether the continued direction of 
the program would prove remunera- 
tive. The M. H. program has been on 
NBC or the Blue since the opening 
of the Hall in December, 1932. 

The Capitol (theatre) Family 
Hour, another veteran network pro- 
gram, folded on CBS about a year 
ago. 



IRA ASHLEY LEAVES 
LAMBERT & FEASLEY 



Ira Ashley, who directed 'Grand 
Central Station' for Lambert & 
Feasley. has resigned from the 
agency as of Nov. 1. The program 
recently went off the air after being 
sponsored by Lever Bros, through 
RuthraufT ti Ryan on a package 
basis from L. it F. Ashley has not 
yet decided on future connection. 

Before joining L. & F. three yearsi 
ago, Ashley was a staff director at 
CBS and previous to that worked 
on the Camel 'Caravan' on the Coast 
for the Esty agency. 



Herbert Moore Starts New Publication 
— TonI Gilbert Does Colnron 



PAUL SULLIVAN 
TO JOIN WMCA 



Trans-Radio Press is entering the 
magazine field next week with a 
monthly digest-sized publication titled 
She.' The mag. which will deal ex- 
clusively with femme subjects, will 
be edited by Herbert Moore, T-R 
president. 

The initial run will be 200.000 
copies and Toni Gilbert, radio writer 
and producer, will write end edit a 
column, 'She Hears.' 



Paul Sullivan, newscaster from 
WLW, Cincinnati, and WHAS, Louis- 
ville, who was sponsored nationally 
on a couple of occasions, is expected 
to join 'WMCA,. New York, Oct. 12. 
'WWCti. will launch a campaign to 
a'ell him. 

Sullivan's rep, Aaron Steiner, and 
Donald Shaw, WMCA general man- 
a^r, were in a huddle on a contract 
most of yesterday (Tuesday), 

Waterman Negotiates For 
'Sing for Dough' Show, 
Ed East as Emcee 



Waterman Fountain Pen Co. Is ne- 
foliating for the 'Sing for Dough' 
program through the Reach agency 
Ed East is the show's m.c. 

The period on the Slue Network, if 
the deal is closed, will be Saturday 
p.m. 



SPRAH'S DOGFOOD 
ON DISTAFF SHOWS 



Spratt's dogfood is contracting for 
%'omen's participation programs at 
the rate of three blurbs a week. 

Paris Sc Peart is the agency. 



Kay Burkhardt a WAAC 

Buffalo, Oct. 6. 

Kay Burkhardt, WEBR program 
director, has departed for Ft. Des 
Moines, where she_ begins training 
for officer's rating in the WAACs. 

She's first Buffalo radio woman 
to go. 



Cagney, Huston, De Camp 
In "Yankee Doodle Dandy' 
Start for Screen Guild 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Leading oft Screen Guild thealre 
series for Lady Esther Oct. 19 will 
be the Warners top grosser, 'Yankee 
Doodle Dandy,' with the picture 
leads reenacting their roles. In sup- 
port of James Cagney will be Wal- 
ter Huston, Joan Leslie, Jeanne Cag- 
ney and Rosemary DeCamp. 

Second airing will be a condensa- 
tion of 'A Yank in the R.A.F.' with 
Tyrone Power, Betty Grable and 
John Sutton sharing the leads. 

NEGRO STAFF 
ANNOUNCER 
IN FRISCO 



San Francisco, Oct. 6. 

Fir.-it Negro staff announcer to 
ever go on the ether in this area is 
heard daily piloting part of a hot 
music program. 'Rockin' In Rylhm,' 
from KSAN. He is Joshua ('Lucky') 
Rhinelande^ 

Introduces transcriptions of jive 
music by colored bands with stories 
about the bands and their members, 
he's a former Seattle prize fighter, 
knows most of the Negro orch lead- 
ers and members personally, and, in 
addition, is something of a jive au- 
thority himself. 



LESTER HALPIN OF KOIN 
JOINS U.S. CENSORSHIP 



SHE'— TRANS-RADIO'S MAG 



Portland, Ore., Oct. 6. 

Lester Halpin. former news editor 
for KOIN-KALE, left last week for 
Washington to take over job on Ra- 
dio news desk of the broadcast divi- 
sion at Office of Censorship. Halpin 
had been with KOIN for seven years. 

In his place as News Editor for 
KOIN is Marc Bowman, former Con- 
tinuity Chief for the station and 
well known local newscaster. 



UP FRED THROWER 



Blue Confers Veepeedora Vpon Its 
General Sales Manager 



Fred M. Thrower, Jr.. general sales 
manager of the Blue Network, has 
been made a vice-president. He is 
wholly radio in business experience. 

He now holds the title of v.p. in 
charge of sales. 



World Series Met 'Oner On 
WOV Blandly Called Just a Gag 



Orson WeUes Starts For 
Lockheed in November, 
Jim Fonda to Direct 



The Orson Welles show for Lock- 
heed Aircraft will be spotted 7:15- 
7:30 Monday nights on CBS, start- 
ing the first or second week in No- 
vember, and will be titled 'Salute 
to Aviation.' Welles will be com- 
mentator-narrator for the program, 
which will consist of ne\ys and 
dramatizations of news stories. 

Ed Allen will probably write the 
show, using special United Press ma- 
terial. Jim Fonda, formerly direc- 
tor of the Hedda Hopper program 
for Sunkist, will produce and di- 
rect for Lord & Thomas. He and 
Jack Messier, executive on the Lock- 
heed account, are remaining east a 
few more weeks, but Howard 
Chaney, Lockheed sales manager, re- 
turned to the Coast last week. 

Welles is being sought for a re- 
turn gue.st appearance on "Informa- 
tion, Please' on NBC for American 
Tobacco. He guested on the show 
several weeks ago, drawing consid- 
erable comment because of his ver- 
bal tussles with Clifton Fadiman. 



ROBERT SHAW WRITES 
'DAVID HARUM' SHOW 



Robert Shaw, 25-year-old new- 
comer inlo radio Action writing after 
a spell with NBC publicity, is in the 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert menage. 

He is doing two serials weekly, 
'Front Page Farrell' and David 
Harum,' the latter being due for a 
new wartime policy of separate se- 
quences that begin Mondays and end 
Fridays. 



BritishMikeatU.S.BallGame 

(OR WAR BRINGS SOCIAL REVOLUTION) 




Charles Burke Aide 
To WJR's Owen Uridge 

Detroit, Oct 6 
Charles G. Burke, forni«rly with 
Free & Peters, Inc.. has joined the 
.sales staff of WJR here as aide to 
Owen F. Uridge, assistant general 
manager. He replaces Herschel Roth, 
now in the Air Force. 

Burke headed, the F & P office in 
Detroit for five years before going 
to Chicago last February as man- 
ager for Wright-Sonovox. 

TED SILLS TO COAST 

Charles Mardn Probably Following 
For Blow Agency 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Ted Sills, asistant to Vick Knight, 
radio director of the Blow agency, 
arrived from New York this week to 
Jilt up a new show for Philip Morris. 
It'll be a stunt program. Sills ex- 
pects to remain in Hollywood per- 
manently. 

There's still no decision about 
when the Philip Morris 'Crime Club' 
and 'Playhouse' series will be 
brought to the Coast, but the idea is 
ultimately to move origination here 
to be nearer the supply of picture 
names. 'Johnny Presents,' the ac- 
count's third show, already originates 
from here. 



Billy Soutliwortli of .St. Louis Cardinals and Joe McCarthy of tlic 
New York Yankees are ])icliirc(i holding microphone of the British 
Broadcasting Corp. in New \mV last week. ' It was BBC that han- 
dled World's Scries for hcnelit of .'Nnicrican troops in England and 
Northern Ireland. SiivCccil (Jravcs, a director of BBC, was in New 
York recently and enunciated a policy of giving Yanks on British 
soil 'the kind of radio they want to hear.' 



Johnstone Slays N. T. 

Jack Johnstone, director of 'Crime 
Club' for Philip Morris, has notified 
the Blow agency he will not go to 
the Coast with the show when and 
if it is moved there. He is on a 
week-to-week basis with the agency. 

Charles Martin, director of the 
'Playhouse' for the same account, in- 
tends moving to Hollywood with it 
when it goes. He has been in favor 
of shifting the origination to the 
Coast for some time, and would pre- 
fer working in Hollywood himself. 

WEBR Staff Shuffle 

Buffalo, Oct. e. 

Departure of Kay Burkhardt, 
WEBR program director, for WAAC 
service at Ft. Des Moines caused 
staff reshuffling. Pete Krug becomes 
program manager and Sportcaster 
Bob Klimet takes on additional 
duties of chief announcer, relin- 
quished by Ed Wegman, now pro- 
duction manager. 

Staff gifted Miss Burkhardt with 
traveling bag. 



New York radio circles are still 
flabbergasted over the didoes ~ on 
the air one night last week by Alan 
Courtney, WOV disc jockey. Peeved 
at the lack of response to his War 
Bond pitches Courtney offered ^ 
ticket to a World Series game at 
the Yankee Stadium, N. Y., to any 
listener buying a $500 Bond. After 
getting bids for about $7,000 worth 
he blandly stated that he was only 
trying to determine what sort of in- 
ducements were needed lo sell 
bonds. 

He further stated that it was fool- 
ish of his listeners to have taken 
him seriously; that there wasn't a 
series game ticket to be had at any 
price, and where did- they think he 
was going to gel them. 



Labor Views 
Seen Tangled 
In Renewal 



Washiiifilon. Oct. 6. 
The delay of the Federal Com- 
munications' Commission in granting 
approval to the Noritieastern Penn- 
sylvania Broadca.^ter.s, Inc., to op- 
erate WBAX, Wilkes-Barre, has 
raised the speculation whether the 
commish was investigating the labor 
views of a NPBI stockholder. The 
FCC is said to have been .set to 
grant the application when it re- 
ceived a petition from n group of 
Pennsylvania labor leaders a.-iking 
that action be deferred: that the 
commission had queried the corpora- 
tion's president, R. J. Doran, on his 
fitness to 'exercise control over such 
a itublic information agency' in light 
of his attitude toward organized la- 
bor. 

The petition asked that the com- 
mission hold a public hearing on this 
angle In Wilkes-Barre. Two of the 
commissioners, Norman Case and T, 
A. Craven, oppo.sed the request. 



Jobs— and Titles— Are 
Protected for Execs 
Going Into Service 



San Francisco, Oct. 6. 

KFRC, a Don Lee station, is not 
only protecting jobs of army-bound 
execs, but their titles as well. 

Dan Donnelly, former manager of 
KDB, Santa Barbara, and commer- 
cial manager, KGB, San Diego, both 
Don Lee units, was shifted to Frisco 
to All the shoes of Ward D. Ingrim, 
commercial manager, who departed 
for the wars as an air corps lieuten- 
ant. But Donnelly's title is assistant 
manager, so that Ingrim will And 
his commercial manager appclation 
waiting for him, unused since his de- 
parture, when he returns. 



RUBY COWAN INTO 
FELDMAN-BLUMCO. 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Ruby Cowan, long time with NBC 
talent division, has joined Feldman- 
Blum agency here. 

He'll handle agency liit for radio. 



Tom Lnckenbill West 



Tom Luckenbill, newly appointed 
v.p. in charge of radio for the- Will- 
iam Esty agency, left last week for 
Hollywood on a triple errand. In 
addition to lending his presence to 
the opening of the Abbott and 
Costello and 'Blondie' programs 
Luckenbill will scout around for a 
name to head up the 'Camel Cara- 
van' which occupies *a Friday night 
spot on CBS. 

The 'Caravan' currently originates 
from New York and William Bacher 
holds the directorial a.ssignment. 



John D. Anderson, account enec- 
utive of Ruthrauff & Ryan, is lieu- 
tenant. Senior Grade, in the U. S. 
Naval Reserve Army Aviation In- 
telligence. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



RADIO 27 







BIG TALK AND RADIO 



There are two kinds of big talk in war. First, the big talk of 
comedians which causes stupid people.to applaud when remarks 
are made suggesting that the enemy is ridiculous. There is 
too much of this kind of optimism-encouraging twaddle. It's as 
debilitating to rational thought i)rocesscs as i)aresis. The other 
kind of big talk is about the Four Freedoms, the Atlantic Char- 
ter, a better break and a better shake for everybody. There's 
too little of this kind of big talk in this war. 



Inevitably radio is playing and must play a great role in the 
big talk. It is the ideal medium to rc>iorc the prestige antl the 
eti'ectiveness of words. But before the true {greatness of the 
medium can assert itself, it may be necessary lo firmly censor 
the misguided funnyman and others who drug our healthy and 
necessary fears of our bloody-awful enemies by creating the 
impression that they are not really nasty and vicious and un- 
utterably merciless, but rather bizarre and absurd. Only dead 
dictators are absurd. 



Many observers believe that the I'our Freedoms and the At- 
lantic Charter and similar pronouncements stop short of the nec- 
essary details, the applied specifics that would electrify the 
masses, that would remove apathy. Oilier observers urge radio 
— but radio can't get too far ahead of the (lovcrnmeiit— to more 
eloquently describe the goals of the United States and of the 
United Nations. 



In short, there is an instinctive (lemaiid and a need of the right 
kind of big talk. There is a needful realism that properly em- 
phasizes that muscle, steel and nitroglycerin count overwhelm- 
ingly in preparation for war. But men s attitudes probably 



count as much or more. Witness Stalingrad 



Big talk made men and wonu-ii honestj^v e.\cited in the last 
war. It will do the same undoubtedly in this war it the nation 
finally overcomes its collective fear of words, a fear based on 
the fact that the big talk was sabotaged and conveniently for- 
gotten the last time. ^ 



CAB. SOON TO 
OFFER 'EFFECT 
DATA 



Kay Kyser Due in N. Y. 
To Give His Morale 
Ideas to OWI Meet 



Th« Co-operative Analysis of 
Broadcasting will soon- offer Its 
clients an additional report on meas- 
ured listening habits as far as net- 
work programs are concerned. The 
new rating will deal with the 'con- 
scious - impression' value of pro- 
grams. 

The rating, which the C.A.B. has 
furnished for years and will continue 
to furnish, merely scored the 'aver- 
age' audience. All that this rating 
seeks to report is the percentage of 
setowner that listened to a particular 
program. The new, and additional 
rating, will reflect the impression 
made by a program on a listener; 
that is, whether the listener was con- 
scious of the ingredients, perform- 
ers and sales copy of the show tuned 
in. 

The new raling will be based on 
32 sets of interviews completed daily, 
with each set reviewing the previous 
two hours. Within a period of two 
hours there will be four completed 
sets of interviews. 



'HOW USTEN TO RADIO' 
IN A 10-CENT BOOKLET 



'How to Listen to the Radio' is the 
title of a 10-cent booklet to be placed 
on the newsstands around Nov. 1 by 
the Committee on National Morale. 
About 100,000 will be printed. 

Booklet is a three-way authorship 
job by Dr. Louis Berg, psychiatri.st 
who attacked daytime serials in the 
Readers Digest: Dr. Matthew Chap- 
pell, psychologist with the C. E. 
Hooper research house, and Maurice 
Dreicer, a familiar figure in local 
ladio in New "ifork City and creator- 
producer of as many as 15 and 20 
broadcasts in a single week. 

Latest Dreicer series is 'What's 
New For Men' on WBNX, Bronx, at 
^•■30 p.m. Tuesdays. 



Kay Kyser will fly cast in the 
near future to address a gather- 
ing of sponsor and agency repre- 
•;chtatives to be brought together 
in New York City by W. B. Lewis 
of the OWI. It will give the 
propagandi - conscious bandleader a 
chance to clarify his remarks made 
recently in Los Angeles and mis- 
quoted in the press. There was an 
exchange of telcgrarfis last week be- 
tween Kyser and Paul Kcsten of 
CBS on the subject. 

Ky.<er has developed into quite 
a .-ipccch-makcr on propaganda 
themes. 




PROGRi DEPT. 



Bitter WMCA Quarrel, With 
Many Dramatic Climaxes, 
Was an Open Secret to 
N. Y. Radio Row for Over 
a Year — Program Direc- 
tor Walter Craig Finally 
Insists Upon His Resigna- 
tion Being Accepted 



Young Vke-Presidents at CBS Divide 
Duties of Meff Runyan, Now in Army 



CARLEY QUITS, TOO 



FRAZIER HUNT'S TOUR 



General Electric Newscaster Hits 
Industrial Towns 

Fiazier Hunt, whose Ihree-even- 
ings-a-week news program on CBS 
is sponsored by General Electric, is 
on a tour of industrial cities and will 
originate the series away from New 
York for the next three weeks. To- 
morrow's (Thursday) broadcast will 
be from Washington, Saturday's ilO) 
from Atlanta and Tuesdays (.13) 
from New Orleans. 

Sub.sequent shows will be Oct. 15 
from Houston; Oct. 17, Dallas; Oct. 
20. Oklahoma City; Oct. 22, Kansas 
City; Oct. 24. Indianapolis, and Oct. 
27, back in New York. 



E. E. Kohn Is Bo.ss Of 
WFPG in Atlantic City 

E. E. Kohn. formerly commercial 
manager of radio station WFPG. at 
Atlantic City, has been named the 
outlcl s general manager. He fills the 

I position held until recently by A. 
Harry Zooj. who ha.<; been appointed 

! president of the United Broadcasting 

I Sy.stcni. 

! Ed Allen, erstwhile announcer at 
I the st.Tlion. has advanced to the posi- 
1 lioi. (if prosrain director in the office 
I move.-. WFPG broadcasts from 
sludids within Atlantic City Steel 
I Pier. 



Walter Craig has resigned effec- 
tive Oct. 15, as program manager 
of WMCA, New York. This writes 
finis on a running feud between 
Craig and the station general man- 
ager, Donald Shaw, that has been 
an open secret on radio row for 
nearly a year. Resignation came 
when Shaw presented owner Edward 
Noble with an economy schedule 
'for the duration' which reportedly 
cut $55,000 out of the program de- 
partment while leaving other ac- 
tivities at WMCA little touched. 

Craig countered to Noble with a 
memo advocating that economies, 
if needed, be effected where the 
public couldn't see, hear or feel 
them, and that WMCA should 'not 
cheapen its product,' meaning pro- 
grams. 

The Shaw-Craig feud has had 
several dramatic climaxes. In one 
sweep a year ago several former 
WMCA employees who were then 
charged with ganging up on Craig 
were quietly dismissed. At various 
times there were three or four 
"reconciliation' luncheons between 
Shaw and Craig. The WMCA staff 
and radio row in N. Y. interpreted 
the continuous fight as the old. old 
.story of the 'sales' department (Shaw 
was formerly an NBC sales vice- 
president) vs. the 'artistic' depart- 
ment (Craig has been in big-time 
radio production for 10 years since 
his apprenticeship at World Broad- 
casting). Craig was unusual for a 
local radio station, both in the size 
of his salary and in his having a 
record of accomplishments and of 
connections with big • advertisers 
such as Rexall, Chevrolet, Coca- 
Cola, et al. 

Noble in Between 

The f^ght between sales and pro- 
gram at WMCA was well known to 
Edward Noble. Life Saver candy 
manufacturer, but he always avoided 
any decision between the two. 
hoping for an amicable settlement. 
Noble was not primarily a broad- 
caster and he spent little time at 
the .studio, relying upon his financial 
representatives to supc.vi.se the 
property. The latter were almost 
continuously refereeing the sales- 
program feud. 

At one point general manager 
Shaw set up a program board of 
which Craig, the head of programs, 
was one of five members. The board 
was set up without consultation 
w-ith Craig, and, after attending a 
couple of se.s.'.ions, Craig refu.sed to 
attend any more. 

During the summer Noble had 
Ci-aig up to his Thousand L<!lands 
estate and prevailed upon him not 
to resign. Later still, the candy 
manufacturer suggested that WMCA 
would set up a management tri- 
umvirate consisting of Shaw, Craig 
and Chaiies Stark. Craig rejected 
this proposal as a boob-trap and 
said he had no a.spirations toward 
management. But wanted only to be 
free lo improve WMCA programs. 
Noble's re-ident financial advu.ers. 
notably Ernest Anderson, are con- 
.-idered the real authority al WMCA 
regardless of titles. 

Meantime. William Carley. p.o- 
motiun director of WMC.\. has also 
handed in hi.s resignation. elTective 
Nov. 1. 

Garrett Hollihan. conliniiity editor, 
•.vill fill in on programs until an- 
other program director is appointed 
by Noble. 

In the meanwhile Craig has been 
rumored Joining tl^e Army Specialist 
Corps and Shaw the Navy. 



Kate Smith's Marathon 



Up to seven p.m. last night 
(Tuesday) as 'Variety' went to 
press Kate Smith who had 
started at 6 a.m. had broken in 
25 times on the CBS program 
schedule of the day in a special 
campaign to sell War Bonds. 
Her sales up to that hour with 
the evening jurt beginning were 
$263,900. 

Spectacular all-day and all- 
night sales drive under the 
guidance of Ted Collins had 
the CBS switchboard loaded 
despite extra girla to help. Star 
planned to continue until 2 a.m. 
and perhaps later. 



FLAG-MAKER 
FEELS WAY IN 
RADIO 



S. K. Lonegren, flag manufacturer, 
is offering stations a direct sales 
proposition which is based on a lim- 
ited obligation. The deal in each 
case is for a small batch of an- 
nouncements to be run off within a 
week and if the mail responses do 
not meet with the account's satis- 
faction it has the privilege of im- 
mediate cancellation. The offer to 
listeners is a combination of a flag 
of the United States and a service 
flag for $1. 

Van Dolen, Givaudan 8t Masseck 
is the agency placing the business. 



Bob Hawk Doe Back For 
Same Sponsor, Camels, Bot 
With New Show Setup 

Bob Hawk, whose 'How'm I Doin'?' 
program "Was recently dropped by 
Camel cigarettes, goes back on CBS 
with a new quiz show. Thanks to 
the Yanks,' for the same sponsor 
starting Oct. 31. Stanza will be 
spotted at 7;30-8 (with an 11-11;30 
repeat) Saturday nights. Esty is the 
agency. 

New series will involve contest- 
ants from the audience, with contest- 
ants electing to try for prizes of 
three, five or 10 cartons of Camels. 
Winners will not get the cigarettes 
themselves, but may have the prizes 
sent to any soldier or sailor they 
choose. There will be no actual 
prizes for the contestants them- 
selves. 

Hawk, who was m.c. of the open- 
ing 'Bond Wagon' show Saturday 
night (3) on Mutual for the Treasury 
Dept., will make one or two return 
appearances on the same series be- 
fore his own program preems. 



Lever's Soup-Mix Spots 
Via Young & Rubicain 

Lever Bros, is buying station break 
announcements for Lipton's Conti- 
nental Soup-Mix through Young it 
Rubicam. 

The schedule depends on satisfac- 
tory spots, but there will be at least 
two a day five days a week for 13 
weeks. 



'THE YANKEE KITCHEN' 



Gene Gerringer, Carolyn Fuller 
Conduct It on WNAC 



With the departure last week of 
Mefford Runyan into a, lieutenant 
commandership in the United States 
Navy his vice presidential duties at 
the Columbia Broadcasting System 
were divided by geiteral manager 
Paul Kesten between two recent 
vice presidents — Frank Stanton and 
Joseph Ream. CBS owned and man- 
aged stations pass under the author- 
ity of Stanton; station relations go 
to Ream. 

Stanton and Ream emerge in this 
new division of authority as two 
potent figures of the network. Stan- 
ton will continue to have supervi- 
sion over research, his original baili- 
wick, and it is expected that he will 
have other supervisory powers as 
well but executive duties on owned 
and managed will hereafter take 
up much of his time. 

Stanton is one of the youngest 
radio executives in the industry, 
having achieved his vice presidency 
and new standing in the CBS struc- 
ture at the early age of 35. He 
came to CBS from Ohio State, where 
he had been an instructor and where 
he took his Ph. D. Ream, too, is 
shy of the 40-mark. He was educated 
as a lawyer. 

Stanton also has been assigned the 
direction of Radio Sales, Inc. There 
will be two exceptions to the m. & q. 
allocation. They are WBBM, Chi- 
cago, and KMOX, St. Loul&. These 
will come under the direction of Les 
Atlass, CBS v.p. in Chicago. Stanton 
has recently been devoting three 
days a week to various Govern- 
mental chores in Washington. Be- 
cause of his increased network duties 
he will reduce his Washington af- 
filiation to a day a week. 

Regm has been put in charge of 
station relations and labor relations. 
Earl Gammons, CBS in Washington, 
will, however, report directly to Paul 
Kesten, executive v.p. Frank White, 
company treasurer, has also assumed 
some of Runyan's duties. They per- 
tain to financial matters. 

William S. Paley, CBS prez, gave 
a cocktail party for Meff Runyan 
Friday (4). The invitees were CBS 
department heads. 



New York AFRA 
Elects Board 
Members Nov. 5 



Election of new board members 
of the New York local of the Ameri- 
can Federation of Radio Artists will 
be held Nov. S. Nominating peti- 
tions, each signed by at least 20 
members in good standing, must be 
filed by Oct. 15. 

Incumbent board members include 
Wililam P. Adams, John Brown, Ted 
deCorsia. Eric Dressier, Betty Garde, 
House Jameson, Anne Seymour, 
Mark Smith, Ned Wever, actors; 
Gordon Cross, Phil Duey, Felix 
Knight, Eugene Loewenthol, Evelyn 
MacGregor, Alex McKee, Walter 
Preston, singers; Ben Grauer. Ken 
Roberts. Sid Walton, Alun Williams, 
Foster Williams, announcers. 



Boston, Oct. e. 

'The Yankee Kitchen' replaces 
.Marjorie Mills program on WNAC. 
She shifted lo WBZ. 

Gene Gcrringer and Carolyn 
Fuller will be Ken and Carolyn to 
the radio audience. Starting next 
Monday, broadcast will also be piped 
to 11 other Yankee Network stations 
in New England. 



WAAB, Worcester, Has 
Brief Baseball Revival 

Boston.Oct. 6. 
WAAB. which built a trarLsmitter 
a I Worcester when the FCC frowned 
on John Shcpard. 3rd. for dual own- 
ership with WNAC here, has been 
silent for several months, but 
started broadcasting for the World 
Scries ba.seball games only and then 
will shut down again until further 
notice. 

For the duration, WAAB plans to 
use WNAC's Boston studios since 
priorities and labor conditions do 
not permit construction in Wor- 
cester. 



RADIO 




Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



IIS ISEW YORK CITY . . . 

The Radio Trade Is Discussing: Kate Smilh's all-day grind staning at 
5 n.tii. on CBS to sell bonds— Sam Grafton's N. Y. Post piece that when 
the public shows good morale by shouting ]or a second front they get 
shushed — The return of Jack Benny, Fred Allen and Eddie Cantor — 
'Easy Aces' new war sequence — The 'Victory Front' daytime serials that 
are just starting — NBC's big bnllt/hoo of Edna St. Vincent Millav's poem 
on Lidice to be premiered Oct. 19. 



BELATED DEAL 

Atlantic Reflninf Acquires Pllts- 
barfh Home Game SpoDsorstalp* 



Hollywood Pat O'Brien on Armstrong Cork series last Saturday noon 
....CBS feted Mefl Runyan Friday dusk as the web veepee entered Navy 
....He is selling his home. .. .Former NBC press chief Bill Kostka is 
handling that Liberty Mutual Insurance 'seventh column' safety cam- 
paign around the country ... .Florence Marks Crowther, ex-NBC, back 
from three lolling months on Nantucket. .. .Hugh Terry, of KLZ, Den- 
ver, in town visiting at CBS. 

Sylvan Taplinger, former publici.<:t for Kate Smith, has collaborated with 
Robert Dale on a song, 'Tropicana.' which Gregory RatofT has bought to 
u.se in a picture for Columbia release. .. .Bob Barrett, announcer on the 
Old Gold program over CBS bowed off last week, preliminary to joining 
the Navy ... .David Edgell. formerly associated with Emerson Markham 
in the production of General Eleclric's two big WGY sustainers, 'The 
Science Forum' and 'The Farm Forum,' is now an instructor at the Arling- 
ton, Vt., high school. 

CBS newscaster George Bryan commissioned a 2d It. in the Army Air 
Force and reports tomorrow (Thursday) to Wright Field, Dayton. .. .Gen- 
eral Conference of Seventh Day Adventists resumed Sunday night spon- 
sorship of 'Voice of Prophecy" on Mutual. .. .Marty Glickman named 
sports director of WHN, succeeding Dick Fishell. who joined the Marines 
....Harry Marble, CBS news announcer, joins the Army Friday 19).... 
Gregory Abbott, Paramount news announcer, doing newscasts five times 
daily on WINS. .. .American Television Society holds its first fall meeting 
tonight at the Woodstock hotel. .. .Alvin Flanagan directing 'Cisco Kid' 
series Friday nights on WOR....New York CIO resumes sponsorship Fri- 
day night (9) of its 'Win the War' .series on WQXR Priscilla Kent's 

'Creighlons Are Coming.' heard regularly Saturday mornings on WEAF, 
now repeats Sunday nights on NBC. Miss Kent also scripts 'We Believe.' 

Bill Rousseau switched back to directing 'Light of the World' for Trans- 
american, with Harold Carr moving over to handle 'We Love and Learn' 
....Adrienne Ames doing interview spot on WHN's daily variety show. 
She also continues her three-weekly Hollywood chatter series on the 

same station for Ideal Publication.-: WNYC broadcasting the West Point 

home football games. . . .United Institute of Aeronautics bankrolling George 

Hamilton Combs, Jr., three nights a week on WHN Minnie Dupree has 

joined 'Young Widder Brown' cast Mandell Kramer, Vivian Holt, Ar- 
thur Allen and Jimmy Donnelly added to 'Just Plain Bill' troupe Joe 

Holt, of Blue engineering staff, resigned to become announcer at WKIP, 
Poughkeepsie, and Bob Coslow, of the network's pageboy stafi, left to be- 
come announcer at WKAT, Miami George Sturgeon and Evelyn Varden 

added to 'Front Page Farrell' cast.... Bob Walker substituting in the 
'Lorenzo Jones' serial while Cliff Carpenter is out of town with the 'Eve 
of St. Mark' legit tryout. 
Elsa Story, secretary to Otto Brandt, of Blue station relations, marries 

Lt. Leroy Sullivan, Jr.. Oct 16 Elaine Kent and Carleton Young 

added to 'Second Husband' cast Dick Allen, formerly with WTBO, 

Cumberland, and WORL. Boston, joined announcer staff of WLIB. He's 
a brother of Bob Shepherd. WOR announcer. .. .Milo Boulton, 'We, the 
People' m.c, speaking at War Bond rallies in theatres. .. .Newspaper yarn 
by Norman Tokar and Ed Jurist on last Wednesday night's (30) 'Man- 
hattan at Midnight' was mildly amusing, but juvenile. .. .Allistair Kyle, 
kid actor, joined 'David Harum' cast. 

Larry Hammond, War Man-^ower Commission radio director, up from 
Washington to move his family in from Connecticut for the winter.... 
Cyril Armbrister, who directs The Sea Hound' on the Blue, started a 
new educational series. "Learn to Live,' with Dr. Lester F. Miles, psy- 
chology author, Sundays on WNEW Clinton Johnston directing 'High- 
ways to Health,' Thursday afternoon series of talks on psychiatry by lead- 
ing medicos, CBS. . . .Macy's sponsoring a series of dressmaking lessons 
12:45-1 p.m. Tuesdays on WOR. through Young & Rubicam. 

Martha Raye will be guest quizee on the Oct. 8 broadcast of 'Double 
or Nothing,' broadcast over '203 Mutual stations' with Walter Compton 
as emcee. Mollie Picon gue.stcd last week.... Max Lerner joins the panel 
of reviewers on WGY's 'Speaking of Books,' Oct. 9. He will be a regular. 

"Go and Get It' show on WOR tonight will send out a 'go-getter to 
bring in bond pledges to Mr.s. Quentin Reynolds. .. .Julian Street, Sr., 
being eirtertained this week by his namesake of the Treasury ... .Polly 
and Ed East have a new duplex apartment in town; couldn't risk Man- 
hasset, L. I., on account of transportation to WJZ studios in early morning. 

Bill Lawrence will direct the Screen Guild Theatre for Lady Esther. 
He already directs the Din;ih Shore show for Bristol-Myers. Both are 
Pedlar & Ryan stanzas. ... Dorothy Doran, radio editor of the Akron 
Beacon-Journal, in town. .. .Patricia Grew, who formerly aired a poetry 
show on WMCA, added to radio staff of Women's Institute of Audience 

Reaction as scripter and actress Sunday night's (4) 'Commandos" was 

a beeoot 'Dark Destiny' moves Oct. 17 from Wednesday nights to 8-8:30 

Saturday nights on Mutual. Jack Johnstone directs it. . . .Alice Frost has a 
running part in the 'David Harum' serial. .. .Knowles Entrikin will direct 
'EUery Queen,' starting Saturday night (10) on NBC, .succeeding George 
Zachary, who is now radio production chief of the OWI....Bill Zuckert 
played the second lead, with Pat O'Brien, on Armstrong's 'Theatre of 
Today' last Saturday (3). 

Ralph Edwards takes his "Truth or Consequences' show to the Audi- 
toriuTii, Providence, the week of Oct. 15.... Actor Robert Allen into the 
No. 3 company of 'Junior Miss" going on the road soon. . . .Marx Loeb, CBS 
director, about to go into the Army . . . .Carter"s Little Liver Pills sponsor- 
ing the recorded 'Judy and Jane' serial on the Coast, through the Bates 
agency ... .Various free-lancers write the scripts for the Bill Stern 'Sport- 
reel" show for Colgate, and Lester Lewis sets up the gucsters. . . .Stan 
Merkin. researcher on 'They Live Forever,' readying to be inducted into 

the Army Harry Hershfieid. one of the 'Can You Top This?' jokesters. 

also airs "Life Is Funny' Sundays on the American-Jewish hour on WHN 
....Tom Luckenbill. new Esly radio head, to the Coast for the Abbott- 
Costello preem for Camels, due back next week. . . Irene Skok. secretary 
to Harry Frazee. Blue network production head, engaged to Howard 
Schoener, non-pro. ... Hascn Bayles. of RuthraufT St Ryan radio depart- 
ment, vacationing. .. .Roy Porter. Blue network newscaster, louring Ca- 
nadian war plants and will do his next few shows from Ottawa, Toronto 
and Montreal. 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 
Atlantic Refining Co. will bankroll 
play-by-play accounts of University 
of Pitlsburgh"s home football games 
this season. Broadcasts began Sat- 
urday (3) with Pitt-Southern Meth- 
odist game, WJAS sister-station, 
KQV, making a separate pick-up of 
the clash for feeding to KRID in 
Texas. KQV's coverage, however, 
won't be aired locally. Sponsorship 
arrangement came only a few days 
before Pitt's home opening and was 
a surprise not only in radio but also 
sport circles. 

Up until last year, Atlantic had 
bankrolled Pitt's games on WCAE 
but la-st season, with lack-lustreless 
of Pitt schedule and its announced 
gridiron de-emphasis, refining com- 
pany wanted to slash payoff to Pitt 
considerably over year before. Uni- 
versity authorities, however, refused 
to take the cut, whereupon Pitt gave 
WCAE rights to air its games but 
strictly on a sustaining basis. 

Woody Wolf will handle the- play- 
by-play description, with Bob Prince, 
regular WJAS sportcaster, doing the 
color stuff and between-period spells. 



Abe Schechter 
Idea Applies 
Under Brooks 



Spot Business Exceptionally Okay 



Bpot bnslnesa activity oontlnaet t« be DnnsoaUy itroiic for this time 
•t the wason. Plaoements as a rule ease oB toward the latter part «( 
September, bnt this year the pa«e for the first WMk of October was 
as pronounced as It was In August, with reps also reporting lots el 
prospects. 

With rare exceptions the call in the national field Is for announce- 
ments. The percentage of accounts using «aartor-bonr transorlptlobs 
last season was considered abnormally tfnalL This year there isn't 
even that eomparatively puny quota, beoanso of the American Fed- 
eration of Musicians' recording shutdown. 



L Ko Cohan, CBS Chief of Engineering, 
Explains Shortwavers Awkward Spot 



Here and There 



Bruce Grant, who has been with 
radio stations in Omaha and Kansas 
City, has returned to stations KSO- 
KRNT, Des Moines, as news com- 
mentator and news editor of KSO, 
replacing Charles McCuen, who 
leaves this week for the Army. 



Tom Dyer, of the promotion de- 
partment of KSO-KRNT, Des 
Moines, joined the Army this week 
and is replaced by Lois Jory, sec- 
retary to Major Luther L. Hill, now 
with the air forces at Miami. 



John Holden, Canadian radio actor, 
is with Henry Duffy Productions at 
Detroit, currently doing 'The Show- 
Off' with Joe E. Brown. 



NBC has made a separate depart- 
ment of news and special events. 
The latter used t.^ be part of the 
program department. 

William F. Brooks will head the 
newly carved out department, with 
Francis C. McCall as manager of 
operations. Branching from McCall 
will be Lathrop Mack in charge of 
the special events desk and Adolph 
J. Schneider, head of news desk 
operations. 

Abe Schechter. now with the OWI, 
long advocated this separation but 
never could sell it to the high com 
mand. 



W. C. Teague, editorial writer for 
The Commercial Appeal, is back on 
WMC, Memphis, at 12:30 noon each 
Sunday with his homespun news 
comment. 



Gregor Zelmer, WLW 'Commenta- 
tor and author of 'Education for 
Death,' was the principal speaker at 
the banquet Saturday (3) of the In- 
diana Republican Editorial A.^socia- 
tion's annual convention at French 
Lick Springs. 



Rocky MoDotain Radio 
Council Has Circuit To 
Denver Air Force Field 



Denver, Oct. 6. 

Wartime functions of the coopera 
tive. non-profit Rocky Mountain 
Radio Council have been further ex 
tended with the in.stallation thU 
week of a radio circuit direct from 
the U. S. Air Force's Lowry Field 

Council now has direct wire con- 
nection with each of Denver's five 
radio stations and has taken the 
initiative in many local war pro 
grams and other activities. 



NEWS CALLS BACK KELLY 



WWJ Man Needed as Journalistic 
Talent Gets Scarce 



E. K. Cohan, CBS Director of 
Engineering, explains that although 
the War Department is reported to 
have issued subsequent instructions 
to the contrary, regulations of the 
First Fighter Command, covering the 
New York area, still require all 
shortwave transmitters to go oR the 
air along with standard wavelength 
broadcasters In case of an air raid 
alarm. That is the reason the DXers 
halted transmission during the re- 
cent false raid alarm in New York, 
when regular stations also went off 
the air. AH stations, both standard 
wavelength and shortwave, are sub- 
ject to local Fighter Command rule.t. 

According to Cohan, the First 
Fighter Command instructions, is- 
sued Aug. 3, was opposed by the 
DXers on the plea that bomber 
planes are not equipped with re- 
ceivers to pick up both standard and 
shortwave transmissions. Cohan was 
informed that the War DepL sent 
orders Aug. 14 to all Fighter Com- 
mands that in case of raids the short- 
wavers were not to be taken off the 
air simultaneously with domestic 
stations. However, the First Fighter 
Command has never rescinded its . 
original order, he says. 

Fact that about 65 stations waiting 
to pick up two broadcasts from New 
York for rebroadcast indicated to 
dialers throughout the world that 
the Atlantic seaboard was under or 
in danger of air attack. 



Craig Lawrence, station manager 
of KSO-KRNT, has been named 
president of the Executive As.so- 
ciation of Des Moines. 



Harold F. Sylvester, who had been 
doing a commentary titled "War at 
Yfur Door,' over WSNY, Schenec- 
tady, resigned his position as assist- 
ant professor of government at 
Union College and assumed new 
duties as seni-r mediation officer 
with the War Labor Board in Was! 
iiigton. 



John Drake, formerly with KCKN 
Kansas City, has joined the promo- 
tion department of KSO-KRNT, Des 
Moines. 



Argentine Activities 



By BAT JOSEPHS 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 1. 
Palmolive opens new weekly Tues- 
day and Friday program, on Radio 
Belgrano LR 3 presenting Aquilino, 
Spanish saxophonist and orche.stra 
director. Also starred is Argentine 
writer Don Alberto Vacarezza in 
.show called 'Cantos a los Barrios 
Porlenos' (Songs to Buenos Aires). 



KDYL, Salt Lake City, has Keith 
Engar on r.nnouncing staff. Fill va- 
cancy of Tom Cafferty who moved 
to San Francisco. 



Detroit. Oct. 6, 
Robert Kelly. a.>sociated with the 
radio division of the Detroit News 
since the organization of its station 
WWJ, has been drafted by the edi- 
torial department because of the 
shortage of experienced news:)aper- 
men. He has been public relations 
director of WWJ. 

One of the first of the country's 
radio editors. Kelly was active in 
the organizing of both WWJ and 
W45D as commercial broadcasters. 



IIS HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Danny Danker east as one of his old cronies, Tom Luckenbill, comes 
we.st. With Danker it's a biz trip for J. Walter Thompson, while the 
latter looks in on the William E.sty Coast shows, of which he will have 
supervision in his new job as radio director of the firm, replacing Dick 

Marvin Bob Garrcd drew a farewell feed at KNX, highlighted by the 

reading by Don Thornburgh of a poem he wrote for the occasion. Sounded 
like the CBS chieftain had help from Gracie Allen. Garred, one of the 
most popular newscasters on the Coast, now is in Navy blue with a lieu- 
tenant's rating. Truman Bradley and Dick Joy are splitting up Garred's 
commercials. .. .Jim Doyle moved his voice box from KHJ to the NBC 

where the announcing staff has been hard hit by enlistments Corn well 

rCorney) Jackson, former radio agent, taken on by Office of War In- 
formation as assistant deputy chief to Nat Wolff — Joe Parker, onetime 



E, K. Wheeler Promoted 

Detroit. Oct. 6. 
E. K. Wheeler is new a.ssistant 
manager of WWJ vmder Harry Ban- 
ni.sler. 

Wheeler also will continue super- 
vision of W45D, the Detroit News 
adjunct station. 



Roebuck Renews KDYL 

Salt Lake City, Oct. 6. 

Sears Roebuck, for fourth consecu- 
tive year, has renewed conlraft with 
KDYL for IS-minute newscast at 
7:30 a.m. scvn days per week. 

Deal was closed by Walter Wag- 
slaffe, head of sales department, and 
calls for services of two announcers. 



Bolna Blanca (white beret) (razor 
blades) presenting Spanish-Argen- 
tine program starring gypsy Juan 
Mo.se Padilla and local singer Mer- 
ce<les Simone. Tuesdays and Fridays 
from 9 to 10. Program originates 
over Radio Argentina LR 2 and is 
carried by network with LT8 Radio 
Rosario of Rosario. 



Paul BruJIs back from the States 
with new swing ideas on Radio Mitre 
LR 6 with new unit. 



DRAKE'S RADIO STAFF 

Des Moines, Oct. 6. 

Edwin G. Barrett, director of the 
radio department. Drake University. 
Des Moines, Iowa, has named the 
following staff: 

Jean Hytone.- student program di- 
rector; chief announcer. William 
Kirsche; continuity chief, Santord 
Schlesinger. 



Vino Tore, using entire Splendid 
net Red Argentina de Emisoras 
Splendid, now using Los Cuates Cas- 
tilla (Twins) Mexican singers, gui- 
tarrists and composers. 



NBC producer, joined Jack Runyon's radio staff at office of Coordinator 
of Inter-American Affairs. . . .Col. B. J Palmer, owner of WOC, Daven- 
port, la., taking in the town under convoy of Sid Strotz. . . .Tom Harrington 
and Bill Thomas of the Young Sc Rubicam home office here for the take- 
off of six of the firm's programs. .. .Clete Roberts again directing special 
events for the Blue network after a brief stretch with Office of War In- 
formation in Frisco... Jack Richards, erstwhile veepee of Russel Seeds 
agency, now with NBC recording division. .. .Alice White, picture star of 
early talkers, playing the "Blondie' role, while Penny Singleton prepares for 

motherhood Dorothy King.sley, who helped cook up gags for Edgar 

Bergen for the past three years, will do the same at Metro for 'Girl 
Crazy'. .. .Heaviest demand for ducats to a broadcast is for Phil Spitalny's 

'Hour of Charm' Capt. Charles Vanda hard at work on that project 

for Army Special Sei'viccs to platter Broadway plays for troops overseas. 



Alundo and network getting bou- 
quets for special broadcasts from 
the home of ex-President Justo fol- 
lowing return from Brazil. Justo's 
(l ip to volunteer' his services to Bra- 
zil. for duration of war. won him tre- 
mendous popularity here but few 
stations in B. A. willing to set up 
broadcasts, apparently fearful of of- 
ficial frowns. 



'Esclavor de la Sclva' (Slaves of 
the Junegle) set by Radio Callao 
iLS 10) with Hector Pasquali and 
Orlinda Rey. 



Belgrano's Embajadn Artistica to 
Bahia Blanca is visiting LU 7, Radio 
General San Martin and other net- 
work affiliates and making personal 
appearances, stops. Stars in group 
include Nelly Omar, Francisco Ca- 
naro 6rk, Mexican tenor Luis Rol- 
dan and actor Jorge Lanza. 



Irama Sumac, Peruvian soprano hit 
on Radio Belrgano in Glostora pro- 
gram. Accompanied by Peruvian 
folklore group directed by Moises 
Vivan. 



29 



JACK BENNY 

After eight years with 
J-E-L-L-0, now broadcasting 

for 

Grape-Nuts Flakes 

*'Gosh, ril have to get 
up in the morning now '4 

Same Time — Same Stations 

Every Suiiday Nigfat 



Sponsor 

General Foods Corp* 

Agency 

Young & Rubleain, Ine. 

iMy Cast- -My Authors - 

MARY LIVINGSTONE BILL MORROW 

DON WILSON ED. BELOlNi 

PHIL HARRIS - , 

Personal 

DENNIS DAY Representative 

an<l ARTHUR S. 

ROClLESTEil L Y O N S 



★ * 



90 RADIO 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



LABOR BOARD FINDS FOR AFRA, STATES 
BELIEF IN CHARGE WQAM 'PRESSURED' 



Miami Station Complete Loier in Ca&e of Announcer 
Allegedly Fined for Unionism — Lengthy Report 
Filed 



Radio Station and Newspaper Toss 
Barbs Over Attitude on PetrOlo 



Th* National LBbor Relations 
^ard lest week gave the Amerioan 
federation of Radio Artists a clear- 
tut and possibly far-reaching deel- 
(^on in its dispute with WQAM, 
Miami. The NLRB ruled that the 
ftetion had been guilty of unfair 
labor practice by 'interfering with, 
restraining and coercing' ite em- 
ployees and had unjustly discharged 
Kews announcer Fred Handrich. It 
ordered the station to 'cease and de- 
•ist violating the labor law and rein- 
itate Handrich ' and repay him for 
•11 time lost, serve public, notice of 
Ita compliance with the decision and 
notify the NLRB within 10 days of 
what steps it has taken to comply, 
failure to obey the order would be 
iontempt of court. 

The Board's statement of the case, 
^eluded in Its unusually lengthy 
decision, repeatedly Indicated that 
yte NLRB members had taken the 
Word of Handrich and other AFRA 



witnesses against the testimony of 
WQAM. It declared that the union's 
charges of discrimination, Intimida- 
tion and coercion by the station 
management were amply justified by 
the evidence and that the WQAM 
explanation of Handrich's dismissal 
was without merit. 

According to the NLRB decision, 
the allegation that Handrich was 
discharged for union activity 'finds 
ample support in the record' and the 
station's 'defense has failed for want 
of proof.' The Board further states 
that the station fired the announcer 
'to rid Itself of the one employee 
who had defied its warnings against 
union affiliation and activity and 
whose persistent efforts might other- 
wise have compelled it to follow the 
example of the other (Miami) sta- 
tions by entering into an agreement 
with the union. 

Orders Reinstatement 

In ordering the reinstatement of 
Handrich, the Board stipulated that 
the announcer be given his former or 



'substantially equivalent' position, 
without prejudice to his seniority 
and other rights and privileges, and 
that he be paid what he would nor- 
mally have earned during the period 
of his discharge, less his net earnings 
from other sources during that time. 
Handrich was fired last Dec. 10. 

The public notice which the Board 
ordered the station to post and main- 
.tain for at least 60 days must state 
that the management is prohibited 
from 'discouraging membership . . . 
of its employees in AFRA or in any 
other labor organization ... by dis- 
charging or In any other way dis- 
criminating in regard to their hire 
and tenure or a^iy terms or condi- 
tion of their employment, or in any 
other manner Interfering with, re- 
straining, or coercing Its employees 
in the exercise of the right to self- 
organization, to form, join, or assist 
labor organizations, to bargain col- 
lectively through representatives of 
their own choosing, and to engage in 
concerted activities for the purposes 
of collective bargaining «nd other 
mutual aid or protection.' 

The AFRA complaint was filed 
March 30 and a hearing was held 
April 20-23 at Miami before a Trial 
Examiner for the NLRB. 



Ted Collins' 



Ted Collins has been appoint- 
ed chairman of the radio dlvi- 
■ion of the Greater New York 
Hospital Fund. 

He Is lining up an Intensive 
schedule of 36 programs In 18 
days with names. 

WPB STRIVES TO 
ASSURE RADIO 
OPERATIONS 

Washington, Oct. 6. 
Preferential status to assure con- 
tinued operation of broadcasting 
plants was given station operators, 
recording companies, and equipment 
assemblers Monday (S) by the War 
Production Board. Move to avert 
threatened curtailment of radio serv- 
ice due to lack of replacement parts 
takes the form of an order assigning 
the rating A-l-j to deliveries of ma- 
terial needed for operating supplies, 
repair, or maintenance of all kinds 
of radio transmitters and recording 
studios. 

The W.P^^B. specified the prefer- 
ence cannot be used to acquire parts 
or equipment for any expansion, im- 
provement, or change of design, and 
depends upon compliance with nine 
rigidly-stated conditions. Previously 
the federal agency restricted pri- 
ority assistance to the telephone in- 
dustry, so the new order consider- 
ably expands the list of individuals 
who may move toward the head of 
the line waiting for increasingly- 
scarce items. 

Under the regulations, the rating 
carmot be used to replace in a sta- 
tion's Inventory more than one spare 
for each active tube socket or to re- 
place any part except those 'subject 
to frequent failure, deterioration' or 
other exhaustion' or 'so unique that 
failure would Inevitably result in 
long delay in resumption of essential 
operations.' 



New Canadian-Biz 



Montreal, Oct. 6. 

Bankrolled by Pat Marazza. 
L'Ecole de Musique' tees off Oct. 4 
for a six-month run, to March 28, 
over French Independent station 
CKAC. Sponsor will give a variety 
program featuring pupils of his 
music school Sundays 1:30 to 2 p.m. 

Longines-Wittnauer Co. of Canada, 
Ltd., sponsoring 'World's Most 
Honored Music,' which will feature 
local star singer every program over 
CKAC starting Sept. 27 to Dec. 20, 
every Sunday 2:30 to 3 p.m. 

Commencing Sunday (13) 'An 
Orchid to You' over CKAC will do 
what its title asserts by handing an 
orchid to the feminine star (local) 
It picks for the previous week. Will 
run until June 8, 1943, 6:45 to 6 p.m. 
Sponsors: A. J. Alexandor (Furs). 

'Le Ralliement du Rire" (Laugh 
Rally) is skedded to sUrt Sept. 16 
for an indefinite run over CKAC, 
9:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays. Fred 
Barry and Gerard Delage are on the 
program. 

L. O. Grothe (Cigars) is sponsor 
for 'Novelty Ensemble' over Cana- 
dian Broadcasting Corp. French sta- 
tion CBF and Quebec Regional net- 
work, commencing Sept. 15 for 26 
weeks every Tuesday and Thursday, 
7:45 to 8 p.m. Program directed by 
Andre Durieux, featuring Jose De 
Laquerriere in French chansonettes. 



Joe Dinneen on WORL 



■ Boston, Oct. 6. 

Joe Diiieen, columnist for Boston 
Globe, starts a daily series of broad- 
casts over WORL on Wednesday (7), 
titled 'Spilling the Beans,' his col- 
umn masthead. Dineen will concen- 
trate on the local scene, with guest 
stars from theatre ant} public life. 

He's author of several books. 



Sparlanbnrg, S. C. — Law Epps, 
WSPA announcer, In army with new 
sergeant's stripes at Camp Croft, 



Springfield, Mass., Oct. 6. 

Denouncing The Daily News for 
its 'peculiar' attitude in the Petrillo 
controversy, Simon Goldman, man- 
ager of WJTN, Blue network outlet 
at Jamestown, N. Y., this week drew 
a parallel between the development 
of recordings and the use of linotype 
machines in an effort to show that 
technological problems cannot be 
solved by the refusal of union mem- 
bers to work. 

In a letter to the editor, (Soldman 
took Issue with the paper, which last 
week editorialized 'Hooey' on FCC'a 
Chairman Fly who said radio was 
needed to plug a new 'Over There' 
if one was written for this war. 

Letter drew a single line comment 
from the editor: 'Our 'peculiar* atti- 
tude makes us wonder if WJTN is 
one of those 463 stations that employ 
no union musicians.' 

Payoff on the comparison between 
musicians in studios and ITU's in 
composing rooms is that Springfield 
newspaper licked the ITU about 
eight years ago after a six months' 
strike and linotype machines locally 
are operated mostly by high school 
girl graduates. 

Goldman's letter asked how The 
News would Uke it if the linotype 
union decided publishers had to go 
back to hand printing because 
machines put men out of work. It 
also claimed as a fallacy the News 
contention that all our previous wars 
were won and our war songs popu> 
larized before the advent of radio. 
That, wrote Goldman, 'is like saying 
that there is no point in using radio 
communications or mechanized units 
in our Army. We won the last war 
without them.' 



Hild Nixes Army Band 

Cincinnati, Oct. 8. 

Refusal of the Cincinnati local of 
the American Federation of Musi- 
cians to permit the airing of a camp 
band over WCPO last week drew a 
protest from USO officials. The 
dance unit, hailing from Boiling 
Field, Wash., had come to Cincy for 
a three-day charity horse show and 
in the interest of air force recruiting. 
It was scheduled to do a 15-minute 
program Friday (2). 

Oscar F. Hild, president of the 
Cincy local, explained that he had 
tabooed the broadcast request be- 
cause the USO some times used 
union musicians, so.me times non- 
union men and on other occasions 
service men. The same night, he 
added, the union granted permission 
to the Armjr Air Force band to 
broadcast over WKRC because it was 
actually in the interest of a recruit- 
ing drive. 

Budy Vallee Affected 

Hollywood, Oct. 8. 

Rudy Vallee's transcribed Sealtest 
repeat on Blue Network is next to 
get whacked by A.F.M. order. 
Eastern show airs east over NBC on 
Thursday and repeats for Coast next 
day on Blue. 

NBC officials in N. Y. are trying to 
get Petrillo to make exception which 
is believed unlikely. 



Hudson Coal on WBZ 



Boston, Oct. 8. 

New England's 'unsung heroes' 
will he honored on 'Melodic Gems,' 
a weekly program sponsored by 
Hudson Coal over WBZ, starting 
next Tuesday (13). 

Rakov's string orchestra, singer 
Kay Ivers, and the Appollo Club 
choral group of 40 local businessmen 
will provide the musical end of 
show. Don Horter will write the 
'unsung hero' episodes. 

Bennett, Walther & Menadier, 
Inc., is the agency. 



Kenny Ruble in Marines 

Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 

Kenny Ruble, Times columnist, 
whose radio program. 'Quick as a 
Flash,' was an WMNI, has been com- 
missioned in the intelligence depart- 
ment of the Marines. 

Ruble is married' and Ihe father of 
two children. 



FRANCESCHI TO L.&T. 

M. P. Franceschi, vice-president 
and general manager of J. Sterling 
Getchell, has resigned to join Lord 
& Thomas in an executive capacity. 

He had been with Getchell since 
the agency was founded. 



Little mm,.. there'll 
come a busier day 




tome fine day, kd, the booming of the 
big gtms will be stopped ... the chill- 
<lng scieeoh of falling bombs silenced. 
Formr, wo hope. 

Then will comtyour day. Not an easy one, 
either. It's going to be up to you to keep 
the wheels of business and industry turn- 
ing. You'll have to create, buy, sell 
things never dreamed of before. You'll 
have to live in and run a brand-new world. 
It will take more than willing hands and 
big muscles . . . lots more "above the 
ears" than most folks ever needed. That's 
why, right now, it's time to keep your 




eye on the blackboard and your cat oa 
the schoolroom radio. 

Yes, American Radio Is helping make 
you ready for the future, too. In Michi- 
gan, for example, more -than fifty educa- 
tional programs, specially produced by 
Radio Station WJR, are picked up 
every month for classroom listening. It's 
being done for you, lad . . . to fit you 
for that busier day. 



■ ASIC tTAT'l ON. ..COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 
O; Rlchardi, Preildent..i Leo J. Fllzpolrlck, Vic* Preildent and General Mono 




Edward Pelry & Company, Inc. 
National RapfeMntoHv* 



Wednesday^ October 7, 1942 





OF LIITEST BAN 



Counsel Advised American 
Federation of Musicians It 
Might Prejudice lU De- 
fense If Making Excep- 
tion — So Jack Benny and 
'Duffy's Tavern' Coast Re- 
peats on Wax Are Or- 
dered Out 



U.S. CASE STARTS 



Acting on the advice of counsel 
James C. PetrlUo, president* of the 
American Federation of Musicians, 
has Imposed a strict ban on the re- 
broadcasting of network commercial 
programs from records. With the 
Government's anti • trust action 
against .the AFM slated to come to 
trial before a Chicago federal court 
today (Wednesday), Joseph N. Pad- 
way, AFM counsel, last week pointed 
out to Petrillo that the union might 
prejudice its case by discriminating 
between various classification of pro- 
gram recordings. Padway suggested 
that the federation go all the way on 
tha recording ban or not at all. As 
the result of this advice the 'Duffy's 
Tavern' as well as Jack Benny pro- 
gram suddenly found themselves 
barred from serving the westcoast 
by the record route. 

According to Young & Rubicam; 
agency on the Benny show, the ques- 
tion of whether Benny will . do a 
live repeat will be determined by 
the affect that the omission of the 
Coast rebroadcast has on his rating 
In that area. As for 'Duffy's Tavern,' 
the same agency late yesterday 
(Tuesday) was negotiating with the 
Blue Network for a live re[>eat to 
the Coast at midnight EWT. Tavern 
opened on the Blue last evening (6) 
for Bristol-Myers, and rather than 
have the initial broadcast reach the 
Coast at 6:30 p.m. the account had 
arranged for th.e program to be 
taken off the line and repeated over 
the Blue's Coast hookup three hour.'; 
later. The AFM's ban made^t neces- 
sary for the manufacturer to in- 
crease its appropriation to the 
agency. 

It was the 'Duffy's Tavern" situa- 
tion that precipitated the Benny 
action. When consulted about the 
Tavern' repeat, the AFM's New 
York local replied that it saw noth- 
ing objectionable but that the ques- 
tion would have to be referred to 
Petrillo. The federation's prez then 
consulted Padway. 

Benny's live broadcast is heard 
over NBC's westcoast stations at 4 
p.m. PWT., while the recorded re- 
peat over the Blue's Coast link had 
been cleared at 7 p.m. PWT. Chuck 
Wallace, president of the AFM's Los 
Angeles local, had been agreeable to 
this arrangement. Benny had made 
the recorded repeat a condition of 
the signing of his current contract. 
He has been paying $12 extra to 
each of his musicians for the rec- 
orded repeat. 



802 Spreads PM Comment 

Local 802, the N. Y. city unit of 
the American Federation of Musi- 
cians, last week sent reprints of the 
newspap^ PM's coverage of its re- 
cent ads, re the recording dispute, 
to the 750-odd AFM locals through- 
out the country. 

Accompanying the reprints was a 
letter explaining the howcome and 
suggesting that some of the locals 
may be interested In reprinting the 
ad and the newspaper's editorial 
comment thereof. 

Local 802 spent $5,000 early last 
month for sizable ads In the New 
York City dailies to explain why 
union musicians are opposed to re- 
cordings. 



F-M Case Seen as 'Set-Up for Story 

The New York local of the American Federation of Musicians last 
week declined permission for the Perole String Quartet to give a series 
of gratis concerts over • network of F-M stations In behalf of the 
war bonds campaign. The union pointed out that F-M sUtlons do not 
regularly employ mXislclans and that It has been the policy of the 
AFM to resist the use of non-union musicians on any station which did 
not employ some union musicians. 

As the result of the union's objection the war savings division of 
the U. S. Treasury Department abandoned plans for the Perole quar- 
tet's preferred series. The event also stirred some speculation in AFM 
quarters. It was wondered whether the incident hadn't been 'set up' 
with the full knowledge of what the union's reaction would be and 
create an added embarrassment that could be exploited in press as 
far as public relations Is concerned. 



Ruth Aikman on Coast 

Ruth Aikman, commercial copy 
supervisor of Young & Rubicam, 
went to the Coast last week for the 
season preem of the Jack Benny, 
Eddie Cantor and Burns and Allen 
programs. 

She's due back next week. 



Gruen Watch Inquiring 



McCann-Erlckson agency is mak- 
ing inquiries for packages of time 
signals in behalf of Gruen watch. 

The markets are all of major 
classification. 



Mue Network Frowns on 'Smearing'; 
Thinks N.A.B. Should Fnrst Have 
Asked What Petrillo Wanted 



The management of the Blue Net- 
work has deferred taking member- 
ship In the National Association of 
Broadcasters until sonve time after 
Jan. 1, with the expectation that by 
then the association will have un- 
dergone reorganization and the ex- 
ecutive situation adjusted. Despite 
its family link with NBC, which 
holds a membership in the N. A. B.. 
the Blue management is reported as 
highly displeased with the tactics 
used by the N. A. B. in dealing with 
the American Federation of Musi- 



clans' ban on recordings. The feel- 
ing In Blue quarters is that th« 
trade association should have in- 
quired of James C. Petrillo, AFM 
prez, just what his objectives and 
purposes were instead of launching 
itself on a 'smear campaign.' Also 
that smearing organized labor has 
long become an obsolete method ot 
solving union problems. 

The Blue management, however, la 
not letting Its network policy as re- 
gards the N, A. B. affect the mem- 
bership of its managed and operated 
stations in that organization. 




.he rise of Mutuil's importance 
in tlie markets that matter most is reaching 
its latest climax in Cleveland. Here, in the 
sixth largest U.S. city, the second most 
powerful station has become the full-time, 
basic outlet for Mutual . . .with over half a 
million radio homes in its primary area. 

WHK, Cfevefond's Pioneer Station, hoa 
transferred Its 5,000 watts of popular 
poiver to MufuoZ/eifectfye September 28. 

Ever since I92I,WHK has been busy 



earning high repute among advertisers (as 
t potent sales-producer), among liBtenen 

(as a welcome house-guest), and among 
networks (as an outstanding affiliate). 



Besides gratifying us to the hilt, WHK's 
move to Mutual brings you the whole 
populous, flourishing Cleveland market, at 
any hour you please, day or night. Today, 
more than ever before. Mutual delivers the 
markets important to you ... at the lowest 
cost in network radio advertising. 



The Mutual Broadcasting System 



Jimmy Parks, ex-Wllliam Morris 
Office, handling the A. & S. Lyons 
'1st for radio In Chicago. 



82 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Mutual 55J!% Up Over 1941; 
Gross So Far Is $7,091,919 



The Mutual Network last month 
liad a gross of $707,283 from time 
saWs, or 33.7% better than it had 
been for the like month of 1941. The 
tally for September '41 was $529,013. 
The network'3 billings had gone ofT 
thi. August and the recovery last 
month was due In large measure to 
the football business carried for Gil- 
lette Razor. The Gillette billing 
amounted to $136,000. 



On the first eight months of this 
year Mutual. is SS.8% up over 1941. 
The accumulative Agure for '42 is 
$7,091,919, compared to the $4,553,693 
that prevailed for the parallel stretch 
of 1941. 



Oliver Trayt, ex-B. B. D. tc O. and 

March of Time, is new addition to 
WNEW production staff. 



Fred Mackaye Succeeds 
True Boardman b LA. 
As AFRA President 



Los Angeles, Oct 6. 

Los Angeles Local of American 
Federation of Radio ArtisU elected 
Fred Mackaye president to succeed 
True Boardman, now a captain in 
the army. 

Remainder of the new slate con- 
sists of Hal Berger, Norman Field, 
Betty Wilbur, Bud Heistand and Lee 
Sweetland, veepees; Lucile La Pointe, 
treasurer, and Eric Snowdon, record- 
ing secretary. 



A FULL HOUSE, 




RALPH EDWARDS 



THANKS FOR A LOVELY "VACATION" 

A 4 MOVIES , RKO's "Seven Days Leave" 

SERVICE CAMPS . . , Norfolk, Little Rock. Mitchell Field 
A t VAUDEVILLE .... , Loev;r's Capitol Theatre, Wash., D. C. 

Kf LEGIT 
K4 "ADIO 



I I I I I 



, , Valley Players, Holyoke, Mass. 



I ■ ■ I I I I "Truth or Consequences" on Victory Parade 

AND 

NOW BACK TO 126 NBC STATIONS . . . 
*TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES' FOR IVORY SOAP 



NBC-CoIumbia University Institute 

(SCHEDULE OF EVENTS) 



SATURDAY, OCT. 10 

(10:15 a.m.) 
McMiUin Theatre, Columbia 
University. 
The Amerlcui: A Model for World 
Cooperation 
Chairman, President Nicholas 
Murray Butler. 

The Honorable Leighton Mc- 
Carthy, Canadian Minister to the 
United States. / 

Carlos Davila, former President of 
Chile. 

German Arciniegas, former Min- 
ister of Education of Colombia, vis- 
iting professor at Columbia Uni- 
versity. 

James Rowland Ahgell, Public 
Service Counselor, National Broad- 
casting Co. 

(2:30 p.m.) 
National Broadcasting Co., Studio 
8H, Roclcefeller Plaza 
Music of the New World 
Chairm.nn, Ernest La Prade, di- 
rector. Music Research, National 
Broadcasting Company. 

Sir Ernest McMillan, conductor, 
Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 

Class demonstration under super- 
vision of Lilla Belle Pitts, president. 
Music Educators National Confer- 
ence. 

Music of the New World, inaugural 
broadcast of the music series of the 
NBC Inter-American University of 
the Air— NBC Symphony Orchestra 
conducted by Frank Black. 

Panel discussion by Burle Marx, 
director, Brazilian Symphony Or- 
chestra; Carlelon Sprague Smith, 
chief. Music Division, New York 
Public Library; Gustavo Duran, Mu- 
sic Division, Pan American Union; 
Gilbert Chase, Music Division, Li- 
brary of Congress. 

SUNDAY, OCT. 11 

(11:00 a.m.) 
St. Paul's Chapel, Columbia 
University 
Special music of the Columbus era 
under the direction of Lowell P. 
Bcveridge, Director of Chapel Mu- 
sic, Columbia University. 

(2-3 p.m.) 
Vanderbilt Theatre, 148 W. 48th St. 
The Rediscovery of America 
Chairman, Russell Potter, director. 
Institute of Arts and Sciences, Co- 
lumbia University. 

Chicago Round Table Broadcast 
Arthur H. Compton, dean. Division 
of Physical Sciences, University of 
Chicago. 

James T. Shotwell, director, Car- 
negie Endowment for International 
Peace. 

The Honorable Elbert D. Thomas, 
United States Senator from Utah. 
(3:15 p.m.) 
National Broadcasting Company, 
Studio 3A, Rockefeller Plaza 
Military Cooperation Among the 

Americas 
Chairman, Major Harold W. Kent, 
United Slates War Department. 

Lieut.-Gen. Stanley D. Embick, 
chairman, Inter-America Defense 
Board. 

Vice-Admiral Albert W. Johnson, 
member, Inter-America Defense 
Board. 

The Army Hour broadcast will In- 
clude overseas shortwave pick-ups 
and narratives from centers where 



Latin American military students 
are trained. 

(6:00 p.m.) 
Museum of Modern Art 
Buffet dinner In member's pent- 
house. Subscription $1.50. 

(8.00 p.m.) 
Auditorium, Museum of Modern Art 
Andlo-visiul Aids to CultantI 
IlBderslandlnc 
Chairman, John M. Begg, assistant 
chief. Division of Cultural Relations, 
Department of State. 

John Grierson, Film Commissioner 
of Canada. 

Enrique de Lozada, Bolivian Ad- 
viser to Office of Coordinator of In- 
ter-American Affairs. 

Richard S. Lambert, Educational 
Counselor, Canadian Broadcasting 
Corporation. 

Sterling Fisher, director. Inter. 
American University of the Air; 
Radio Consultant, Department of 
State. 

First public showing of Inter- 
Amorican cartoon motion pictures 
by Walt Disney. 

MONDAY, OCT. 12 

(10:30 p.m.) 
McMillin Theatre, Columbia 
University 
Health Problems of the Americas 

Chairman, Dr. Morris Fishbein, 
editor, Journal of American Medical 
Association. 

Dr. Hugh S. Cumming, director, 
Pan American Sanitary Bureau: for- 
mer Surgeon-General, U. S. Public 
Health Service. 

Colonel A. W. Dreisbach, Medical 
Division, Office of' Coordinator of 
Inter-American Affairs. 

Dr. J. R. Murdock, Pan American 
Sanitary Bureau. 

Dr. Willard C. Rappleye, dean. 
College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
Columbia University. 

Dr. Wilbur A. Sawyer, director, 
Inter-American Medicine, Rocke- 
feller Foundation. 

(3:30 p.m.) 
McMillin Theatre, Columbia 
University 
Post War Relations of the Americas 

Chairman, Clark M. Eichelberger, 
chairman, (i;ommittee to Study the 
Organization of Peace. 

Harry D. Gideonse, president, 
Brooklyn College. 

Carter Goodrich, chairman. Gov- 
erning Body, International Labor 
Organization. 

Philip C. Jessup, Professor of In- 
ternational Law, Columbia Uni- 
versity. 

Frank Tannenbaum, Associate Pro- 
fessor of History, (Columbia Uni- 
versity. 

(8:00 p.m.) 
Auditorium, Museum of Modern Art 
American Cultural Relations 

Chairman, Charles Thomson, Chief 
of Division of Cultural Relations, 
Department of State. 

Luis Quintanilla, Mexican Minis- 
ter to the United States. 

James Lawrence Fly, chairman. 
Federal Communications Commis- 
sion. 

John W. Studebaker, United States 
Commissioner of Education. 

(10:15 p.m.) 
National Broadcasting Co., Studio 
8H, Rockefeller Plaza 
Lands of the Free 
A story of Christopher Columbus 
dramatized and presented by the In- 
ter-American University of the Air. 

Mi ===== 




Mmeriea's leading hands — playing 
from War Camps and War Plants 

BLUE Q*30>*'M. EVERY NIGHT 
NETWORK EXCEPT SUNDA 



comiaHTim.;HieocA.c»«;eMMMT 



Wednesday/ Ociofof 1, 1942 



RADIO 38 





Contingency Deals Makes Mpls. Outlet 
Partner in DistiOery; 10c on Each Case 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 
WLOL. local MBC outlet, is prob- 
ably the only radio station anywhere 
fo become virtually a partner in a 
liquor . business, one of its accounts. 
Under the terms of a unique con- 
tract with the Frankling Distilled 
Products company, wholesale wine 
dealers here, the station receives 10c 
commission on every case sold of one 
of the brands of wine advertised over 
the air. 

It's a 30-minute daily program 
comprising mosth entertainment and 
Florence Lehman, who interviews 
celebrities. The station is taking a 
' gamble because its only stipend is 
its commissions. The wine company 
pays no flat sum or gives no guar- 
antee. 

Besides plugging the wine over 
the air, WLOL is sending out at its 
own expense telegrams to all Twin 
City liquor-dealers, calling attention 
to the campaign and asking for co- 
operatin in pushing the wine. It's 
also providing newspaper ads and 
street car cards gratis. 



Holt, Heller to Coast 



Mrs. Emily Holt, national execu- 
tive-secretary of the American Fed- 
eration of Radio Artists, and George 
Heller, treasurer and associate ex- 
ecutive-secretary, went to the Coast 
early this week for huddles with 
executives and local representatives 
about radio talent participation in 
war programs. 

Due back next week. 



Hooper's Ratings 

(Sept. 30.) 

Walter Winchell 22.1 

Charlie McCarthy 22.0 

Radio Theatre. 20.7 

'Aldrich Family' 20.2 

Frank Morgan-Fanny Brice 19.3 

'Mr. District Attorney' .... 16.6 

Kay Kyser H.7 

Rudy Vallee 14.7 

'Music Hall' 13.5 

'Mayor of the Town' 13.0 

'Take It or Leave It' 12.7 

'Truth or Consequences' . . 12.6 

'Your Hit Parade' 12.3 

Kate Smith 12.2 

'How'm I Doin'?' 11.3 



McGillvra Incorporates, 
Employes Get Stock 

Albany, Oct. 6. 

Joseph Hershey McGillvra, Inc., 
has been chartered to conduct a ra- 
dio broadcasting business in New 
York. Capital stock is 200 shares, 
no par value. 

Holders of a share each are Mc- 
Gillvra, Adam J. Young, Jr., and 
Helen Barnett. 



McGillvra has operated his station 
rep business for years on the basis 
of personal ownership. As part of 
the incorporation he is distributing 
some of the stock among members 
of his organization. Young and Miss 
Barnett are but two of the slated 
Ave recipients. 



Alex Drier is now reporting from 
London on NBC. He miked for 
some time from Berlin. 



THREE DflyS OF 





Network in Tie-Up with Co- 
lumbia University Under 
Blessing of Rockefeller 
Committee — Name Lec- 
turers and Half a Dozen 
Special Broadcasts Ar- 
ranged 

TO BE YEARLY 



An elaborate tie-up of a radio net- 
work, NBC, and a large university, 
Columbia, will provide a unique 
celebration over the coming week- 
end of the 4S0th anniversary of the 
discovery of the new world by 
Christopher Columbus. There will 
be four days of academic panel dis- 
cussions, all with an inter-America 
emphasis, and a series of six broad- 
casts. If the event proves a success 
it is anticipated that It will become 
an annual Columbus Day event 
hooked together by radio. 

NBC already has tentative accept- 
ances for the future from the Uni- 
versity of Toronto, the University of 
Mexico and the University of San 
Marcos in Lima, Peru. The whole 
project present and prospective has 
the blessing and help of the Co- 
ordinator of Inter-America Affairs 
(Nelson Rockefeller office) and is 
being keenly watched by the diplo- 
matic corps generally. 

Programs participating with NBC 
and Columbia University over the 
coming week-end are the University 



Clergyman Heads CBC at $7,980; 
Two Subordinates Get $12,000 Each 



Montreal, Oct. 6. 
War Services Minister Thorson an- 
nounced Wednesday (30) cabinet ap- 
proval of a reorganization of the 
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. execu- 
tive set-up with Rev. J. S. Thomson, 
of Saskatoon, as new general mana- 
ger and Gladstone Murray, present 
g.m., as director-general of broad- 
casting. The changes were recom- 
mended to the government by the 
corporation's board of governors, 
which had been asked to reconsider 
its original recommendations on sal- 
aries. 

Salary schedule as finally ap- 



of Chicago Roundtable, Dupont's 
'Cavalcade of America' and the War 
Department's 'Army Hour.' The lat- 
ter expects to bring in pick-ups from 
military training centres where 
latin cadets are enrolled. Orson 
Welles is due to play Chris Colum- 
bus for Dupont and the Roundtable 
will discourse on 'The Re-Discovery 
of America.' There will be broad- 
casts at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on 
Saturday, 2:30 and again 3:30 on 
Sunday and at 1:15 and 10:30 p.m. 
Monday. 

All visiting lecturefs are being 
paid nominal fees of $100 and ex- 
penses. 

Cooperating committees on ar- 
rangements are as follows: 

Columbia University: Harry Mor- 
gan Ayres, J. Bartlett Brebner, £rl- 
ing M. Hunt, Russel Potter, Frank 
Tannebaum, Milton Halsey Thom- 
as, John A. Krout. 

NBC Inter-American University 
of the Air: James R. Angell, Sterling 
Fisher, Clarence Menser, Max Jor- 
dan. 



proved provides an annual salary of 
$7,980 for Thomson with additional 
living allowance not to exceed $3,000. 
First recommendation was that 
Thomson should receive an annual 
salary of $15,000. 

Gladstone Murray will be paid 
$12,000 a year. Presently, he gets 
$13,000 and allowances, and it was 
suggested that his salary should be 
$14,000. Dr. Augustin Frigon, as- 
sistant general manager,' continues 
at his present salary of $12,000. 

All changes are effective Nov. 2, 
and Thomson's appointment is for 
one year. 

Outline of Murray's duties indicate 
that he will give particular attention 
to programs for the new high-pow- 
ered short-wave system to be con- 
structed immediately. He will also 
be responsible for 'the coordination 
and development of programs of the 
corporation and of privately owned 
stations throughout Canada.' He will 
also be concerned with some of the 
problems immediately facing broad- 
casting in Canada. Program quality 
of commercials will bring under his 
supervision the soap operas which 
he has already strongly deplored, as 
well as Sunday advertising. In all 
these activities he will be under the 
control and supervision of the gen- 
eral manager. 

In explaining that Thomson's sal- 
ary would be considerably lower 
than that received by Murray, his 
subordinate, Thorson said the 
amount had been decided on follow- 
ing an offer made by Thomson to the 
CBC governors. 



Portland, Ore. — Harlan Tucke:, 
formerly with KGW-KEX, has joined 
the KOIN-KALE announcing staff. 





Lois January Is presented as our 
candidate for the Congressional 
Medal and a D.S.C. 

She gets the soldiers (and sailors 
and marines, too) up— on fimef 

Lois is WABC's, and the Service their mail...theirrequest$-f or photos 
Men's, "Reveille Sweetheart". Skilled of Lois, for favorite tunesi And above 
in the ways of movie, stage and all— their appreciation to her and 
radio entertainment, from 5:30 to WABC for making the first 30-60 
6:30 every morning, Lois broadcasts minutes before they "fall in"a pleas- 
to the boys at more than 50 camps ant experience such as their father*/ 
and stations 'n this area the popular in '17 and '18, never knew, 
music, the song, the friendly talk and . . 

*GeUbricli. n. Army ilang. On* who hoMi lairttin 

banter they want to hear. (Maybe *•>«'• M^ow wMien dig ditch. Sm aho "dog rob- 
ber," "Th» Old Man't prids and iay."Syn.'Topliid('t 

you've never tuned in a radio Tooxia/' "cinch ioidi«r." 



WABG 



50,000 WAnS,NEWYORK • 24 H00R SERVICE TO THE WORLD'S LARGEST MARKET 

Owned and operated by Columbia Broadcasting System. Represented by Radio Sales 
with offices locoted In Chicago, Los Angeles, St. Louis, San Francisco, Charlotte. 



34 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



CAME CIGARETS EXPLAINS ITS COPY IN 
FORMAL REPLY TO TRADE COMMISSION 



Policy on TestimoniaU, Claims, Trade Practice* 
Mentioned in Advertising Are All Covered in 
Lengthy FTC Answer to Falsity Charge 



Washington. Oct. 6. 
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. 
Jn answer to the Federal Trade 
Comnussioa complaint chargmg it 
with false advertising and misrepre- 
sentation, has denied the allegation 
that it represented the voices used 
In Camel radio broadcasts were 
those of persons whose testimonials 
were announced on the broadcasts. 
The tobacco company has entered a 
long list of admissions and denials 
In its answer to the charges of the 
complaint. 

It admitted having used testimo- 
nials in its advertisements from 
users of its cigai'ettes, lor some of 
>rhich it admitted paying the writ- 
ers, but said that it had no knowl- 
edge that any of the testimonials 
did not reflect the actual personal 
experience, knowledge or beliefs of 
the signers. It denied ever having 
used a testimonial knowing that it 
was signed by a person who did not 
smoke Camels or did not smoke any 
cigarette, or that any such testi- 
monials were signed by the writers 
without their knowing or being ad- 
vised of the contents of them. 

For a number of years, the com- 
pany said, it has been its policy not 
to accept a testimonial on the writ- 
er's unsupported statements, and 
that before using such a testimonial 
it makes a thorough investigation of 
it and leams from sources outside 
the prospective testimonialist that he 
or she is in fact a user of Camels. 
Good For Tommy 
The company admitted that its 
advertising has represented that the 
smoking of Camels is good for and 
advantageous to digestion; claims 
that science proves it; that millions 
of smokers attest to it and that it 
has employed language in advertis- 
ing 'which might be construed to 
mean that smoking Camels is an aid 
to digestion, no matter where, what 
or when one eats, and keeps diges- 
tion working normally,' but it de- 
nied representing that Camels will 
do these things 'even when the go- 
ing is hectic' 

It denied representing that smok- 
In;; of Camels enabled the eating of 
favorite dishes at any time one 
pleased, but admitted that it caused 
*o be Incoiporated in certain adver- 
tisements a testimonial written by 



a smoker or Camels stating that the 
smokins of Camels enabled liim to 
eat "what 1 want . . . when I want 
it.' 

Harmless Restoration 

The company's answer also admit- 
ted representing that the effect of 
smoking Camels is a harmless re- 
storation of the flow of natural body 
energy, causing such energy to snap 
back, and that this is a basic dis- 
covery of a famous research labora- 
tory and throws new light on the 
subject of cigarette smoking. The 
foregoing admitted representations, 
the answer declared, were last pub- 
lished in November. 1933, and if 
made thereafter were made only 
sporadically and not as a part of 
any organized advertising cam- 
paign. 

The answer admitted that the 
company has incorporated in adver- 
tisements testimonial letters of ath- 
letes and famous champions in which 
the wi-iters state that they must 
guard their condition and not take 
chances and thev smoke Camels. It 
denied it has represented that great 
athletes and outstanding stars of 
sports use Camels because from 
their own experience such use en- 
ables them to keep in condition, but 
it admitted incorporating in adver- 
tisements testimonial letters of such 
athletes in which the writers state 
that the smoking of Camels does not 
damage or affect good condition. 
These foregoing representations, the 
answer asserted, were discontinued 
in September, 1937. and if made 
thereafter were made only sporadic- 
ally and not as part of any organized 
advertising campaign. ' 

Didn't Make Champs 
The answer denied allegations that 
the company had represented that 
national championships have been 
won becau.se the winners smoked 
Camels; that the winner of an auto 
race was in condition for it, having 
had a Camel the last thing before 
the race; that a golf champion nat- 
urally was ftt for the gruelling con- 
test because he was a Camel smoker, 
and in general that an aspirant for 
honors in sports or athletes may im- 
prove his chances smoking Camels. 

The answer admitted representa- 
tions that Camels never irritate the 
throat, are always gentle to the 




throat, do not leave a cigarette aftcr- 
tasle, and that people with sensitive 
throats can smoke as many Camels 
as they like, but denied represent- 
ing that Camels are different or 
unique in this respect or that their 
smoking does not harm the throat. 
It admitted representing that smok- 
ing of Camels is soothing to the 
nerves and protects against nerve 
strain and tension, but denied rep- 
resenting that smoking of Camels is 
recommended for pruelling sports de- 
manding 'nerves of steel' or that such 
smoking keeps a speed champion's 
nerves as sound as the motor in his 
racer. It admitted representations 
that Camels never get on the nerves 
and may be smoked withoirt risk of 
keyed-up, jangled or frazzled nerves 
and has implied that in such respects 
Camels are different from some other 
brands, but denied that such com- 
parison by implication or otherwise 
has been made with other 'standard 
brand.s.' The foregoing admitted rep- 
resentations, the answer asserted, 
were disccontinued in May, 1939, and 
if made thereafter were not as a 
part of any organized advertising 
campaign. 

Costlier Leaf 

The answer admitted representing 
that Camels are the cigarette of cost- 
lier tobacco and that it is a well- 
known fact that they are made of 
finer, more expensive tobaccos than 
any other popular brand, but denied 
representing that all the finest ciga- 
rette tobaccos go into Camels. The 
answer denied that the company has 
represented that it buys up the best 
loads and really Qne baskets of the 
year's crop; that the company 'doesn't 
bother with the cheap grades, just 
goes after the choice tobacco'; that 
in general the total annual tobacco 
crop of high-grade cigarette tobacco 
is acquired Iby the company or that 
no kind of tobacco but the highest 
priced and the finest grown is 
blended into Camels. The answer 
denied that it has reptesented that 
almost all tobacco planters prefer to 
smc^e Camels or that Camels are 
far and away the choice of men who 
grow tobacco. It admitted having 
repersented that Camels are the 
leading or most popular cigarette 
with planters, but denied represent- 
ing that tobacco planters know that 
only the choice, fine or costlier to- 
baccos are used in Camels. 

The company denied representing 
that Camels bum 25% slower than 
most other competing brands, but 
stated it did represent that, accord- 
ing to independent scientific tests, 
they burn slower than any of the 15 
other largest-selling brands tested. It 
denied that it has represented that 
Camels contain more tobacco by 
weight than do most of the largest- 
selling competing brands. It also 
denied representing that the smoke 
of Camels contains 28% per cent 
less nicotine than the smoke of other 
competing brands. 

The answer further denied rep- 
resenting that Prince Albert smok- 
ing tobacco is 86 degrees cooler than 
most other brands of pipe tobacco 
and the coolest of all smoking tobac- 
cos. The company'-, representation, 
the answer asserted, is that it stated 
that In recent laboratory 'smoking 
bowl' tests. Prince Albert burned 86 
,<teg<;PS3. cooler than the average of 
the 30 other of the largest-seUing 
brands tested— coolest of them all. 

Hearings on the complaint and an- 
swers will be held in due course, 
the FTC announced. 



Inside Stuff ^Radio 



Ed Sullivan's Army Relief benefit show at the Garden, in N. Y. last 
week, may have netted more money than Walter Winchell's affair for the 
Navy Relief, but so far as the radio stations remoting the event were 
concerned, the Navy event was by far the better. 

For the Navy show every station was seated at the same long table, got 
the same treatment from the Garden staff. And no one was saddled with 
the dull, dreary, audienoc-driving remarks. The Hollywood stars' bond 
ballyhoo was a special chaser. Per custom, radio 'edited' out overly crisp 
cracks by comics; in this ease Joe E. Lewis and Al Jolson were dimmed 
out when their wheezes got too fly. 



A gesture without precedent, at least in Coast radio, is the recent action 
of a network head in putting voluntarily into force a 10% pay raise for all 
actors. Holding that the rising costs of living entitled the thesps to rtlore 
coin to m«et the increa.scs, he colled in an official of American Federation 
of Radio Artists and asked that the scale for his stations be immediately 
hiked 10%. Only string to the deal was that no publicity be given it. 
Tho.<;c who work at the station know who their benefactor is and that's 
all the recognition of the deed he wants. 



Spot activities of Lorillard tobacco is away oS this season as compared 
to previous years. The company appears to be concentrating practically 
all its radio outlay on Old Gold. 

Lorillard last season was pounding extensively on such brands as Union 
Leader, Friends' tobacco, Munel and Beechnut. These spot placements 
were well distributed around the country. The only spot stuff now under 
contract to the company is Fulton Lewis, Jr., on WHN, N. Y., and a news 
commentator on WSYR, Syracu&e. 



Lou Holtz. in doing his Sunday night CBS show recently with Mildred 
Bailey and Jeff Alexander's orchestra from Baltimore, rather than from 
the usual spot in New York, seemed to say. It's a rainy night.' Which 
was definitely the case, although mention of current weather is supposed 
to be taboo on the air. The comedian also twice referred laOghingly to 
the small WCAO studio and the few comparatively visuals on hand. Small- 
ness of audience seemed to bother him. 



Maxine Marx, daughter of Chico, and Marilyn Cantor, one of Eddie 
Canter's five girls, will make their radio debut Friday (9) a.s guests of 
Dick Gilbert, WHN's singing disc jockey, on his 1-3 p.m. show. Maxine 
and Marilyn also are making their Hrst stage appearance in the metropoli- 
tan area this week, having opened Tuesday (d> in 'Stage Door' at the 
Flatbush theatre, Brooklyn 



Edwin T. Bottelson, who was lost in a bomber raid on the Japs in the 
Aleutian Islands, was a Chicagoan formerly engaged in radio publicity. 
Bottelson, 28-year-old gunner, whose wife has just been given the Purple 
Heart, awarded to her husband posthumously, was for three years assist- 
ant to R. E. Jeffers, publicity director of the Russel M. Seeds agency of that 
city. 



WBBM. Chicago, stirred up a mild commotion when it put an INS 
news announcement on the air that Chicago would imdett;o a trial black- 
out before Oct. 1. The local papers picked It up and were subsequently 
flooded with calls regarding event. A curt announcement from the 
Office of Civilian Defense said that no such blackout is contemplated for 
the Chicago area. 



Bible (dveaway 
For 12c Cash 
And Carton 



San Antonio, Oct. 6. 

Starkist Flotation Toothpaste, 
heavy user of local air time, is now 
airing a new scries of flve-minute 
programs over KTSA, Monday 
through Friday. Series Is entitled 
'Starkist Victory Book Club.' 

Giveaway includes a small fee 
plus carton of the product Bible 
is being offered at 12c and a carton. 

Account is handled through the 
Pitluk Agency. 



Gerard Arthur, assistant program director, Canadian Broadcasting Cor- 
poration, has been appointed Program Liaison Officer for French language, 
with headquarters at Ottawa. He was one of the original members of CBC 
Unit Overseas in charge. of French programs, and was in France at the 
time of the invasion and in England during the German air attack of 1940. 



Memory of Louis Francoeur, commentator over CBF and French re- 
gional network of the Canadian Broadcastinf Corp., who was killed in 
automobile accident June, 1941, has been honored by a plaque in the press 
gallery of the Legislative building m Quebec. 



NBC announcer Dick Dudley does a good daytime trailer job for the 
NBC Parade of Stars, in itself a neat institutional plugfest for the net- 
work. Excerpts by the top mike stars are recorded, and Dudley inter- 
sperses them with arresting delivery. * 





on a recent offer, 
the six New England 
New England, in fact, 



VAAi'^e cmatysed 

Vjm^iigmv^fipCfi^A'Mgrtiltm Yodc stoUon has no busi 
Sfi^lo^f^^gwif^Eiut^Bj^ know a lot of advertisers 

W^lSl9W'm3}!^m vs better than 

f;]iaimWiltiS)7iSoae advertisen ooAt to know abotrt us. 

mi 



0iti^o\x\d evea get you "Piacataqiiiatis" 
to" write in. to buy their prodnctB. 



50, '■•■.■• Y: .o50 Clear Channel 

NEW :'ORK 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



RADIO 3S 



^« >>»»»»*«♦♦**»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦*«>♦♦♦♦♦♦*»<>»♦♦♦*♦♦♦♦»; 



PayroD Traffic 



New lork City.— Pat Miller, engi- 
neer at WOR, New York, to become 
a radio-photo engineer in the field 
for the Office of War Information. 
Joseph Craig, another member of the 
sin lion's engineering staff, has joined 
the Army. Douglas Hawkins has 
joined the WOR recording engineer- 
ing staff. 

. H. Malcolm Stuart, formerly with 
United Advertising, the Getchell 
agency and Campbell-Ewald, has 
joine'd the WOR sales force. Dork 
Broder resigns from thre station's 
music department Oct. 3 and will be 
succeeded by Julia Hutchinson. 

Chicago.— Frank M. Reed has 
Joined the sales staff of WIND. 

Reed, for the past 19 years, was 
connected with the Stack-Gobbe 
agency in Chicago. 

Kansas City. — John C. Drake has 
resigned as program director of 
KCKN here to join the sales promo- 
tion .stafT of the Cowles stations in 
pe^ Moines. 

Betty Averill, new to radio, is the 
latest addition to the KCKN sales 
stalT. 



of 13 CFCF engineering staff to join 
the Air Force. 



Pittsburgh.— Wilma Lee, day re- 
ceptionist at WCAE, has resigned to 
take a job with the local WPB office 
aiod.Gladys Ingles, of. the night staff, 
replaces her. Latter is the mother 
of Gloria Ingles, young actress-dan- 
cer who makes her Broadway debut 
in 'Strip for Action.' 

Ross Lyons, Harrisburg, Pa., busi- 
ness man, has joined the sales staff 
of WCAE. 

Bob Carter, singer with Al Mar- 
sico's band at Nixon Cafe, has landed 
a new commercial on KDKA, three 
times weekly for 15 minutes. 

Bob Peebles, WCAE announcer, 
is leaving next week to take a job 
with WKNE in Keenc. N. H. 

Marjorie Thoma's original poetry 
and verse program, 'The Dream 
Weaver,' has been renewed by bank- 
roller for another 13 weeks, five 
times weekly. Paul Shannon does 
narration with background organ 
music by Bernie Armstrong. 



Akron, O.— Irving Stewart, is leav- 
ing the WADC announcing «taff.. 

Wichlu, Kas.— Max Roby, Jr., for- 
mer news editor and commentator 
on radio station KFBI, in Kansas 
City for technical training which 
will lead to officers training in the 
signal corps of U. S. arij^y^ ^ ^ 

Louisville. — Bcccham Frank, new 
announcer on WHAS staff, comes 
from West Coast where he did an- 
nouncing and dramatic work in pics 
.9nd radio. Peter Riccardi, singer, 
and Jim Walton, announcer, left 
WHAS for the Army, stationed, at 
Fort Benjamin Harrison near In- 
dicnapolis. David Rhodes, program 
director WINN, joined WHAS an- 
nouncing staff Sunday (27). Rc- 
tilaced by Ginny Belle Roberts, 
tipped from the receptionist desk at 
WINN, Arthur Stevens, WAVE 
engineer, joined the Navy Radar 
section. New engineer on WAVE 
staff is Bill Martin, local technician. 
Changes at WGRC include new an- 
nouncer Ted Ellis, who comes from 
WRAL, Raleigh, N. C; James Fitz- 
gerald, engineer, leaving the station; 
Beverly Adams, new femme techni- 
cian, who formerly conducted a 
dflncing school here, and at one time 
was a member of the Radio City 
Music Hall Rockcttes. Harry Arnold, 
director of the WGRC staff ork, is 
out, replaced by Jack Currancc. 



ValdosU, G». — L. C. McGall, 
WGi>V engineer, has resigned to 
continue his education at Georgia 
Tech, 



San Antonio. — Anim Bolster Is the 
latest addition to the announcing 
Staff of station KABC. Comes from 
El Paso. 



Hartford, — Army gets Jerry 
Priven. WDRC announcer, Oct. 9. 
departing spieler is fifth to leave 
station for service in six weeks. 



Portland, Ore. — Homer Welch, 
formerly production manager, has 
been upped to pjogram director of 
KGW-KEX,- Portland, Gordon Bam- 
brick, of the station's announcing 
staff, succeeds to the production 
manager post. Herb Johnston be- 
comes chief announcer, replacing 
Don Kneass, who is now devoting 
full time to newscasting. 

Ralph Rogers, former program di- 
rector of the outlet, his taken a 
war production job in Portland. 



Oklahoma City.— Frank J. Lynch 
former Broadway and radio actor, 
has been named sales manager of 
KTOK, local outlet of the Blue and 
Oklahoma networks. 



Zanesvllle, O. — Stanton Kettler, 
managing director of WHIZ, Zanes 
ville, 0., has become managing di- 
rector of WMMN, Fairmount, W. 
Va. 



Akron, o. — Mickey McClowry. 
formerly of-Caolor, O., has become 
an announcer at WADC, Akron,' re- 
placing Don Goltwald, jr., who is 
now a student at Akron University. 



Montreal,— Eric Whitley, remote 
control engineer, Canadian Marconj 
station CFCF. joined Royal Cana- 
dian Air Force Monday (28) "~ ' 



This 



enlistment makes a total, ot 10 out 



Indianapolis. — Ernest W. Craven, 
formerly advertising manager of Mil- 
ler-Jones Co., Columbus, O., has 
jointed the local sales staff of WIRE, 
Indianapolis. Dick Reed, ' WIRE 
newscaster, has resigned . to enter 



CBS FoU Web Users 



Burns and Allen Lever 

Bob Burns Lever 

'Mayor of Our Town" Lever 

Lux Radio Theatre Lever 

'Camel Caravan' Reynolds 

'Blondie' Reynolds 

'Thanks to the Yanks'. .Reynolds 

'Crime Doctor' Morris 

Philip Morris Playhouse. .Morris 
Harry James Or. Liggett & Myers 
'Th^atf^Dt Today'. . . .Armstrong 
'Your Hit Parade'.. Am. Tobacco 

Gene Autry Wrigle.v 

'The First Line' Wrigley 

Ben Bernie Wrigley 

Kostelanetz Coca-Cola 

'Take It or Leave II'. .Eversharp 

Kate Smith General Food's 

'Those We Love". .General Foods 
Jackson Wheeler. .Curtiss Cand.v 

Fred Allen Texas 

Nelson Eddy ■ -P. Lorillard 

'Great Moments'.., Celanesc 

Eric Sevareid Parker Pen 



Long Island Cauliflower Cfowers 
Using lOO-Word Radio Blurbs 



GEORGE ZACHARY IN 
NEW OWI POSITION 



Volunteer Officers Class of the Army. 
Bill Dean, formerly with WDAY. 
Fargo, N. D., has joined WIRE as 
announcer and publicity director. 



Timmins, Ont; — Jerry Kelly, chief 
engineer of the Northern Boardcast- 
ing- Co.,. has resigned to join the 
Canadian Army. 

Del Mott, of CKGB, Timmins, has 
left he station to study modern 
languages at the University of To- 
ronto. 



Washington, Oct. 6. 
Production and editorial divisions 
of the Radio Bureau of the Office of 
"War Information have been merged 
into one division which is henceforth 
to be knowa »s the Program Service 
Division. 

George Zachary, who has been pro- 
duction chief will be the head of this 
new division. 



Dorothy Lewis in Denver 

Denver, Oct. 6. 
•What the American Family Faces 
Today' is the theme of a meeting 
this Thursday (8) at the Central 
Christian Church here under the 
auspices of the Colorado Council of 
Parent Education. One of several 
speakers will be Dorothy Lewis of 
the National Association of Broad- 
casters. 

Her invitation was extended 
through Robert Hudson of the Rocky 
Mountain Radio Council. 



Long Island Cauliflower Growers 
began a 100-word announcement 
campaign in a group of major mar- 
kets yesterday (6). The schedule 
■f^Jr the time being' will be limited 
to two a week for four weeks. 

The L. I. Cauliflower Growers is 
one of a group of associations that 
had allied itself with Fresh Fruit 
and Vegetable Promotions, Inc., ot 
Washington, D. C. The latter setup 
is headed by Frank Marvin, former 
advertising manager of the Florida 
Citrus Association. Backed by 180 
fruit and vegetable grower associa- 
tions. Marvin will perform an agency 
function. 

There have heretofore been few 
vegclaljlc growers that have used 
radio lo sell their product on a 
brand basis. One of the brands that 
has had some participation in radio 
is Andy Boy Broccoli. 



WWL Comedian (o Iowa 

Des Moines, Oct. 6. 

Lazy Jim Day. character comedian, 
joins the talent staff of WHO, Des 
Moines. Iowa, this week, frpm WLW. 

Day will have a part on the Iowa 
Barn Dance and the new Beaumont 
Sunset Corners Opry; 




October 2nd 19^9. 



This scroll was presented to WMCA, New York, by Sachs Quality Furniture, Incorporated 



36 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



LARD OW INTO 
FOOTBALL 
AIRINGS 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

With the close of the basehaU sea- 
son, the radjo bureau of the Office of 
War Information is getting ready to 
inaugurate a football allocation plan 
which would schedule war messages 
on locally sponsored football broad- 
casTs. OWI is aiming to get every 
sponsored football game in the coun- 
try* included in this plan, and sta- 
tion managers are being asked to list 
local sponsors on a questionnaire 
thai is being sent to them. 

Tlie plan will be a continuation of 
owl's baseball allocation plan 
which assigned two government 
messages to sponsored baseball 
games. This plan comes to an end 
with the World Series. 



YANK ACTORS TO HELP 
CANADA WAR CHEST 



THE ARMY'S SLANTS ON RADIO 



Ottawa, Oct. 6. 
'Nazi Eyes oo Canada,' Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp. series for the war 
chest, is bringing a string of celebs 
to the country for special appear, 
ences. 

Those coming are House Jameson 
and Katfaerine Baht, parents of ra- 
dio's 'Henry Aldrich,' Francis Led- 
erer, Juditli Evelyn, Vincent Prioe 
and Orson Welles. 



15th Year for Grenadier* 

Ottawa, Oct. 6. 
His Majesty's Grenadier Guards of 
Montreal returns to CBC tomorrow 
(7) at 8:05 pjn. for its ISOi radio 
year. 

Capt. J. J. ftagnipr wjll conduct 




The Army's public reliitions, like the war 
seems to be gradually taking on the atuibutes of age 
and experience and the shape of things as they will 
perhaps more or less continue to be for the duration. 
The Airoy,- it is known, has dc\<loped strong 
opinions of the proper and improper use of radio 
broadcasting. Mostly it concerns itself with soldier 
morale but civilian and labor matters that overlap 
(and in this war everything overlaps everything else) 
are also given mud\^ attention. Almost everything now 
being discussed, ci-iticized, revised, adapted or decided 
in the realm of wartime 'propaganda' (there's that 
naughty word again!) is thoroughly known to Army 
public relations, no matter under whose aegis it comes 
and the chances are the Army influenced or moulded 
developments at some point. 

INVIDIOUS COITTEACTS 

The military point of view as made known to and 
understood by American broadcasters constantly strives 
for the avoidance of il) invidious contrasts between 
any ont group a.id anolher. notably between civilians 
and soldiers and between life in the United States and 
life in distant and often unattractive garrison areas 
and i2) for the avoidance of anything frivolous, not in 
keeping with the serioa-ness of the war, or anything 
undignified, not in keeping with the respect and 
prestige properly owing to the men who have to fight 
the war. In the latter connection military men are 
known to be increasingly sensitive to and resentful of 
any radio program, be it quiz or other types, that 
utilizes servicemen in essentially silly, trivial or stunty 
ways. 

A ORm WIBTER 

In short, military reactions to 'showmanship' and to 
all undertakings with a publicity overtone or impli- 
cation are becoming more and more sharply adverse ii 
there is anything of a picnic or goodtime Charley sug- 
gestion. The armed services are veering away from 
their exploitation-mindedness of recent years. They 
are frank in conceding that they are changing as the 
world and the war changes. This is the winter of hard 
faces and the spring of worried scannings is to come. 

In general the relationship of the Army and the 
private American radio industry seems to be cordial 
and in general this is true, too, of the industry and the 
Office of War Information. But there are munnurs, 
there are challenges. ' Radio cannot rest on its laurels 
of the past or the present. Radio like everyhody «lse 
must go forward bravely and audaciously into the un- 
certain future, rising .to what Heii>ert Agar has ealled 
•a time for greatness.' 

To understand the military point of view (which is 
only applied eonunon sense as a rule) hitoadcasters 
and ailveitisers and entertainers apparently tlKnild 
<^ialk up. as basic such facts as these: 

•THE VACAST CHAIE' 
A. The Anny is ever conscious that in a peace- 
loving, non-militaristic nation it has reached Into 
nearly every borne to take a son, a brother, a husbHnd, 
that the pi<oq>ective U. S. Army will be twice or mora 
tike tize it was in World War 1. Army public rations 
lM>gins therefore with what I>t Col. Ed ICirby called 
Tbe vacant chair at the bre^tfast table.' The anxieties 
of file family over first the fact of absence and eecondy 
&e fact of danger overdiadows all tise. 



By ROBERT J. LAHDRT 

itself. 



GEOGfSAPHY 

Unlike all previous American ware there is 



no 

front whose name'and location are reasonably familiar. 
Therefore there is a problem of confusion, of geo- 
graphic ignorance, of tbe uncharted Kmes of nowhere 
where American boys have gone and are going. RadM 
is an ideal medium to dramatize the global agiect ol 
this war. 

OUR ALLIES 

C. We have an unprecedented situation in regard to 
Allies in which every effort is made by our enemies to 
open up and rub raw all possibilities of national, racial 
and religious friction. Emphasis upon our Allies in the 
United Nations is a prime consideration at all times 
and broadcasting has the 'intimate' quality to make 
our 'foreign' friends human, real and warm. 

WORKERS ASS FIOHTERS 

D. Harmony between factory worker and fighters 
must be complete. The Army has to be very discreet 
in this region but it apparently never forgets the 
dangers. In the early phase of the war there were 
well-paid workers who flaunted their paychecks and in 
other ways acted the role of heel. Everything implicit 
in such sidelights is of anxious concern. 

CASUALTIES 

E. We are on the brink of casualties with all that 
implies in testiiig the morale of the people. The Army 
has this in mind in connections with all participations 
on the air or elsewhere of its representatives. 

The Army has in connection with the shortwaving 
of commercially-sponsored network programs to troops 
taken precautions to remove anything that may give 
troops either a feeling of cesentment and injustice, or of 
intolerable nostalgia Our radio programs, as with 
anything that is taken as representative of us and our 
culture, must be additionally guarded on the additional 
side so thait our enemies (among our most devoted 
radio fatis!) shall not be offered plausible openings to 
twist and pervert what is broadcast so that it will slap 
back in enemy radio programs, clothed in some 
semblance of possible truth. 

The Army never forgets, and broadcasters have 
learned to understand, that soldiers under the spartan 
sinQjlidties of garrison life do not necessarily be- 
grudge tbe civilians the advantages of a semi-normal 
existence back home but on the pther hand troops are 
all too human and the^ should not be reminded with 
lufih mental picture's olwhat they are obhged to forego 
until happier times. 

What nobody quite knows in this war is how well 
and how regularly American troops actually can hear 
diortwave programs. There is growing evidence that 
DX cannot do tbe job with existing technique and 
equQiment either to the garrisons or to many other 
areas. There develops militarily, as previously diplo- 
matically, a wide (diasm between publicity at tbe send- 
ing end and results at the receiving end. The Army's 
great eagerness to have theatrical and radio flgures 
actually show up at distant points partly reflects the 
fact that shortwave radio alone is too uncertain. 

Another 'Uiing the Army apparently does not ap- 
preciBtb are imiiressions conveyed to parents that 
soldiers and officers alike are sex-crazy. They would 
like to be credited for the unromantic hard work and 
earnestness of Q>eir lives. 



TRUTH' POLICY 
FOR CANADIAN 
DX-ER 



Ottawa, Oct 6. 
News to be sent over Canada's new 
short-wave station will be the uit« 
varnished truth' according to an ot« 
flcial of tbe Canadial Broadcasting 
Corp., who said the outlet being built 
at Sackville, N. B., at a cost of |800,< 
000, would be ready in a year. 
Augustin Frigon, assistant general 
manager of the CBS. will command 
technical matters in the construction 
of the Dominion's new force on the 
world propaganda front, while Glad- 
stone Murray, director-general of 
broadcasting, will be in charge of 
output. 

Norman RoberLion, under-secre- 
tary of state for external affairs, and 
Charles Vining, chairman of tht 
Wartime Information Board, will also 
liave fingers in the program division, 
and timing will send foreign lan» 
guage propaganda to the propef 
places when it can be best heard. 
Volunteers for broadcasting already 
include many .soldiers, professors, 
scientists and statesmen, remaining 
anonymous because they were na- 
lional powers in their lands before 
Nazi occupation. Music and variety 
will also have places on the program 
set-up, and the station may be used 
as well for jamming German and 
Italian broadcasts currently clutter* 
ing up the channels. 

News broadcasting rights will havf 
to be secured before propaganda 
operations begin. 

VICTOR BELL'S NEW JOB 



KSL Producer Now Adverttiiiig 
Agency Badio Director 



Newark, Oct. 6. 

Tom Adams, asssitant manage! 
Adams theatre and sod of owner 
Ajlam'A. Adams, Army. 

Balph Olidge) JJb, treasurer ffae 
mmpiTe, local burley, Anny. Special 
mldni^ sbow ^ma in his honor. 



BjU ghea, continuity stafier at 
WMSW, N.^., to Miami as a second 
Ueatenast in fite Army Air Corps. 



OLYN LANDICK 

•*TeE HACKENSACK GOSSIP* 



SEIi SHQESHINE 
POLISH TO 
SOIMRS 



Griffin Shoe Polish starts an exten- 
sive ^>ot campaign In Florida Mon- 
day (12). The prhne objective will 
be the special market created by 
the huge servioemen population. Tbe 
campany''8 ABC brand will be em- 
lihasiaed In the copy. 

Tbm schedule Is for 12 announce- 
ments a wedL riennhi^iBm, Castle- 
man & Pierce is tbm agency. 



fence »pb 



Hmh, 

ne KATE SMflH HOVK 

F*r JELLO— CBS 

Per. Rep.: MARK LEDDY 



COnONET MAG'S AGENCY 



■ay Cm MmUm Vim Schwimmer 



Chicago, Oct 6 
Coronet Magazine in CSiicago has 

appointed Sdiwimmer & Scott 

Agency to handle advertising. 
Under consideration as first move 

is a substantial raiUo test in several 

key maitets. 
Walter Schwimmer is accoimt 

eaecutivc. 



URTHUR GAETH TO-K to 



Win 



SUtion 



PnblicHy Om tbe SMc 



Salt Lake City, Oct. 6. 

Arthur Gaeth, commentator at 
KSL for two years has gone to KLO, 
Ogden and Salt Lake. In addition 
to his commenting stint, he will be 
press agent with title of vice-presi- 
dent in charge of public relations. 
Station is exclusively Mutual. 

Wasatch Oil moves over with 
Gaeth for a daily 15-minute broad- 
cast, business handled by Louis Lar- 
sen of The Ad-Craftsmen. Broad- 
casts to be released over Intermoun- 
tfin Network. 



Salt Lake City, Oct. 8. 

Victor V. Bell shifts from KSh 
where he has been producing, to takf 
over job of Radio Director of (ii3» 
ham Advertising Agency. He re» 
pli.ces Gordon Owens who has gon# 
ijito radio sales, worlpng out of tht 
CBS Chicago Office. 

Back at KSL, Ray Sentker 
tapped from publicity department 
the producing' job left vacant b; 
Bell. 



Yoa Can Laff 

If Yoo Want to— 

BUT . . . 

Now that we got that new law, 
which says every car is to Oo 
36 miles an hour, it's gonna Be 
tough on me. I don't see how I 
coiiid over get my car to go that 
fast. 

HERB SHRINER 

(IT'S rOSSIilLE) 
CAMEL CAAAVAN 
WM. MOIWIS AflV. 



THE DRAFT BOARD 

unt me • t«tter but 1 didn't »pen fee- 
•UN It uld n the minltM. "Ilatani li 
llv« itn." iAMES MADI60M, dm <• mi 
writen. Publllhw tf JAMES MADISOfTS 
GAQ SHEET, tl. P.O. Box 124, ertnd 
COTlral AttML «taw Vork. 

(Watch for a new ong every viaak) 



WeddUnc Keeps Act lulac 

PttihibnTi^i, Oct. 6. 
All t hree cf princlpds in; 
WWSWs Two Queens and a Jack; 
wai soon be manied, but trio> gdai , 
to oonitisue airrng as before, prin-| 
c^pailly because one of &« Qaeens, : 
Lorine lampietiv, win become tlte; 
bride of tbe Ack, liOmer ^desd-' 
Wediiing takes p3ace on Saturday i 
<1C). 

Six weeks later, on Nov. 21, the- 
other queen, ^armel . lampietro, 
sister of liorine, is Aedoied to -wed, 

too. 



mi 





Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



RADIO 



37 



Soldiers' Program likes 



\VBshington, Oct. 6. 
Radio programs the average soldier really likes are not the serial 
dramas, operas, symphonies or hillbilly music, but 

(1) Dance moBic. 

(2) News broadcasts. 

(3) Comedy programs. 

(4) Sports events. 

mat's what the War Department says after malting a survey in Army 
camps throughout the country. 

One soldier in six owns a radio and more than half of the men listen 
to a program at some time during a typical weekday, according to the 
survey. Four out of ten men said there are certain programs they 
would like to hear but cannot because there is no radio convenient, 
programs come through when they are unable to listen or they have 
difficulty in tuning in the stations that carry them. 

Listening peak on a typical weekday morning is from 6:46 to 7 
o'clock, at midday from 12:15 to 12:45, and in the evening from 7 to 
8:30 o'clock. The majority listen to programs in their barracks. 

For some reason which the War Department makes no attempt to 
explain, more soldiers listen on Thursday than on any other weekday, 
and of those who listen on this day, 26% tune in on morning pro- 
grams, 29% during midday hours and 52% in the evening. 



Two Commercials on Air, Third 
Due for New Joe Weed Regional 



The New England Regional net- 
work was inaugurated last week 
with a luncheon (30) given by Joe 
Weed, the sales rep for the new 
group. The luncheon was notable 
for the lack of commercialism. There 
was a large coverage map but that 
was all. The speaker of the occasion, 
William B. Ziff, discussed aviation 
not radio. 

By dint of considerable probing it 
was ascertained from Weed that the 
new regional has two sponsored pro- 
grams already and another starting 
Oct. 20. 

The current comniercials are five 
weekly half-hours of the Majorie 
Mills participation show, via WBZ; 
three weekly quarter-hours of Gene 
and Glenn for Vicks, via WTIG, 
Hartford. Five quarter-hours per 
week of Imogene Woolcott, home 
economist, for First National Store, 
via WBZ, begins Oct. 20. 



ABANDONS PEDAGOGY 



BoBalo History Teacber Plunges 
100% Into Badio 



Barney Schweikardt, Muttial com- 
mentator, has resigned as head of 
the history department of suburban 
Hamburg High School to devote 
"himself entirely to radio. He started 
in 1940 as a nighttime commentator 
on local WGR for Manru Beer. Since 
June he acquired a daily 1 p.m. Mu. 
tual spot (co-op sponsored on a 
dozen stations but not WGR), a Sun- 
day network niche for his 'Letters 
to My Son' not carried locally, in 
addition to night spot also co-op on 
Mutual at 11 p.m. 

He splits 9 a.m. -to-midnight duties 
as WGR news editor with Jack Mc 
Lean. 



F. W. Meyer, KMYR owner, has 
been named commander of the Den- 
ver Citizen's Defense Corps. 



JOSEPHINE ANTOINE'S 
CARNATION RENEWAL 



Carnation Milk has renewed the 
contract of Josephine Antonio, Met 
coloratura, for 39 weeks starting 
Monday (5). The soprano had been 
on the Milk program heard over the 
Red network from 10-10:30 for the 
past 20 weeks. 

In securing the long renewal the 
soprano won over serious competi- 
tion, including Jeanette MacDonald. 
Austin Wilder, manager of the Met 
singer, set the deal. 



UNIVERSITY HAS STRIKE 



Nearly Interferes With Minnesota- 
Iowa Game Broadcast 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 

Union agents made Uth hour 
concessions to permit broadcasts of 
the Minnesota-Iowa football game 
from Memorial Stadium here despite 
a strike of 450 members of the uni- 
versty's AFL public building service 
employees. Radio engineers were per- 
mitted through the picket lines to 
the radio booths to make the neces- 
sary connections. The game was on 
a NBC national network besides 
going out on five local stations. 

At least three of the radio stations 
which hadn't anticipated the trouble 
by making their installations in ad- 
vance were fearful up to a short 
time before the game's start that 
they'd have to call off their broad- 
casts. 

Prior to the contest, pickets that 
had TSeen stationed around the out- 
side of the stadium to urge non- 
attendance and hinder ticket sales 
also were cAUd off. 



RAY 6IRARDIN UPPED 

Boston, Oct. 6. 

Ray Girardin, member of WEEI's 
production department for past 11 
years, has been appointed produc- 
tion manager, under Lloyd G. Del 
Castillo, program director. 

Girardin is currently heard with 
Carl Moore on 'Top O' the Morning,' 
and produces 'Coffee Club' and 
'Youth on Parade,' both piped to 
CBS. 



Order Dr. Lyons Copy to Cease Gaims 
That Powder Is 'Like Dentists Use' 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

Federal Trade Commission has 
ordered the makers and distributors 
of Dr. Lyons Tooth Powder to stop 
'misrepresenting' * that product in 
radio network programs and other 
advertising media. FTC claims that 
R. L. Watkins Company of 170 
Varick Street, New York, is mis- 
representing its product when it uses 
the following statements: 

'Do as your dentist does — use 
powder.' 

'No matter what you may have 
heard about 'this' or 'that' dentifrice, 
the fact remains that your dentist 
knows more about cleaning and 
beautifying teeth than anyone else. 
And he almost invariably uses 
powder. He'll probably tell you, if 
you ask him, that nothing cleans and 
polishes teeth more effectively than 
powder.' 

FTC has ordered the Watkins com- 
pany to cease disseminating adver- 
tising Antaining the statement 'Do 
as your dentist does — use powder' 
or any other statement of similar im- 
port, or which advertisement other- 
wise represents, directly or by im- 
plication, that Dr. Lyon's powder is 
similar to or comparable with the 
powder used by dentists. It is also 
ordered to discontinue representing 
that the powder is an effective ant- 
acid or that it will correct acid 
mouth, or that it is free from all grit 
or that it cannot injure or'scratch the 
tooth enamel. 

The Commission finds that while 
the-practice is by no means univer- 
sal, probably the majority of dentists 
do use powder in cleaning their 
patients' teeth. The powder used, 
however, is almost invariably pumice 
or silex, both of which are highly 
abrasive and could not safely be 
used by the public as a dentifrice. 
The active ingredient of Dr. Lyon's 
Tooth Powder, FTC says, is calcium 
carbonate, commonly known as 
chalk, which is much less abrasive 
and less effective for cleaning the 
teeth. 

Only in isolated and exceptional 
instances do dentists use calcium car- 



bonate, FTC asserts, and even in 
those cases it is used somewhat as a 
supplement to pumice or silex, being 
used for the finishing or polishing of 
the teeth after the heavier work of 
cleaning has been completed. 

Dr. Lyon's powder, the findings 
continue, is not comparable with the 
powder used by dentists, either as to 
composition or effectiveness. 



ARCH OBOLER'S CHORES 



He Is Also Writing 'To The Presi- 
dent' tor Blue 



In addition to his 'Lights Out* 
series, which started last night 
(Tuesday) on for Ionized Yeast, 
Arch Oboler is writing and produc- 
ing 'To the President,' a sustainer, 
on the Blue network Sundays 12:30- 
1 p.m., beginning next week (11). It's 
announced as using guest names. 

Idea of the show is to 'dramatize 
the impact of war on typical Ameri- 
can families through the medium of 
letters addressed to the Chief Execu- 
tive.' That's a reverse switch on 
Stephen Vincent Benet's 'Dear Adolf 
series heard earlier this season on 
NBC. 



Local OWI Program 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 
New weekly radio show under 
the title of 'Chicklehead' has just 
been launched here over WCAE un- 
der the auspices of the OWI. Scripts 
are being written by Harry Kodin- 
sky, owl's branch information of- 
ficer here and a former Post-Gazette 
reporter. 

'Chucklehead,' which dramatizes 
dangers of shooting off the mouth 
in war time, was suggested months 
ago by OWI headquarters to its 
local agencies as a radio possibility, 
but Kodinsky was the first and so 
far only representative to get it into 
work. 



38 KADK) REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



JACK BEK1TT 

Ca«t: Mary LivtBCfitSBC. EMic A»- 
dersiMi, nM Hartte, Demili Day, 

Don Wilson 
Writers: Bill iMorrow, Ed Bcloin 
Director: Itebert Weldi 
3C Mins. 

Gf(APC NVT FLAKES 

SuRdav. * p.m. 
WEAF-XBC. New York 

(Young & Rubicani) 
What year is it? For Benny on 
the air. for Mary Li^^ngstone and 
Don Wilson, and those master-archi- 
tects of humor, Bill Morrow and Ed 
Beloin? Star, stooges, writers, ad- 
men on this team of slugging, sure- 
eyed, keen-eared home-run hitters 
ba\-e been league leaders so long 
that the memory of man almost 
runneth not back to a time when 
thi'y functioned not. Benny fit Co. 
occafionally have a phlegmatic 
broadcast but it's rare. Most of the 
lime it's a comedy rat-a-tat with the 
steady accuracy of sharpshooters. 

Considerable credit for all this ob- 
viously belongs te the writers and 
it was significant Sunday that they 
received air credit at the sign-ofl. 

Actually first broadcasts in new 
seasonal cycl.es tend not to be the 
best examples of a star or bis for- 
mula. Itere seems to bave de^^el- 
oiped through tiie years tbe fixed 
idea that the Arst program of a new 
season must devote itself very large- 
^ to remindine ■everybody tfiart it is 
vie first, a lact Ibat may teom larger 
to the prodaetiom team than to the 
public. This is due «f ceutse to the 
fact that the first progiam se^ to 
tie-in with a special juiblicity splash 
and with other attemirts to c ause 
■word-of-inovrtto, vhirti ■will in ttim 
jie-fnel 1ihe fires of ioterest and tjnri- 
osi^. Tbere is perhaps no qnarrel- 
ing with tiie cmameFoid comnum 
sense of this procedure. Neverthe- 
less, it does have the xiet result of 
making six or seven new shows that 
come in arouDd the first ol October 
eacfti Isll sound somewtutt alike in 
that «ach in itum devotes the first 
broadcast to the theme of its first- 
ness. 

Actually it was a clever and top- 
ical device they -worked out for the 
'firstoess' this time. Benny's antique 
Maxwell wa£ the ot^ect d a car- 
sharing trip to the studio, ike 
whee^ old chariot drawing up at 
the curb to pick up (and Introduce) 
the several cast regulars. At one 
6ti9 fttul Hams was Standing on: 
tlie curb with las new bab; and 
its itarmy. IThis provided another 
topical niincinn The CTOSs-fire «n 
the way to tlie studio plaoted the 
characters with characteristic Mor- 
row-Beloin deftness. 

At the NBC studios in Hollywood 
Benny had trouble trying to -gain 
admission witbout a pass. This in- 
troduced ai\ amusing tired-throat 
stooge bit in fUt tdnm <aC ^Sie :giiBrd. 
Also droll was having the pro- 
gram's new diFector., DcA] "Wt^, 
as a oinpWi^pjij t*hBTBrt<*r who 
is doing terrloly on the !first' 
broadffliEt and ipnghmp .crazily at 
his own inelfioieniT, which inclndes 
not having a studio availalAle for 
refaearral .and 'ttien mot hav ing any 
' scxjpGs. 1Q>e~ ^i^cile progiam was 
represented as wlmt happened an 
hour bdore hroadcast and ttie rea- 
son why there is uo regular broad- 
cast. Bob Wdch was formerly an 
actor and may well be a good com> 
edy bet as used. 

Tlie profusion of professional 
toucttes Id high skill and imagina- 
tion, ttie intuitively sodio timing of 
the dialog, and the snbtle-but-^icrt- 
too-subtle quality of the whdle made 
It steadily diverting, 

Actually there were fewer of the 
'old' gags than usual. Two scored 
strongly. One when Mary Living 
stone agreed with Benny that there 
should be no more toupee jolies, then 
quickly snapped 'by the way. pull 
it up. You look like Veronica Lake.' 
Again w4ien Benny reminds his Ne- 
gro valet-chaufeur-confldant that 
the wartime speed limit is 35 miles 
an hour and Bochester pipes up with 
the suggeirtion that they get a -neW 
motor and *)iave a go at it' (the 



EDDIE CANT<Mt 
Cast: Oiaah Sbofe, Bert 

aaitte McDatfel, ttdttn FaJrcUU, 
Harry Von Eell; Ida, Lupino, guest. 
Writers: Iczy Ellnaan, Joe ^Ulan, 
lohn Bapji, Cwl Fonnan, Charles 
Marton, Paul Conlon 
Director: Stan loseiofl 
Variety 
94 Mins. 

IPANA-SAL UEPATICA 
W«<aes^y, ^ pjn. 
WEAF-NBC New T«rk. 

(Young & Aubicam) 
Eddie Cantor pitched the opening 
broadcast (2) of his third season for 
Bristol -Myeis from Camp C:allan, 
Cal. Like all other shrewd comics 
who have played similar stands dur- 
ing the past 10 months or so, CSntor 
geared the themes of his material to 
the humor predispositions of his im- 
mediate audience, the boys in train- 
ing. The standbys ol radio comedy 
for the duration apparently are now 
crystallized. Crap-shooting is a sure- 
fire topic; the servicemen roar at 
having tbemseilves described as 
'waives,' and nothing tickles them so 
as wbeii tbe sergeant is made the 
butt of a script's raillery. Cantor 
gave 'em the book and the response 
was a steady volley of fortissimo 
lauglrter. 

On hand for the reopenmg wrBi 
Cantor was his entire rast of last 
season, plus a new regular, Hattte 
Mfj>i»TTip.i .and a suest, Ida Lupino. 
Mass MoDaniel was posed in the 
crossfire with Cantor as cMsely ac- 
qainted with the 4:amp doings ol her 
'boy friend, OcH,' who had recently 
been dratted into the Army. The al- 
most sole theme of her narrative was 
•the hoy triend'fi great knack with the 
Scooping Tveries. Miss Lupino also 
made some telling contributions to 
the oocasion's humor, while Bert 
Qardonls Bussian <dialect and broad 
sallies piled up their usual score. 

Dinah Shore, whose vocal eSec- 
tiveness oon^innes to impiteve with 
time, cfeated plenty ■of melodic 
pleasure with her interpretation of 
'I Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.' In this 
instance the word, 'Guy,' was sub- 
stituted lor <Gal.' The instnmiental 
passages were in the capable hands' 
of 'Cookie' Faipchild. Odec. 



Inpenitity to slipping the show from 
Jello to Grape Nut Flakes, the com- 
mercials being very sharp in them- 
selves and larded into the script. 
Following the radio dictum that any 
complicated thought needs to be 
stated and re-stated at least three 
times, it is hard to believe that lis- 
teners didn't catch wise that there 
was a change of product. , 

A little music from Phil Harris, 
a littSe song from Dennis Day kept 
the program's franchise as a 'revue.' 
But of course its 90% Benny in a 
series Of comedy by-plays. Which is 
not to suggest that anybody is com- 
plaining. Lotid. 

' Weodmes of Weild F<hiii 
New-WOW Coipocation 

Omaha, Oct.,. 6. 

Woodmen of the 'World, life ' in 
surance company, has assigned the 
operation of its station. WOW, to a 
newly created company. The oper- 
ating setup will be Radio Station 
WOW. Inc. The move is subject to 
the rCC's approval. 

John J. Gillen, Jr., WOW's man- 
ager for the past 10 years, will be 
president and general manager of 
this corporation. 



VAfTAEN JOWMKMr 
CMt: B« rratln, •Illy KoK. Mari 

laa WcoBaper, Umgh Stodahaker 
WsiUxi Bob Bnrtt 
HUxmetmi Allan 'WallaM 
SeiUI tteatna 

IS 1BB6> 
WAMSEft CO. 
BbOv, S:n p. n. 
Wist , New r«A 

(Blackett-Sample-ffummert) 
3be i«doubtable Captain Mid- 
jiighfE return to 4he air is mai^d 
by two fViangct The netwoik used 
to be Mutual and now it's the Blue. 
The villains of the piece are also 
differeot irnstpafl -of some vaguely 
limned figmeots of no partioular 
identification is tiie gallery ^ juve 
.antipathy, the serial now offers the 
Nai Gestapo as the makdactors 
that Ihe -captaii^ and his dotity trio 
must outwit and bring to book. 'The 
captain's aides are still a mixed pair 
of youngsters and the somewhat 
pntidhy 'Mechanic Ichabod Mudd.^ 

Theme, plot and treatment are' of 
tlie sort tliat assure regular kid lis- 
tening. Added to adventure is the 
-element of hush-hush. Captain Mid- 
night and the tiireesome have band- 
ed themseilveE into a 'Secret Squad- 
len.' They're icommandos plus. Tbe 
current plot has 'them on an assign- 
ment to ehlist the Suropean under- 
groimd in tbe taA of sabotaging ttie 
Nazi war machines. What could be 
of greater vicarious relish to Amer- 
ican youngsters at the present mo- 
ment? Despite the characters and 
class of exploits good judgment is 
used in pitching the degree of ex- 
citement. The alarum is never 
overdone: nor is the ending of 
cLiffhansing classification. 

The plug, as usual, is shouted 
down to and at the listener. The 
libretto is also unchanged; if you 
want to be strong and build yourself 
up to be a leader, drink Ovaltine. 
'-he copy^tafces a direct competitive 

'vwSai^f^wS'^ 



FBCO AIXCN 

Cast: r**Oaa* HaOa, AWrewm Sta- 
Itn, Charles laar Arthur 
GmUrcy, Al C— •■nn Orchestra, 
Mhterra Plans, Charles Cantor, 
John Brown, Alan Reed 
Writers: Nat Ulken, Babert Wels- 

kept, Fred Allen 
Dlrecten Bvward Beniey 
M Mtan. 
VEXACO 
SoBday. 9-M p. m. 
WABC-CBS. New r«rk 
(Buchanan) 
Fred Allen has traditionally advo- 
cated the full hour as his concept of 
enough radio elbow room. His con- 
traction tQ a half-hoiu- is a war 
measure dictated by the fact that 
what Texaco is selling, gasoline, is 
the most highly rationed retail com- 
modity of this war. 

Tt>e half-hour eliminates a num- 
ber of the program's former stand- 
ard items and makes it more of a 
guest star revue plus Fred Allen. 
That plus Fred Allen is what will 
keep it from being a radio stereo- 
type. The new setup may hamper 
his fancy and force Allen into lines 
lie would pFeter to sidestep. It 
seems ppohtmle, however, that there 
will be ao trouble in producing a 
bang-up radio lialf-hour. is a 
show that strengthens CBS Sunday 
night. 

The newness of tbe format will 
have .charm. And it is markedly 
different in several ma^r aspects, 
TMt 'Bie least of them the inclusion 
«( Arthur Godfrey as annouBcer. 
I3ie bearer of 'the spons o r's message 
is always a consideiable feilow. 
Godfrey will attract trade and prob- 
afaily lay interest because he is ttie 
morning type ra'lher than the eve- 
nhig type of radio salesman. This 
is a matter of timfore, styte and these 
Qoalities set him somewhat apart. 
He is a isfaange of paoe and may well 
be appreciated on that aceoont 
There were suggestions Sunday night 
■ftat the anspioes weren't quite sure 
how Ihey are going to treat Godfrey 
in the script. His first lines were 
definitely awkward and self-con- 
scious. But his deli'very on the seri- 
ous copy packed a lot of showman- 
ship. 

There was a socb one^number 
guest appearance (from the Para- 
mount theatre) by the Andrews Sis- 
ters, those three eaSs who combine 
music and personality in such a 
rich iDtermixture. Tbey made 
'Pennsylvania Polka' aizile. A mun- 
ber of Allenesque knock-at-door in- 
terruptions scored giggles via eoeen- 
tricity of manner more tlian con- 
'tent. Al Goodman was held down 
■nrchestraHy, hot the hand of author- 
ity oould always be sensed in the 
background. The program came to 
its climax with Cbaites lan^iton, 
who, like a number of other legit 
and screen actors of vr^gobg dra 
matic eiQjerlence, has a gAw»iW>y 
fiair for fast arossflR- spoofing. ISte 
comb inati o n of his Bng^sh accent, 
his alteratian from rough and tum- 
ble to the grand manner, and his evi- 
dent joy in flip dialog makes Laugh- 
ton a cmdi booking on radio com- 
edy shows where the material is 
right. He was consistently amusiBi» 
as handled by Allen. 

'Poor Old Charlie' was the name 
M ™e dido that involved Lmi^ton, 
Alien and smidry members of the 
^ ' Slapstick 
5)oof of the piled-on miseries of the 
daytime serials. LoTid, 



•FIBBER MeGEE * MOLLT' 
Cast: Jim vaA Mariaa tm*aM, BU 
Thompson, baM Bandalpli. Kiog'a 

Ment Billy Mills' Orchestra 
Writer: Don Johnson 
Director: Cecil Underwood 
30 Mtau. 

JOHNSON WAX 

WEAF-NBC, N. V. 

(Needham, Louis & Brorbi/) 
The opening program of the new 
season was not a good sample of 
'Fibber McGce and Molly.' Still 
there were amusing bits and charac- 
terirations and a fuller humor ef- 
fectiveness will no doubt be ar- 
ranged for later broadcasts. Such 
programs are. of course, both the 
beneficiaries aad tiie prisoners of 
their own formula. 

As in other srasnns, the first fall 
broadcast concerned itself with the 
couple's vacation. There was a run- 
ning thread about a camera that 
Fibber was constantly leaving' be- 
hind on public conveyances. Greet- 
ings came frooi tbe varioaE odd per- 
personages, Ihe mayor, tenid 
creature, the child, the old batOeaxe 
clubwoman. 

A novelty on the program was 
Billy Mills* orchestra and the 
King's Men combsaag to sing 'Praise 
the Lord, and PatB the Ammunitiaa.* 
The program deserves piaise aad 
spotlighting for the ntmiber of tie- 
ins with the war effort and the ob- 
vious sinceri^ at the (aroduciag 
unit CndBobted^ IFSbber IScGee' 
is canyi^g tnoie Qias its weight la 
war aiding items. All intelligently 
and persuasively imbedded In the 
script. New billing footnote is credit 
to Bill IhonipBOD for personating 
both Mr. 'Whunple and The Old 
Timer. Land, 



■SATURDAT NfGBT BOND 
WAGON' 

Cast: ^ab Hawk, Jack Pearl, Cliff 
RmB, eOul Xermui. AJfred £. 
BmMk, Norana Tekar, Jiarlaa 
ShaeUey, Bart ■amaMnd; JaiA- 
■•■ Beek, An Gentd, Larry Etlfg 
eft, Bafc Staidcy awh 
Writen: bik Wii— a. Bal Block. 

Billy K. Welte, Bab Baark 
Dlrcotor: Babert L«A Shavan 
SO Mlas. 
Snstahdng 
fiatorday, 1«:IS paa. 
WOB-Motaal, New York 

Newest of *he various Treasury 
D^artment programs to plug the 
sale of War Bonds and Stamps -will 
have a vaxyiag famutt tram week 
to week. It's beiag pirodaced co- 
operatively by the Radio Directors 
Guild and the Writers War' Board, 
and will have changing casts each 
wee*. Tbe opening rnstallment Sat- 
urday nl^t <S) had 'Bcfb Hawk as 
m.c. and was presented as a pseudo 
-quiz, with Dfbel Mennan, Jacflt 
Pearl and Cliff Hall, and Alfred E. 
Smith as ^ceDtestaats.' It was on 
ttie whole a smootti and entertain- 
ing show for an opene^. 

Pretense of 4he quiz was carried 
out for a few moments with eac£ 
of aie guests. Tbus. Pearl flubbed 
several questions in his Baron Mun 
chausen role before being introed 
and going into his comedy act with 
diS Hall. Miss Merman -astered 



..Jamlti' piiis 

if you drmk Ovaltine and eat three 
good meals a day. Odec. 



'MB. AOAm AND MBS. EVE 

Cast: Cnontt, Mia 

VVnten Gene Oaik 
Dfawtlar: Greae Claik 
SO MENS. 

L EWI S-BO'WE CO. • 
Satm-day, 8 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New T«a« 

(Soche, Williams & Cunn^ffhaniJ 
Frank Crumit and Julia Sander 
son are now applying their charm- 
ing brand of corn to the sale of 
Turns. There isn't much wit, in- 
genuity or excitement in their con- 
duct of a quiz session, but listening 
folks obviously reli^ the spectacle 
of two such lang-maiTied sersn 
^ — 



KODArS NEWS FOB CHILDBEN 

WiBi KBtharine Olaik 

News Oa iiuueu t 

IS Hias.-CjeoaII 

Doily, 5:«5 pan. 

WCAV, ndladc4pbia. 

Here's something new in these 
parts. Taking each day'.s outstand- 
ing news events. Miss Clark inter- 
prets them to a school-age audience 
in the light of their significance to 
the course of the war, and also In re- 
lationship to geography, history, 
mythology, etc.. that the kids are 
studying. Similar programs have 
been presented by the BBC and the 
Soviet Radio according to "All Chil- 
dren Listen' by Dorothy Gordon. 

Miss Clark, a former newspaper- 
woman, has traveled extensively, ac- 
companying her father, an Army 
general. With this background, she 
brings a pleasing voice, a well-pre- 
pared script to achieve an informa- 
tive and interesting commentary on 
the day's events. Should be helpful 
to kids in their school work. 

Only criticism Ls in the title of her 
show. 'News for Children' is mis- 
nomer. It's not for the tiny moppets. 
Should be. perhap.s. 'New.s for 'Young 
People' or something like that. 

Shal. 



gether and seeming hairiBe a £ood 
time at it The format offee ^Bst- 
tle of the Sesces^ series which they 
did for four seasons in Molle's be- 
half has been brought over intact, 
including the interpoltition by each 
of a song of yesteryear. Miss San- 
derson still directs the question at 
the male contestants and Crumit 
functions as quizmaster for the 
women. The grand prize is $50, the 
runncr-up collects $25 and the 
other six particioants each gets $10. 

The program is overgenerous with 
sales copy. When Mr. and Mrs. 
Crumit aront juggling a mess of 
plugs between them there's an an- 
nouncer to punch out the roundelay 
on how Tums cures acid indigestion. 
Also that it's easy to take as candy 
mints — an "inscription that might 
likewise go for the woi'k of this 
veteran show couple. Odec. 



tbe script as a 'housewife and metii- 
before being identified by her 
professional name and then wasting 
her 'great rhythm singing on the 
inert palaiatic tune, 'Ve're All in 
IC written by a couple of soldiers. 

Smith merely identified himself 
by proB&uncmg ^addio' and 'then 
introduced the theme spot of the 
pro-am, a poogent ^ ' la^iyn ^^niw of 
bow "BdU GireenbadE Goes to Town,' 
or what happens to a doQar bill in- 
vested in -War Stamps. Latter 
sketch was plausibly acted by Nor- 
man Toikar., Earl Hammond, Marian 
Sieckil^^ Ara Gerald and Jackson 
Beck. '"Dorothy Lamour was si)p- 
posed to have been a smprise guest 
for the Bond-selling fin^e, but in 
her absence, Qiere was a Short 
break for spiels by local stations, 
after whicfh Hawk powerfully bally- 
hoocd sales to the studio audience 
and Smith led off with a $500 pur 
chase at the sign-off. 
Robert Louis Sbayon produced 



CAM TOV TOP THIST 

Bany Bf ii k M il i l , 'Senator' Ed 
Ford, Jae Eaarie, Jr., Peter Don- 
ald, Soger Bower 
Director: Roger Bower 
30 Mins. 

COLGATE DENTAL CREAM 
Satarday, 9M p. m. 
WEAF-NBC, New T«ik 

(Ted Botes) 
Amateur students of humor scat- 
tered throu^Mut tbe country who 
have wondered about the age and 
antecedents of gags retailed by radio 
comics are now due for much en- 
lightenment. With the gang of pro- 
fessional joke-tellers on this pro- 
gram nothing humorous that others 
mi^ have considered long interred 
is sacred. But being specialists, en- 
dowed aot only with long memories, 
but the art of refurbishment, they 
can be counted on to provide a de- 
li^itful interlude of ^turday night 
entertainment. Van You Top This?' 
Should di^ as a cross-coimtry arm- 
chair pastime, as it did locally in 
New VoriL. U also has what it takes 
to load tbe maiibags. Handicapping 
'Top' rante as gratuitous stuff. WOR, 
N. Y., connection with Kirkman 
Soap sponsor for past year, will 
continue as a supplement to the net- 
work event 

Tbe mnchanirs of "Tap' coiddn't 
be any simpler for a snow where 
listeners are invited to stump the 
experte. Stories are culled from lls- 
temer oontrifautaon. Ihe multi-dia- 
lertic Donald Peter teOs one and 
the, three gents, Harry Hershlitld, 
Senator' Ed Ford and Joe Laurie, 
all with plenty of show business 
background, vie to top Hbe studio 
audiences laugh re^onse to the 
co-Jtributed sto^ with a jfiks clothed 
aTO\Bid a k3ad:«d topic. Tbe barome- 
te.' is an audio-recording device. The 
tiontributor collects a basic $5 and 
$2 additional each time an expert 
washes out ^ fails to t^ tbe laugh 
score of the participant's joke, mak- 
ing tbe maximum prise $11. 

The flpeniag broadcast (8) lor 
Colgate loiind tbe expert trio pretty 
lavisSi wfth the sponsor's money, 
particularly during the latter half of 
tbe program. Ttie threesome al one 
point flo ppe d so badly ,thal Ford 
cracked: 'Tfe've just set a prece- 
dent: it's tbe first time that an 
omelet has been laid from Coast 
to Coast.^ Nevertheless, the session 
gave with heavy rumbles of lau^- 
ter, and the frequent bits of oB-the- 
elbierw wit lent a commendable qual- 
ity of spioe to the preoeedtngs. As 
sort of a&erpieoe there's a 
'clowntable' discossion on the origin 
of certain gags and tj^es of humor. 
The epilogue on this occasion didn't 
come off so brilliantly. 

The highpoint of the sales palaver 
revolved around the fear angle. A 
girl who had lost her job loimd out 
later that it had been due to bad 
tireath. She bought a tube of Col- 
gate Dental Cream and everything 
is hunky-dory for her now. Next 
week's installment will probably re- 
late how tiie same girl, lost a boy- 
triend, but soon afterward got her- 
self a husband. The experts i.lso 
he^ out aai a plug, btit with a 
aid-be humorous twist. Their 
medium is sour harmony. Odec. 



^NOS BT MABdA ISWML: 
WWh^^Fiai HBBo^ Oicbestn 

m "^?'' *; 1 p. m. 

WEAF-XBC. New Tok 

Mancia NeS is Ihe former soloist 
on 'Johnny Presents,' who was re- 
placed by Crizmy Simms. She's a 
sweet singer with an exoeptional 
range. 

■Varying from old favorites among 
the pcpialar songs of several years 
ago, to standbys which have weath- 
ered the test of time and are a part 
of the lexicon of American songdom. 
Vocalist s ings tbem in a high, plain- 
tive register, with a crooning, plead- 
ing throb ttiat is attractive and en- 
tertaining. 

It makes for pleasant listening. 

Montreal hi Placeoiats 



ond and other RDG members han- 
dling subseqttent ones in rotation. 
'Bm Greenbadf sketch was written 
by Erik Bamouw, Pearl's material 
by Bin K. WeUs and tbe rest of 
the script by Hal Block and Hawk. 
Next Sa'turday ni^t's (10) stanza 
will be scripted by Albert N. Wil- 
liams, with a dramatic ^etch by 
Pearl Buck. Balph Bamhardt ar- 
ranged the Qpener score, with Bob 
Stanley batoning tbe orchestra. 

Hobe. 



Sports Spielers Elec^ Husmg 

Ted Husing has been elected head 
of the Sports Broadcasters Assn. for 
the second year. 

Other officers re-elected: Stan 
Lomax, WOR, first v.p.; Bill Stem, 
NBC, second v.p.; Dave DriscoU, 
WOR. secretary, and Bert Lee, 
WHN, treasurer. 



KTSICAL SJEELMAKfatS' 

Cast: Beglna Colbert, Sted Sisters, 
Slagter Mflknen QaaiM, Ihe OU 
Timer. Choms OS), Tarn WhiHey 
Orch (21) 

Writer-mreotor: I. L. Grtancs 

30 Mhi s. 

WHEELING SIEEL OOBP. 
Snnday, B:M pja. 
WJE-Blne, New Tork. 

(Critchfield) 

Employe program (amateur) pick- 
ing up where it left off was the 
same show, simple, reasonably en- 
tertaining, corny in humor, but the 
music, particularly the choral work, 
is generally very good. 

The commercials were non-exis- 
tent. The Wheelinp Steel employee 
family had a brief mention but 
everything else went to war bonds, 

Fron. 



Montreal, Oct. 6. 

French independent station CKAC 
ha.<. sold W. K. Buckley (throat 
remedies) "La 'Voix du Reve' (Dream 
■Voice) opening Oct. 20 until May 
11, IMS, quarter hour Tuesdays and 
Fridays every week with Jacques 
Aubert singing and ISermaine Jan- 
neUe, accompanying. 

War Finance Committee, Govern- 
ment of Canada, has bought lialf 
hour Fridays, 8 to 8:30 p.m.. starl- 
ins Sept. 25 to Doc. 18, on CKAC, 
program's title 'Notre Canada' (Our 
Canada) and will be a boost to 
French-Canadians to buy 'Victory 
Loan, being marketed after Octo- 
ber 10. 

Imperial Tobacco are sponsors 
over CXAC of 'Ovila Legare et scs 
boutes-en-train' (O. L. and his gang), 
Tuesdays and Fridays, 0:30-9:45 p.m. 
stinting Friday (2) until June 19, 
1B43. 

Canada Starch Company are 
sponsoring a quiz program 'Que 
Feriez-'Vous?' (What Would Tfou 
Dc?) over CKAC starting October 8 
tj April 1, 1943, Thunsdays, 8:30- 
8:55 p.m., with Gerard Delage, ref- 
eree and questioner, and Marcel 
Sylvain, announcer.' 



WednesAqr, October 7, 1942 



GOH< 



39 



MET RfVEALS 
NAMES OFNEW 
TAIENT 



The Metropolitan Opera Co. ol 
N. Y. in Its annual press conference 
on Monday (5) made known its sea- 
soa's plana, the new repertoire and 
the new^ engaged artists for 1942-43. 
The operas are 'Lucia,' "Norma,' 
'Forza del Destino,' 'Pelleas et Meli- 
sande,' 'Louise,' 'Manon,' 'Boris Go- 
dounoS,' and 'Tristan und Isolde.' 

The new conductors are George 
Snell, Cesare Sodero and Angelo Ca- 
nanitto, a youngster and a coiner. 

Among the singers the urgent need 
for a good dramatic tenor is still un- 
filled. England are James Mel- 
ton of radio; Doris Doree, dramatic 
soprano; Ossie Hawkins, pupil ot 
Frederich Schorr; Margaret Harsaw, 
contralto; Walter Cassel, baritone; 
Hertha Glatz, contralto; Frances 
Greer, soprano; an audition winner, 
Lorenzo Alvary (a good bass witb 
100 roles and excellent acting abili- 
ty); LUlian Raymondi. soprano; 
Jacques Gerard, French tenor; Mar- 
tial Singher, veteran French bari- 
tone. 

The Met has reduced its prices to 
$5 top. 

The Metropolitan Opera Co. will 
ctit down on its Sunday evening con- 
certs this season, with most, if not 
an, of the evenings presented being 
beneflts, or no performances will be 
given. 

For years artists have donated 
their services for these concerts at 
a $2 top and they have been profit- 
able to the Met, but increased costs 
elsewhere, plus the feeling of the 
management that Sunday could best 
be devoted to arranging rehearsals 
for the coming week, occasioned the 
change. * 



Worcester's 83rd Amual 
Music Festival Utilizes 
Regienal Talent Mostly 



Worcester, Oct 6. 
Worcester's 83rd annual Music 
Festival opened Monday night in 
the Municipal Auditorium with- a 
concert by Ave young people who 
bad won awards for which 43 solo- 
ists competed. Because of limited 
time, transportation difficulties, and 
pocketbook strain, festival this 
year has been divided into three 
non-subscription concerts known as 
an Extension Series, and three Sub- 
scription concerts. 

Co-starred on Friday night (Ar- 
tists' Night) will be Polyna Stoska. 
Worcester soprano who returned a 
year ago from the opera houses 
of Berlin; and James Melton, tenor. 

Participating in Monday night's 
concert, the first in the Extension 
Series, were Margaret Pagano of 
Worcester, mezzo soprano; Jane Dee 
of Providence, contralto; Ellinor 
Benedict of Melrose, cellist; Rita 
LaPlante of Salem, pianist; and Kal- 
man Novak of Cambridge, pianist. 
Robert Ward, young American com- 
poser who was graduated Saturday 
from the Army music school of the 
United States Army band, was 
g'-ar' °d mi litarv leavp to attend and 



ETciwBasy Lflj 

Lily Pons will open her. fall 
engagements tUs year with the 
San Frandaco Opera Co., where 
she win appear fai 'Lucia' and 
•Daughter of the Regiment' 
Coloratura's first concert booWcog 
is In San Joac. Oct 26. 

The rest of her season, barring 
dates to be filled in later, include 
concerts in San Antonio, Oct. 31; 
Houston, No7. 3; opening the 
Chicago Opera season Nov. 7 in 
'Luda'; a 'liakme' there on Nov. 
11; a T^phone hour broadcast 
on Nov. 16; opening the Met sea- 
son in 'Daoghtcr of the Regi- 
menf on Nov. 23; 'Lucia' as the 
Met's fixst broadcast this year on 
Nov. 28; a Rochester, N. Y., con- 
cert Dec. ft; another Telephone 
hour program Jan. 11; a concert 
at Yale University, Jan. 19; one 
at West Pcont, Jan. 23; another 
Telephone hour broadcast March 
13; an appearance in Chicago 
with her husband Andre Kos- 
telanetz, March 30; and a concert 
in Springfield, April 1. 

Interspersed with these win be 
other Met appearances both in 
N. Y. and probably on tour. 



Elizabetli Wysor 
In Forst Dates 
At Frkco, Qu 



San Francisco, Oct. 6. 

Elizalwth Wysor, contralto, arrived 
here from N. Y, Friday (2), for ap- 
pearances with the San Francisco 
Opera Co. This will mark the 
singer's debut with the company, and 
she will be heard in 'Le Coq d'or,' 
L'Amore dei Tre Re' and 'The 
Bartered Bride.''^ 

The singer is booked for radio 
broadcasts while on the coast and 
will be screen tested by 20th-century 
Fox when the company goes to Los 
Angeles. After leaving the coast the 
contralto goes to Chicago for that 
opera season making her first ap- 
pearance in 'Mignon' Nov. 18 with 
Gladys Swarthout and Richard 
Crooks. She will sing some concerts 
in the mid-west before returning to 
N. Y. for operatic appearances and 
she will then leave in mid-January to 
tAir with Salvatore Baccaloni's opera 
company in The Barber of Seville' 
and 'Boris Godounov,' provided that 
company can make adequate trans- 
portation arraiigemeKts.~ 

<c 

Treoton's 7osca' Casts 
Peerce, Weede, Cbiesa 
In Roles New to All 



All 



^ T militar v leavp to attend and ot 

phony, 'Symphony No. 1.' 

Second concert in Extension Series 
tonight (Tuesday) includes Raymond 
Morin, pianist, and Festival orches- 
tra, directed by Arthur Stoessel. 

A concert for children Saturday 
morning will be the last in the Ex- 
tension Series. Walter Howe will 
conduct the symphony in 'The Story 
of Ferdinand.' HaufTreucht and Mr. 
Stoessel will be narrator. 

Pirst in the Subscription Series 
will be tomorrow night with Don- 
ald Dame, tenor; Lura Stover, so- 
prano; Margaret Harshon, contralto; 
and Lansing Hatfield, baritone, to be 
heard in the principal roles of Men- 
delssohn's Elijah. 



Tristan' With Traubel 
Vice Flagstad Dec. 2 

The Metropolitan Opera Co.'s first 
Tnstan Und Uolde' since Kirsten 
*^agstad departed these shores a 
wfi ' will be given 

Wednesday. Dec. 2. with Helen Trau- 
oel as Isolde. 

Lauritz Melchior will sing TrisUn 
with Erich Lelnsdorf conducting. 



Trenton, Oct. 6 
On Jan. 22 the Trenton Opera 
Association will present Puccini's 
Tosca' with Jan Peerce. Robert 
Weede and Vivian Delia Chiesa in 
the principal roles. It will mark the 
most ambitious production to date 
of the new opera company and also 
the first appearances in the roles of 
each of the singers. 

Earl Wrightson. baritone pupil of 
Weede's. has been added to the cast 
of the 'Lucia di Lammermoor' which 



ENTHUSIASM CURBED 



Niglit Concert Ticket Qoeae 
Is Outlawed in Philly 



Philadelphia, Oct. 6. 
The all-night wait for seats for 
the Philadelphia Orchestra's Youth 
Concerts, an annual custom by 
Philly's younger long-hairs, has 
been nixed by the local council of 
defense. 

Judge Harry S. McDevitt execu- 
tive director of civilian defense, de- 
clared that no matter how ardent 
the music lovers, they will not be 
permitted to get in line before 7 
a. m. The boxoffice opens at 9 a. m. 

■Crowds of milling young people 
at the Academy not only hinder war 
traffic on Broad st (which fronts 
the Academy ), but will be a menace 
to civilian defense in case of an 
alert." 



Christine Johnson, contralto, has 
been signed by NCAC for manage- 
ment The singer will bo heard in 
'Pique Dame" next November at the 
New Opera Co. 



SEE SNOOTY DETROIT RAM AS 
FACTOR IN SYMPH BEING SCinTLED 



Waterbury Buys Four 

Waterbury, Conn., Oct. 6. 

The Mattatuck Society here will 
have four attractions on its 1942-43 
seasons' schedule. 

They are Melchior and Vamay in 
a joint recital, Bartlett and Robert- 
son, the 'Marriage o{ Figaro' com- 
pany and Maria Gambardli. 



LECniRE GUILD 
HOPES LEIGH 
WniJOIN 



A group of 10 lecture managers, 
buyers and artists will meet .tomor- 
row (8) afternoon to elect officers 
for their industry's first trade asso- 
ciation, the American Platform 
Guild, Inc. The electees will hold 
office until a convention, open to the 
industry, can be organized at which 
time permanent officers will be 
elected. Plans call for each group, 
managers, buyers and artists, to be 
represented by a vice president. 

The charter members of the APG 
are William B. Feakins, Clark H. 
Getts, Harold R. Peat, G. LeRoy Col- 
lins of Rochester, and William K. 
Huff of Philadelphia, all managers; 
Benjamin Franklin and Harry 
Friedgut, letter of Newark, N. J., 
representing the buyers; and Chan- 
ning Pollock, Stanley Ruckeysen and 
Vincent Palmer, latter a deep sea 
(Jiver, for the artists. Also a charter 
member is James B. Pond, editor of 
Program Magazine and the son of 
the late James B. Pond, who is com- 
monly credited with founding the 
modern American lecture business. 

Conspicuous by bis absence is W. 
Colston Leigh, the current top- 
notcher among lecture managers, al- 
though the fotmders are confident 
that he will eventually join up. 



Nine-City Operatic Tonr 
For Bnincato, Lanajr Ross, 



St. Louis, Oct 6. 
St. Louis is the first stop on the 
nine city trek of the new Columbia 
Opera Company which will include 
i 1 its cast Marie Brancato, fave of 
several Municipal operas here; 
Lanny Ross, radio-screen tenor; 
Ralph Errolle, tenor, and Arthur An- 
derson, basso, the latter two Met 
warblers. A one week itand will be 
held in the oper.-i house of the 
Municipal Auditorium teeing off 
Monday, Oct 19 and the 3,000 seat 
house wUI be scaled from 55c to 
$2.20. 

■ The repertory for the local en- 
gagement will include Verdi's 'La 
Traviata," 'Carmen,' 'Rigoletto,' 
'Fau£t,' 'Hansel and GreteL' and 



'Scimson and Deli^h.' This will be 
the first time the Columbia Opera 



up 

caused by the cancellation of the 
activities of the St. Louis Grand 
Opera Assa, a local organization 
which has shut shop lor the dura- 
tion. Other cities included on the 
sked of the Columbia Opera Co. are 
Kansas City, Detroit Toronto, Mon- 
treal. Hamilton. Quebec, BalUmorr 
and Washington. 



BaDet Rnsse m Canada 
Border Jam, Obyed 



Ottawa, Oct. 6. 
Border difficulties that resulted in 
a previous announcement that the 
Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo had 
cancelled its Canadian tour were 
ironed out Saturday night and the 
t>allet opened in the Auditorium 
here Monday. Toronto date, where 
tour was originally to have started, 
was cancelled and scenery shipped 
here. 

Troupe comes direct from New 
York and plays scheduled Montreal 
date. 



'Sam the Bargain Man' Chain Store as Radio Spon* 
sor Thou^t Distasteful to the Motor City Elite 
After Ford^s~Original Backing' - — 



But Not St. Louis 



St. Louis, Oct. 6. 

St Louis doesn't intend to let 
its symphony orchestra die as 
did Detroit, according to Mayor 
William Dee Becker. Last week 
during an address before 200 
femmes who have opened a two- 
week drive to sell season d u c at s 
for the symphony concerts the 
mayor took cognizance of the 
Detroit situation. 

Season tees off Nov. 6 in the 
opera house of the city's $7,000,- 
000 Muicipal Auditorium and 
Vladimir Golschmann will again 
mount the podium. The sked 
calls for 48 concerts but whether 
Uie tooters will nvake tlyir three 
treks through mideastern towns 
during the season has- not yet 
been determined. 



15 More Courses 
SoU by Gvic 
As FaH R|ieiis 



Some 15 more Civic Concert 
courses scattered throogtaout the 
U. S. have been set. although in 
some cases no actual dates have 
been booked. These courses are as 
follows: 

Bellingham. Washington; Jan 
Peerce, Dorothy Maynor. the San 
Francisco Ballet Isaac Stem. Lubo- 
shutz and Nemenoff. 

Tacoma; Bidn Sayao, Jan Peerce,- 
Isaac Stern, Robert Caaadesus. 

Janesville, Wis.; • Josephine and 
Rosina Lhevinne. Feb. 22; Carroll 
Glenn. Nov. 24; Dorothy Kirsten, 
Oct. 26, and Conrad Thibault, March 
11. 

Lima. Ohio: Philadelphia Opera 
Co., Oct. 30; Garbousova and Gtm- 

RalpL Errolle, JbdersQaifl^u^ 

Arrau. Feb. 2, and Gladys 
Swarthout,' J<arcF"iS ' ' " 



Mansfield, Ohio; Salzedo Ensemble, 
Oct. 26; Blanche Thebom, Dec. 10; 
Claudio Arrau. Feb. 15; Paul Robe- 
son. April 6. 

Memphis, Tenn.: Josef and Rosina 
Lhevinn^ Nov. 2; Roland Gundry, 
Dec. 7; Cincinnati Symphony, Feb. 
9, and Vivian Delia Chiesa and 
Conrad Thibault, March 25. 

Bismarck. North_ Dakota; Ballet 
Theatre, The Southernairs, Louis 
Kaufman and Thomas L. Thomas. 

Muskegon, Michigan: Alexander 
Brailowsky. Oct. 26; Dorothy Kirsten, 
Dec. 8; the Don Cossacks, Jan. 17, 
and Conrad Thibault March 11. 

Niagara Falls: Indianapolis Sym- 
phony. Claudio Arrau, Joseph 
Szigeti. and' Stella Roman. 

Engelwood. N. J.: Arthur Rubin- 
stein. Oct 28; Dusolif^a Giannini. 
Dec. 9: Joseph Szigeti. Feb. 3. and 



Orlando. Fla.: Philadelphia C 
chestra. Jan. 14: Serge Rachmanin- 
off, Feb. 17; Jean Dickenson. March 
25. and Thomas L. Thomas, April 1. 

Quincy. Illinois; Cincinnati Sym- 
phony. Nov. 11; Blanche Thebom, 
Dec. 7; Jose Echaniz, Jan. 8; Carmen 
Amaya. Feb. 11. and Thomas L. 
Thomas. March 12. 

St Joseph. Missouri: Jean Dicken- 
son, Oct. 20: Carmen Amaya, Nov. 
30; Thomas L. Thomas. Jan. 20; St. 
Louis Symphony, Feb. 24, and 
Claudio Arrau, April 5. 

Salina. Kansas; The Don Cossacks. 
Thomas L. Thomas, Hertha Glatz, 
Fritz Maazel and the St Louis 
Sinfonetta. 



Kosty's CBC Pair 

Ottawa. Oct. 6. 

Andre Kostelanetz will conduct the 
two closing programs of 'Prom Con- 
certs,' broadcast by the Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp. of the Toronto 
Symphony, Oct. 8 and 15. 

James Melton will guest on the 
last (CBC net. Thursdays, 10:15- 
11:15 p.m.). 



Detroit Oct. 6. 

On heels ot announcement that 
Sam's Cut-Rate, Inc. would sponsor 
the orchestra on the air via WWJ in 
a series of 21 Sunday evening broad* 
casts, the Detroit Symphony Society 
washed out its regular 19^-43 sea- 
son. Season was scheduled to start 
Oct. IS with the Belgian conductor. 
Desire DeFauw, lined up to conduct 
the first four concerts. 

The Symphony Society, wtiixifa has 
made up a deficit each year for the 
past 23 seasons, said it was abandon- 
ing the orchestra for the duration of 
the war and gave as reasons gas ra- 
tioning, the marked decline in the 
sale of season seats, etc. However, 
some in the know wondered if the 
societT, made up of haut moode,. 
wasn't giving the orchestra the 
brushH>ff because Sam's, which bad 
grown from a aidestreet eigar store 
into the second store foe volume 
here on a cut-rate basis, had moved 
in as the air sponsor. Orchestra for- 
meVly had hit the air waves through 
the Ford Motor Co. 

However, ii the regtilar symphony 
ero^d was tossing the symphony to 
the war dogs, Sam stood by despite 
the cancellation of the tegular sea- 
son. Max Oanos, pre9i(lent of the 
company, said they eouJd lay the 
money on the line for the broedeasts 
and Jack Fcreatz, president of the 
Detroit Federation of Musicians, 
promised full co-ofieration. The odd- 
ity is that Sam's will not take any 
commercials out of the sponsorship. 
It not only will' devote ibe broad- 
casts exclusively to the sole of war 
bonds but will add to the expense 
of a wire into Washington for na- 
tionally prominent speakers for the 
broadcasts. 

It is in line with the store's policy 
of seeking dass programs on the air 
and being discreet in its use of the 
air. Last season it used Prtdessor 
Slosson, ot the University of Michi- 
gan, on a scholarly interpretation ot 
the war from the historic standpoint 
and tucked in no commercials. 

One reason why the society crew's 
nixing of the ^mphony seems odd 
at this timg-isi that moat of the gu p;^ 
porters were in theinoneyo&ss " 
where what they contributed could 
be written off income taxes as 'con- 
tributions. However, it didn't leave 
Sam's out on a limb for theair spon- 
sors are of a mind that iflT sponsor- 
ship may be strong enough to bring 
the orchestra back into the picture 
on a regular season. 



San Carlo Projects 20 
Weeks 01 Road Despite 
Wartime Difficdties 



The San Carlo Opera Co. will tour 
in a 20 week season this winter j;et- 
ting under way in late November or 
early December. Fortune Callo, 

Chicago Opera Co.. will be able to 
book them on the road despite the 
priorities on buses and trains. 

Callo Is arranging his bookings 
together and carrying compact l»ag- 
gage to use the most limi^sd space 
requirements necessary for the tour. 



Warren Re-Booked 

For Brazfl Next Year 

Rio de Janiero, Oct. S. 

Leonard Warren, baritone of the 
Met, has had so successful a season 
here and in ' Buenos Aires that he 
has been re-engaged for next season 
with a minimum of 15 performances 
at the Teatro Colon and at least 10 
at the Teatro MunicipaL 

Baritone returns to the U. S. later 
this month, and opens his fall con- 
cert tour Oct. 19 at Baton Rouge. 
He is scheduled for concerts in 
Louisiana, Kansas. Iowa, Kentucky, 
Pennsylvania and Ontario t>efore re- 
joining the Met tor rehearsals on 
Nov. 10. 

Warren was a former member of 
the Radio City Music Hall Glee club. 



40 



ORGHESTRAS 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



*LEFTY' RECALLS GREAT BANDS 

OF YEARS A GO 

Sousa, Gilmore, Pryor, Levy Among Well Known Orchestras in Vaudeville of 

The *Good Old Day s^ 

By JOE LAURIE, JR. 




Coolacies. Cal., Oct. 6. 

Dear Joe: — 

So 'Variety* got a Band Number this week? Well, that 
hinda makes me go for the book. 

There were some great orchestras and bands in vaudeville 
years ago. Remember the Boston Fadettes? That was a 
swell female orchestra originally owned by Ethel Atwood, 
who turned it over to the buxom Caroline Nichols. La"er 
became its conduclore.ss. Edith Ethel 
4 McDonald was the drummer, and what 
% a riot she was. She later did a single in 
vaudeville and was billed as the 'Girl 
Behind the Drums.' 

There was another lady orchestra on 
the Starlit Casino Root Garden on Broad- 
way. George Lederer was the manager 
of the house. They charged 50c admis- 
sion which entitled you to see 'The 
Rounders,' a show that was playing down- 

stairs, then you go to the roof and see 

seme acts and hear The White Ribbon Orchestra, lead by 
Miss Lilly Mitcinson. That was In 1900. • 

Some of the older bands and orchestras that played vaude- 
ville was John Philip Sousa, T. J. Gilmore, Arthur Pryor. 
Jules Levy who after being soloist with the greatest bands 
in the country went into vaudeville as Jules Levy and 
Family They all played instruments and Jules was the 
greatest cornet player of his day. and maybe of this one 
too. He played an octave below anybody, not touching any 
valves. I don't know anybody doing that today. Creatore 
was a great showman and was one of the first bands to be 
heldover for runs in vaudeville. 

Did you kn*w that away back in 1802 the musical in- 
strumenU used in a theatre were the property of the man- 
agement, not of the musicians'. Most of the theatres had a 
couple of grand pianos and an organ. Speaking of organs 
do you remember old man Rossner at the Orpheum Theatre 
in San Francisco? He would play the overture on the organ 
and to make it look harder he would cover the keys with 
a silk shawl. He was a wizard on the instrument and was 
a fine leader and great favorite. 

That brings to mind the old leaders of years ago in vaude- 
ville Tony Pastor's only used a piano player for an or- 
chestra. Mike Bernard came first. He would get a big 
hand from the audience as he walked down the aisle at 
2:15 and at 8:15. Mike had a style all his own; he manipu- 
lated the ivories that made the average pop song sound 
like grand opera. Ragtime was just coming in and Mike 
was iU foremost exponent. He would enter contests at 
Tammany Hall, which was adjoining Pastor s, and won him- 
self a flock of medals to prove it. His extempo piano playing 
saved many a weak act. When Mike left PastQr^s, Burt 
Green came in from Huber's Museum across the street and 
took over. He quickly became a favorite. Burt's trick 
was playing an overture and changing the key and tempo 
frequently for comedy while the house was whistling. He 
originated this stuff at Pastor's and later used the same trick 
when he played for his wife, Irene Franklin, in vaudeville. 
Tommy Kelly came after Green and had a great knack of 
~ ^mbelli3hin^ordii»py"PoP"tunes .-that-jnade-a^SEeat-hltrWith-, 
the mob. Louis Brody was at Pastor's since it started and 
always played the 'supper shows,' a swell guy that knew 
his bi^iness. 

PLENTY OF GREAT LEADERS IN VAUDE 
There were plenty of great leaders in vaudeville like 
Frank Dabb and Ben Roberts at the Palace, Julius Lenz- 
berg at the, Colonial, Andy Byrne at the Bushwick, Ben Nel- 
son at the Flushing, Phil Fabello at the Coliseum, George 
May at Hammerstein's, J. Liberman at the N. Y. Roof, Teddy 
King at Loew's 86th St., Dan Russo in Chicago, Tiny Bur- 
nette at Seattle, Charlie Fisher at Majestic, Chicago, A. F. 
Finklestein at the Orpheum, Los Angles; M&x Fattenhauer at 
Hippodrome, Cleveland; Adolph Silverman at the Globe In 
Philly, Charlie Shroder at Keith's Chestnut St., Philly. Joe 
Jordan who opened Loew's State, N. Y.. and of course the 
dean of all vaude leaders. Ruby Zwerling, who has been 
at Loew's State for many years and is still waving the 
slick at musicians and actors; he is one of the tops. Yes 
sir, they were a great gang, those leaders, that could make 
an act — and louse it up too. 

In 1911 managers tried to get rid of house orchestras by 
putting in an instrument called the Orchestreon ... no 
good at all. 

^'^i.r im ' Uie i<^^w T*'W i8m>»c. * . " ng;; r »c. T )tr i ;7..'i. ' h "e^i T 

piece orchestra to play the acts. The acts would show up 
with ju£t piano and drum parts. 

In 1917 jazz bands and ukeleles were plenty popular. In 
1921 it got so bad that the Pittsburgh Musicians Union de- 
manded death to jazz bands and jazz musicians. 

It was in 1921 that was the big year for bands. It hit 
vaudeville displacing the shimmy and jazz dance craze. 
Henry Santrey started things when he came east with a 
bunch of musicians. He led the band and did specialities 
with their accompaniment. He was a riot. Like all new 
ideas the boys started following' him like balls down an 
alley. 

Paul Whiteman, who was original as Adam, played for 
several weeks at the Palace. Then the Palace started play- 
ing bands for runs. Vincent Lopez who was playing at the 
Pennsylvania Hotel, was asked by the management to 
play on the radio so the hotel could get some publicity. 
Lopez did and became a sensation. He went inio vaudeville 
with special scenic effects and wowed 'cm. Soon the small 
time theatres were flooded with bands of all dc.<;criptions. 
Single women who had a weak net stepped in front of a 
band and were rejuyenated. Ben .pernie,^de in on the 
tail end and topped them nil; he^ just goalca 'em! 

On 1921 the two and three a day saw about 40 musical com- 
binations either with a name or alone. A majority fell by 
the wayside and others just held on. Leaders claimed there 
was no dough in playing vaudeville as expenses of getting 
a band together, special scenery effects and lime of rehears- 
als added up to a lot of moolah. The only value to the 
band was in publicity derived so they could get a hotel job. 

It was 1922 when the big time pit orchestras turned into 



acts doing a turn on the bill. They put on monkey suits, 
had elaborate music stands, drapes, etc. Drummers became 
comedians, violinists singers and trombone players dancers. 
Very few of 'em gave up their union cards; they were smart 
In 1923 only the bands with novelty features were played 
by the big time. The straight musical organizations were 
doomed. The small time audiences yelled about seeing too 

many bands. j ■ j . 

In 1926 the vaudeville moguls weakened and played a 
radio name, Snodgrass, who was pardoned from a bit in 
jail and made a terrific hit on the radio. He and the Silver- 
town Cord orchestra were booked and did big business. Up 
to then vaudeville barred radio names. 

In 1927 Loew's Capitol went in for big band names like the 
Paramount and Strand are doing now. It was in that year 
a guy by the name of Fred Allen & Co. (Portland Hoffa 
was the company) was doing a semi-musical act at the 81st 
St. Theatre. He played the banjo and the clarinet and lec- 
tured the audience about applause. At the same time Jack 
Benny, The Fiddling Kid (that was the billing), was dou- 
bling from Loew's to the Little Club. He was even then 
struggling with 'The Bee.' The two boys never got very 
far with their music but are doing okay for themselves. 

In 1932 bands were at their peak. Cab Calloway and Duke 
Ellington were getting $5,000 a week, Guy Lombardo was 
knocking down $6,000, Ben Bernie and Fred Waring $6,500 
each while 'Pops' Paul Whiteman was paid off with $8,500. 
Other bands were getting plenty dough too. 

The bands that stand out in my memory of the lush days 
are Art Hickman, who brought some sweet saxaphones and 
his whistle and did plenty good for himself, Frank Westphal, 
Eddie Elkins, Arnold Johnson, Duke Yellman, Irving Aaron- 
son's Commanders a great versatile organization, Ted Lewis, 
one of the original jazz bands, who started 4he laughing 
clarinet (Ted is still knocking 'em for loops), Abe Lyman, 
George Olsen, Brook Johns and his banjo and band, Fred 
Waring, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Vincent Lopez, Paul 
Specht, Guy Lombardo, B. A. Rblfe who was one of the 
early great bands, so was Original Dixieland Jazz Band, 
Vallee, who was another, small sensation, WJll Osborne, etc. 

Vaudeville is gone but these boys' 'still stick ground and 
doing plenty good for themselves. A drum and a cornet 
doesn't need an intimate theatre. 

Best to the gang, SEZ 

Your pal, 

LEFTY. 



Music Men Resentful 



Footnote to disc lockey Dick Gilbert's attitude that 
the platter-pitchers can 'make' bands, there's another 

Jchool of thought, somewhat unsympathetic, which stems 
rom the music publishers and songwriters. 
Their attitude is that it just doesn't add up when a 
Martin Block can gross a reputed $100,000 per annum, 
as his share from playing somebody's recordings, tied 
in with commercials of course. And how come there 
isn't some extra compensation, therefore, to (1) the copy, 
right owners, and (2) the recording artist. 

Paul Wliiteman makes a good point in the interview 
in this Band Ntimber, wherein he states that (1) there's- 
ho argument with the recording for home use, from a 
musician's viewpoint; but (2), why shouldn't the juke- 
box pay a little something extra for records which com- ^ 
mand a jitney per three-minute playing; and (3), as for 
the radio stations, they should pay an even higher fee, 
with a 'must destroy' deadline, when that platter should 
be replaced by a fresh one. 



Disc Jockey's Nightmare 

WHN, New York, Platter-Spinner Cliron. 
icles a Number of Personal Problems 



By DICK GILBERT 




other channels.' 



It's Kid's Game, 
This Doubhng To 
Pics By Bands 



By JACK HELLMAN 



Hollywood, JDcl. 6. 

The Gold Coast — that it is, to bands— has beckonednearly 
every name outfit to follow the finger-pointing of Horace 
Greeley. Few have spurned his sage advice and none has 
lived to regret it. 'Green Pastures' of the band biz that it 
is, it's not just a lamb's gambol once the studio downbeat 
falls. Coin is plentiful but (and here's the catch) so are 
the working hours. 

That call board is no pushover even for the guys who wave 
the magic wand. It asks .not what time you quit playing 
the night before. .When the call is for 8 a.m. it means the 
player and his instrument must be polished up to let go 
with that first note a few short minutes after. Punctuality 
is a solid virture at the sprocket plants for the very sound 
and logic reason that minutes are measured in hundreds of 
dollars, what with hundreds of guys standing around wait- 
ing for some lug to show up so the cameras can start grind- 
ing out their pictorial ribbon. Imagine the temper of a 
producer or director should the band's star skin walloper 
drift in at 8:20 while Cedric Stardust, whose daily payolT is 
written in four figures, stands around buffing his cuticle. 
Brother it can happen only once. 

So v ou start at 8 a .m. — that, means you knock off pretty 

misunderstood! It's not just a passing expression that 
studios are called factories. Mebbe the call board doesn't 
read that way, but the working day doesn't end until the 
director calls the last 'cut.' And that's rarely before 6 p.m. 

It's a kid's game, this doubling over from nitery, dance or 
theatre dates to daytime slaving before the cameras. It takes 
endurance and vitality above all else, and the oldsters just 
can't keep the pace. To most of the maestros it's a case 
of getting it while the getting's good, for who knows what 
Johnny-come-lately may horn in with a record that.'s played 
from every jukebox in the land and grab off that picture 
over at Cosmos that was all set up for another band. Profes- 
sional longevity seems to be measured in recordings and the 
biz is not cluttered up with Jimmy Dorseys. 

Let's take the average day or two of a pop band if for 
no other reason than to justify all the foregoing generalities 
A recent experience of Bob Croby's Bobcats serves well 
such a proof positive. Reporting at Metro at 8 a.m. to record 
tunes for 'Pjjfsenting Lily Mars," the gang knocked oft at 
6 p.m. Followed a night rehearsal after dinner and then a 
brief rest before taking over the stand at Ocean Park at the 
beach arOund 1 a.m. It was a swing shift dance they were 
playing, which means the hoofing carried on until 8 a.m. 
After two hours of shuleye they were back at the studio 
at 8 a.m. for filming and labored until 6 p.m. Three hours 
later they were playing for swing-shifters at Long Beach. 
Packing up at 1 a.m. they were police-escorted a few miles 
away to Ocean Park for another session that lasted until 8 a.m. 

Makes you tired just reading about it,»so you can Imagine 
what they went through before exhaustion set in. 

Who said it isn't a kid's game? 



One of the mo'st powerful influences in the dance band 
business today is the disc jockey, who, chiefly through eco- 
nomic necessity on the part of the average radio station, 
handles 42.6% of the nation's broadcast schedule. Collec- 
tively, it is possible for the jockeys to help make almost any 
recording artist. 

The more astute maestros and vocalists long have known of 
and used wisely the tremendous number of air-time hours in 
the hands of the saucer-spielers, with the result that their 
Atxhingo hava ipxreased in popularity, their theatre grosses 
have soared, and their personalities have 
M become well-established in the minds of 
M most Americans. 

g Dick Jurgens breezed into town re- 
M cently for his eastern debut, and socked 
P across the second-highest flrst-wcek take 
in the history of the Strand theatre (be- 
'Ing second only to Jimmy Dorsey), and 
Miller Music announced last week that 
henceforth it would publish 'only songs 
for which. a strong demand has been cre- 
ated through phonograph records or 
In addition, two new recording units. 
Spike Jones and his 'Der Fuehrer's Face' on Victor, and 
Freddy Slack's backing of Ella Mae Morse's warbling of 
'Cow-Cow Boogie' (not to be confused with 'Cow-Cow Blues') 
on Capitol, have skyrocketed. 

These three unrelated incidents are cited as straws in a 
wind that is [emitted continually by the huff-and-puff boys 
who labor over those pancakes some 37,980 hourr'a week! 

A few leaders and vocalists still aren't hep to the score and 
shy away from a disc jockey as they would from yellow 
jaundice, but most of the maestros are completely cognizant 
of the fact that they stand to gain everything and lose 
very little, if anything, by being cooperative. 

THOSE DUD INTERVIEWS 

_.- Ji.jher*:5j5neJJux»g_tbatUl_saurL.4-S(Uit«J?„-5b<^ 
dud interview, yet there's no reason why a cross-chatter 
session should go 'squish.' Let a leader take the trouble to 
learn some interesting things about htmsel/ — and he won't 
have to worry about the interviewer. 

A neat switch, sometime, would be for a gue.<;t star sud- 
denly to alter the procedure and interview the interviewer. 
If one really delved, he might find that a record emcee is not 
withdUt problems of his own. 

First, there is the question of the job. Not just any job, 
but the one where he can do his best work with the greatest 
results. Every disc jockey wants to work where he can play 
ASCAP, BMI and SBSAC music. If the station has other 
licenses, so much the better, but ASCAP really is essential. 
Also, he wants to be on a station with sufficient power and 
prestige to reach a wide audience. 

He must decide whether he will play music that's com- 
mercial or for the cats; whether his ad libs will be general 
or technical; whether he will attempt interviews with the 
top names and, if so, how he'll handle them. 

Program Problems 

Too, each discobolus must choose between the f amiliar 
'15-minutes of Benny Goodman' paU*rn^5Jj»>»*«*Sf'!ff9fl' 
and wh etlj^r tij^'u ji' Aw^vfJgnriffpt.: of their musician- 
' s^iji, 'SSie, defections, type (novelty, maybe), and size. 

Shall he have special nights for the review of new re- 
leases and, if so, shall he rate them, or have a board of 
'experts' sit-in; will he allow personal prejudices against an 
artist to prevent his playing that artist's records? 

How about personal appearances? He's no Adonis, but 
$1,000 is a lot of lettuce for a week of vaudeville. Will 30,000 
customers like him more or less after paying their coin to 
gander their 'radio voice'? 

Will his health stand up under the tension of hours a day 
on the air? Can he take it when jealous competitors begin 
dishing it out? When they start spreading false rumors 
about his experience, ability, disposition, reliability, honesty, 
sportsmanship? 

What about that ogre with the two gaunt eyes: that spot 
on the dial he's just been handed where the survey rating 
is a big O? Can anything drag listeners to his microphone 
when he's against the best talent of four networks and a 
dozen independents? 

Can he avoid the pitfalls of conceit, resentment, poor taste, 
exhaustion, sarcasm, futility? Can he keep his private hurts 
from killing his public performances? 

Is his personality slipping away from him, or changing? 
Sometimes the signposts are so small, so well camouflaged as 
to be almost indistinguishable. Does he try persuasion, dic- 
tation, suggestion? Just what is his method of approach 
to the listeners? Will he become imitative of others who 
are better-known? 

What will he do when he has solved each of these prob- 
lems to the best of his ability and then learns that Petrillo 
has banned recordings? Brother, that's another storyl 



Wcdncsdi^, October 7, 1912 



OBCHBSnUS 41 



Will' 



BANDS AT THEATRE B.O. PEAKS 



Pub's Stance on Discs 




Jack Robbins ChaUenges Limiting The 
Record Biz to Just 'Big 3' 

• 

Bj JACK ROBBL>S 

Years ago there were a score of record companies, just as 
there were many independent film producers, and while 
Hollywood may have dwindled down to the Big Eight, there 
are still a number of Monograms and Republics and Pro- 
ducers Releasing Corps. — not to mention the British and, in 
normal times, other foreign film producers. But in the 
record business it's just the Big Three— Victor, Columbia 
and Decca. 

That's not enough. The answer is that along comes Capitol 
Records, in the (ace of Petrillo plus shellac and copper 
priorities, and in short order puts over- "Strip Polka.' "Cow- 
Cow Boogie,' and even Paul Whiteman 
finds himself in rejuvenated big league 
company with a nifty ditty he just turned 
out. Travelin' Light, with Billie Holi- 
day (Lady Day) on the vocal. <» 
That's why I am going into, the record 
business. It's but natural Cor me to be 
in it. As a partner with Metro, whose 
interests in show business are wide- 
spread, our Lion Records should and will 
pave the way for a new and broader 
outlook OD the record business. 
However, Lion Rectwds will not be issued as competition 
against record firms, but as a protective armor not only for 
our own interests, but also as an aid to the other record 
companies. 

Sounds paradoxical, doesn't it? But recording managers 
have often told me that they, too, are against top leaders 
waxing their own instrumental novetties and being forced 
by these top names to back these privately published tnnes 
with the big publishers' hits. The managers, like the pub- 
lishers, are helpless in this matter. 

Consequently, when Lion Records are made— and it will 
QMialize in only novelty and instrumental tunes — distribu- 
tion rights will be offered to record companies as each record 
i» waxed. 

After all, why only three recording companies? They 
certainly haven't all the Jukeboxes and the home phono- 
graphs sewed up. The answer, again, is: look at Capitol. 

But even if there wasn't such a quick signal success as 
Capitol to prove my point, we have plenty of reasons to in- 
vade the disk business. 

And dont let anybody throw up that crack about us going 
Into somebody else's business, when it's true that everybody 
else is in the music publishing businc-s. They think that 
hiring a two-by-four oflice (or using your hat for one) and 
printing a few orchestrations qualifies them tor ASCAP. 
MATBE TBET AU NOT SPCB CHtnHFS 

Maybe they're not such chumps at that, considering how 
we are being chumped on that 'back-up' evil alone. We 
make theihits, the Name Leader waxes them, and then he 

fictates that his Joe Doakes tune goes on the back of it. 
bus, our co^y investment carries a double load. 
When we submit a song to a record company with the 
•'Pioinlse^at^e"WilKwork<«n"itr-that^proini6e- means- a~conrv,. 
centrated campaign in which seven branch offices coordi- 
nate all efforts to push the song. It costs any large music 
publisher at least $25,000— figuring ovcrhccd and operating 
expenses— to make a hit. 

Under normal circumstances the publisher.s would be as- 
signed the backing of the 'hit' side as a bonus. In this man- 
ner, the publisher often developed secondnrj- hits, because he 
was in a position to follow through if thi.- "b" side of the 
record showed any activity. 
But that's not all of it. 

The main problem is the bottling i:p of ouMet.s for talent 
and tunes. The Big Boys naturally go; the cream of the 
crop. That stymies the live, up 'n' cominj combinations. It 
also stymies any possibility of move and more sonss asserting 
themselves. Maybe only occasionally docs it break through, 
as when I almost had to beg for Dinah Sh.orc's break on 
Victor. I sent her to Xavier Cugat and she did the vocal to 
'The Thrill of a New Romance.' Wouldn't it be belter to 
have more outlets so that more talent could be developed 
and thus further more new song material? 

There's the angle also where even the recorders can't con- 
. >'^'>^.]g^l^.teipperaroe.ntal ,. stars when it comes to choice 

It'll be a boon and a bonanza for all shS'w-BVISfBtf. JWMSBf 
of Its open sesame for more and more new talent. It'll 
equalize matters so that we're not restricted to any hand- 
full of recorders. It'll take the pressure oft on tunes and 
bands and temperamental vocalists. It's bound to be a new 
incubator of fresh talent Maybe this will be a new cradle 
and a new fountainhead for the stars of the future. It's im- 
portant enough for and worthy of all show business' fullest 
sympathy, cooperation and encouragement. 



Riisse Sfflig Cycle? 



While Irving Berlin's 'Russian^Lullaby' is now standard, 
and Is still getting a good plug froni specialty singers, its 
■ales are static and nothing unusual has been noted because 
of any revised sympatico towards the Russe cause and the 
exceedingly gallant fight our vodka allies are putting up. 
However, in the case of Irwin Dash's •Rus.sian Rose,' which 
wa» a hit in England, but couldn't click in America, there 
has been a recent ne\y flurry for orchestrations, sheet sales, 
•to. Nothing socko, but it's more activity than heretofore, 
although there's been no plugging on the tune for months. 
Formerly, especially the vocalists of Gaelic extraction who 
associated the song title with political communism, nixed the 
waltt ballads. Dash couldn't land as m.nny plugs as now 
come in voluntarily. 

A» his contribution lo Russian War Relief. Dash incident 
allF told Ed Wallerstein, prez of Columbia Phonograph, tf 
reissue Carroll Gibbons' English-nvade recording 'Russiai 
nose' and donate the proceeds to the relief fund. 



Worth 30^ of Any Theatre Gross-Bob 
WeHman Credits Stage Bands With 
Bolstering Weak Pix, Extend- 
ing Hit Riuis 



Orchestras' Outlook 



Win 



the Band Biz Survive 
Wartime Hurdles? 



Current 




By JOE SCHOENFELD 

Dance bands this year are hitting their peak as boxoffice 
factors in theatres from coast to coast. That their own earn- 
ings have reached the pinnacle is thus allied to their potency 
in attracting tmsineas. 

Bob Weitman, managing director of the N Y. P^amount, 
credits the topflight name bands with nearly 30% of the 
grosses at his theatre when the house is playing a strong 
picture. When the film fare is weak, the band's ratio, of. box- 
office draught is higher, of course, some- 
times reversing the origmal ratio and 
reading: 70% by the band and 30% by ' 
the picture. 

The latter, in fact, is -more often the 
case in the hinterlands, where theatres 
are prone to book "C films with the top. 
orchestras. Thus, when playing a Harry 
James, the Adams, Newark, to draw a 
hypothetical case, wiU boy a film for 
•300 to $5M and leave the boxoifice 
virtually entirdy up to the power of the 
band to draw them in. In such situations, and there are 
nnany of them all over the country, the band may well be 
credited with 70-80% «( the business drawn week in and 
week out. 

This well explains why that type of theatre operations 
can well afford to play bands on a SO-SO basis from the first 
dollar. The pictorca cost diem practically nothing and if the 
bands do poll out with anywhere from $8;0SB upwards, leav- 
ing similar amounts for the houses, there's plenty of profit 
realized by the operators. 

Hew R Works at N. T. Par 

The boxoffice potency of the bands, however, is perhaps 
best ilTustrated when a. top orch is coupled with a top pic- 
ture. As recently at the Paramount, N. Y., when 'Holiday 
Inn,' the Bing Crosby-^ed Astaire starrer was combined 
with the Skinnay Ennis band pins the Ink Spots. As Weitman 
points out, the class of the stage show held up the picture 
for socko grosses all throu^ the six weeks of its run, fn- 
cluding a final taUy of 940,000 when the pietnre was coupled 
with Will Osborne's band. In the fifth week, also with Os- 
borne, the gross was $S84MO. 

(Opening week of 'Inn'-Emits-Ink Spots drew $85,000, the 
top non-holiday week in the history of the P^r's pit band 
policy More remarkable yet was the drop of only $7,000 in 
the second week's gross, which was $79,00(h, the third week 
was only $1,000 behind that with $77,060, while the fourth, 
still with the same stage combo, drew $87,000. 

Salota te Uk Speto 

Weitman states, however, that bad 'Inn' been coupled with 
a weaker stage show (he gives a lot of b. o. credit to the 
Ink Spots), the grosses all down the line would have been 
much lower. He estimates that 'Inn/ if combined with a mod- 
erate pit attraction, might have done only around $70,000 on 
its first week; then perhaps $50,000 on its second, then 
..$a6JMW--afld.,flnally.Ji2?Jlflll-J)n_a.Jourlh._.wieek^hich_w.ouldr^ 
have meant rts being pulled. As it was, the film got a eix- 
week run: Par's distribution department was happy both 
for the receipts and the exploitation vales, and the theatre 
itself came up with an exceptional profit. 

Weitman, though, points out that the policy of coupling 
strong films with the strongest band and stageshow combos 
can only work out where a theatre has sufficient capacity 
to cash in heavily via the double-barrelled b.o. potency. 
Where the capacities are less than 3,000, theatres are foolish, 
when booking a strong film, to also go overboard on a band's 
salary. The gross, even if capacity at every show, couldn't 
possibly account for any extra profits because of the band's 
high salary. 

Hollywood Gets On Bandwagon 

What the bands mean at the boxoffices, Weitman added, is 
also clearly indicated by the current Hollywood rush to sign 
every name orchestra possible for films. Thai's recognition 
from the film source itself, says Weitman. 

But even more salutory recognition is the greater number 
of theatres playing bands, regularly or occasionally, this year. 
Many of them arc only on a one, two or three-day basis: 
many bopk orchs,buJ,once or twice a month, when they're 
ava ilable or have an open date between one-iBigT5V5r*-^l»d- 



S3 Week Standi 

Considering the debilitated state of stage show playing 
time a few years ago, there's now the amazing total of 53 
full-week theatre stands available to bands from coast to 
coast. Not all of them play the orchs regularly (some being 
only occasional houses), but the majority do. Plus the fuU- 
weekers, there's nearly twice that number of one, two and 
three-day stands, many in towns that can only be found on 
large maps of the individual states, and most of them profit- 
able because of their willingness to play the orchs on per- 
centage when the orchs are available. Space doesn't permit 
the listiTig of the part-time houses, but following is a listing 
of the full-weekers: 

Tie Liaeop 

Pararaoont, Roxy (InstKntlng band pelley after Jan. 1), 
strand. State, Apollo, Fox and Flatbasta, Braoklyn, and 
Vindsor, Bronx, all in New Tork City. 

GoMen Gale, Saa FraaciMO. 
Orpheam, Le> Angeles. 

Majestic, Dallas (oeeoslonal). 
.'VlaJestiG, San Antonle (occasional). 
Majestic, Hwuton (eceaslenai), 
ralomar, SeatUe. 

Spokane, Washington (occasional). 
Denver, Denver. 
Orphehum, Omaha. 
Orpheum, Minneapolis. 



By BERNIE WOODS 

Since the early part of this year the band business has 
suffered a number of blows. 

In order, came conscription to syphon off a ^t number 
of musicians and bandleaders; rubber conservation and gaso- 
line rationing in the majority of eastern states which poses 
almost impossible transportation problems in the best one- 
nighting territory; the War Production Board's order cur- 
tailing the use of shellac in the manufacture of records, and 
finally the edict against making records or transcriptions by 
James C. Petrillo. head of the American Federation of Musi- 
cians. Yet the band business fiourishes and it undoubtedly 
will continue — perhaps not in the same oltra-higb gear it's 
been ^veiling the past few years, but continue it will. 

With an the aforementioned retarding infiuenccs hanging 
to its back, the orchestra field has ttnmed in perhaps the best 
summer period from a point of bookings and grosses it ever 
has enjoyed, and winter promises to be equally bullish. It's 
grwtted, of coarse, that the war ironically is partly respon- 
sible for the stirge, bnt that's beside the point. The point is 
that the field is in a healthier condition than it ever has 
been — yet too many calamrty-janes in and out of the busi- 
ness have lately been doing a pabn-readtng act without iu3« 
tiflcation, spreading tidings of the imminent complete wash- 
out of name bands and all they have built into a billion 
dollar industry the past five years. 

NAMB BANDS WUX BEBUUN 

It^ isn't l&ely that there win be a complete failure of name 
bands, though it's to be expected that before our enemies 
are diit e ii baidt into their holes the business will be pasty- 
faced with anemia induced by losing much of its persoimeL 
However, no one can say for stire to what extent this loss 
win evesttiallj be, and one opinion is as good as another. 
Entertainment in wartime is a must, and the pressure onf 
the home-froet of this kind of total war is putting it m 
heavier demand. And in case you haven't noticed, name 
bands play a major role in virttially every pliase of todays 
entertainment scheme. 

While the band business is manned by men, both on the 
irtaying end and in tlie executive eliairs who are on the 
average, ripe for the ranks, that is also true of other cnter- 
tarmnent Industries. Radio for example. When the time 
comes, if It ever does, when conscription win wade throu'jh 
an able-bodied men, musicians might as well be in the Army. 
At least there they win have an audience. 

Look at the current 'Varietjr' report^ on grosses: ttien 
look back over the records of the pAst six months or more. 
See what bands of all types and calibie are doing and tsave 
been doing to grosses in theatres; on stage or in filro&; on 
one-nighters despite the curtailment of rubber and gasoline; 
and in hotel rooms and night clubs in key centers. In every 
phase the b.o. has been upped considerably. 

So far as the future is concerned the real lianger lies, ot 
"courseT In 'the' nurtb*r "Uf*ijreir-thtr-Atmy -needs. — ^But-dia- 
you ever circulate aioutul rehearsal studios and watch new 
bands go through their paces? You wonder where most of 
them dug up the personnel. In many instances the ."'.'.ys 
behind the instruments, look like tliey're douBling from ele- 
mentary school. The outlook is grave, and will become 
graver, but so long as kids continue to grow. and continue 
to be influenced into musical study by idolatry ot the Harry 
James, the Dorseyrand the Goodmans, the band business 
will poptinue. The turnover of men between school, a band 
and tiie Army may be fast, but they'll continue coming. 

Riverside, Mllwaakee. 
Tower, Kansas City. 
NcwBMn, Kansas City (Mcaslonal). 
AmkasMdar, Lo^ (eccatleaal). 
Fex. Dctreft. 
Michigan, Detroit. 
Paradise, betreft (celered). 
Palace, Cleveland. 

...'C&tcbi.^Atd^mMftUV 

Eim »,-jb»naKair'«>»w<ia t i i— ■^«' • — — 
Skea's, Balfiale. 

Zath-Centory, BoBala (occasional). 
Fox, Atlanta (accasloBal). 
SUnley, Ptttshnrgk. 
RIvoH, Tetede (eecaatenal). 
National, Richmond (occasional). 
Hippodrome, Baltimore. 
Royal, DmMIwsu (caiored). 
Earle, Washington. 
Capitol, Washington. 
Reward, Waahtoften (colored). 
Earle, Pblladelpbla. — 
Fay's, PhUadclpUa. 
Ce l a nla l, Dayton. 
Adaas, Newark, 
Central, Passaic. 
RKO Palace. Albany. 
BKO, BestoB.' 

Metropolitan, Boston (aeeaslanal). 
Fay's, PrevMenee. 

Shobert, New Haven (3 days to full week). 
Palace, Schenectady (3 days to foil week). 
Chlcag o, Cblcago. 
OrteaUI. Chlcag*. 
Regal, Chlcag*. 



BANDS 



THOSE GRUELING ONE-NIGHTERS ^""-•tn""":::^"^^'''"*"' 



Ballrooms Doing Belter Than Ever but Face Extinction in the Light of Maestros' 

Severe Transportation Headaches 



By BERNIE WOODS 

One-night ballroom operators, the largest group of name 
orchestra buyers, are the principal victims ot the war effort 
in the entertainment field. In spite of the fact that their 
patronage has increased rather than diminished in the face 
of transportation problems, they are slowly being choked 
off because the average name band is avoiding road work 
as much as possible. Insufficient gasoline, lack of busses and 
rubber tires, and almost insurmountable train schedules are 
forcing leaders to forego all but tiny fractions of their pre- 
war road intineraries. 

In general the business done by ballroom operators In the 
east this past summer was comfortably above that of last 
season. From Old Orchard, Me., down on through the Penn- 
sylvania region into the south, reports showed that the one- 
nighting business still occupies its position as the most lucra- 
tive field for the band that can draw. Unfortunately (pr the 
operators the number of bands on tour of that calibre have 
been few and far between. Some regions became so starved 
for a name that bands which heretofore made only fair Im- 
pressions occasionally outdid themselves at the b.o. Guy 
Lombardo, for example. He has never showed much strength 
on single dates in the Pennsylvania territory, yet he en- 
countered strong response several weeks ago in such pre- 
dominantly jive areas as Mahanoy City and Andy Perry's 
Empire Ballroom, AUentown, Pa. He did extremely well 
on a southern tour, too. 

ONE HORBIBLE EXAMPLE OF A 'ROUTE' 

To spotlight the difiFiculties travelling bands have run Into 
on the road this year, let's use an example, a tentative route 
laid out for one band between Binghamton, N. Y., and 
Pottstown, Pa., a distance of perhaps 160 miles and roughly 
five hours by car or bus. Outfit would have finished at 
Binghamton barely in time to pack up and catch a 2:25 a.m. 
train to Scranton, arriving at 4:05 a.m.; then the men had a 
three-and-a-half hour interval to sleep on the station plat- 
form awaiting a 7:25 a.m. train to AUentown, where they were 
to get another train to Reading, where they had to change 
again for Pottstown, arriving at their destination at 3:31 in 
the afternoon. That allowed a few hours for sleeping, eat-* 
ing and cleaning up. Needless to say the band didn't play 
Pottstown. 

That's a fair example of the stamina musicians need to play 
road dates now. Bands have come in from tours with un- 
believable stories ot standing up on trains for hours, being 
. unable to secure hotel accommodations (there is one instance 
of a band being forced to come back to New York from 
Trenton, N. J., to get sleep, continuing a tour next day). 
Tales have been told of using trucks to transport men and 
instruments, or charterjng fleets of taxicabs. There even 
have been times when musicians were put on their own to 
hitch-hike as best they could to a date. On top of that are 
innumerable instances of men arriving on 'time to find that 
Instruments were going in another direction, through the 
fault of some train router. 

" -To-get ljack-tD'how-various-ballrooms fared- thls-year we'll- 
begin with Old Orchard Pier, Old Orchard, Me., where 
dimouts were harmful, but the take was pronounced 'good.' 
In lower New England's many spots it was 'from normal to 
exceptional.' Pleasure Beach, Bridgeport, Conn., assertedly 
reaped $10,000 more profit than ever before; Ritz Ballroom, 
Bridgeport (winter operation) promises its best season based 
on initial weeks' results; Sports Arena, Rochester, N. Y., 
sporadic but big with top attractions; Hershey Park, Hershey, 
Pa., had its record broken three times by Glenn Miller, 
Jimmy Dorsey and Harry James— big season; Mahanoy City 
(both Lakewood and Lakeside) did well; Empire at AUentown 
and Geo. F. Pavillion, Johnson City; Broomline C. C. Phila- 
delphia: Palomar Ballroom, Norfolk, Va., all the way down 
the line busines was fine — 'when operators could get attrac- 
tions.' 

There were a few places that were forced to bow. Ray 
Hartenstine shuttered his Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, 
but is reopening; Fernbach Park. Dallas, Pa., played a few 
big bands but confined it.<ielf mostly to local outfits. That's 
the extent of negative major operations. 
Years ago before the advent of the modern name band 




Colored Bands Doomed? 

By MOE GALE 

Are colored bands doomed? 

It is difficult to answer a question that is partly correct 
and partly incorrect. The ruling of the Office of Defense 
Transportation practically limiting bands to travel by rail- 
road will seriously hurt established colored bands and prac- 
tically ruin the possibilities of the de- 
velopment of new bands. That's certain. 

The Government realizes the parti- 
cular problem of the colored band. They 
know that a tour of one-nighters through 
the South by train Is very Impractical, 
that problems would arise o.. account of 
'jimcrow' conditions that would prove 
exceedingly embarrassing. 

The Government, therefore, is trying 
to .Tieet the situation and is making a 
very definite attempt to alleviate it. They have allocated five 
buses to be used by colored band in the South only, which 
permits bands to make limited tours through that territory. 
John Hammond heads the committee for the allocation of 
these buses. 

It is, therefore, very easy to see that with limited bus tours 
through the South (which is the most fertile territory for 
colored bands) plus the high cost of railroad transportation, 
in which must also be included drayage from the point of 
debarkation to the ballroom and return, will make it almost 
impossible for the Class B bands tctravel. 

Without the opportunity of traveling, there aren't suf- 
ficient locations to keep these Class B bands employed, and 
it is therefore, only a matter of time when they will have to 
break up. 

With many musicians being drafted, there'll be plenty ot 
raiding back and forth between bands. And those bands 
which have no definite jobs will be the first to lose whatever 
good men they may have to bands who are working. For 
these bands who are not working, the future does not look 
too bright and they will be faced with a constant struggle 
for existence and the worry of losing their good men. 

The name band will be able to go on. The high cost ot 
transportation will cut materially into their revenue but 
there should be no reason why they can't continue to carry 
on and te do their part in maintaining the morale of the 
armed forces throughout the country. 

Colored bands are giving freely of their time and effort 
in every form of morale work, and I am sure that If they 
are able to keep their bands together, their services will al- 
ways be at the disposal of the Government. 



Hollywood Vs. Records 

Film Prestige An Excellent Substitute 
For Embargo on Records 

The disc situation as it stands since James C. Petrillo put 
an end to recording as of last Aug. 31 Is worrying all band- 
leaders. It's felt that reputations will be irreparably injured 
if the ban isn't lifted before the manufacturing companies 
run out of the heavy bittklog of advance recordings each 
stocked before the deadline. However, it's the opinion of 
many band executives that harm will be done only to lesser 
known leaders who have comparatively slim chance of com- 
ing in contact with a film contract. There, unfortunately, 
is where such a blow would be felt most because that calibre 
of band- is in the majority. 

Insofar as the cream of the band crop is concerned it's the 
thought of a host of people within the trade that so long as 
they continue to make those periodic trips to the Coast, and 
, „ , . their films continue coming off the production line, the loss 

JftflSy-^/Y^SW ?°'*^^J'■'J*u«£?i^lBS^2»i''' "'."at'SI-l^l^l* ct record esploileiior ..on't be too harmful. These execu- 



Chicago, Oct. 6. 
There's no such thing as a day oft for bands and orchestras 
playing the midwest territory. In fact, they work hardest 
in their spare time — and for nothing. Aiding the war effort 
by entertaining service men 'has become the full-time oc> 
cupation of every musical aggregation in the country, when 
they are not actually engaged in pay. jobs. 

Through the cooperation of the Musicians Union, the war 
bond drives, USO-Camp Shows and the Chicago Service 
Men's Center, Army Camps have not wanted for good 
music. Indeed, they hsve gotten the highest-priced, mo.st 
brilliant combos in the country, bands which formerly stuck 
up their nose at anything save class hotel dining rooms and 
first-run theatres. 

Many bands playing the Oriental and Chicago theatres 
have contributed as many as three extra shows in a single 
day at the request of the Treasury Dept. In one instance, 
Kay Kyser did seven shows at the theati'e, a broadcast for 
the Treasury Dept., a street dance, then appeared at the 
Service Men's Center, all in a single Saturday. The next 
week, the band leader and his boys used their day off to 
play an army camp. 

In 99% of the cases, the bands have paid their own way 
to and from the army camps and navy bases which they 
have played. In- no instance, has a band ever cancelled a 
jree date. They have been tremendously scrupulous in this 
regard. In fact, the musicians look upon it' as a crime to 
disappoint a camp of soldiers waiting to see a show. 
THEATRES. HOTELS COOPERATIVE 
Theatres and hotels have been immensely cooperative. 
In several instances, the Sherman Hotel, home of name bands, 
has put a sign up in its Panther Room, begging the In- 
dulgence of the patrons as the band was out entertaining 
the armed forces. Guests have occasionally cooled their 
heels for two hours waiting for a band to appear. 

USO-Camp Shows have used name bands consistently for 
months. The Great Lakes Naval Training Station has regu- 
larly received a major band every Monday. Bands have 
often bussed out there, a 40-mile distance from the Loop, 
just to play an hour's music. 

Among the bands which have appeared at Great Lakes 
are Eddie Duchin, Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Spivak, Griff 
Williams, Shep Fields, Tommy Tucker, Russ Morgan, Glenn 
Miller, Art Jarrett, Orrin Tucker, Eddie Howard, Bob Strong. 
Some of these bands have made as many as three appearances 
at this one station. 

There has been a name band at Navy Pier nearly every 
Wednesday night When the Pier is stuck for a combo, the 
band from the Chez Paree, the Hotel Sherman, or another 
of the Chicago dining rooms is always ready to jump intQ 
the spot. 

Recently Lieut. Orrin Tucker was placed in charge ot 
music at Navy Pier. This former bandleader's intimate 
knowledge ot orchestras and their problems ha.s made it 
possible to arrange every convenience tor the visiting ag- 
gregations. 

INTERSPEBSINO 1-NITERS 

Bands touring this portion of the country in one-night 
stands have given up many lucrative pay dates to keep pre- 
viously-made promises to play the camps. They have jumped 
as much as SO miles and more to play spots like Fort 
Sheridan, Camp Custer, Scott Field, Camp Grant, Chanute 
Field and other camps. 

In one instance Herbie Kay jumped from Logansport, 
Indiana, all the way to Chanute Field after it was reported 
- ttr-him -that the 'band" slated'-to "appear there »as'uiT6ble~tar 
make it. He was back a month later for a return date. 

Conditions ^or band presentations at these camps are by 
no means idenl. Very often the leader is faced with numer- 
ous perplexing problems — no stages, no racks, poor p.a. 
systems or none at all. But; in virtually every instance, 
these difficulties have been good-nature^y surmounted or 
ignored and the bands have pitched in and given a swell 
. performance anyway. 



England's International Hits 
Stymied for the War's Duration 



cers. The name band~has spoiled that. While they have 
made it possible for operators to make much more money, 
their absence is proving that ballroom patronage is no longer 
music or dance conscious — it is name band conscious. A 
perfect illustration can be had by visiting any successful 
one-nighter played by any of the top bands. Out of 5,000 
attendees perhaps 1,000-1..')00 will be dancing at any given 
time. Majority are packed tight around the bandstand tak- 
ing the price of admission in concert form. 



^Jingle Jangle' in 20 Mins. 

Now that the commercial career of 'Jingle Jangle' is over. 
It may be told that Frank Loesser and Joe Lilley dashed it 
off in 20 minutes. It was born of Loesser's sudden interest 
in equestrianism, and his addiction to riding horses even 
Includes a 'dedication* of the song to the Pico Stables at 
Burbank, Calif., in itself a little private conceit. Song has 
sold 241,000 copies in U. S.. and another 15,000 in Canada, 
but, curiously, despite its widespread popularity, another 
recent Famous hit. 'One Dozen Roses,' outsold it by some 
1},000 copies. Latter, of course, was a longer-pulling hit 
•nd didn't collapse as fast as 'Jingle.' 

Lilley, a vocal orchestrator at Paramount studios, where 
Loes.<;er is also stationed, for his share argues that for once 
counterpoint paid off,' referring to the counter-harmony. 
Both add that the 'community singing yen, born ot the war, 
made it a nattiral tor a song of this nature,' but in actuality 
It was one ot those tasties, so true ot many another song 
hit, despite the post-mortems about 'inspiration,' etc. 



Ii\cs pomt out that a film is the most powerful exploitation 
medium available for a band, reaching a far greater portion 
of the public than records— on the air or in coin machines. 
In addition, there is the invaluable amount of newspaper, 
billboard and other kinds of advertising and exploitation 
connected with the circulation of a film through the theatres 
of the country. 

It may be safely said that a strong boost is given almost 
every band appearing in a picture, regardless of the film's 
merits. 

It has been determined to the satisfaction of band business- 
men that even a bad release cannot injure the b.o. pull ol 
the band involved. 

HARRY JAMES FOR EXAMPLE 

They point out as an example Harry James' first film ("Pri- 
vate Buckaroo') for, Universal. Reviewers repeatedly be- 
littled its qualities, but James used every outstanding tune 
he has been associated with, and both the maestro and some 
of his men had speaking parts. 

It's pointed out that whether the film was good or bad, 
according to individual opinion, it certainly did not delay 
James' rush into the foremost group of b.o. bands. And the 
same applies to all bands who become involved in film- 
making. 

In making such statements band officials are not minimiz- 
ing value of records. Records are vitally important to the 
welfare ot any orchestra, not to mention the coin that top 
bands realize from the recording industry. But with the 
discovery of b.o. bands by the film industry leaders the band 
men have discovered an exploitation medium that's equally 
as powerful. Few fully realized this until Hollywood lent 
new impact to the Dorseys, Kyser, et at 



Reg Connelly, head of Campbell-Connelly in England, and 
partnered with Irwin Dash in the companies bearing their 
names both here and in London, recalls a number of ."smash 
international hits which formerly stemmed from the British 
music houses. Songs such as 'My Prayer,' 'Red Sails in the 
Sunset,' 'Goodnight Sweetheart,' 'Among My Souvenirs," "If 
I Had You." 'Show Me the Way to Go Home,' 'The Very 
Thought of You' are .some. Only in recent months have 
'He Wears a Pair of Silver' /icings' and 'Sleepy Lagoon' come 
through, although in the case of the latter an American, Jack 
Lawrence, set the wordage to Eric Coates' crack waltz mel- 
ody. Latter tlicked in 1940 abroad, but was stalled here by 
the BMI situation. 

Like Lawrence, other U. a. lyricists, on occasion, such as 
Edgar Leslie, set words to Britishers' tunes for foreign pub- 
lication first (with Horatio Nlcholls Leslie fashioned 'Among 
My Souvenirs' for example), but eventually the tunes come 
back to the States. 

On the subject of BMI and ASCAP, that probably hurt 
'There'll Always Be an England' the most in establishing It 
as an international hit. 

BBC's Tabu on Slushy Sengs' 

Connelly, who has been trying for months to get a priority 
back to London — and he may be successful shortly— feels 
that the British Broadcasting Corp. was justified in tabooing 
such slushy and stickily sentimental songs as on the order 
of 'Street of Regret' and 'Somebody Else is Taking My Place' 
(latter certainly not comforting to the overseas soldiers). 
However, the BBC's present method of handling the situa- 
tion is more discreet. 

After outlawing an entire roster ot songs— and since re- 
vising itself on 'I Threw a Kiss In the Ocean,' 'My Devotion,' 
'You Walked By." 'Moonlight Cocktail,' etc. — It caused * 
publishers' committee, for the first time, to call on the gov- 
ernors ot BBC to protest. Eventually, BBC agreed that It 
any song comes to its attention that might not be deemed 
quite 'correct,' it would call in the copyright owner and 
'wonder It it wouldn't be Judicious to deter this composition 
for the ditration,' rather than Indict an entire Industry cn 
masse. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



ORCHESTRAS 



49 



HIGHER BAND PROFITS IN '20s 



(Pnmt 'Variety' of Oct. 1, 1924) 

Future of Dance Music 



By PAUL WmTEMAN 

(This article wat rtquaUd m» an jexpretsion of personal 
opinion. At the Whitema* orchcctra of 75 is aeknov>ledi/ed. 
the referettee* to competitiM eon hardly interpret «s «p- 
V plicable to them.) 

The human race has danced since tbe days of the early 
Greeks, and they will continue to woo the terpsichorean 
muse for many, many yean to oome. So there is nothing 
to worry about the fnture of dance music* To dance they 
must have dance music, and a ^ood orchestra will always 
be preferred. 

The future of dance music from the general viewpoint of 
the musician should concern itself with maintaining a cer- 
tain standard, not only in musical quality, but in general 
conditions. 

By that I mean the game should not be 'killed,' as there 
seems to be a general tendency through tinethical com- 
petition. It will not do the profession any good in the long 
run for one band to sign. for a show or vaudeville as a 
'doubling' adjunct to its regular hotel or cafe engagement 
(or something on that order) at a figure which would not 
ordinarily make it worth the orchestra's w'hlle if the show 
or vaudeville engagement were entered into as a single 
proposition. The 'doubling makes possible a reduction in 
the contract figure and is accepted by some orchestra lead- 
ers for exploitation's sake, but it is poor business for the 
sake of the profession. 

Bdaeallag Maoager* 

It educates the different manafers into a practice that is 
tinhealthy. The orchestra leader who goes in for this sort 
of cut-rating is best aware that he could never hold his 
band togther did he not have another 'regular' Job which 
paid him the full salary. 

A cafe or hotel is not averse to having its trade name 
brought before a new vaudeville or musical comedy public 
and often encourages its orchestras to go in for the 'dou- 
bling' to the extent of furnishing its own relief orchestra 
during the regular attraction's absence at the theatre. 

"the latter in turn, in a commendable desire to cooperate 
In the exploitation his 'regular' employer's establishment, 
possibly unwittingly agrees to accepting his second salary 
at ■ greatly reduced price (Fve been told even at a loss), not 
realizing or taking into consideration the general effect on 
the business. 

CompettUoa Tm Keen 

Competition nowadays is actually too keen. The college 
1>oy -^rpe of band is not the least to be considered in this 
respect They're usually likeable youngsters, making an ex- 
cellent appearance, eager for success with the irresistible 
enthusiasm and eagerness of youth as a result of which they 
are willing workers. And Just for the opportunity to im- 
press their salary demands are usually interesting to any 
commercial manager. Generally, also, the lads possess fine 
voices which quality them as singing orchestras and give 
them another 'edge' on the regular musicians. 

These organizations start as a lark in their undergraduate 
days, but they serve the purpose of taking tht places of 
many professional orchestras during the summer season at 
resorts,^ - hotels^ etc., and in time they branch out profes- 
•ionailyras" witness the Tfed WilfeinS;Tfed mrittg; Jan-Gar- • 
ber and other 'college' organizations. 

Another Bad PracUce 

Another practice I decry is having some recording com- 
pany make up a band's salary difference in order to keep 
it in a certain territory for exploitation purposes of their 
records. The band therefore accepts an engagement at a 
choice location at a figure under their actual worth (of which 
the management of that certain hotel or ballroom or cafe is 
probably aware) with the understanding their income will 
be swollen by a r^ular remittance from the recording 
company, sometimes reaching $300 and $400 a week. The 
disk company of course figures this as 'exploitation,' but 
unwittingly it, too, is helping Iciir the band business. 

The ambition of some 'name' orchestra leaders to send forth 
countless orchestras as imits bearing the famed musician's 
name is also creating some disturbance. Where usually 
booked, the hinterland public is led into believing the origi- 
nal will appear. Naturally the 'imit' cannot par the original, 
with the result a loss in prestige results. 

I know I cannot send out a Paul Whitman orchestra any 
more because of some of the various managers' practice to 
stress the Whitman name, sometimes, I regret to state, pur- 
posely. Melville Morris, my booking manager, has been 
forced to insist on a specific understanding in connection 
with this false billing. 

WUleman on Concert Work 

I've been asked also to write' something about my concert 
tour. It's too new to gauge for one thing. What we've 
played I notice we generally are supported well, excepting, of 
course in small towns that couldn't turn out sufficient num- 
bers because of the population. 

There seems to be a demand for this concert tour according 
to our astute manager, F, C. Coppicus, whose concert ex- 
perience in handling real attractions like the late Caruso, 
ChaliapiiT, et al, is of no small consequence. 

I find that the further away we get from New York the 
bigger the draws, whether accounted for by our Victor re- 
ordings or something else, I don't know. [Today, of course, 
the reco rds are supported by radio buildup.— Eo.] 

[Nolc'.iorllty is the fact thai 18 years afUr Mr. 
IVIiltciiian 7y.rolr tlus story for 'Varictx', some of the 
■^aiiic trade froblews still o/>/>/v.— /^rf.j " 

Plugs 1932 Song Into 1942 Hit 

Miller Music is stepping out on the exploitation of "Slrcel 
of Dreams' as the result of the number of Victor record.s a 
Jimmy Dorsey interpretation has sold. The song was orig- 
inally published in 1932 by Leo Feist, Inc., but without 
stirring up much interest. Dorsey's recent disking has al- 
ready reached a total sale of 225,000 copies. 



PAUL WHIT EM AN, REMINISCING 
ABOUT YESTERYEAR, POINTS 
UP LESS COMPETITION 
AND BETTER COIN 



'Copy' Tunes N.* S. G. 

Unique Songs Usually Click, but Tollow< 




By ABEL GREEN 

Paul Whiteman, the Dean of Jazz, was remini.scing about 
yesteryear bands and today. It's a bigger gross business in 
1942, but Whiteman came up with some staggering flgures 
during the heyday of his 1920s vogue. 

Talk about record sales, why we hold the all-time pop 
release high with 3,400.090 Victor platters of 'Three O'clock 
in the Morning.' 'Wtaiqiering' and 'Avalon' both went over 
2,000^000 records. 'Japanese landman' almost as much. Any- 
thing under a half million was considered 
a flop in those days. The 'Two Black 
Crows,' you rememberr Moran and Black, 
sold 2ji00,000 of their nonsense and 
'Ukulele Dee' (Cliff Kdwards) also sold 
plenty. Gene Austin's 'My Blue Heaven' 
for Victor went over a million. 

Talk about money. Sure, I'm tickled 
to see Kay Kyser and Glenn Miller and 
the Dorseys and all those boys knock 
off nearly $20,000 a week as their share 
in theatres, but those are rare, record- 
smashing weeks. On the other, hand in 1924 we grossed 
$860,000 with my band. I got $4,000 a night on one-nighters 
in Pennsylvania. Those Scranton miners in those days were 
loaded with swag and spent it; no income tax, no worries, 
money was free. With my band I went to one Pennsyl 
one-nighter, played to 13,000 people at $3 a head. 

Talk about picture coin. Papa Carl Laemmie came up with 
$250,000 in advance for my share of "King of Jazz,' for Unil^ 
versal. They paid me $9,115 a week for nine months, because, 
after 16 weeks, while the film was still being prepared, my 
share was $4,000 a week just for waiting around. 

"That's why Ted Lewis, Rudy Vallee and a few others in 
our span still have their pile. The competition wasn't as 
heavy. Uncle Sam let you keep most of what you made. 

'Paul Ash, if he introduced Peggy Bemier or Helen Kane 
as a new find, got respect and attention. Speaking of Ash 
reminds me of Publix. Sam Katz paid us $12,500 a week for 
two solid years, and Paramount Publix paid the acts in our 
unit extra. 

$14,0t« IN CONCEBT 1-NITEB 

'Big money for bands, you see, didn't come with radio. 
F. C. Coppicus boiAed us on a concert tour and we clocked 
$14,000 in one night in the big Memphis Auditorium at $5 a 
head. On the other hand, don't mention names, but So-and- 
So grossed $16,000 one week and wotmd up with $1,100 for 
his share. No wonder he gave up his band in disgust I sup- 
pose you can't blame those managers and lawyers who 
underwrite, finance and fool around with new l>ands for 
months before they atart to cash in. But there it isl 

Tliat the band business is a big business today is by now 
a cliche. Maybe the war will dtf ate its bigness. There ar« 
indications thereof already. Eddy Duchin, Glenn Miller, 
Wayne King. Clyde McCoy, Artie .Shaw, Rudy Vallee, Orrin 
Tucker, et ai, are but a few in the service. The band busi- 
ness is like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's stable of male stars. If 
Rooney and Taylor and Tracy follow Gable into the service, 
it's gonna be too bad. 
— 'IJuiaw-from-experience.al£eBdy_Xast year, Joi.jny. band ^ 
of 18 men, I trained and rehearsed 40 men. Some weeks the 
turnover was terrific: five at a clip would come to me and 
say they just heard from the mob at the Draft Board. 

'But music is universal and perennial. I wrote that once 
before for you, back in 1924 (see reprint herewith of White- 
man's pioneer story from 'Variety* of Oct. 1, 1924] and itH 
be true another quarter-of-a-century hence. 

'It'll also be true that 10, 20 years from now something 
extreme will crop up and well look back to the halcyon 
days of boogie-woogie and Jive. Poor Eddie King, the record- 
ing boss at Victor, used to have fits with the Gershwin stuff 
which was considered too hep and advanced, and yet today 
these same records, which are still being heard on many 
radio stations monitored by disk jockeys, are called smooth 
and suave; not kiUer-diller. 

'So you may yearn for the nosUlgia of "Three O'clock in 
the Morning,' or the suave symphonic syncopation which at- 



Jukebox Blues 



By PAT BALL.ARD 

The Publishers, Writers, and Pluggers of old 

Laycd wait for the acts at the Palace; 

A headlining singer could turn to pure gold 

A song by Berlin, 

Or the writer just in. 

From Dallas. 

(Vamp for 4 bar*) 

Today, all the songs in a juket>ox are said 
To be hits in the towns and the cities; 
A nickel inserted, or slugs made of lead. 
Can furnish a frail. 
Or a crook out on bail. 
With cheap ditties. 

REFRAIJV 

Nickels, nickels, millions of 'em; 
Petrillo says he doesn't love 'em; 
Perhaps the writers get a few 
(But I mean FEW, I'm telling you!) 
Musicians say they don't get rich. 
The record companies can't gel pitch. 
The jukebox makers can't get tin— 
What a heck of a spot they all arc in! 
It's the days of Ihe parlor piano I'm for — 
When any dog tune sold a million or more! 



ups' Fail; Connee Boswell 
Music Tastes 



on 



By CONNEE BOSWELL 




Almost any song that's diiferent has a better chance to be- 
come °a hit. But, of course, the ballad goes on forever. 

'Chattanooga Choo-Choo," 'Jingle Jangle,' 'B.ues in tha 
Night,' 'Jersey Bounce,' 'Pennsylvania Polka,' 'Three Little 
Sisters.' 'Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree' are some which 
prove my point about novelly paying off well. 

But the moment the publishers and the writers say. 'This 
is another "Chattanooga',' that's when they're licked. There's 
no such thing as 'another.' Just let Walter Donaldson try 
to write another 'My Buddy.' But you can bet that if it's 
a hit it'll be strictly so because of its 
own basic merit, and not because it is a 
foUowup on a hit number. 

What is really like 'another,' however, 
is the general tastes of young America. 
Somebody once tried to scientifically 
graph the fact that the United States 
was divided into four different zones. 
That's ridiculous. That would mean 
making four different 'Mrs. Minivers'; 
maestro Kay Kyser would have to sell 
Luck Strikes four different ways for his 
sponsor; Kate Smith would require four different suds for 
Swan, and Jack Benny would have to come in four delicious 
flavors for each potential market That's silly, of course. 
The kids are as hep in Salt Lake City as New York City; 
dUto in Portland, Oregon or Maine; the Loop or the Gulf. 
, But they are fickle— that I must admit. This is especially 
true when it comes to the up 'n' coming new thing, par- 
ticularly with bands. First it was Glchn Mjllcr; then 'Green 
Eyes' drove 'em to Jimmy Dorsey; now it's Harry James 
and his mellow horn. They level off, of course, and remain 
loyal to the chosen few— both Dorseys, Kay Kyser, Sammy 
Kaye, etc., but regionally thej- go strong for a SUn Kenton 
(and then he peters out), or a Dick Jurgens around the 
midwest, and so on down the line. 

As for trends and tastes in songs, today it's more rhythmic. 
The yesteryear 'Always,'- 'Remember,' 'Till We Meet Again." 
•WhafU I Do?,' 'Let Me Call You Sweetheart* with the 
transition of Ume and trends have become more 'modern* 
in style and treatment For example, 'I'll Never Smile Again' 
or the stiU more modem, 'I Don't Wanna Walk Without Yoa 
Baby.' Only every so often does a 'Sleepy Lagoon' come 
along— acttially it*s from an English classic by Eric Coates— 
but when it boBs, as it did under the suave baton of Harry 
James, it's a real swash. 

When we Americans go for a sweet ballad, it's something 
Uke Tangerine' or "Skylark.* And as for war songs, we've 
yet to really produce an 'Over There.' In fact, the Office 
of War Information right now seems gravely concerned 
about that But I say, don't let it worry them or us. So 
maybe Three Little Sisters' and 'I Don't Wanna Sit Under 
the Apple Tree' arent quite de rigueur, but 'White Cliffs of 
Dover,* 'Johnny Doughboy Met a Rose in Ireland,* 'Miss You* 
(actually an oldie, but given a new wartime meaning), 'Just 
-as Thongh-You Were Here' are plenty OK"foTlbund. 



tended the introduction of 'Avalon,' 'Whispering* and 'Japa- 
nese Sandman,' but comes a new era, there follows a new 
trend. 

SIDEMAN SALARIES 

Whiteman was recalling some salaries in the good old 
days. 

'Chester Hazlett, my .sax, clocked off $800 and $900 a week 
regularly. Sidcmen who earned under $400 were bums. 
'Andy Sandella got $350 a week just for playing the steel 
guitar signature on one radio program; his take regularly 
was $1,400 a week.' 

Roy Bargy, reunited ut a luncheon gabfest with White- 
man on his recent New York visit, added, 'Yes, I got $750 a 
week just playing piano and making a couple of arrange- 
ments for Pops, but mostly for playing golf while Univer- 
sal was getting ready to shoot The King of Jazz.' ' 

'Now,' said Whiteman, 'my average is $70 a man on some 
jobs. We have to do it to break even at the scale. 

'Why.' Guess the leaders need an ns.<>ociation of their own. 
Everything around us is unionized. The songpluggers have 
their own union. Our musicians bi^long to a union; the 
publishers have an a.ssociation. The radio sponsors work In 
union. Not the bandleaders. 1 Iricd several times to form 
one. We thought that the National Association of Perform- 
ing Arlisl.s (that Fred Wariny outfit) might turn the trick. 
Years ago both attorney Juli.nn T. Abclcs and you. on a leave 
from 'Variety.' formed a National Association of Ofchcstra 
Leaders which lasted for a spell, but also collapsed. 
WHITEMAN'S 3-PLY PROGRAM 

'There's no question In my mind that the record thing 
could and should be controlled on a broad three-ply basis. 
We all know that it's been legally and technically established 
that neither you nor I need contribute to anything which 
may tend to put us out of business. In the case of the 
bandleader and musicians it's the records. 

'What's wrong, therefore, with these three broad classillca. 
tions: (1) records for the home; (2) records for the juke- 
boxes: (3) records for the radio. 

About records for home use, there's no question. But 
there is a question that the same record, ostensibly for home 
consumption, is sold for even les.s to the jukeboxes, which 
gels a nickel for every performance. 

And as for the radio, we should have a 'must destroy' date 
when these recordings arc waxed. These disks should bo 
sold at a fancier stipend to the stations. 

'And furthermore, it'.s a simple- thing to police. It can 
be regulated very easily. So, suppose it's true that tha 
copyright law of 1909 didn't anticipate this thing called 
radio. Say, whoever anticipated Hitler? True, there are 
a number of small stations who can live because the music 
comes cheap, via recording. But they can certainly pay a 
little more to offset what its loss means to the musician.' 



Wednesday; ^October 7,19^ 



45 




i Shining Beacon Of Warm-Hearted 
Song In i Clouded World 



O O </ 



TED COLLINS 



proudly presents 



KATE SMITH 



Enthroned in the Hearts of Her Fellow-Americans as Entertainer, Com* 
mentator, Humanitarian and Person. 

Her triumphant return to phonograph recording with immediate sales 
upsurge is the natural reflection in another medium of her great popularity 
as fii;st lady of song. 



But • • • 



As always the artistry of Kate Sniitli, the versatility is only part of the 
story. It is what she symbolizes. The other part is what she means to decent, 
wholesome ordinary people everywhere. It is her heart, her warmth that 
people intuitively recognize and love. 

In these trying days and months Kate Smith is more than ever a 
cherished, comforting friend of the millions. 



46 



Wcgnesifay, October .7, 1S42 



OZZIE NELSON 

AND HIS ORCHESTRA 



WITH 





Second Big Season on 
the NBC Red Skelton 
program for Raleigh 
Cigarettes. (Russel M. 
Seeds Adv. Agency). 




Just Completed Most 
Successful Tour of Their 
Career. 



Personal Representative 
WILLIAM KENT 



Management 
WM. MORRIS AGENCY, Inc. 



What the Press Has to Say: 




W.%LTRR WINCHKM. . . . "Th« 
"PrAMOt controveny b«iwcen Ilenny 
Goodman and I.ouis AriiiHtrunff 
over the title 'KInir ot dwlnR' In 
belittled by muelclans . . . They 
contend that neither of then) 
plays an Inatrumcni of rhythm . . . 
Fata 'n'aller, however, toyii with 
a piano, and if wa wore the com- 
mlttae of one to drcUle mnttern— 
Fata would certainly Ret the title 
. . . The reronlint; rnmpnnlea prob- 
ably will ttKree — for the nale of 
tba Waller discs are plentiful . . 



JOHN H.^MMOND . . . Unquea- 

tlonabty rtoan of al) jazz crltlra 
on the occayloD of Fata Waller at 
CameRle Hall. 

"One of the ffroat popular Art- 
fstH . . . Klfted plnnlHt-niuelclan 
R^d compoHer — technUiue com- 
parable tu that of the srcateat 
ctaHHlc artlflts — great entertainer — 
Hhowman." 



•VARII-rrY' . . . ' Fain Waller, of 
course, la topa In hlti line — but 
nomethlne more than a ffreat 
pianist and muNlcInn — outatandlnff 
performer and natural ahoir- 
nian." 



MRTKONOM£, New York City 

. . . "Wallur wallops Cameele lii 
concert — but good . . . The bic 
nian'fl muflic wnw auperb and the 
Iclcks of hiN Ueybnard anilcii were 
of a else with Bome of the other 
piano titans who have appeared In 
Carnoffle." 



CHICAGO XKWS . . . "flwlnK's 
lovable round man. Thomas Fats 
Waller In tho current reueon bot 
munic fans are Jnmmlnir the Hotel 
Sherman's spacious Fwiiher Room 
to Its far fluDff corners.'* 



DOWNBEAT . . . "Fntn makes U 
a 'Qasser from . ManaHaa' for 
Seattle (Wash.). World's only 
Fats Waller rocks over l.SOO 
Hwlnff fans braving li3 point mer- 
cury In non-alr-condltlonod Moore 
Theatre. . Fata was lovely on 
planu; beautiful on organ; and In- 
iinltable on personality." 




THOMAS ^^FATS" WALLER 

nSTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS COMPOSER-PI ANIST-ENTERTAINER-ORCHESTRA LEADER 
EXCLUSIVE MANAGEMENT: ED KIRKEBY, 8108 RKO BIdg., N. V. C. 




Thanks Jerome Kern . . . 




oe.a -SSm^- ^^^^^^^^^ a..^ ■ 



• At nft 




• • • 







★ ★★★★★★ 




"Rhythm by Raeburn^* 


SWEETEST MUSIC 
1 THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN 






(IIUOMBAIIDO 




AND HIS 






ROYAL CANADIANS 

• 




BOYDMBURN 


CURRENTLY APPEARING AT THE i 
HOTEL ROOSEVELT. NEW YORK 




and His Orchestra 


• 




featuring 


DECCA RECORDS 
• 




Claude ''Hey Hey" Humphreys 


EXCLUSIVE MANAGEMENT 

Music Corporation of America 




Exclusive Management 
WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, INC. 


★ ★★★★★★ 




/tttV 

New York Glevetaml Chicago Hollywood 



Wedncisday^ October 7, 1942 



49 





34 BRANCHES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY 

Executive Offices -• 50 W.57 ST. N.Y.C. NY 



so 



Wednesday. October 7, 1942 



The Band Sensation 

Of the IVation 



EDDY HOWARD 



. . . Thai's EDDY HOWARD, who in his first year as a 
band leader has rolled up terrific grosses at such stand-out 
spots as Chicago's famed Aragon, the Chicago Theatre, River- 
side, Milwaukee and Oriental, Chicago. 

. . . His is the band that's performed the miracle of rising 
to the top in nine short months. 

. . . Whose fans are legion as the result of seven air shots 
a week on WGN-Mutual, and his Columbia releases heard on 
juke boxes all over the nation. 



Personal Direction: 
W. BIGGIE LEVIN 



Management : 
MCA 




WALTER GROSS 

9th Anniversary With The Columbia Broadcasting System 

Musical Conductor — Piano Soloist— 
Bluebird Records 



Exclusive Mancjgerriflfil 



LONDON ■ Nlw rOBK ■ CHICAGO ■ SflN >0iNC!5CO ■ 9tV!»l' h ,.s . CIEVIIANO ■ OAtlAS 



Millions Have ^^Daneed with Joy^^ For 





Of AIRTIME Over WGN and MUTUAL From the BISMARCK HOTEL, Chicago 

JIMMY JOY 

AND .HIS ORCHESTRA 

Now Playing Oriental Theatre, Chicago. Opening Soon Orpheuni, Daven port ; Riverside, Milwaukee, Etc 
Personal Direction: Howard Christensen — ^Management: Music Corporation of America 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



51 






HARRY 





PROGUMATION 



Be it hereby known to one and all throughout the great land of 
America that the jusdy bmous and popular orchestra Leader and 
Trumpeter, Harry James, is adding to his already incredible list 
of Laurels. Lauded o'er the length and breaddi of the Nation for 
his grand and glorious music performed with grace and rhjthm 
on G)lumbia Records, Maestro James has been newly chosen 
for great honors, to wit: 

ICbesterfield radio programs, succeeding Glenn Miller, beginning September 
• 29, 7:15-7:30 pL #11 EWX over CM... thereafter each Tuesday, Wednesday 
and Thursday at the same time. Broadcast will be repeated for West Coast 
at 11:15 puLEWT. 

2 Jack Be$tny program, Sunday October 18 and again October 25, 7.-00—7:30 
■ p-ttL EWT,oi«rNBC Red 

3 Coca-Cola shotfs, Monday September 21 and again September 28, 9:30—9:55 
■ A lit EWT. over the- Blue Network... once each month thereafter. 



^ 20th Centuty-Fox motion picture, "Springtime In The Rockies," to be 



released in Novetnber. 



Be certain to keep eyes and ears open for these truly remarkable 
and wonderful activities. And let not a single Harry James record 
pass by. Ask for Harry James' colossal music on. 



COLIIMBIA«> RECORDS 



36639 

36650 
36644 
36623 
36614 

36599 
36579 

36566 



I HAD THE CRAZIEST DREAM 
A POEM SET TO MUSIC 

Both from "Sfriiiglinie In The RocUa" 

MISTER FIVE BY FIVE 
THAT SOLDIER OF MINE 

MANHATTAN SERENADE 
DAYBREAK 

I CRIED FOR YOU 
LET ME UP 

YOURE IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE 

ELSE 
HE'S MY GUY 
BUT NOT FOR ME 
THE MOLE 

WHEN YOU RE A LONG, LONG 

WAY FROM HOME 
STRICTLY INSTRUMENTAL 

ONE DOZEN ROSES 
YOLTRE TOO GOOD FOR GOOD- 
FOR-NOTHING ME 



36549 SLEEPY LAGOON 
niUMPET BLUES 

36545 EASTER PARADE 
CRAZY RHYTHM 

36533 SKYLARK 

THE CLIPPER 

36518 I REMEMBER YOU 

LAST NIGHT I SAID A PRAYER 

36478 I DON'T WANT TO WALK 
WITHOUT YOU 
B-19 

36296 YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU 

A SINNER KISSED AN ANGEL 

36232 ONE O'CLOCK JUMP 
TWO O CLOCK JUMP 

36004 THE FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLE BEE 
THE CARNIVAL OF VENICE 



Exclusive Manogemoni 



LONDON • NIW YOR< • CHICAGO • SAN FRANCISCO ■ BIVIRIT HILLS • CLEVtLAND • DALLAS 



4 









S2 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 






^^^^^^^ 



TYWIPAPIY Fl 







^^^^^^^ 



^^^^^ 




"ToppinK the new show, In for a 
fi)i tnight. Is Cynda Glenn, blonde 
looker, with plenty on the ball as 
a roniedlenne. Miss Glenn's facial, 
ui ins and hands contortions give 
knockout touches to caricatures 
of screen and stage femmes. In 
eorly moments she cements favor 
with a crnzy-quUt routine atop 
the Baldwin. I^ncorlnff she clinch- 
es with an Imitation of a cham- 
piijrne-lilph dame that's some/ 
thing to Itself." —Koll, 'Variety'. 




Opening October 14 
MAYFAIR, BOSTON 
For 2 Weeks 



GEARED 

TO THI 

WAR EFFORT 




DAVIS' 



ORCHESTRAS 

• 

Choice of the 
WHITE HOVSE During 
FOUR Adminislralion$ 
• 

ORCHESTRAS 
EVERYWHERE 



Officett 

NEW YORK 

*ti West 57lh St. 



PHII.ADELrBIi% 
Th«. Bfllcvug Stratford 



WASHINGTON 
719-lSlh St. M. W. 




DON 
McGRANE 

And His Orchestra 

mW APPEARING 
At 

LOU WALTERS 
FAMOUS LATIN QUARTER 

New York 



Hxclusiv* Managemint 



GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORPORATION 
thomAs 0. Rockwell, Pr««idant 

RKO Buildlho. Radio City, Naw York 



Wcdncsdiiy, October 7, 1M2 P^ ^uHfr 51 




why these great artists and musical 
organizations are heard exclusively on 




54 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



ihe famous Meadowbrook, "on Route 23, Newark- 
Pompton Turnpike, Cedar Grove, New Jersey." 




JIMMY DORSEY 
WILL OSBORNiE 
WOODY HERMAN 
GLENN MILLER 
LARRY CLINTON 
HARRY JAMES 
KAY KYSER 
STAN KENTON 
ISHAM JONES 
JOE VENUTI 
RAYMOND SCOTT 
AL DONAHUE 
CHARUE BARNET 
JACK TEAGARDEN 
ioU BREESE 
GENE KRUPA 
CLAUDE HOPKINS 
RED NORVO 
JAN SAVITT 
LES BROWN 



TOMMY DORSEY 
GLEN GRAY 
iBOBBY BYRNE 
TEDDY POWELL 
SAMMiriCAYE" 
ALVINO REY 
BENNY GOODMAN 
SONNY DUNHAM 
DICK ROGERS 
CAB CALLOWAY 
TOMMY TUCKER 
MAL HALLETT 
VAUGHN MONROE 
DEL COURTNEY 
RAY McKINLEY 
CLYDE LUCAS 
BUNNY BERIGAN 
JOHNNY LONG 
DICK JURGENS 



My aincerett thanka to all these bands who have made 
Mtadowhrook possible, and to Columbia Broadcasting 
System, National Broadcasting Co., Mutual Broadcast- 
ing Co., Atlantic Coast ^ li elwork, . Stations WNEW, 
WPAT, General Amuse, Corp., Music Corp. of Amer- 
ica, Wm. Morris, and Consolidated Radio Artists. 





MODERN MiTHOfr 
ttCOSDING 



RECORDS 




No. 115 






COW-COW BOOGIE 

FREDDIE SLACK Orchestra 
Vocal by ELLA MAE MORSE 

STRIP POLKA 

Composed and Sung by JOHNNY MERCER 

THE ELKS' PARADE 

• BOBBY SHERWOOD Orchestra 

MR. FIVE BY FIVE 

FREDDIE SLACK Orchestra 
• Vocd by ELLA MAE MORSE 

TRAV'LIN LIGHT 

PAUL WHITEMAN Orchestra 
Vocal by LADY DAY 



N*w Verk Area 
(NtwYorb, N*w Jflri*y,Conn.) 

MODERN MOSIC SALES Ce. 

lOlh Avt.al 4Sth Strtct.N.Y. 
Phoii* Circl< 6-4100 



Ea«t of Reekie* 

(E>c«pkN.Y. Ar») 
CUPITei RECIRBS, INC. 
629.IOtti AvMut, N.Y. 
Phon* Longacr* 3*6144 



Weet of RecUe* 
MPITIL lECIMS, INC 

1463 North Vlrw StrMt 

Hollyweod, CtlK. 
PKont Hxnptlud 3146 



OR WRITT DIRECT TO CAPITOL RECORDS, HOLtVWOOD, CALIF. 



i6 



The Famous 
Shuffle Rhythm'' 
Maestro 



HENRY 6USSE 

and His Orchestra 



• Currently playing at th« Palace 
Hotel, San Francisco. Broadoastlng 
via N.B.C. 

• Returns to the Trianon Ball- 
room, Southgate, Cal., Feb. 1, 1943. 

• Recently concluded reoord" 
breaking tour ot Paolflo North- 
west's Theatres and Balbrooms. 



Exclusive Management 
WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY, INC. 



New York 



Cleveland 



Chicago 



Hollywood 



Wednesday; October 1, 1942 



55 



Age Cannot Wither 
Nor Custom Stale 
the Inf inite Variety of 
the Timeless Music of 




The Record for Records 

Ellington records live. There is so 
much consistent demand for Ellington 
discs pressed during the last 20 years 
that Victor recently compiled and is- 
sued a discography of all Ellington re- 
cordings for the, Victor and Bluebird 
labels from 1927 to date. 66 2-3% of 
this list is currently available, inijud- 
ing four numbers waxed on his first 
date in 1927. During that same period, 
of course, Duke Ellington made scores 
of recordings for other labels, but he 
has been an exclusive VICTOR 
ARTIST since March, 1940. 

•CURRENTLY thrilling music- 
lovers and musicians with these 
Victor records: 

PERDroO-^(27880) 
MOON MIST— (27856) 
CHELSEA BRIDGE — (27740) 





AND HIS FAMOUS ORCHESTRA 



AMERICA'S 

— Most outstanding creator of modern .music 
— Most brilliant trail'blazer of musical trends 
— Most original exponent of orchestral technique 



•CURRENTLY fea t u r e (I 

in MGM's ''Cabin in the 
Sky'' — Columbia's ''Reveille 
With Beverly" — Plus a forth- 
coming Universal production. 



•CURRENTLY jamming the- 
atres and ballrooms through- 
out the country after a record 
four weeks at Chicago's Hotel 
Sherman. 



Personal Direcllon 

WmLIAM MORRIS AGENCY 

i\ew York — Chirago — Cleveland-^Hollywood 



/tttV 



56 ORCHESTRAS 



Ifednesday, October 7, 1942 



14 San Francisco Drinl^ Places Get 
Secondary Slap From Morals Case 



San Francisco, Oct. 6. 

Contributing - to - juvenile - delin- 
quency case, in which three members 
of Ran Wilde's band were arrested 
has kicked up a city-wide probe that 
continued to spread until it em- 
braced 14 of Frisco's best known 
drink spots, including the bar at the 
Musicians' club in the basement of 
the Musicians Union. Two girls, 
12 and 13, told police they had been 
consorting with three musicians. 
Later they listed 14 places as spots 
they had visited witli various men, 
and at which they say they were 
permitted to guzzle with no ques- 
tions askedf Grand jury has de- 
manded a police report on the es- 
tablishments. 

In addition to the union's bar, the 
list put the finger on bars in three 
of the best known and largest ho- 
tels. Sir Francis Drake, where 
Wilde's band was playing; St. Fran- 
ois and Mark Hopkins, as well as 
on the Press Club. 

Later still Musicians Club bar was 
raided and 34 men and women, in- 
cluding burkeep, were arrested. 



Mary Conlon at WTAG 

Worcester, Oct. 6. 
Mary Conlon is new vocalist with 
WTAG, succeeding Marcia Rice who 
recently joined Sam Donahue's or- 
chestra. 

During past summer she had her 
own band at Barclay Club in Fal- 
mouth. 



Tommy Dorsey Set to Play 
PenDsylvania Hotel, N. Y., 
In FaU of '43 for MCA 



Tommy Dorsey's band has been 
committed to play the Pennsylvania 
hotel, New York, next year, opening 
sometime in the Fall. This is a sur- 
prising booking since it will prob- 
ably eliminate Dorsey from playing 
the Astor Roof next summer, a job 
he had for the past two years. It 
also marks the end of General Amus- 
ment Corp.'s reign over the Penn's 
bookings; GAC has had an exclusive 
on the spot for several years, but 
Dorsey's deal was made direct by 
Music Corp. of America. Last year 
MCA had Gene Krupa in the spot, 
but he was booked through GAC. 

Booking Tommy Dorsey so far in 
advance is an evident effort by the 
hotel to avoid the difTiculties it had 
recently when Glenn Miller sud- 
denly enlisted in' the Army, leaving 
the spot without a band only a few 
weeks before his opening and after 
all other top outfits were booked 
elsewhere. Jimmy Dorsey the past 
three or four years has occupied the 
Penn's bandstand from January until 
March or April. However, if both 
Dorseys play the spot next year 
there will probably be a band be- 
tween them. 



Kalamazoo Rejoices 



1941... 8 WEEKS 

148,000 

1942... 6 WEEKS 

165,000 

AVERAGING 
MORE THAN 
27,500 
PER WEEK 

ON RETURN 
ENGAGEMENT 

That's the fac- 
tual story of 
Woody Her- 
man and his 
Orchestra at 
the Palladium, 
Los Angeles. 



Just Completing Reeord-Breakihg Theatre Tour of 
Minneapolis, Columbus, Indianapolis, Milwaukee 

■ OPENINa OCTOBER 9 




PANTHER ROOM. HOTEL SHERMAN 
CHICAGO 

— 

DECCA RBCORDS 
— *— 




OODV 

HERmilll 

AND H I S O RC H ESTR A 



^^y.'M'^'-ZK/:, .i^VMUSEMENT CCRPC; 

THOMAS C BOCKWCLL Pic.iil-:.- 
SLW YORK • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD 



Detroit, Oct. 6. 

Feeling that the town was 
honored with the song-hit 'I'v* 
Got a Gal in Kalamazoo,' the 
Michigan city went out and 
picked a girl to All the bill. 

It started when students started 
coming back to Kalamazoo Col- 
lege. They held an election, 
sponsored by Robert Braith- 
waite, student body president, 
and nominated a 19-year-old co- 
ed, Sara Woolley, as the best 
match for the lyric description 
of a girl who was beautiful, 
cheerful, peppy, the toast of 
Kalamazoo and slightly freckled. 



New Slant Of 
Jukebox Distribs 
Favors a Deal 



As the Petrillo situation pitches 
toward its Oct. 14 trial in Chicago, 
there is a feeling among jukebox 
distributors that the'd be a mood to 
dicker with the American Federation 
" Musicians on some sort of a deal 
compensate the union for the coin- 
machine use of the platters. 

The attitude is that their coin-ma- 
chines can become so much junk, if 
not sufficiently fed with fresh rec- 
ords. And if the crop of song mate- 
rial becomes stagnated, through an 
embargo on phonograph recording, 
the machines are almost totally use- 
less. 



Two Men Silent, Cops 
CopTmced Shootings Tie 
Up to Jokebox Ri?als 

St. Louis, Oct. 6. 

Local cops blame the shooting of 
two men, both severely, to the 
■ivalry between two organizations 
that control the juke box installa- 
tions and collections in this burg. 
Ray Singleton, 27, and Clyde Dalton, 
30, both were found shot on a west 
end street and refused to give the 
gendarmes any info to aid in the in- 
vestigations. 

After several days of listening to 
the local 'grape vine' the cops as- 
serted that the shooting was the out- 
growth of rivalry and although they 
jugged several execs, of both organ- 
izations no identifications were made 
and the suspects were released. Po- 
lice believe another outbreak may 
occur at any time. 



DOUBLE COVER CHARGE 
FOR HARRY JAMES 



As expected, the Lincoln hotel 
New York, has doubled iu cover 
charge for the 13-week run of Harry 
James* orchestra in its 250 capacity 
Blue Room. Spot is asking $1.50 per 
person cover weekdays and $2 week- 
ends, which is Uie highest assessment 
asked in any hotel room in the city, 
including such spots as the Waldorf, 
etc. In addition there is a $2 mini- 
mum for dinner. 

For James* opening Friday (2) the 
cover fee was jacked up to $2.50 per 
person, which had music publishers, 
who Invariably attend, grumbling. 

POTTSTOWN RESUMES 

Hartcnsteln Becenslders *Aband4n- 
ment Dne to Transportation 



Local 171 PntiDaiice 
Rates Back to 1930 
Scale of Compensation 

Springfield, Mass., Oct. 6. 
Prosperity and the high cost of 
living have put the price tor dancing 
back to 1930 levels. The Springfield 
Musicians Union, Local 171, AFL, 
voted Sunday (27) to boost prices 
again. 

Union members will get -$6 for 
playing up to midnight and $2 an 
hour thereafter. For past decade, 
price has been $5 until 12 and $1.50 
an hour afterwards. High cost of 
living and presence of lots of de- 
fense money in this area was given 
as the reasons for the boost by 
President Jimmy Falvey. 

Plans to put the union on record 
behind Prexy Petrillo were shelved 
in the presence of a by-law which 
says that at special meetings, mem- 
bers can act only on the agenda. 
It's due for consideration at the 
November meeting. 



Jimmic Lnnceford recording 'GI 
Jive' as official theme song of daily 
jazz program short-waved by OWI 
to overseas forces. Number is by 
Joe Sullivan. Cutting has AFM 
clearance. 



BANDS' MARKEI 
ON WIRE 
CHARGES 



The law of .supply and demand 
now favors dance band leaders of 
name description to the extent that 
they have no difficulty In prevailing 
upon spot operators to pay for their 
network wires. The bandmen take 
the tack that they are not anxious to 
play ballroom or cafe dates anyway, 
because they can go on theatre tours 
and net much more. 

The bargaining advantage now 
held by leaders was emphasized last 
week when the operator of a Broad- 
way spot who had never before paid 
for a radio line yielded with little 
argument to a contrary policy. Be- 
fore the leader currently on the 
location would take the engagement 
he obtained written assurance that 
there would be a network line and 
that it would be paid for by the 
operator. 



Pbll Sklllman's band has moved 
into the Tropics, Detroit. 



Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, 
Pa., one of the largest one-night 
ballrooms in the east, has resumed 
operation. Owner Ray Hartenstein 
shuttered a few months ago when 
transportation difficulties cut heav- 
ily into his patronage. Heretofore 
only a Saturday night operation 
Hartenstein Is running again on that 
night whenever he can get an attrac- 
tion. He started last week (3) with 
Chuck Gordon, a local Philadelphia 
band, but has Gene Krupa for the 
following week (10). 

What has changed in the trans- 
portation problem In ' Hartensteln's 
area to convince him that resump- 
tion will pan out okay isn't known. 
During the time his spot was shut- 
tered the owner, a construction en- 
gineer, aided in the building of an 
Army hospital at PhoenlxviUe, Pa. 



Thirty 
Consecutive Weeks 

Continuing the most sue- 
cestfiil engagement of any 
band leader at Chicago'a 
jamouB Chet Paree, 





And His Orchestra 
•Music With "Lasting Flavor" 

A band of distinction — leading in 
popularity — famous for original 
rhythms and music of character. 



Management: NORMAN RESNICK 



Which offThese WORRIES AreYours? 

CAN'T FAKE REQUESTS. (Can't remember pick up or 
release) 

CAN'T PLAY REQUESTS. You're not up on your tunes) 
CAN'T FIND PUBLISHERS OF TUNES YOU WANT. 
DONT KNOW IF TUNES ARE ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, etc. 
MUST WADE THROUGH FILES OF MUSIC TO ARRANGE 
A PROGRAM. 

MUST DRAG STACKS OF PROS AND ORKS WHERE- 

EVER YOU WORK. 
WISH YOU COULD GET ADVANCE INFO ON NEW TUNES. 

It JOB bav« experienced anr of thene dlfflcDltlea nnd annoTaiMes yonr prob- 
legi* an completelr and slmplj Mlved by noburibliic at a coft of only a 
tew cent! a day (profldhig you can ahow proof ot year protewlonal activ- 
ity la the entertainment field) to the mo«t nnoKual mania service la the his- 
tory ot tbe mosl^pnbllshlnc lodostt^. 

TUNE-DEX 

(Tht trad*, Encyclic Muiie refaranca Indax) 
PRBEI SampUa of TUNE-DEX cards and Information. 
Write NOW to 

TUNE-DEX. Dept. B, Suite 815, 1619 Broadway, N. Y. C. 




• Tha Romantic Voloa and 

• Sparkling Accordion of 

AL GAYLE 

"Radio's Singing Accordionist" 

And His ORCHESTRA 

Cnrrently Appearing 

THE LOUISUNA 

(Formerly Wllshlre Bowl, Los Anceles) 
Penonal Management — Irene Cortis 
Booked by William Fleck Agency 



Wednesday^ October 7, 1942 



57 



ST CROWN 



Scoring in his usual dynamic style, H.R.H. 
of III Dl HO, is eastward bound via the 
nation's leading theatres, leaving behind 
him a trail of BROKEN BOX OFFICE RECORDS. 



iCALLOWAY 




EXOLUtlVI eOLUMBIA RECORDING ARTIST 

Cifrrwit RWmmi No. S66tl 

VIMINIA, QEORQM AND OAROLINE 
hi U AROUND 

Foriheomliig R«raa««f No. $9^2 

I Mt TNI NECK or THE CHICKEN 
O'QEECHEE RIVER LULLABY 



Armatfemenli IRVIN€ MILLS, 1619 BROADWAY. N. Y. 0. 



Booking RepretonUtlvot GENERAL AMUSEMENT CORP. immu a. mcmbi. 

HMTtM • CMCMO • NOUVWOOO * lONMN 



58 



ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



ihe name siorif 
fi'om year io year . 



BOOKED SOLID 
IN THEATRES 
CAFES 
CONCERTS 



Crerybody^s Happy 

TED LEWIS 



COLUMBIA AND DECCA 
RECORDING ARTIST 



Direetioa: MCA 



JACK MILLER 

^nd His Orchestra 



10 Years . The Kate Smith Hour 
3 Years...The Aldrich Family 



Banas at Hoteh B.O.'s 



(Presented herewith, as a weekly tabulation, (» the estimated couet 
charge tmsiness being done bv name bands in vartotu New York hotels 
Dinner business (7-10 p.m.) not raied. Figures after name of hotel gi»e 
roojn capacity and cover charge. Larger amount dcslpnatei weekend and 

holiday price.) 



Weeka 

Ibinil lliiltl '"'"/•^ 

Les Brown A.'itor (1.000; 75c-$l) 3 

Ray Healhcrton . Billmore (300; $1-S1.50) 23 

Xavier Cugal' ...Waldorf (550; $1-$1.50) 14 

Johnny Long ... New Yorker (400; 75c-$1.50) 21 

Lanj Mclntire ...Lexington (300; 75c-$1.50) 34 

Glen Gray Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$1.50) 12 

Harry James Lincoln (225; $1.50-$2) 0 

Vaiigh Monroe . .Commodore (500; 51-Sl. 50) 0 



Covers 

PlMl 

Week 

3,200 
800 
2,700 
1,800 
1,775 
2.050 
t700 
1 1,575 



Co*er> 
Ob Dst» 

11,400 

14,700 

40,600 

43,250 

52,075 

25,025 

700 

1,575 



• Asterisks indicate a supporting floor shoui, although Ihe band it the 
major draw, v 2 days, t 3 dnys. 



Chicago 



Griff Williams (Empire Room, Palmer House; 600; $3-$3.S0 min.). This 
band a prime favorite with Chicagoans, attracting big 4,800 people for 

week. 

Art Kassell (Walnut Room, Bismarck hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Just start- 
ing run, Kassell brought in 1,000 on week-end. Jimmy Joy, bowing out 
after long run, rated 2.100 in flnal days of stay. 

Sonny Dunham (Panther Room, Sheridan hotel; 800; $1.2S-$2.S0 min.), 
Following record-setting pace of Jimmy Dorsey, Dunham chalked up very 
nice 5,000 for first week. 

Eddie Oliver (Mayfair Room. Blackstone hotel; 350; $2.50 min.). Strongly 
backed by Jane Pickens, favorite Dixie vocalist, Oliver garnered 1,600 
people for this rendezvous. 



Los Angeles 



Freddy^artin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Little off stride but stlU 
no long faces at 3.300 covers 
Joe Reichman (Biltmore; 1,200; 50c-$l). The longer h« rum the better 

he gets. Clipped off another 5,000. 



Boston 

Basil Fomeen (Oval Room. Copley Plaza; 300; $1 cover). With Dorothy 
Lewis Ice Show, Fomeen drew 1,800 covers, flue, with major portion of 
biz on weekend when overHow from football crowdi is accommodated in 
adjoining Sheraton Room. Dinner trade also big. 

Jack Edwards (Terrace Room, Hotel Statler; 450; $1 cover). It'i Ed' 
wards' 15th week and his best yet when swelled by the foUoweri of foot- 
ball; with 900 on Friday-Saturijay, only late nights. Dinner sessions also 
fine. 



Minneapolis 



Tony Dl Pardo (Minnesota Terrace; Nicollet hotel; 550; $1-$1.50 min.). 
Second engagement here within Ave months for this well-liked band and 
it's off to good start. Floor show acts are Kurtis Marionettes, Don Julian 
& Marjorie and Nina Korda. Nightly crowds average 500. 



Philadelphia 

Nat Brandwynne (Garden Terrace, Benjamin Franklin hotel; 500; $1- 
$1.50-$2 min.). Starting o(r his stay here with a bang, playing to 950 
supper customers for first three days— Thurs., Frl. and Sat. — Herby Woods 
wound up his stint with 350 patrons for first three days of the week. 

Walter Miller (Stratford Gardens, Bellevue-Stratford hotel; 225; no 
cover or min.). Continuing bullish biz at this swank spot, with 1,250 
tipplers chalked up for dinner and supper. 

Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

(Los Angeles) 

Jimmy Doracy (Palladium B, Hollywood, first week). Second trip here 
and will do great 30.000 to break Harry James' record on first week of 
six-week stand. 

Bob Chester (Casa Manana B, Culver City, Cal.. third week). Too bad, 
but California jivers just don't know Chester ^d that's why the boys in 
the counting room wept as they stopped just' short of 3.000. 

Bay McKlnley (Trianon B. Southgate, Cal, first week). Pretty tough 
for .the former drummer boy with Will Bradley and Jimmy Dorsey to 
follow Count Basic, who set a new attendance high for the spot, but he's 
oft to an okay start with 5,000 payees. 



< (.Chicago) 

Buddy Franklin (Chez Paree; 650; $3-$3.50 min.). Grade Fields is still 
chieg magnet at this class nitery, bringing in sock 4.400 people to hear her. 

Art Jarrctt (Blackhawk; 500; $125 min.). Ending long and successful 
run here Jayett did a nice business, attracting 2,800 people for week. 



(Minneapolis) 

Ada Leonard (Happy Hour; 600; no cover or min.). Business held up 
splendidly during third week. One more to go. Attendance running 600 
to 700 a night. Jack Crawford follows here Tuesday (6). 




The Originator 
of Singing 
Ballads In 
Swingtime 

mum 



CURRENTLY AT 

LE RUBAN BLEU 

(Indefinite Engagement) 
NEW YORK 

Direction JACK BERTELL, M.C.A. 




with 





Am MIS 

CLOUDS of JOY 

Featuring 
JUNE RICHMOIVD 

On one-nighters, on 
location, on every <lale 
everywhere . . . this 
great, versatile band 
has done big business. 
★ 

BOOKED SOLID .4LL 
THRU '42! 

★ 

Set new profit records 
by playing this band. 



ANDY KIRK 

AND mS CLOUDS OF JOY 

Offer These Great 
DECCA RECORDS 

I'M MISUNDERSTOOD 

NO ANSWER 4141 

47TH STREET JIVE 

BIG TIME CRIP .... 4042 



Exclusive Management 

JOE GLASER, Inc. 

30 Rockefeller P'taza 
NEW YORK, N. Y. 





AND HIS ORCHESTRA 






The STARDUSTERS and DAVE TOUGH 



f ersonof Management} PON W* HAYNES 1270 Sixth ilvenue^ New Yorfc^ N. TT. 



60 ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



"FINE 
BAND . . . 

STRONG 

IMPRESSION . . . 

INTERESTING 
ARRANGEMENTS... 

ALL 

GROOVES . . . 
PLAYS 

CLEANLY . . . 
GOOD 

INTONATION . . 

OUTSTANDING 
SOLOISTS . . . 

EXTREMELY 
FLEXIBLE . . . 

Turning ae smart a ballad 
a« It Hoes warmer fare.** 

Said Wood in Varl^y 
R«view of Lea Brown at 
Hotel Astor 




BROWN 



And His Orchestra 



ancludes lengthy and 
Iccessful run at HOTEL 
TtOR ROOF, NEW 
)RK, in mid-October 

Am THEN 

FRANK DAILEVS 

MEADOWBROOK 
COUNTRY CLUB 

At Cedar Grove, New Jersey 



LES BROWN 
And His Orchestra 

Frntured Id 
RKO's "SEVEN DAYS LEAVE" 
Soon To Be Released 

KxClaHlFO 

OOLUMBIA RECORDING 
ARTISTS 
-f 

Exclusive Management 

JOE GLASER, Inc. 

30 Rockefeller Plaza 
NEW YORK, N. Y. 



Mysterious FaSure of Coca-Cola Show 

Sammy Kaye Orchestra Plays Before 12,000 in Mil- 
waukee But Blue Doesn't Get Program 



Milwaukee, Oct. 6. 

Whelhci- CocD - Cola's Spotlight 
Band show with SHiiliny Kaye was 
dclibcialcly snbolaged in what was 
to have been n Blue network broad- 
cast from the Eayles' ballroom here 
Wednesday nielli (30) or whether it 
was only 'accident' that kept a com- 
plete performance from reaching the 
air is the subject of an intensive in- 
vestigation now under way, with 
the repercussion still to come, and 
everybody concerned currently pass- 
ing the buck. 

WEMP. local outlet for the Blue, 
had no part in the arrangements for 
the broadcast beyond paving the 
way for the operators and engineers 
from the Chicago office to come in 
here to put the show on the air. 



Pall Mall's Stymie 



Crew of New^ York agency 
men and writers on a special 
trip to Chicago last week to 
make a transcription of the new 
Pall Mall cigaret radio pro- 
gram with Grade Fields, playing 
there at the Chez. Paree nitery, 
found that NBC had assigned as 
engineer a new youngster who 
had never before cut a disc, in- 
stead of th« expert promised. 

Recording turned out faulty 
because mike was not open in 
right places and balance was 
poor due to inept handling of 
controls. 

Oracle Fields airer, with Harry 
Sosnlk oroh, Is a &ve-minut« 
ahow, flv« times weekly over 
'WJZ-Blue starting next Monday 
(12). It airs directly after the 
Coca-Gola show. 



account, arranged with the Allis- 
Chalmers Co., big producer of war 
materials, to accept the orchids. 
Broadcast from the plant itself was 
not regarded as practicable, so it 
was decided to make the event a 
party at the Eagles ballroom for 
company employes, with Sammy 
Kaye coming up from the Riverside 
theatre to put on the show. 

12,000 In Hall 
Some 12,000 persons crowded into 
the dancery. The program went on 
as smoothly and perfectly as pos- 
sible. Sammy Kaye and the an- 
nouncers read their scripts as per 
schedule, the band played in perfect 
timing ,the huge audience whooped 
and cheered as requested and not a 
soul outside the ballroom heard a 
sound, which scores of Blue netwo* 
stations were supposed to be broad- 
casting. Instead, the various stations 
carried flU-in music and apologetic 
announcements. 

Trouble shooters dispatched to the 
broadcast scene couldn't fight their 
way through the crowd until the 
half hour 'broadcast' was over, then 
telephone company checkers discov- 
ered that, although the plug-in boxes 
had been plainly labeled, the oper- 
ating man from Chicago (or some 
one) had hooked up a No. 2 wire 
terminal instead of the No. 3; that 
kept the entire show from getting 
onto the ether. 

Coca - Cola blamed the D'Arcy 
agency, the agency blamed the New 
"Vork Blue office, the New "York 
Blue blamed the Chicago Blue of- 
fice, the Chicago office blamed 
someone in Milwaukee' for gum 
ming up the works and conferences 
are still going on in Milwaukee, Chi- 
cago and. New York in an effort to 
determine definitely who is to be 
the goat. 



Union radio t«chniciang here belong 
to th« International 6rotnerhood ot 
Electrical Workers, who have a 
stringent rule against any put of 
town workers oonung into Mllwau- 
kee. The Chicago technicians do not 
belong to the IREW, and 9. J. Lan 
phier, manager of WEMi^, talked lo- 
cal union oHicials into waving their 
rula for this occasion, so the Blue's 
Windy City workers had full oherge 
of the lt6okup that failed to hook up. 

To give the Spotlight Bands show 
a patrlotlo angle, It u aired as a sa 
lute to • chosen deferiM Industrial 
plant, and liere tl^e D'ArtV Agen( 
of New Yok, handling th« Cooa-Go: 



Jerry Burton Joins 

Byrne Band in N.Y 



Jerry Burton, radio, recording and 
band baritone, has joined the Bobby 
Byrne band at the Hotel Edison, New 
York, as featured male vocalist. He's 
replaced Jerry Scott. Burton left 
Paul Martel's outfit at the Arcadia 
Ballroom, N. Y., to go with Byrne, 

Burton, sustainer over WHN, N. V., 
for the past two years, will continue 
on the latter itlnt until Oct. 18, when 
he goes on tour with Byrne. 



'Songs of the Allies* 

Chicago. Oct. 6. 

'Songs of the Allies,' a five- 
minute transcribed program of 
national anthems and war songs, 
will be produced on 30 stations 
of both major networks, from 
two to six limes a week, start- 
ing Monday. 

Songs will be sung by a mixed 
chorus, with Ray Charles in solo 
spot, Norman Luboff writes ar- 
rangements and directs chorus. 

Grove Laboratories, St. Louis, 
sponsors for Bromo Quinine Cold 
Tablets. Russel M. Seeds Agency, 
Chicago, set deal. 



RACE BIAS AFFUGTS 
BALLROOM'S MAKEOVER 



Cleveland, Oct. 6. 
Charles Horvath, who recently 
bought the old Coliseum ballroom 
for $15,000 with the idea ot trans- 
forming it into a roller rink, ran into 
neighbor-trouble almost before the 
ink on contract had dried. Led by 
the Rev. Angelo Trivison of the 
nearby St. Marian's Church, a dele- 
gation of 25 residents of the neigh 
borhood protested against the re- 
opening of hall which formerly fea- 
tured colored orchestras for a Negro 
clientele. 

Committee filed official protest 
with Frank D. Celebrezze, city's pO' 
lice safety director, contending the 
place was 'obnoxious, a public nui- 
sance and dangerous to the lives and 
morals of children.' When it was 
open before, objectors 'claimed, row- 
dies virtually overran the neighbor- 
hood, injuring property and insult' 
ing while women. Neighborhood is 
predominantly Italian but only a 
couple of blocks away from 'Little 
Harlem.' Petition signed by 462 res 
idents and 125 businessmen backed 
up the protest. 



Georgie Auld Misses Navy 
And Artie Shaw's Banc 

Georgie Auld joined the Army last 
week after being turned down by 
the Navy because he wasn't a citizen 
of the U. S, Leader and ace tenor 
sax man took a physical at Cover 
nor's Island, N. Y.' last Saturday (3) 
morning, was accepted and la now 
on a two-week furlough. He's 
Canadian. 

Auld's purpose in seeking to join 
the Navy was to become a member 
of Artie Shaw's orchestra at New- 
port, R. I. He played with Shaw's 
original jump outfit. 



BoFd Senter at the Sasea Glub, 
Toledo. 



The Trumpet Style Pianist, . . 

EARL NINES 

and his ORCHESTRA 

Featnring-BILLY ECKSTEIN-MADELINE GREENE-THE 3 VARIETIES 



VICTOR BLVEBIRD RECORDS 

STORMY MONDAY BLUES 

X 

SECOND BALCONY JUMP 
THE JITNEY MAN 

X 

THE FATHER JUMPS 



BUSINESS IS TERRIFIC! 

CREATED NEW RECORD 

WEEK SEPT. 18 = 

HOWARD THEA. 

WASHINGTON, D. C. 

. NET . . . $12,375 

WEEK OCT. 9 RETURN ENGAGEMENT 

APOLLO THEATRE 

NEW YORK 
WEEK OCT. 23 

PARADISE THEA. 

DETROIT 



The 

Sensation 

of the 

Nation! 



Per. Mgt.— CHARLES OARPENTER 



Olreotien— WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY 




And His Orchestra 
Whos* CapKol Record 

"COW COW 
BOOGIE" 

Is the 

Sensation of 
the TSlation! 

Vocal by 




ELLA MAE 
MORSE 



And Here's Your Next 

Sensation of 
the l<lationl 

Their Newest Capitol 
Recording 

"MR. 5x5" 

★ 

Currently 

HERMOSA BEACH 
CALIFORNIA 

12 Broadcasts Weekly 
★ 

Exclusive Manaflement 

JOE GLASER, Inc. 

30 Rockefeller Plaza 
NEW YORK 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



61 



It 



^^^^^ 




AND HIS ORCHESTRA 
JOHNNY (Paradiddle Joe) MORRIS 

EUGENIE BAIRD * SJUBBY PASTOR 

BLUEBIRD RECORDS 
Current Releases 

LET'S DO IT . . . DINAH . . . PARADIDDLE JOE 

I'm Getting Tired So I Can Sleep 
(from This Is The Army") 

MASSACHUSETTS . BROTHER BILL 



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS to MR. BOB WEITMAN for his consideration and 
Cooperation on our former and this, our return engagement dt the Paramount. 
New York. ... To MRS. MARIA KRAMER for successful and extended en- 
gagements at her Lincoln HoteL New York, and Roosevelt in Washington. D. C. 



pmm/A^. CY SHBIBKAN • CONSOLIDATED EADIO ABTISTS 



62 ORCHESTRA GROSSES 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 




Just Concluded 

Phenomenally Suc- 
cessful West Coast 
Tour . . . Now Head- 
ing East! 

PLUS VALVES 
A big hit in iW-G-M's 
"Cabin in the Sky." 

A big hit on records — 
hear these DECCA 
hUs by LOUIS ARM- 
STRONG: 
CASH FOR YOUR TRASH 
I NEVER KNEW ...DECCA 4229 

AMONG MY SOUVENIRS 
COQUETTE DECCA 4327 

DO YOU CALL THAT A BUDDY 
HEY LAWDY, MAMA Decca 3756 



Exclusive Management 

JOE GLASER, Inc. 

30 Rockefell9r Plaza 
NEW YORK, N. Y. 



Kaye Neat $36,000 in Del; Pastor 3d 
In N. Y. Big 61G. Alvino Rey Fme 
25I/2G in PhlDy. Jurgens 16G, Indpk 



(Estimates lor This Week) 
Bob Crosby. Omaha (Orpheum; 
3.000: 20-40-55-65)— With 'A Gentle- 
man After Dark' (UA). Nice combo 
getliPR pretty good $14,000. 

Johnny 'Seal* Davis, Providence 
(Met; 3.200: 30-55)— With 'Kid From 
Kansas' (U) and Marion Hutton and 
Modernaires. Nice $7,500 in three 
days. 

Horace Ileidt-Frankle Carle, New ; 

York (Strand: 2.756: 35-55-75-85-99- | 
$1.10) — With 'Desperate Journey* 
(WB) on screen. Now in the second 
week, picture i.s accounting for ma- 
jor share of big $47,000. while the 
initial seven d.nys was $52,000. HoUh 
third week. 

Ina Ray Hutton, San Francisco 
(Golden Gate: 2.850: 44-55-75)— With 
'Bambi* (RKO) (2d wk). Aiding 
film to build second week up to 
socko $18,000. 

Sammy Kave, Detroit (Michigan; 
4,000; 50-65)— With 'Glass Key' (Par). 
With picture also getting attention, 
Kaye is heading toward cozy $36,- 
000, general level of orchestras at 
the house. 

Stan Kenton. Boston (RKO) (3.200; 
44-65-75-85)— With 'Footlight Sere- 
nade' (20th), Mary Brian, Frank 
Paria, Three Stooges. A good all- 
round stage presentation, materially 
hypoed by Stooges and film, and 
taking okay $29,000. | 

Dick Jargens, Indianapolis (Circle; 
2,600; 33-44-55)— With 'Mexican Spit- 
fire's Elephant' (RKO). Band, new 
to this house, is getting the business, 
good $16,000 worth. | 

Gene Krupa, Passaic (Central; 2.- 
350; 30-40-50-65-75)— With 'She's in 
the Navy' (Mono) plus Johnny 
Downs. Band providing major draw 
and pacing to sturdy $18,000. 

Lucky MllliDder, Pittsburgh (Stan- 
ley; 3,800; 30-44-55-66)— With Ink 
Spots and 'Tish' (M-G). Inic Spots, 
of course, rated the major draw, 
rather than band, and biz only aver- 
age, a disappointment for this combo, 
which' did sensationally here just a 
year ago. Looks like $18,000. 

Abe Lyman, Los Angeles (Or- 
pheum; 2,290; 33-44-55-65)— With 'In 
Old California' (Rep) on screen. 
Getting meagre $12,000, with no help 
from the screen. 

Will Osborne, Cleveland (Palace; 
3.700; 40-60-70)— With Merry Macs 



and 'Pied Piper' (20th). For a 
change, picture is main puller, but 
sturdy stage bill helping to high 
$26,000. 

Tony Pastor, New 'York (Para- 
mount: 3.664; 35-55-85-99-$!. 10)— 
With Andrews Sisters on stage. 'Ma- 
jor and Minor' (Par) on screen. 
Wound up third week last night 
(Tuesday) at smash $61,000 and goes 
another. Film will be held a fifth 
.stanza, with Gene Krupa replacing 
the Pastor band and the Andrews 
gals. 

Alvino Rey, Philadelphia (Eaile: 
2.768; 35-46-57-68-75)— With King 
Sisters and 'A-Haunting We Will Go' 
i20lh). Band sending gross to $25,- 
500. excellent considering the film 
fare. 



Modest Min«. Kramer 

Muala publisher! and patron* 
at the opening of Harry Jamei 
orchestra at the Lincoln hotel, 
New York, last week were at 
first nonplussed then amused by 
one of the new display! in tha 
redecorated room. On one wall 
there is a large, glass enclosed 
photograph of Mrs. Maria 
Kramer, owner and operator of 
the hostelry. 

There is a similar likeness of 
James on the same wall, but to- 
ward the rear of the room while 
Mrs. Kramer's occupies a prom- 
inent place opposite the dance 
floor. 



Lawrence L. Levy Into 
Navy As Lieutenant 

Memphis, Oct. 6. 

Lawrence L. Levy, the hotel man 
who is credited with making Mem- 
phis name-band conscious, has joined 
the Navy. Appointed manager o( the 
Claridge Hoted here about 10 years 
ago, he opened the first Summer roof 
garden to operate here in modern 
musical times and brought the first 
big-time orchestras to Memphis on a 
location basis. 

Town had formerly been a one* 
night stand, soon became a regular 
stop on the circuit for major orches- 
tras playing hotels and ballrooms 
extended dates. He has operated the 
Balinese Room and Magnolia Roof 
Gardens seasonally ever since. 

He reports to Quonset Oct. 5lh and 
will be commissioned lieutenant, 
junior grade. Louis P. Wood, assist- 
ant manager at the Claridge for six 
years, becomes manager in his ab- 
sence for the duration. 



Ina Ray Hutlon's band, held over 
for second week at Golden Gate 
theatre, San Francisco, along with 
picture, 'Bambi,' because of big bi;; 
combo did on first sesh. 



Clro Bimac band opened two- 
week engagement Monday (5) at 
Villa Madrid, Pittsburgh. 



Glen Gray Good 
li/zG, Powell Fair 
^YiQ in 1-Niters 



(Estimates) 

Al Donahue (Raymor-Playmor B., 
Boston, Oct., 2-3). Donahue played 
week ago to okay biz and quick re- 
peat was, also good. Teamed with 
Guy Ormandy, local, he played to 
2,000 Friday at 65c-55c and next 
night, with Alan Curtis, drew 2,100 
same prices for fine $2,870 gross. 

Glen Gray (Ritz Ballroom, Bridge- 
port, Conn., Oct. 4) Glen Gray's 
Casa Lomans, fresh out of Penn- 
sylvania hotel, N. Y., played to good 
total of 1,550, approximately, at 
$1.10. 

Johnny McGee (Totem Pole, 
Auburndale, Mass., Sept. 30-Oct. 3). 
Frequent attraction here, McGee is 
well liked and always draws. In 
four days played to 7,600 at usual 
SI. 45 pair for good $5,510. 

Teddy Powell (Arena, New Haven, 
Conn., Oct. 4). Light matinee and 
fair evening drew approximately 
4.500 buyers of Powell and Ella 
Fitzgerald and Four Keys, among 
acts; ?t $1.10 top just fair. 

Jerry Wald (Shubert theatre, New 
Haven. Conn., Oct. 4). Wald, who's 
being built-up. and vaude, drew esti- 
mated 4.800 people here at 75c top; 
okay. On Friday (2) Wald regis- 
tered neatly at Brookline C. C. 
Philadelphia, playing to approxi- 
mately 700 dancers at $1.10. 

Herby Woods (Brookline C.C., 
Philadelphia, Oct. 3). Good start 
for Woods' one-nighter tour after 
stay local Benjamin Franklin hotel; 
nice 650 at $1.10. 



ART KASSEL 



AND HIS 

"K ASSELS - IN -THE - AIR " 

MAKE RECORDS . . . BLUEBIRD 

* LATEST RECORDINGS ★ 

— Every Niglit About This Time 

and Light a Candle in the Chapel — B-11571 

— Wlierc the Mountain Meets the Sky 
and Pennsylvania Polka 

BREAK RECORDS . . . BOX OFFICE 

* THEATRES— "Kassel's in the Air" clicked solid at 
18 theatres on recent engagements at Oriental, Chi- 
cago; Riverside, Milwaukee; Orpheum, Davenport, 
and other theatre dates. 

* DANCE DATES— .Always a hit with dancers. Art 
Kassel hit a new box office high at hotels and ball- 
rooms during summer season tour. 

* R.\DIO— MBS-WGN seven solid months last season. 
"Kassel's in the Air" have vast radio audience which 
means bigger box office on "in person" dales. 




Just Concluded ARAGON BALL- 
ROOM, Chicago. Broadcasting WGN- 
MBS. 



NOW PLAYING BISMARCK HO- 
TEL. Chicago. Broadcasting WGN- 
MBS. 



Personal Direction: M1CH.\LD & CHRISTENSRN 
Management : MUSIC CORPORATIOiN OF AMERICA 




ALWAYS 

!Th« Finest Entertainment in Town 

IHllll IIISE 

presents 

THE RECORD-HOLDING CREATOR OF 
"AMERICASMOSTDANCEABLEMUSIC 



iiirr 



fflllllllS 




AND HIS FAMOUS 

ORCHESTRA 



GRIFF WILLIAMS 
SETS A RECORD 

'GBIFF WILLIAMS and hU 
orchestra broke an all-time rec- 
ord for a single week's gross 
revenue in the Empire Room ef 
the Palmer House." 

—CHICAGO SVN. 



GRIFF WILLIAMS 
SETTING NEW RECORDS 
IN EMPIRE ROOM 

"It I were asked to name the 
'King of Swing,' I wouldn't even 
put Griff In the flrsl ten, but It I 
were asked to name the band to 
which I most preferred to dance 
and listen, GrIfT Williams would 
be alone al the top. He is a show- 
man and an artist." 

—WILL DAVIDSON, 
Chicago Tribune. 



"An Important 7-year record 
fell at the Palmer House Empire 
Room, when Griff Williams broke 
the all-time all-attraction total 
lor a single week's gross rev- 
enue." 

—ALBERT C. FULLER, 
Palmer House 
Advertising Manager. 



EIGHT TIMES WEEKLY 

WGN— MBS 



MANAGEMENT MUSIC 
CORPORATION OF AMERICA 



Wednesday, October T, 1943 



63 



VICTOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS PARADE OF STARS 



They've made VICTOR and BLUEBIRD RECORDS Tops In the Trade ! 




The World's Greatest ^©Artists Are On 

VICTOR and BLUEBIRD RECORDS 



BUY 



u, 5. 



WAR BONDS EVERY PAYDAY * 



64 ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 




Greatest 
Cuban 
Singer 



STARRED ON 

STAGE, SCREEN & RADIO.. 

INTRODUCED IN THIS COUNTRY 
THESE OUTSTANDING LATIN AMER 
ICAN HITS: 



Babaln 

Rumba Rhapsody 
Blen Bleu Blen 
Elube Chango 
Bruca Hanigua 
Xa Ne^a Leono 
Tumbando Cana 



Rumba Rumbero 
Blm Bam Bum 
Adios Africa 
En Africa 
Llora Timbero 
Anana Boroco Tinde 
Bambarito 



And Many Others 



WATCH FOR MIGVELITO'S FIRST 

DECCA ALBUM-"BIM BAM BUM" 

Miguelito Featurss This Song in Columbia'* 

New Musical 

"YOU WERE NEVER LOVELIER" 

Backed by 

CARAMBU RICA PULPA 

NAGUE 



ZARABANDA 
SESEMAYA 
DRUME NEGRITA OYE NEGRA 



Miguelito Valdes Is Featured 
in Columbia's New Hit 
Musical 

"You Were Never lovelier" 

Starring RITA HAYWORTH 
and FRED ASTAIRE 



Exclusively on 
DECCA RECORDS 




10 Best Sellers on Com-Machmes 



(Records below ore BTabWnff moit ntcfcels thlj week in jukehoxe* 
throttghout the country, as reported by operators to "Variety.' Names 
of more than one band or vocalist after the title indicofes, in order of 
popularity, whose recordings are being played. Figures and names in 
parenthesis indicate the number of weeks each song has been in the listings 
and respective publishers.) 



Gal In Kalamazoo (7) (BVC). 
Strip Polka (8) (Mercer) 



3. My Devotion (6) (Santly) 

4. He's My Guy (4) (Leeds) 

5. Silver Wings (10) (Shapiro) 

6. Stage Door Canteen (4) (Army) 

7. Be Careful, My Heart (8) (Berlin) 

8. Just Though You're Here (6) (Yankee). 

9. Came to Talk for Joe (2) (Shapiro) 



( Glenn Miller Victor 

(Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

(Andrews Sisters Decca 

(Johnny Mercer Capitol 

J Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

^ Vaughn Monroe Victor 

I Harry James Columbia 

(Tommy Dorsey Victor 

! Kay Kyser Columbia 

( Abe Lyman Bluebird 

(Sammy Kaye Victor 

(Charlie Spivak Columbia 

( Bing Crosby Decca 

(Charlie Spivak ...Columbia 

( Tommy Dorsey Victor 

\ Inkspots Decca 

( Sammy Kaye Victor 

I King Sisters Bluebird 



,„ ^ , f Guy Lombardo Decca 

10. Met Her on Monday (1) (ABC) }^^.^^ Brothers Decca 

OTHER FAVORITES 

(These records are directly below first 10 in populority. Tunes tulth 
number of weeks in parenthesis are fading, others gaining.) 



Idaho (12) (Mills). 



When Lights Go On Again (CLP). 
Every Night This Time (Warock). 



Take Me (BVC). 



Wonder When Baby (8) (Crawford). 



Daybreak (Feist) 



) Benny Goodman . .Columbia 

' ( Alvino Key Victor 

J Vaughn Monroe Victor 

(Shop Fields Bluebird 

( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

( Inkspots Decca 

) Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

(Benny Goodman. .Columbia 

(Sammy Kaye Victor 

(Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

( Harry James Columbia 



At Last (Feist) {Glenn Miller •••Victor 

(Charlie Spivak Columbia 

Strawberry Moon (Witmark) { JJ-^J^A^"* 5'"=" 

(Dick Robertson Decca 

Mr. Five By Five (Leeds) ! h7 ""cf 'I"' 

(Freddie Slack r Capitol 



Praise Lord, Pass Ammunition (Famous).. 



(Kay Kyser Columbia 



( Merry Macs Decca 

Der Fuehrer's Face (Southern) Spike Jones Bluebird 

Boy In Khaki (ABC) ^ Crosby Decca 

( Tommy Dorsey Victor 



Silvery Moon (8) (Remick). 



( Ray Noble Columbia 

( Dick Stabile Decca 



Jenny Lee, vocalist, has left Pall 
Allwes band, at Arlington Lodge, 
Pittsburgh, to study voice and music 
at Ohio University. 



Don Pablo orchestra in for the 
opening of the Palm Beach, Detroit. 
It marks the fifth year tor the band 
at the spot. 



LLINGTON 

Leads AGAIN! 



r;iw llrfjiiiH i 



HAYFOOT 
STRAWFOOT 



' \:( -ivvr; 2;:— !:;;;:;) 



TEMPO MUSIC, Inc. 

\ME1. lAMKS. •;,.rirrf;/ !/«,-. 
1 T7.'> IJroiiclviay. .Nrw York, >. ^ , 



HIT NEW 

BOX-OFFICE 

HIGHS 

Everywhere 

With 




The greatest band to 
come along in years. 
Watch it soar to the 
heights. 



Just Concluded 

Smash Engagement 

CASA MANAMA 

Hollywood 

★ 



Now on Successful Tour of 
West Coael Theatres . . . 
Concluding Nov. 25. 

AVAILABLE FOR 
EASTERN BOOKINGS 



Hear These Record Hits by 
Hampton — 



Chiiln- With Chatt iflMTOD 9700 
Now That You're Mint llllIUH Cl9£V 



Juit for Vou 
Mr Wild 



In tht Bai 

Flylni Home 



DECCA 1B265 
DECCA 18394 



Exclusivs Management 

JOE GLASER, Inc. 

30 Rockefeller Plaza 
NEW YORK, N. Y. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



65 






Lit© 



Hp* 





DMCE BHDS F«R TIE CRITICAL 

OF IIIERICI 

With a reputation for having created and developed outstanding 
box-o£Bce values in every field of entertainment, the William Morris 
Agency proudly represents a brilliant, comprehensive roster of 
audiencc'approved dance bands. 

Designed to meet the individual and specialized needs of you 
and your audience, the parade of musical attractions features 
great names in popular music— from the Dean of them all— to 
tomorrow's discovery. 

Whether your audience demands a star-bright name band, a suave 
society orchestra or a popular cocktail unit, the talent buyer may 
look with confidence-as always- to the Agency of Show Business. 

WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY iivc. 

NEW YORK • CLEVELAND • CHICAGO • HOLLYWOOD • LONDON 




66 



ORCHESTRAS 



yARtETY 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Inside Stuff-Orchestras 



Mark Waniow. conductor of the Lucky Sliike Hit Parade, is seriously 
Ofnsideiing organizing a dance band to partially fill the gaps left by the 
Bb>ence of Eddy Duchin, Orrin Tucker, Glenn Miller, et al, who are in 
vnrioiis branches of service. It's said Music Corp. of America has been 
Bflcr Warnow to form a combination and tlie leader has gone as far as 
ln'.er\ iewing musicians. 

However, if the idea jells Warnow would confine himself to bookings 
• round New York; his Hit Parade chore would prevent di.stant bookings. 
Band would be called the 'Blue Velvet Orchestra.' 



Paul Whileman, reminiscing about his family life, admits that Paul, Jr., 
now 18, at Culver Military Academy, will probably cut his classes and 
Join up. And daughter, Margot, 10, urged Papa Whitcman to take a three- 
week booking at the N. \. Strand (which he tinned down) just so she 
could sil in with the band in her 'formal,' and look at the audience from 
the other i^ide of the footlights. 

Whitenian and Mrs. Whiteman. the former Margaret Living.ston. now 
have a model 400-acre farm in New Jersey where they breed cattle and 
the like. Mrs. Whiteman just about has it paying, too. 



Band Bookings 



Speaking of sock patriotic songs, as who isn't Ihe.se dayi>. why is there 
no steam-up on George Gershwin's old but still socko 'Strike Up the 
feand'? Its elTectiveness and its liaison with the present idiom was never 
rnore pointed up as it was at the Army benefit at Madison Sq. Garden 
Sept. 30. The new special lyrics sound OK too. 



John Hammond, Jr.'s Music and Rhythm Mag is folding^jfor lack of 
Internal harmony. Hammond is of the socialite family, and a patron of 
swing music as well as being a brother-in-law of Benny Goodman. Maestro 
J-ecently wed Hammond's sister. 



CESAR PETRILLO 

Musical Director 

COLUMBIA WBBM 
CHICAGO 

Personally Directing 

WBBM DANCE and CONCERT ORCHESTRAS 

ALSO 

"VICTORY MATINEE" 

BEN BERNIE 

PROGRAM FOR 
WRIGLEY 

"FIRST LINE 



Lou Breese, Oct. 17, Pla-Mor B., 
Kansas City; Orpheum T., Daven- 
port, la. 

Bobby Byrne, Oct. 20-22, Empire 
T., Fall River, Mass.; 23-25, Stale T., 
Hartford, Conn. 

Chuck Foster, Oct. 18, Tromar B., 
Des Moines; 21, Chermot B., Omaha; 
22, Frog Hop B., St. Joseph, Mo.; 23, 
two weeks. Blue Moon, Wichita. 

Glen Gray, Oct. 27, Coronado T., 
Rockford. III.; 28, Orpheum T.. Madi- 
son, Wis.; 30, week. Chicago T., Chi- 
cago. 

Louis Jordan, Oct. 30, Joyland 
Park, Lexington, Ky. 

Bay Kinney, Oct. 17, Athletic Club, 
Milwaukee; 18, Eagle B., Milwaukee; 
22, Paramount E.. Anderson, Ind.: 
27, Decatur T., Lincoln. Neb.; 28-29, 
Palace T.. Peoria, III.; 30, week. Ori- 
ental T., Chicago. 

Stan Kenton, Oct. 30, 10 days, Ray- 
mor B., Boston. 

Johnny Long, Oct. 18. County Cen- 
ter, White Plains, N. Y.; 19-21, Slate 
T., Harrisburg, N. Y.; 23, week, Earle 
T, Washington; 30, four week.i, Rose- 
land B, New York. 

Clyde Lucas, Oct. 16, two weeks, 
Cha.^e H., St. Louis. 

Will Osborne, Oct. 9-10, Palace T., 
Canton, O.; 12-14, Empire T., Fall 
River, Mass.; 23, week, Earle T.. Phil- 
adelphia; 30, week, Loew's Akron, 
Akron. 

Dick Rodgers, Oct. 16. eight days, 
Raymor B., Boston; 24, Ren.s.salaer 
Poly, Troy, N. Y.; 30, four weeks, 
New Kenmore H., Albany. 

Charlie Splvak, Oct. 19, Keith's 
Roof, Baltimore. 

Claude Thornhill, Oct. 24, Nu-Elms 
B., Youngstown, O. 

Joe VenutI, Oct. 11, Oak B.; Schuy- 
ler. Neb.; 13, Arkota B., Sioux Falls. 
S. D.; ie-18, Prom B., St. Paul; 23-24, 
Lakeside Park, Dayton; 25, Tromar 
B., Des Moines; 28, Indiana Roof, In- 
dianapolis; 29. Skylon B., Sioux City, 
la.; 30-Nov. 1, Indiana Roof, Indian- 
apolis. 

Jerry Wald, Oct. 16-18, Met T., 
Providence, R. I.; 19-21, Lyric T, 
Bridgeport; 22, week. Adams T 
Newark; 30, week. Palace T., GJeve. 

Charlie Barnel, Oct. 30-2, State T 
Harrisburg, Pa.; 3-5, Palace T., Co 
lumbus; 6-12, Palace, Akron-Youngs 
town; 20, week, Oriental T., Chicago; 
27, week. Riverside T., Milwaukee. 

Ann Dupont, Oct. 21-23, Para 
mount T., Salem, Mass.: Nov. 2, two 
weeks, Lantz Mcrry-Go-Round, Day 
ton, O. 



Bob Carter, singer with Al Marsico 
orchestra at Nixon Cafe, Pittsburgh 
has landed a new commercial on 
KDKA, Pitt. 



SMASHING ALL RECORDS! 




COUNT 
BASIE 

And His Orchestra 
Featuring 

JAMES RUSHING 
EARLE WARREN 
' JO JONES 



Currently 

GOLDEN GATE THEATRE 

San Francisco, Cat. 
COLUMBIA RECORDS 

Personal Manager 
MILTON EBBINS 



WILLIAM MORRIS 

New York Chicago ^IjNC 



AGENCY. 

Cleveland 



Inc. 

Hollywood 



Victor Signs Bob Allen, 
Dickers With Byrne 

RCA-Victor finally signed Bob 
Allen's orchestra to a contract last 
week, but is still negotiating with 
Bobby Byrne. Prior to the settle- 
ment o( the Allen contract Victor 
had hancocked Lee Castle's band. All 
moves are an effort by Victor to 
protect the future since they expect 
to lose more leaders to the services. 
Glenn Miller, one of the company's 
aces, joined the Army last week. 

There were rumors this week that 
the company was also talking to Will 
Osborne and Clyde Lucas. Reports 
were emphatically denied. 



Bob Smith now pianist and ar- 
ranger lor Joe Venuti and his band. 



ROMBERG TOUR 
WITH CAST OF 49 



Sigmund Romberg, composer and 
president o( the Songwriters Pro- 
tective Assn., is going out on a con- 
cert tour with an orchestra of 42 
men and seven vocalists, under the 
direction of Harry D. Squires of the 
Morris office. 

Routine will comprise not only 
tabloid versions ot his own operettas 
but others. Terms are $3,000 a night 
against 50%; $2,500 against GOli; or 
$2,000 against 70%. 



5 



HOTEL COMIIOIIOIIE. \.\. 



\m\m \mm 



UNDER CONTKACT TO THE PRODUCERS OF OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT 

Vaughn 




onroe 



AND HIS ORCHESTRA 



★ MARILYN DUKI 

★ ZiGGY TAUNT 

★ THEUESISTIRS 

★ THE FOUR V's 

P*rtonof A4ano9«ffi«nf 
MARSHARD't MUSIC 




JOE RIXES 



iMLSICAL DIRECTOR 
BLUE NETWORK i 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



UBIETY 



ORCHESTRAS 



67 



CHANGING BAND BUSINESS 



No. i Band Builder 



WGN, Chicago, With Vast Midwest Listen- 
ing Audience, Gets Rating 

By DAVID ARLEN 

Chicago, Oct. 6. 

Honors as the leadiivg maker of bands in the nation go to 
Chicago's radio station WGN, over which more important 
musical aggregations have zoomed to national prominence 
than through any <rther single source. Tribute is consistently 
being paid this midwest source of -evening music by the 
country's top leaders, who are franl< in ascribing their first 
spring up the ladder to their WGN broadcasting time. 

Bands playing the Aragon and Trianon ballrooms, the 
Empire Room of the Palmer House, the Walnut Room of the 
Bismark, and the Blackhawk have been considered one-to-10 
shots to gain national fame, because these were and still are 
the prize pick-ups of WGN. 

People of the midwest, and by that is meant the listening 
areas from Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City and from Min- 
neapolis to Dallas, have been educated for a period of more 
than 15 years to tune in to WGN for their listening late at 
night. Indeed, it can be recorded sans fear of contradiction 
that WGN has the top listening audience for bands. 

Among bands which have catapulted to prominence via 
the airlanes of this station are those of Wayne King, Ted 
Weems, Guy Lombardo, late Hal Kemp, Bob Crosby, Joe 
Sanders, Clyde McCoy, Kay Kyser, Art Kassell, Bernie 
Cummins, Art Jarrett, Grifl Williams, Dick Jurgens, Lawrence 
Welk, Jan Garber, Orrin Tucker and many more. 

Del Courtney, strictly an eastern band with a reputation 
built up principally around Schenectady and its environs, 
really came into his own after playing an extended engage- 
ment at the Stevens ' hotel with a WGN hook-up. Chuck 
Foster, from the Coast, who followed Courtney, was an- 
other virtual unknown who hit after his appearance here. 
Foster, who never waxed a disc previous to this engagement, 
is now busily occupied making recordings in N. Y. 

Particular proof of the immense popularity of WGN's 
dance music was determined this spring. The station staged 
a program of dance music, reserving the 3.200-seat Chicago 
City Opera Auditorium for a theatre, with the bands of 
Xavicr Cugat, Russ Morgan, Sammy Kaye, Orrin Tucker, 
Dick Jurgens and Les Brown as the aggregations featured. 
Only advertising were little announcement cards distributed 
in record stores. They packed the theatre. 

SHEP FIELDS AS EXAMPLE 

Shep Fields is a typical example of a band who had to 
come to Chicago to win a N. Y. and national prestige. After 
scoring over WGN, and building himself an audience of 
national proportions, his ascent up the ladder was rapid, in- 
cluding profitable theatre engagements, one-night stands and 
recordings. 

When Isham Jones came out of retirement with five new 
tunes last week, he asked that Griff Williams debut these 
numbers from the Palmer House over the WGN network, 
. knowing this was an almost surefire way to get his songs 
quick popularity. 

Ted FioRito made his debut on the air while still attend- 
ing the Chicago Conservatory of Music. For a time he ran 
a music school of his own over a local Chicago station. How- 
ever, his music over WGN from the Blackhawk and other 
spots helped to make his reputation national. 

Whether WGN can continue to hold its supremacy is a 
matter of question. "Because, like most of the major stations, 
WGN is being forced, more and more, to cut down its sustain- 
ing time at night in order to make room for commercials. 

In the old days, commercial programs on most of the big 
stations ended at nine o'clock. From that time, until closing, 
the stations devoted themselves to bands, creating names 
which became national bywords. However, as commercials 
intruded more and more, the bands were pushed closer to 
midnight and beyond and their listening audience naturally 
dropped off considerably, 



Location Jobs N. G. Now Because of 
Short Coin — ^Real Money in 
Theatres and Pix 



Careless Air Maestros 



By BERNIE WOODS 

The band business, as it has been known for the past sev- 
eral years, has begun to change. Since the outset of the 
modern name band era, the formula for established orches- 
tras has" been to devote a certain number of weeks each 
year to location work (sometimes 26 out of 52), at a 
hotel or roadhouse, from which they could broadcast as often 
as possible. These broadcasts plugged recordings and 
helped maintain reputations, keeping constant a demand in 
theatres and on one-nighters, the main money dates. That's 
no longer true, according to the actions of a group of top 
names, and other leaders arc beginning to realize it. 

Today the only leaders looking fondly on lengthy, money- 
losing sitdowns, for the purpose of broadcasting, are the few 
newcomers and those other leaders who are not solidly 
established names. 

Many of the already prominent maestros are showing a 
distaste for long location jobs and are either refusing them 
entirely or reducing the number of weeks they'll agree to. 
Those who are refusing or attempting to cancel commit- 
ments are, of course, those who feel they'll soon be in service. 
They figure the immediate future Is golden and the time is 
better spent gathering hay in theatres and in film work than 
in underwriting location runs. If they must have radio time, 
some prefer four weeks at such a spot as Frank Dailey's 
Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J., where they would get 
more air time in that period than during twelve 
weeks at a hotel, and have a chance of at least breaking even 
on a percentage deal. 

Leaders who picture themselves justified in expecting to 
remain in mufti (because of families) feel that, since they are 
already widely known, they are likely to maintain current 
positions (or the duration with a minimum of broadcast- 
exploitation. Few new bands may come up to distract at- 
tention from them for the length of the war. Accordingly a 
number of Hje vols are now figuring on four and at the very 
most eight weeks at hotels where they formerly remained 12 
to 16 wepks. 

Theatr» work i.s paying off too well lately and a large 
group of outfils sre doing all right for themselves In film 
studios. cOne-nighl tours by these bands have been mini- 
mized by transportation problems. Outfits worth big money 
in theatres and on ihe Toast play very few single dales now. 
See separate story ). 

BOOKERS TO BLAME ' 

For this situation the 'arious booking office: have only 
them.«elves to blame. A couple years ago when there were 
far too many bands in existence (during the bullish period 
of new-band building), competing agencies made all sorts of 
concessions to major hotels to secure broadcast opportuni- 
ties for their properties. They finally created a buyer's mar- 
ket that still exists today in many cases. Hotel rooms con- 
sidered high in prestige value still buy important bands at 
scale or slightly better. Of course, some grant a split on 
cover charge collections over a certain figure, but even 
then few bands break even. 

Now the shoe is on the other foot. It's quite likely that 
in the future hotels will have to substantially increase bids 
for the calibre of bands :nost needed. Some may disagree, 
pointing to the ban against making records by James C. 
Petrlllo as the force that will send leaders eagerly back into 
radio locations at any price as the only means of exploiting 
themselves. Time will prove that. The AFM-phonograph 
recording battle must be settled eventually. And even if it 
isn't the top bands concerned get equal or better exploita- 
tion In the wide circulation of the pictures they make. 

There is only one thing that can possibly stop the trend 
away from long hotel-location stands, and 'hat happened 
only last week— Congress' law limiting personal earnings 
to $25,000. Many of the top leaders could keep within that 
figure with lengthy money-losing hotel engagements. 



^Haven't the Remotest Idea^' About Mike 
Pickups 

By LESTER GOTTUEB 
(With an Assist to Announcer George Hogan) 

As the publicity director of the Mutual Broadcasting Sys- 
tem (plug) it has been necessary for me to tune in all sorts 
of radio programs. These include the good ones and the 
band ones, and also those affectionately known to the trade 
as 'remotes.' I have deliberately placed the latter group out 
on their own hook, which is just where they belong because 
you never know when they're going to be good or bad. Listen 
to some of them and you'll know why. 

This situation is a mystery to me because air time is the 
most precious medium any band can have especially now that 
the waxworks are temporarily stymied. Sponsors spend for. 
tunes to buy this air time and even if it isn't always evident, 
spend a good deal of time and thought to planning the ma- 
terial they insert into the ether. But many bandleaders 
utilize these same precious air spots with complete disre- 
gard to the opportunities they offer. 

After listening to a flock of them — those from the swank 
bistros and the ham-and-egg Westchester spots, and being 
as confused as a Nazi newspaper reader, I decided to get the 
lowdown from one who knows. That's George Hogan, a 
WOR-Mutual announcer who has specialized in announcing 
'remotes.' Before getting that assignment here, Hogan did 
similar work in Chicago. ' Unlike the unhappy symphony 
musician who didn't put any enthusiasm in his work because 
he didn't like music, Hogan gets a kick out of announcing 
these dance band programs and has made a study of the 
right and wrong methods. 

1. Bandleaders wiio lack a production plan or technique 
for remotes are sabotaging their own careers with their 
typical 'I got a half hour to fill' attitude. Those precious 
half hours can lift them from obscurity to four weeks at the 
Paramount. 

2. Bandleaders should give their programs a certain indi- 
viduality. Kay Kyser, Sammy Kaye, Blue Baron and Benny 
Goodman are some of the big si&rs who first reflected their 
showmanship on early location jobs from Pittsburgh, Point 
Pleasant, N. J., etc. 

3. Bandleaders should be strict about their continuity and 
the delivery of the announcers. If tliey feel the particular 
announcer assigned to them is not suited for them, register 
a complaint. Also there's a time and place for everything. 
The informality banter between announcer and leader is ok 
if it works, bUt murder when it fails. It should almost al- 
ways be put into use after midnight. 

4. Trite phrases like 'and now our orchestra plays' or 
'now comes our charming little songstress' or 'my very good 
friend Eddie Ipswich wrote this tune' should be marked for 
the scrap campaign. (And the campaign will probably re- 
turn them.) 

5. The announcer should be thoroughly acquainted with 
the band's style, the individual selections, etc. It 
is important that the band conform to the planned selections 
so that the announcer isn't telling listeners about 'I Got A 
Girl From Kalamazoo' when the downbeat is for 'Sleepy 
Liagoon.' 

6. Bandleaders swelled with their own importance, and 
temporarily riding a popularity wave, are often the worst 
offenders, and have a tem-ency to be sloppy about the very 
channels that put them on top. 

7. If possible each band should cany its own production 
man and continuity writer. Often they are as important a« 
the arrangements. 

8. Newcomers should listen closely to such bands.as Rich- 
ard Himber and Les Brown. Himber's remotes are good 
examples of alert cueing, interesting bridges, and original 
continuities. Young Brown's band shows much thought 
given to balance and pacing. 



SCORING FOR THE SCREEN 

Assistant Cameraman Jasper Transfo Rv MEREDITH WILLSON shooting of this picture, see the completed production 

Sound Effects Lionel Fellowcraft ^ for a few weeks, and write and record the proper music for 

AMl^n'fcuSr*'* ^^SS directors have made during moving picture history that the it.' „u .„ m , m,.,. 

C^et?« Rosle Sa^lfdS excellent quality of their work is so often taken for granted. As to Innovations m recent years with regard to picture 

"""^ """""j^es In the past week 1 have seen two magnificent, breath-taking music. I /h.nk the various electrical devices have been most 

and Unaay (ihoJ^h thb tlm^. oV cou^e; the credit' may have productions- Mrs. Miniver' and 'Yankee Doodle Dandy.' Be- noticeable. I believe ^"-f" Taxman su^^^^ 

tong since /aded ^J. the screen) lieve me. I am proud to live in the same town with the men m 'Rebecca was an outstanding contribution, also Alfred 

Musical Director invariably a dam fitie responsible for those wonderful films. Both of them exem- Newmans super-vibraphone in Blood and Sand. 

artist, iohb knows his business and saves as much of the com- piiBga the Utmost in present-day scoring and both of them There has been a recent trend towards the usage of familiar 

ponu'j money as any other department. presented plenty of problems. In 'Mrs. Miniver' the score had popular songs as motives. Bobby -DSlan Used' 'My Ideal' in 

to insinuate reali.sm into scenes where no actual musical one of his recent picture s<:ores in this way. Leijjh Harlme. 

How composers can turn out the consistently fine original realism was plausible, but the music never intruded by so of course, does the same with sonie Berlin tunes in Pride of 

scores that they do, year in and year out, in spite of the much as a grace note, and though it was by no means a the Yankees, but has th» added excuse of refiecting the 

•brush' they frequently get, Is to me. at least, hard to under- lengthy score, it was the deft touches of the musical direc- music realism-wise of the period. 

stand. Of course, there are exceptions. Charles Chaplin is tor that gave the complete appre(iiation of splendid dh^tlon There are good.iheories th?t- recognisable motives make 

a composer himself, and no one could have been treated and individual performances. In 'Yankee Doodle Dandy* the mind wander in the direction of thfe music, rather than 

with more sympathetic consideration than I was when work- the score was almost entirely realisUc, and the problems of following the action, dnd there are Just as good theories that 

tag on 'The Great DicUtor' score. One or two composers variety of presentation and logical musical styles of the a familiar* tune makes better mood music than something 

are m a position to include single credit card stipulation in various periods was handled exquisitely. dragged out of thin air. In the old silent days, we wouldn t 

their contracts. In consideration, however, of the perfectly l don't intend these few remarks to constitute a diatribe, think of using unfamiliar strains for the motivating phrases, 

obvious fact that a picture score contributes so largely to but in discussing Music for the Screen. I cerUinly should be A. gossipy old woman was always Tschaikawsky s Humor- 

the success of a picture, it seems to me high time that some- forgiven the urge to raise my voice in the good old American ^ esque.' a parting love scene was always Salut D Amore. and 

body ask for proper screen recognition for the composers. way. 'i ^S??'^ "*^^^,?";l„^JHL bucket to 

Picture scores of today are fabulously consistent. There is Too often the directors and producers have hopelessly pre- -^^cDowel s 'W^ ^ose. Mortimer WlUon^ ""'^Z^^^^n I 

somethine about the nrtiqlie inteeritv of u comooser that conceived ideas as to where, when, and how the music should imfc.'Tluef of Bagda(l was a real recKiess innovation i 

sermrto make him work as feS over each new score be fitted into the picture. When a director has seen ev^ry plllyed the flute in the Liberty theatre (N Y.) pit, twice a day 

as Iland^nrhU Mrre^or SchXrUn h°s^m^^^^ foot of his picture a thousand times or more without any for 40 weeks, during the long run of that picture Two week. 

Without much bfain racking I c^^^^^ music at all, it is natural that whatever music he first hears after it opened the management decided all that unfamUiar 

qnm« " ? u 1 can rememoer naving ^eii : ^vhatever scene is eoing to be disturbing to music was the bunk, and engaged a leading Broadway Inaestro 

tafand baTdTrection ^u^ ITbe" damned if l ean remember h?m fn"^.ha1ever w^rhe trTes to convey his disturbanci to to re-score the whole thingjrom the Tschalkowsky 'Sixth.' 

hearfng a bad s'fori his composer, the chances are he does it badly-not being 'Scheherazade,' and (3aston Borch. After one matinee. Mot- 

The first Picture seore-I worked on was when I played in able to expre.«s himself in musical terminology. The com- timer was back on the podium, and contmued the run with 

the orcl^^fstra for Herman He^^^^^ PO^er invariably comes through, anyhow, but is often con- the first all-or.ginal picture score in history 

productirn of 'Don Ju^n"--"h^^ vinced that the sound track laying on the cutting room floor Trends come and go of course, and the old-fashioned 

Little Foxe? an H from thic flrVt eTnerTence to the latest, I would have made the picture even better-and who can iay way may temporarily become the modern way. " doestft 

havi u ^ ^ . ."^ M,, nrnrt.irtU^^ he is not riKhf Maybe one Utopian day, a director will say. really matter, as long as the fine Uste of Hollywood's com- 

tri^ny'ry^X^h:^" «Ie"'^^^^^^^^^^ 'Mr'^^ltho'ven. yoj'haee% fln'e reput'ation as a compose. posers is reflected-w^M, partly reflected, then-on the sU- 

cause Of the wonderful record that composers and mu.icnl I would like you to be with me as much as pos.^ible durmr ver screen. 



68 ORCHESTRAS— MUSIC 



P^RiETY 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Inside Stuff-Music 



'Tl'.c Count of Monte Cii'-to. by Aic.\;iiKlic Duinii.'.. ;is GcoiKC Wells 
hns ndnpted il and diicclcd it foi Dccc;i. in an ciuhl -;)iirl, 12-inch album, 
viih Herbci t Marshall siancd. scl^ a now niaik foi the ijhonogi-aph le- 
c<ndini! industry. It s a tribute- lo Jack Kapp and his staff for enterprise 
and courage because, while rliis is no "Jingle J;uir1c' for quick sales, it's a 
dignified, impressive albuin as Marshall creates Edinond Danlcs (The 
Count), with an impressive supporting ca>l. sound efl'ecls and music ba- 
toned by Victor Young. Recorded al Decca's Hollywood plant. Pedro de 
Cordoba (as the Abbe), Lou Merrill. EMiou Lewis. Frederic Worlock. Fred 
Mackaye, Paula Winslowe. JelT Corc> . fu ic Snowden. Man.-; Conried. GrifT 
Barnctt, Bruce Payne and Charles For.-ylh. bring dramaturgy to the wax 
on a high scale. 



On the Upbeat 



Mel Powell changed his mind 
about joining Emery Dcutsch's or 
cheslra in Navy and stays with CBS 
iunip band. 



I Mary lluber is al the console al 
I the roller rink in Idora Park 
Youngstown. 



I Mickey Ross band at Colonial 
! Pittsburgh, for a week and Tommy 
i Carlyn follows him in. 

i 



Crew of the Tommy Tucker orch. located Coi l Lindc-r. who played piano 
V itii the combo for two and one-half years, via the Life Magazine article 
by Frances Long, the gal who w;is released from Jap prison camp at 
Santo Tomas in Philippines. Mag embellished yarn with photo ot Miss 
Long in a sweatshirt signed by sundry prisoners still al Santos Tomas. 
Orchmen recognized their ex-pianisi"s signaline. contacted the girl via 
the magazine, and learned he was okay and on the music committee of the 
prison camp. 

Corl Linder had left the orch lo settle down in the sliipping biz on the 
Coast, had been sent lo Manila by his firm, was trapped during the in- 
vasion. 



Jimmy Kennedy Music Co. is a new London outfit in which Reg Con- 
nelly (of Campbell-Connelly, Dash-Connelly, elc.) is also interested. Ken- 
nedy left Peter Maurice as slafT writer to found his own firm, but Shapiro- 
Bernstein still gels the bulk of the material for America, as heretofore. 
Kennedy's 'St. Mary's in the Twilight' is soon due for U. S. exploitation. 



Jack Robbins has arranged with Monte Proser lo publish a folio for the 
Copacabana Club, N. Y. This collection will contain the tunes written by 
Benny Davii and Ted Murray, including 'You Just Can't Cope With a 
Copacabana Baby,' 'No Hard Feelings,' 'Are You Kiddin, Bud?,' 'Let It Be 
Gay,' 'Brazilian Boogie-Woogie' and 'This Is New York.' 



rn^nl Band Hits!_ 



1 



FOR JOE 



POLW^ 



UMSSOHS 60 



From 



SHAPIRO, BERNSTEIN & CO., Inc. 

LOUIS BERNSTEIN. Pres. 

RKO BIdg. — 1270 - 6ili Ave, New York 
Jonie Taps, Manager 



Marty Schramm has opened in 
definite engagement at New Hill 
crest, Pittsburgh. 



Southern tours of Nogro bands in 
busses supplied by the ODT started 
yesterday iTues. l. Noble Sissle and 
Doc Wheeler orchestras started out 
from Washington, D. C. 



Moe Gale agency last week signed 
Eddie Durham's all-girl orchestra to 
a management contract. Outfit has 
been booked into the Savoy Ball- 
room, N. Y.. opening Oct. 16. 



JACK KAPP TEASES 
BOYS ON MELODY 



Decca' Jack Kapp teased some of 
the bands on his roster last week by 
mailing them reminders that they 
don't always conform to his ideas of 
retaining the melody of a song. This 
particularly applies lo some of his 
swing bands who like to get lost in 
improvisation, arranged or interpo- 
lated, instead ot playing a tune as 
written. 

He sent them photographs of a 
Pocohanlas statue on which was 
printed (issuing from the statue 
mouth), 'Where's the melody.' 



Himber Not in Army 

And Band Scattered 



Saluting tho Femmei 



Philadelphia, Oct, 6. 

Frank Capano, head o( the Tin 
Pan Alley Music Publishing Co., 
claims to have the first tunes 
anent the WAACs. 

He annoimced the publication 
recently of 'We're the Ladies of 
the WAACs,' written by Tony 
Star, a private at Camp Croft, 
and 'The WAACs and the 
WAVES.' by Helen Rush. 



CLAUDE THORNHILL 
APPRENTICE SEAMAN 



Claude ThornhiU enlisled in the 
Navy in New York Monday (5) and 
enters service as an apprentice .sea- 
man on Oct. 26. He is not seeking 
duty along musical lines. 

Currently at the Colonial theatre. 
Dayton, O., the leader finishes up 
with his band Oct. 22 at the Palace 
theatre. Cleveland, after which the 
outfit will disband. He was forced 
to cancel other theatre dates in New 
England. 



Skip Nelson Rejoins Marx 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 6. 

Skip Nelson, local singer who 
joined Glenn Miller's band- just a 
couple of months before maestro 
went into the army and disbanded 
his outat, is going back with Chico 
Marx, he said here during a short 
visit home over the weekend. 

It was Marx who originally picked 
up Nelson here several months ago. 
when former was playing a date at 
the Stanley theatre, on tlie recom- 
mendation of Ben Pollack. 



VICTOR CAN'T 
KEEP UP ON 
ORDERS 



Press of backlogged orders for re 
cordings recently released on RCA- 
Victor'.s Bluebird and Victor labels 
has influenced the company to ston 
issiung new releases weekly. Hence 
forth new discs will be marketed 
bi-weckly, beginning with Oct 16 

Victor asserts that there has been 
such a demand for 'Gal from Kala- 
mazoo,' Freddy Martin's Nutcracker 
Suite album. Spike Jones' 'Dcr 
Feuhrer'.s Face' and several other 
discs, that it is far behind on orders. 

MIKE NIDORF INTO 
MERCHANT MARINE 

Mike Nidorf, v.p. of General 
AmiLscment Corp., became a Warrant 
Officer in the Merchant Marine Mon- 
day morning. He was sworn in 
Saturday (3). was in uniform Sunday 
and reported for duty at 8 a.m. Mon- 
uay. He will be concerned with 
morale duties, stationed at Manhattan 
Beach, L. I., training center, which is 
shared by the Navy. 

Nidorf was awaiting confirmation 
or rejection on an application for an 
Army commission when he enlisted ' 
in the Merchant Marine. It's said 
that his commission was okayed 
Monday (5) morning. 



Ben Hurwltz, formerly with Gcor- 
gie Auld and Bob Allen bands, now 
with Bob Pooley's No, 1 outfit, out 
of Worcester, Mass. 



Richard Himber has been forced to 
cancel a scheduled four-day stay at 
the Totem Pole Ballroom, Auburn- 
dais, Mass.. opening today (Wed.) be- 
cause he has no band. Himber ex- 
pected to go in the Army after he 
completed a stand at the Essex House 
Hotel, N6w York, two weeks ago and 
the band broke up. 

Leader's Army plans didn't ma- 
terialize and when he tried lo reform 
his outfit most of the men were 
working elsewhere and he found it 
impossible lo round up a group to his 
liking. Johnny McGee holds over at 
Totem Pole as a result. 



Stars Decimated 



— Continued from page 1 — 

untrained men to Hollywood. Some 
20,000 men should be in training 
there npw." 

Hollywood, according to Hornblow, 
fs rapidly reaching a point where it 
will be dependent entirely on misfits 
and second-raters, while the men who 
could keep studio performance at a 
high point and simultaneously de- 
velop technical manpower for the 
armed forces are currently in re- 
stricted spheres of operation. These 
difficulties, Hornblow stated, were 
bound to be reflected in the quality 
of pictures before long. There will 
be fewer pictures and many impor- 
tant films will have to be stricken 
from the schedules. 'There will be 
no choice,' said the producer. 
No Offset to the Axis 

Should the situation continue as at 
present, Hornblow believes that it 
will become impossible for Holly- 
wood to counteract German propa- 
ganda films. With English produc- 
tion sharply restricted, the job of 
keeping the screens of all the Allied 
nations open now devolves on the 
American film industry. U. S. Army 
films alone can't do it, 'The Nazis 
are sending pictures reviling Ameri- 
cans into all parts of the world," 
Hornblow pointed out, 'How are we 
going lo answer? Are we going to 
give the neutral and Allied nations 
a Jimmy Stewart. Clark Gable, Gary 
Cooper, Tyrone Power whom they 
love, or unknowns to whom they 
are indifTerent?' 

He warned that the film industry 
faces collapse unless the situation is 
corrected. 'Trained human talent is 
our basic material. Just as steel is 
the basic material for lanks,' he 
added, 'and the basic question is 
should Ihey be used where they can 
do America the most good or per- 
mitted to follow their natural in- 
clinations no matter how noble 
worthy and patriotic' 



, the CURRE>^^ 
TU« PoW'*'^^" K.AL" HITS!-- 

swifts 



A 



from 



.Fox 



picloro 



PROUDLY PRESENT THE HIT SONGS 

^rom "SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES" 
A 20lh Century-Fox Picture fealurmg 

HARRY JAMES 



' f .*. 



\: * K F R 




^1 HAD THE 
" CRAZIEST 
DREAM 

A POEM 
SET TO 
MUSIC 



^ PAN 
AMERICANA 
JUBILEE 



Hi,; 



BREGMAN, VOCCO & COmCi^. 

1619 BROADWAY • NEW YORK, N. Y. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



MUSIC 69 



Tou-Can-Look-bul-You-CanVSludy 



That's What Recalcitrants Declare Is ASCAP 
Writers' Classification Policy Just Now 

M ■ : 



Considerable suspicion has been 
aroused among the ASCAP writer 
membership by the failure of the 
writers classification committee to 
distribute copies of the new classi- 
fication plan. The committee has 
adopted a policy of you-can-look- 
but-you-ean't hold with regard to 
analysis of the proposed new sys- 
tem. The committee adopted a re- 
port recommending the new plan 
tome tour weeks ago but it has made 
no move to give the writer members 
located in the east an opportunity to 
learn lor themselves what it's all 
about. 

A trio of writer members, Fred 
Ahlert, Charles Tobias and Stanley 
Adams, left for the Coast last Thurs- 
day (1) to explain the plan to writer 
members living in that area. The 
threesome's slay is expected to meet 
with no little sniping because of the 
parliamentary circumstances sur- 
rounding their junket. Their as.sign- 
ment was not authorized by the 
board of directors but rather by the 
ASCAP executive committee, so that 
anything that happens with them in 
Hollywood is off the record. Since 
their meetings with writers won't 
be in an official capacity, it is ex- 
pected that the Coast's ASCAP re- 
calcitrants, who are headed by I. 
Wolfe Gilbert, will make political 
capital of the fact that any recom- 
mendations or objections from west- 
coast members will prove of no par- 
liamentary import, or have any 
bearing on the actions of the wnler 
classification cununiltee. 

Tlie new plan as it now stands 
looks set for adoption by the clas- 
sification committee. The only thing 
to be worked out is some details ap- 
plying to standard writers. The new 
plan is a broad modification of the 
system now in effect and a goodly 
percentage of writers are of the 
opinion that since it is important 
that every writer should know just 
how his royalty interests will be 
affected the members should be 
given as early an opportunity as 
possible to study the thing directly 
from copies furnished them. The 
Intention of the committee is to make 
the plan operative with the initial 
quarter of 1943. 




HOTEL 
PENNSYLVANIA 
CAFE ROUGE 

WJZ - TjLU^ CO AST-VO - COAST 

'•■■lont]: Mo ,,,-,(,,. DICK G E O " G E 



Lon Mooney OK Again 
After Auto Crackup 

Lon Mooney, prof. mgr. for Feist, 
under Harry Link, is about again, 
after an auto crackup on the Jersey 
end of the Holland Tunnel. 

He was returning from farewell- 
ing a band and, in the (larkness, al- 
most hit a pedestrian crossing 
against the lights at the mouth of 
the tunnel. Swerving to avoid hit- 
ting the man, Mooney went into a 
stone wall and was badly cut but, 
after ambulance treatment, was able 
to drive home without hospitaliza- 
tion. 



Metro-Robbins Wins 1st 
Ronnd in Litigation To 
Stop News Parodies 



The Metro-Robbins music group 
won tlie first round in its action 
against KWK Productions, Inc., and 
the Red Star News Co., publishers 
and distributors, respectively, of un- 
authorized parody song sheets, when 
Justice Carroll G. Walter in the N.Y. 
supreme court Monday (5) ordered 
the defendants to file an answer in 
eight days and go to trial Oct. 16. 
Counsel for the defendants had asked 
for an adjournment of two weeks, 
but the court not only turned thij 
down, but ruled that there were not 
to be any intervening motions or 
amcndmenis. 

The Robbins complaint, filed last 
week, asked for an injunction plus 
$30,000 damages. The argument be- 
fore Ju.stice Walters dealt initially 
with a hearing for a temporary in- 
junction. The court, addressing 
Julian T. Abeles. counsel for Rob- 
bins, pointed out that, even if it did 
grant such a hearing, a week would 
be required to read the papers, so 
that it would 'be best to set a date 
for a trial for the permanent injunc- 
tion likewise requested in the com- 
plaint. Abeles replied that such an 
arrangement would be okay with 
him. 

Abeles filed with the court Monday 
(5) a 24-page brief dealing with the 
law of unfair competition as it would 
apply to this case. Among the noted 
citations were those of Madison 
Square Garden Corp. vs. Universal 
Pictures and International News 
Service vs. the Associated Press. The 
brief also quoted a passage in Shat- 
ter's book on musical copyright, in 
which the authors described the 
'songsheet pirate' as a 'studied case 
of unfair competition.' 

The defendants named in the Rob- 
bins action are ^1 R. Kunkis, I. 
Wactlar, Albert R. Kaplan, Charles 
Roberts, aU of KWK Productions. 
Inc., and Song Parodies, Inc.. the Red 
Star News Co., and the lalter's chief 
officers, William T. Dewart, Thomas 
W, Dewart and William T. Dewart, 
Jr., all also officers of the N. Y. Sun. 



DORSEY BROS. PUBLISHERS 



They Retain Mario, Taylor, Pollock, 
Ganulln and Perry 



Professional department of Dorsey 
Bros, Music, Inc., is headed by 
George M. Mario, who is also gen- 
eral manager. The staff men in New 
York consist of Larry Taylor, Ber- 
nie Pollack and Hy Ganulin. 

Jack Perry is the firm's Chicago 
rep. 



Song Praises Russians 



A song glorifying the Rus.-iian peo- 
ple's gallant fight against the Nazi 
hordes has popped up in Tin Pan 
Alley. It's 'When the Crimson Snows 
ofaRussia Turn White Again.' 

The writers are Willard Robi.son 
and Marty Symes; Shapiro. Bernstein 
& Co. is the publisher. 



WALKING 
THE FLOOR 
OVER YOU 



Bing Crosby 
With Bob Crotby'a Bob Cat* (Dccca 18371) 

Ern«it Tubb (D«ce« 5958) Dick Rob«rt«on 
(Dacca 4189) Bob Atchtr (Okeh 6496) 

AMERICAN MUSIC, Inc. ""H'.Hryl^l.?""' ' 



15 Best Sheet Music Sellers 

(Week 0/ Oct. 3) 



While Christmas Berlin 

My Devotion Sanlly 

Army Air Corps Fischer 

Wears Silver Wings Shapiro 

Spangled Banner Waved. .Miller 

When LighU Go On CLP 

Kalamazoo BVC 

Serenade in Blue BVC 

Stage Door Canteen Army 

Met Her Monday ABC 

Wonder When Baby... .Crawford 

Strip Polka Morris 

Praise Lord Famous 

Careful, My Heart Berlin 

Ten Little Soldiers Lincoln 



WB WINS LEGAL 
POINT IN NEB. 



Gal Musikers Gainer and Quicker On 
Sawy Than Mere Male-Phil Spitahiy 



The Warner Bros, music publish- 
ing group .scored an important point 
in its suit against the operators of 10 
dance spots in Nebraska when the 
Federal Court in Omaha rejected a 
motion to dismiss the cases on the 
ground that the copyright owner had 
not complied with the requirements 
of the local anli-ASCAP statute. The 
defendants, composed of hotels, 
dancehalls and niteries, now have no 
alternative but to file answers pre- 
liminary to trial of the issues in- 
volved. 

WB brought its infringement ac- 
tions .shortly after ASCAP had in- 
formed Its members that it had with- 
drawn from (he administration of 
their performing rights in Nebraska 
and that they were free to do their 
own licensing. The Nebraska law re- 
quires copyright owners to file with 
the secretary of state copies of the 
compositions they propose to license 
in Nebra.ska. The law also requires 
that the title page of such publica- 
tion contain the price asked for pub- 
lic performance for profit. 



Charles Previn using 62-picce or- 
chestra to score 'Arabian Nights.' 



Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Possibly, after all, it wasn't just a 
lot of amiable nonsen.se, or one of 
those things that seems like a good 
idea at the time. Possibly, in fact, 
Phil Spitalny wasn't talking just to 
hear his bridge-work rattle when he 
threatened to 'expose' the alleged su- 
premacy of male musicians by a 
contest with his all-girl Hour of 
Charm orchestra, in which the ladies 
would, he claimed, out-memorize and 
out-play the all star personnel ol 
any n^me band. 

Anyhow, while returning from his 
Camp Haan show and broadcast — 
his 24th all over the country to all 
branches of the service — it seemed 
clear that Spitalny had already 
proved one point, not previously 
speciflfed by him. The girls can and 
do outgame any male ensemble. They 
are, in point of fact, the Durable 
Danes of the musical world. 

At Camp Haan, for example, the 
desert sun outside beat down with 
the impact of a blow. Inside the 
auditorium the atmosphere was that 
of the average Turkish bath. Yet, 
without audible complaint and cer- 
tainly without visible di.stress, here 
is the lime-table on the Spitalny or- 
ganization performance: 

Noon — Arrive for luncheon at Mis- 
sion Inn, on the rim of the great 
Mojave waste; 1:30 p.m., arrive at 
camp; 1:45 p.m., rehearsals begin, 
there being new numbers and ar- 
rangements to learn; 5:10 p.m., re- 
hearsals end, with soldier announcers 
being incorporated in routine for 
first time; 5:30, dinner: 6:20 p.m., re- 
hearsal of songs, with soldier-au- 
dience participation; 7:00 p.m., inter- 
national broadcast of Hour of Charm 
to 125 NBC stations, plus short-wave 
to the armed forces throughout the 
world; 8 to 8:45 p.m., new show to 
second audience of soldiers at the 
camp. 

The recapitulation reads like this: 



1:45 to 8:45 for a total of seven hours, 
in which the principals left the stage 
only twice and the auditorium no 
more than once — for about 40 mi- 
nutes, elapsed time. No ensemble of 
mere men would or will bring to their 
work, it is declared, the gusto that 
is necessary to a performance of 
that kind. So much for the spiritual 
and physical side of the argument. 

On the technical side, Spitalny ex- 
plains his contention thus: 

'Women musicians concentrate bet- 
ter. By their nature, they look more 
readily to leadership for their In- 
spiration. They memorize fa.sler and 
better; then dismiss it the moment it's 
over, so that their minds are never 
cluttered. They are more intense 
and >:oncentratcd, more sir.|{le- 
tracked than men. That's why I say 
they can out-perform any male band, 
I and I'll let anybody pick the male 
band.' 

Right now, there's some talk of 
such a contest being arranged for 
some war benefit, with either of the 
Dorseys, Tommy or Jimmy, defend- 
ing the title from the masculine side. 
In the same tentative way, it has 
been suggested that the competition 
be based on one hour's limit of test- 
ing, somewhat as follov^: 

A musical arrangement the girls 
have never seen before is to be 
handed them for study; they study 
it for 15 minutes, then it's to be 
handed to the men for study (the 
arrangement being new to them, 
too); it then goes back to each group 
tpr an additional 15 minute period. 
Finally, it is taken a'way from both, 
after which the girls, and then the 
men, play it from memory. 

Six judges, or less, would pass 
upon the. merits of each performance, 
the jury to be selected among men 
like Leo Forbstein, 'Vic Young and 
the like. Fortunately, all this b 
tentative — fortunate for the men. 
American chivalry being what it Is, 
this would be one they can't win. 





AT 




Lyric by M«ck Cordon 



1 ■/'^ 


FE15T. 






C y - Y 






' - - 







70 



MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Need Martial Dance Tunes 



Continued from page 2 



tory will be ours. Meantime the 
Japs and the Nazis have been no 
pushovers. 

.And stuff like "$21 a Day — Once a 
Month' Is not only no longer true 
(what with the $50 mo.ithly mini- 
mum) but It's negative song propa- 
ganda, whereas the OWI thinks a 
ditty such as 'Oh! They're Makln' 
Me All Over in the Army' is plenty 
OK because it recounts what the 
military regime can do for a chap. 
On the other hand, That Old Army 
Shirt They Gave to Bill' is almost 
subversive, if you want to get tech- 
nical, considering that we pride our- 
selves that the American army is 
the iHsst dressed army in the world. 

And whoever cooked up the ditty, 
•There's No Yellow in the Red, White 
and Blue' Just completely forgot our 
brave Chinese allies who are also of 
the Celestial race. 

And 'Sweet Captain' (The WAAC 
song) is dubious $.a. and that goes 
tor 'As Mabel Goes— So Goes the 
Navy.' 

Affirmatively there are 'Freedom 
Road,' lyric by the colored poet, 
Langston Hughes, music by Emerson 
Harper, which properly salutes the 
democratic credo for all races and 
creeds. Another one which OWI 
hopes will 'happen' as a hit is 'One 
for All— All for One' (Mann Curtis 
and Maxwell Rich; Berlin, Inc.); also 
the new 'Freedom Ring.' 

'Praise the Lord' Best 

'Praise the Lord and Pass the Am- 
munition' (Frank Loesser; Famous 
Music) which Kay Kyser is plugging 
Is regarded as one of the best things 
to come out of this war. That goes 
also for 'This Is Worth Fighting For' 
although it, too, falls a shade within 
the overly ballady' school. 

How to achieve the socko aims? 
That's a big headache within OWI at 
the moment. For one thing Jack 
Joy, who batons the Army hour over 
CBS Sundays, and who is music con- 
sultant to William B. Lewis, chief of 
radio at OWI, has been, contacting all 
U. S. agencies to gauge their 'com- 
munity sing' with an eye to empha- 
sizing the gracity of the conflict 
ahead; not the peace that is to come. 

The main plugging will be on the 
■everity of this war. The sundry 



rallies yet to come (salvage, bonds, 
Parent-Teachers, foodstuffs, ration- 
ing, conservation, etc.) will all be of 
a communal nature. Perforce, such 
conclaves call for music and com- 
munity singing. The type of songs 
to be plugged must be emotionally 
'correct.' 

'This is where show business' al- 
liance will be enlisted. The Gov- 
ernment doesn't want to go into the 
music publishing business, nor does 
it even want to more than gently 
suggest what is the 'right thing to 
do.' 

The OWI knows from past experi- 
ence that there's no question about 
all-out aid from Tin Pan Alley, but 
it so happens that the music RUb- 
lishers, songwriters and artists alike 
take the path of least resistance. If 
stuff like 'Remember Pearl Harbor' 
or 'Johnny Doughboy' gets over bet- 
ter and sells easier than what the 
Government thinks, It's natural that 
these be plugged. However, Uncle 
Sam's delegates feel that by 'expos- 
ing the people to the better things' 
they'll soon veer into 'proper' 
channels. 

More Emotion Needed 

'We've been commentated to death 
on the air, but not emotionalized 
enough,' says another OWI spokes- 
man. 'Maybe this new ditty, 'Der 
Fuehrer's Face' isn't exactly the 
suavest thing, but it's certainly right 
down to the ground; we want to give 
Hitler a more impolite and audible 
razzing than we've been doing. 
We've concentrated too much on 
hating the Japs when our No. 1 men- 
ace still is Schlckelgruber, the Chap- 
lin of Berlin. And don't think we 
say that joshingly; Hitler's not to be 
kidded about. That Chaplin crack 
just starts and ends with the mus- 
tache; he's too serious a world woe 
to make light of. 

'On the home firont, the masses 
must be made aware of our martial 
seriousness. Victory Nights, Red, 
White and Blue Nights, Let's Lick 
the Axis Nights, and the like, at the 
bigger ballrooms will do a lot to 
bring the war right down to the 
masses. 

'For our share, we're doing it on 



Let's 

Look At The BECORDS! 

LIGHT A CANDLE '^CHAPEL 

Tommy DOESEY (Victor) Horace MIIDT (Col.) 
Gordon JENKINS (Capitol) ArtKASSELL (Bluebird) 
Guy LOMBAEDO (Decca) 

IDAHO 

Alvino KEY (Bluebird) Benny GOODMAN (Columbia) 
Guy LOMBAEDO (Decca) MEEEY MACS (Decca) 
Leg HTTE (Elite) 

FOR ME AND MY GAL 

(Featured in MGM's "For Me and My Gal") 

JUDY GARLAND (Decca) 

Guy LOMBAEDO (Decca) Abe LYMAN (Bluebird) 
Watch this HOT baby go places! 

SORGHUM SWITCH 

Jimmy D0R8EY (Decca) 
Doc WHEELER (Victor) 



Chicago Times |1.000 Priie-Winning Song 

MUD IN HIS EARS 

• introduced Coast-to-Coast by Charlie Spivak 

• selected as theme song by Army War Show 

• -Keveiving-^atimwide Publicity _ ... 



MILLS MUSIC. Inc. 

1619 BroadwoY. New York City 

CHARLES WARREN, Prof. Mgr. 
A? 8*001 Hollywood: Mike Gould 

Chicago: At Stool 



the war front in more ways than 
the AEF. We've studied how Goeb- 
bels has used music to advantage 
in breaking down resistance in Eu- 
rope. First come the soothing 
Strauss waltzes to percolate phoney 
gemuetlichkeit, and then they sock 
home pungent and punchy news bul- 
letins on the successes of the Axis 
in the battlefield and the propaganda 
of combating their enemies. We must 
flght Are with Are. ^ 

'We're merchandizing freedom 
songs. We must wave the flag and 
shout hallelujah for all conquered 
and oppressed peoples. The bacH- 
to-blighty will come after. Right 
now we must be flghting mad. 

'If the dance idiom today differs 
from yesteryear we can get a Fred 
Astairc or an Arthur Murray to 
make fashionable a new style of rip- 
snorting, patriotic stepping that will 
span the bridge from 1916 to 1942. 
We must become more oompah and 
militaristic. Certainly we in the 
music and entertainment fields know 
how to blend the two. 

'Uncle Sam has enough headaches 
without becoming a songplugger too, 
and so we don't want to go into 
music publishing. But we do know 
that once we find the proper groove, 
the lost motion In trying to plug 
these trivial songs will be harnessed 
and even bigger hits will emerge, 
which may be commercially worth- 
while for Tin Pan Alley and, more 
important, emotionally worthwhile 
for our Government. 



College Professors 
Advocate Singing Pop 
Songs b Ui. Schools 



Dr. W. Otto Miessner, head of the 
Music Dept. at the IJniversity of 
Kansas, and Dr. Joseph E. Maddy, 
Professor of Radio Music Education 
at the University of Michigan, have 
completed a survey among music ed- 
ucators which reveals that progres- 
sive teachers admit the necessity of 
permitting students to sing popular 
standard songs in classrooms, if they 
are to compete with radio. In a fore- 
word to the 'All-American Song 
Book" (published by Bobbins), which 
is described as the first modern song 
book edited and compiled for schools, 
Drs. Miessner and Maddy state: 

The most popular songs of one 
generation become the folk songs Of 
the next. Radio's influence in shap- 
ing musical tastes has created a de- 
mand for a modern song collection 
for schools that would contain pop- 
ular standard songs as well as tra- 
ditional song favorites.' 

They explain further that it has 
become necessary to giye young, 
spirited students the same 'live' mu- 
sic that attracts them to their radios 
in order to hold greater interest in 
school music activities. In a circular 
letter to 24,000 music editors, they 
wrote: 

'We've all been teaching 19th cen- 
tury music to 20th century students. 
Haven't we? We're embarrassed 
when our students ask for songs of 
their own generation. Aren't we? We 
evade the issue. Don't we? They 
prefer to sing the popular songs they 
learn through radio. Don't they? 
Let's be frank and admit it.' 

Both Miessner and Maddy are 
former presidents of the Music Edu- 
cators National Conference. In their 
new 'All-American Song Book' they 
have included almost half a hundred 
of America's most popular standard 
song favorites, including 'Anchors 
Awcigh,' 'Don't Sit Under the Apple 
Tree," 'I'm An Old Cowhand,' 
■K-K-K-Katy.' 'Li'l Liza Jane,' 'My 
Blue Heaven,' 'Over the Rainbow,' 
"When I Grow Too Old To Dream,' 
'Singin' In The Rain,' 'When The 
Moon Comes Over The Mountain.' 
'Whispering,' etc. 



MARTIN BLOCK'S SIDE 
INTERESTS INCREASING 



Albany, Oct. C. 

Martin Block Music, Inc.. has been 
chartered to engage in the music 
publishing business and conduct an 
.- ,ency for musicians, perform«rs, 
etc.. in New York: 

Capital stock is 200 shares. 



Sundry Units 

Block, who is the disc jockey on 
WNEW, N. Y., and announcer on the 
Lucky Strike programs and two 
Procter & Gamble serials, also op- 
erates a publishing catalog under the 
name of Embee Music Co. It's the 
latter firm that he recently sought, 
but without success, to have admit- 
ted to ASCAP membership. 



David Snell draws the scoring Job 
on 'Right About Face' at Metro. 



NBC.(XS.B]jM^Miitjisl^ 



Follouiing tabulation oi popular music performances embraces all /our 
tietujorks— JVBC, CBS, Blue and Mutual— as represented by WEAF, WJZ, 
WABC and WOR, N. Y. Compilation heretmth covers toeeh beginning 
Monday through Sunday, Sept. 28-Oct. 4 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and ts 
based on data provided by Accurate Reporting Service regular source /or 
music publishing industry. 

TITLE PUBLISHES TOTAL 

He's My Guy Leeds 31 

Manhattan Serenade Bobbins 27 

Got Gal Kalamazoo— t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 24 

I Met Her Monday ABC 24 

Be Careful, My Heart— t'Holiday Inn'.. Berlin 23 

Idaho Mills 23 

•When the Lights Go on Again CLP 23 

1 Came Here For Joe Shapiro 22 

My Devotion Santly 22 

Daybreak Feist 21 

Serenade In Blue — t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 20 

Wonder When Baby Crawford 20 

At Last— t'Orchestra Wives' Feist 17 

•♦This Is the Army Mr. Jones Army 17 

There'll Never Be 'Another You— t'Iceland'. ,. Morris 17 

Can't Get Out Mood— f Seven Days Leave*. . . Southern 16 

Just As Though You Here Yankee 16 

Pennsylvania Polka Shapiro 14 

Dearly Beloved— t'You Never Lovelier' Chappell 13 

•Strictly Instrumental Cherio 13 

I Get Neck of Chicken Southern . . . . . . . . 12 

Jingle Jangle Jingle — t'Forest Rangers' Paramount . 12 

•Love Is a Song— t'Bambl' bMI . 12 

Praise Lord, Pass Ammunition Famous . . . . 12 

Rolleo Rolling Along Miller . 12 

Army Air Corps Fischer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 

Conchlta Lopez— t'Priorities On Parade' Famous U 

••Left Heart at Canteen Army U 

Mr. Five By Five— t'Behind Eight Ball' Leeds 11 

By Light Silvery Moon Remick .............. .. 10 

This Is Worth Fighting For Harms 10 

White Qhristmas- t'Holiday Inn' Berlin 10 

Every Night About This Time Warock ........ ..... 9 

People Like You Like Me BVC . . . . 9 

You Never Lovelier— t'You Never Lovelier'. .. Harms . . . . . 9 

Touch of Texas Southern . . 8 

Everything I Got— t'By Jupiter' Chappell 8 

Kille Kille Santly 8 

Leap Frog Leeds 8 

When You're Long Way Broadway 8 

•At the Crossroads Marks 7 

Blue Skies Berlin 7 

I'm Old Fashioned— t'You Never Lovelier'. ..*. Chappell 7 

Just a Letter From Home Atlas 7 

Why Don't You Fall Harms 7 

He Wears Silver Wings Shapiro 6 

Take Me BVC 6 

Between 18th and 19th Army 5 

•Bra zil Peer -s 

of Love Paramount 5 

Hip Hi(i Hooray Bobbins 5 

I'm Getting Tired So Can Sleep Leeds 5 

New York Nocturne Robbins 5 

One Dozen Roses Famous 5 

Sleepy Lagoon Chappell 9 

Singing Sands of Alamosa Remick 9 

Ten Little Soldiers Lincoln 9 

•Indicates BMI licensing; others are via ASCAP. 

tFilmusical. tLegifimatc. ••'This Is the Army' publishing subsid, 
licensed freely to all users. 



The Rousing All-Out Super-Push Song 
That All Soldiers WiU Be Singing I 

A DYNAMIC ENTHUSUSTIC 
GO-GETTER TYPE NUMBER 
WITH A' SMART STEPPING 
PEP UP MELODY . . . 

FRMK L Mm 

MARCHING SONG OF 
THE UNITED NATIONS 

CHORUS 

Over tee go to fight jiut to be free. 
Over we go to fight for Liberty. 
They wM know we've got the stuff. 
Allied grit is not a bluff, as we rub 
Them out or into the sea. 

We'll take the sneak punch right out of each Jap 

And slip a thunderbolt right- in his lap. 

We'll return when we've blasted 

Every slant eyed dastard^ 

So let's all march on to Victory, 



FREE ARTIST COPY ON REQUEST 

F. Ryan, 227 Sayles Ave., Pawlnckel, R. L 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



MUSIC 71 



Song Hits niat Helped the B.O.; 
1 Love You,' Intermezzo,' Others 



There are instances galore of the value of smash song hits, recorded 
and plugged by name bands, being able to bolster the major sUge or 
screen production from which they stemmed. One of the most noUble 
Is the yesteryear 'I Love You' by Harry Archer and Harlah Thompson, 
out of a tired. £econd-rate musical. 'Little Jessie James.' but so socko was 
the song hit that it hypoed the legit musical's b o. beyond expectations. 
That, of course, was before the modern dance band. 

But the recent click of 'Intermezzo," long arier the film had played Its 
firstruns to indifferent b.o., was such that it added an estimated $100,000 
film rentals on reissue. Heinz Provost composed the original Swedish 
score and it was a smash hit m coin-machines and on the air-lanes. 

Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer's 'Blues in the Night' hypoed that WB 
flimusical so that by the time it hit the subsequents the film had greater 
b.o. appeal (at a flat rental to the exhibitor) than when it was firstrunned. 
'Chattanooga Choo-Choo' is credited for giving 'Sun Valley Serenade' 
iSonja Henie-20th film) extra b.o. vaUie.";. 

•At the Balalaika' dittoed for Metro'.'; Balalaika," as did 'Always in My 
Heart' for that WB film; and the sma.<;h of 'Over the Rainbow' was a b.o. 
bolsterer to 'Wizard of Oz.' Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein 
H's 'When I Grow Too Old to Dieam' far eclipsed lis film source. 'The 
Night Is Tfoung.' 'Oh Johnny Oh' was so socko it wound up as a film. 
SONO BITS AS FILM TITLES 

In fact, Universal and Republic— nnd olhcis, such as the more recent 
'Springtime in the Rockies' as a tag on a Fox film— have been given to 
building short-budgeted pix around hit film lilies, as 'Deep in the Heart 
of Texas.' 'Margie,' 'If I Had My Way,' 'Six Lessons from Madame La- 
Zonga,' 'Ma! Hers Making Eyes at Mc,' 'I Can't Give You Anything But 
Love Baby,' 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home' (soon due from Uni- 
"versaD, 'Me and My Gal' (soon due Metro filmusical), "Three Little Sis- 
ters" (just bought by Republic), et al. 

In the pioneer talker days any film excerpt was 'made" by the novelty 
of talkers. It reached the ridiculous degree where 'theme" songs such as 
'Dynamite Man, I Love' (from a GeorRe Bancroft he-man pic) finally put 
an end to that nonsense. 

THAT 'DRIVE" 

But with the more scientific methods of song exploitation, Hollywood 
recognized the genius of Tin Pan Alley in giving the film b.o. a judicious 
assist via hit songs. However, it can'l always work as hoped for. Metro 
and William Randolph- Hearst were keen on (uitting 'Sweetheart Darling" 
(from a tired Marion Davies film 'Pen o' My Heart') on the Hit Parade, 
and it just couldn't be done. Its no trade .secret that by virtue of an 
ar'.ificial 'drive' high-powered music men like Harry Link, Jonie Taps, 
Dave Dreyer, Murray Baker, Sid Kornheiser, Mack Goldman, Norman 
Foley, Sid Loraine, Larry Spier, et al, can ainvjst make sure that a mu- 
sical arrangement of the alphabet could get up on top of 'the sheet,' but 
it soon collapses of its own weight, if the basic material Isn't there. 

These Hollywood demands are now le.ss hectic. The Coast bunch recog- 
nizes that it can't cram inferior song material down the public's throats; 
Just as the Office of War Information is coming to, realize that its idea of 
'correct' war songs can't be made popular, if the American public won't 
accept them (but that's another story). . 

On the affirmative side of proved song material, even the crack Zanuck 
musical, 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' of 1938, was credited with no small 
assist by the past proved value of that w.k. Irving Berlin hit, which 
formed part of the cavalcade theme of this picture. Abel. 



Al Dubin Sigi|s Up 

Al Dubln has signatured an ex- 
clusive writing contract with Edwin 
H. Morris and the Mayfair Music Co. 

It's for a year with options. 



U.S. SERVICES NEED 
I MUSIC ARRANGERS 



"RIDE ON 



"IT'S SAND, MAN" 

Newest Columbia Record 

COUNT BASIE 

And His Orchestra 



Per. Met: MILTON EBBINS 
Dir. William Morria Agency 



Nol only is the Army and Navy 
; seeking musicians to stalT training 
■ center bands, but they're also on the 
: lookout for arrangers who are badly 
needed to write for these outfits. In 
' the pa.st couple weeks such arrang- 
] ers as Dick Jones, . long connected 
! with ihc Casa Lorha orchestra, and 
j Abe Osser, freelance, have heen of- 
; fered propositions to join up and de- 
' vote theit' time to service bands, 
i Jones is virtually set to join Artie 
j Shaw at Newport, R. I., Naval Base, 
, while Osscr's spot isn't definite. 



ALLEGED SIMILARITY 

rrima's 'TicatI' Called Like Bo- 
maine's 'Trlckytree' 



*The Song Of The Hour' 

I NEED AMERICA 

(America Needs Me) 
* * * 

All Material Available 

• BAND 

• DANCE ORCH. 

• VOCAL— 3 KEYS 

AUEBICAU MUSIC, Inc. 

• 103 Sunict BiTd. 
Ilollynood, CslU. 



Louis Prima's composition, Ticali- 
Ticata has become the target of an 
infringement suit filed by Tony Ho- 
mainc in the N.Y. federal court. The 
action names the publisher of the 
number, Wilmark, as well as Prime. 

Romaine claims that the Prima 
tune has much in common with one 
that he (Romaine) wrote several 
years ago. Romaina titled his. 
■Trickytrce. Trickytra.' 



Harry Miller, songwriter and 
brother of Eddie Miller, the bari- 
tone, has joined the Army Air Force 
Tn Florida. 



.MOST CON8ISTBNTIA I'l.AVM) SO.N'U IX A3IKBICA 

"STRICTLY INSTRUMENTAL" 

HARRY JAMES (COL.) BOB CHESTER. (BLUEBIRD) 

JERRY WALO (DECCA) JIMMIE LUNCEFORD (DECCA) 

CHERIO MUSIC PUBLISHERS, INC. 



ANDREWS SISTERS 

INTRODUCE OUR NEW SONG ON THE 

STAGE DOOR CANTEEN 

Over CBS Network. Thursday, Oct. -8 — 9:30-10 p.m. EWT 

3.121 MILES AWAY 



Moderate 



by HARRY PEASE, ED. C. NELSON, REIDY REED 



Chorus (with warm expression) 



E»7 



Al|dim.7 



.ffoy.-Dar . ling^ here am I in Ire- land, But mjr heart's in the U. S. A. 
Oirl: Dar - ling, you're way out in Ire- land, And Tm here In the U. S. A. 

bW 



E' Gmi. 



Cml. 



Oml. 



F7 



(ini.9) 



Bb7 



THREE THOU- SAND ONE HUN DRED AND TWEN TY-ONE -MILES A-WAY; .^^^ 



A> 



-J\ Ji J r 



Algdim.? 



long for you and my land, And I miss you more ev . 'ry day, 
far from yours .and my land, And I miss you more ev • 'ry day, 



Ei> Omi. 



Cmi. 



-3 I 



Oml. 



F9 

(nii.9) ^* 



3 



THREE THOU SAND ONE HUN -DRED AND TWENTY -ONE MILES A- WAY,itJ^" 

Cnil.7 



A I E'7 



m 



lots of oth - er guys, Fall - ing for those ro-guish eyes of blue, But with 

lots of oth - er guys, Fall'- ing for those ro-guish eyes of blue, But it 

Yl BW +SBW 



me ' it could -n't be. There's just one my eyes can see, it's you; With my 

docs - n't wor - ry me. For I'm sure that you will be so true;_ I'm en 

£W At Al|dini.7 



4 



love. 1 send a sham - rock, And I pray that you're all o - kay,' 
clos - ing all my love dear, And I pray that you're all o *- kay, 

E^ Gmi. ^ ^ Cml. j Oml. ^ — — ~ ''« ■ • 



rj 

F7 B'>7 ^■E^ BW . *•E^ 



THREE THOU-SANDONE HUNDRED ANDTWEN:TY-ONEMILES A-WAY. p^:}-"! V/AY.. 

CopyrlK-ht 1942 hy LEEDS MUSIC CORPURATION, R.K.O. BIdg., Radio Ciiy, New York, N.V. 
Inicrtiatlonat Copyright Stcurtd Ma<lfin.L'.S.A, , Alt 'Kgtfs.JlHtrv, 



•CURRENTLY FEATURING" 



The No. I Torch Song Of The Country 

HE'S MY GUY 

★ 

The Next Big Jump Tune Of The Nation 

MR. FIVE BY FIVE 



ALSO 



COW cow BOQGIE-AMEN 
MAD ABOUT HIM BLUES 



HA-PPY GODAY 
1537 No. Vine St. 
Hollywood, Cal. 



LEEDS MUSIC Corp. 

Lou Levy 

RKO Building, Radio City, New York 



HAROLD WEIL 
64 W. Randolph St. 
Chicago, IIU 



72 



MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



FAMOUS NAMES' 

FAMOUS SONGS 



{Often these songs were distinguished by marking a turning 
point in their professional careers, or became indelible trade- 
marks for the artist.] 



Fred Astaire 
Count Basie 



-'Night and Day.' 
-'One O'clock Jump.' 



Belle Baker— 'My Kid.' 

Harry Barris — 'Mississippi Mud.' 

James Barton — 'Annabelle Lee.' 

Ben Bernie — 'Pleasant Dreams.' 

Bonnie Baker — 'Oh Johnny Oh' 
(see Orrin Tucker). 

Emile Boreo— 'Parade of Wooden 
Suldiers.' 

Irene Bordoni— The Birds Do It, 
the Bees Do It, They All Do It.' 

Jules Bledsoe — 'Old Man River.' 

Lucienne B o y e r — 'Si Petite,' 
'Parlez-Moi d' Amour.' 

Fannie Brice — 'My Man.' 

Carol Bruce — 'Louisiana Purchase.' 

Cab Calloway — 'Minnie the 
Moocher.' 

Frankie Carle — 'Sunrise Serenade.' 

Eddie Cantor — 'Ida' (borrowed 
from Eddie Leonard) ; 'Makin' Whoo- 
pee:' 'I'd Love to Spend One Hour 
With You." 

Maurice Chevalier — 'Louise,' 
'Mimi.' 

George M. Cohan — 'Give My Re- 
gards to Broadway.' 

Russ Columbo— 'When the Blue of 
the Night Meets the Gold of the Day.' 

Noel Coward— 'I'll See You Again.' 

'Bing Crosby — 'Please' and 'Ba-Ba- 
Bee.' 

Tommy Dorsey — 'I'm Getting Sen- 
timental Over You,' 'Marie' (bor- 
rowed from Sunset Royal Band's ar- 
rangement). 

Jimmy Dorsey — 'Green Eyes," 
'Amapola.' 

Eddy Duchin— 'Clair de Lune.' 

Jimmy Durante — 'Can Broadway 
Do Without Me.' 

Morton Downey — 'Carolina Moon.' 

Eddie Davis — 'Comin' Round the 
Mountain.' 

Benny Davis — 'Margie.' 

Cliff Edwards — 'Singing in the 
Rain.' 

Duke Ellington— 'I Got It Bad 
(And That Ain't Good)' re-spot- 
lighted him anew of late, on top of 
'Sophisticated Lady,' et al. 

Ruth Etting— 'Shine On Harvest 
Moon,' borrowed from Nora Bayes. 

Nelson Eddy— 'Shortnin' Bread.' 

Benny Fields — 'Melancholy Baby.' 

Irene Franklin— 'Redhead.' 

Benny Goodman — 'Stompin' at the 
Savoy,' 'And the Angels Sing.' 

Glen Gray— 'Smoke Rings.' 

Woody Herman — 'Woodchopper's 
Bali; 'Blues In Night.' 

Bob Hope — Thanks for the 
Memory.' 

Libby Holman — 'Moanin' Low.* 

Eddy Howard — 'Careless' cata- 
pulted him out of Dick Jurgens' 
band into a band of his own. 

Joe E. Howard— 'I Wonder Who's 
Kissing Her Now.' 

Earl (Father) Hines— 'St. Louis 
Blues' in boogie-woogie. 

Anna Held— 'Why Do You Wanna 
Make Those Eyes at Me For?' 

Hildegarde— The Last Time I Saw 
Paris.' 

Ink Spots— 'If I Didn't Care.' 
Harry James— 'You Made Me Love 
You.' 

George Jessel— 'My Mother's Eyes.' 

Al Jolson— 'Mammy,' 'Sonny Boy.' 

Dick Jurgens— 'One Dozen Roses.' 

Sammy Kaye— 'Daddy,' 'Remember 
Pearl Harbor." 

Harry Lauder — 'I Love a Lassie.' 

Gertrude Lawrence — 'Limehouse 
Blues.' 

Joe E. Lewis — "Sam, You Made the 
Pants Too Long.' 

Ted Lewis— 'When My Baby Smiles 
at Me.' 'Just Around the Corner.' 

Eddie Leonard — 'Ida' (later 
usurped by Eddie Cantor's real-life 
Ida>. 

Vincent Lopez— 'Nola.' 

Tommy L y m an — 'Melancholy- 
Baby' (see Benny Fields). 

Freddy Martin — Tschaikowsky's 
Piano Concerto. 

Florence Mills— 'I'm Just Wild 
About Harry.' 

Glenn Miller — 'In The Mood,' 
•Little Brown Jug.' 

Helen Morgan — 'My Bill.' 

Lucy Monroe — 'Star Spangled Ban- 
ner." 

Ethel Merman— '1 Got Rhythm.' 

Jack Norworth— Take Me Out to 
the Ball Game.' 

Chauncey Olcott— 'My Wild Irish 
Rose.' 

George Olsen— 'Who.' 

Ann Pennington — 'Black Bottom,' 
"Charleston." 

George Raft — 'Sweet Georgia 
Brown." 

Martha Raye— 'Mr. Paganinl.' 

Harry Richman— 'Puttin' on the 
Ritz": Birth of the Blues' 



Blanche Ring— 'Rings On My 
Fingers.' 

Paul Robeson— 'Glory Road,' 'Old 
Man River." 

Artie Shaw— 'Begin the Beguine.' 

Andrews Sisters— "Bei Mir Bist Du 
Schoen.' 

Fritzi Scheff— 'Kiss Me Again.' 

Kate Smith — 'When the Moon 
Comes Over the Mountain,' 'God 
Bless America.' 

Dinah Shore — 'Yes My Darling 
Daughter." 

Jimmy Savo — 'River Stay Away 
From My Door.' 

Ethel Shutta— 'I Found a Million 
Dollar Baby in a Five and Ten-Cent 
Store.' 

Blossom Seeley — 'Alexander's Rag- 
time Band." 

Jean Sablon — 'Le Fiacre," 'J'Atten- 
drai." 

Eva Tanguay — 'I Don't Care." 
Sophie Tucker — 'Some of These 
Days." 

Orrin Tucker — 'Oh Johnny Oh' 
(see Bonnie Baker). 

Tommy Tucker — 'I Don't Want 
Set World On Fire.' 

Lawrence Tibbett — 'Without a 
Song.' 

Rudy Vallee— 'Your Time Is My 
Time." 

Ethel Waters— 'Stormy Weather." 
Paul Whiteman — 'Rhapsodic in 
Blue.' 

Bert Williams— 'I Ain't Got No- 
body." 

Hannah Williams— 'Cheerful Little 
Earful." 



'Strip Polka' Clicks 

'Strip Polka*, whose lyric per- 
formance is barred from NBC 
and CBS, has already jold over 
60,000 piano copies. 
The phonograph record sales 
on the number to date are 
around the 700,000-mark. Decca 
has disposed of 250,000, Colum- 
bia, 200,000, Victor, 100,000 and 
Capitol, 150,000. 



Floumay Miller West 
As Film Advisor For 
Fox Negro Mnsicals 

E. Floumay Miller, formerly of 
Miller and Lyle, is leaving soon for 
the Coast to act in an advisory ca- 
pacity on the 20th Century-Fox lot 
in the production of such musicals 
as 'Shuffle Along,' 'Running Wild,' 
'Chocolate Dandy' and 'Still Shuf- 
fling.' Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake 
will also collaborate. 

On his return from Hollywood 
Miller, he and SisSle will produce a 
unit of 'Shuffle Along' for Camp 
Shows, Inc. 



IF CURFEW RINGS, 
MILLS IS PREPARED 



Jack Mills has imported a song 
from England that he intended to 
step out with in the event the U. S. 
government should, during the war, 
And it expedient to impose a cur- 
few on liquor dispensation. The 
title is 'Please Order Your Last 
Drinks,' and the London publisher 
is Lawrence Wright. 

The number is described • by 
Wright as the official signing off 
song of the licensed pubs in and 
around London. 



TUNE-DEX'S WHN TIEUP 

Musical Info Afency to Glamorize 
Music Poblishers and Songsmittas 



For the first time on any radio 
program, advance song-hit material 
will be rated. Tune-Dex, musical 
info agency for the music business, 
has tied into Station WHN's two- 
hour variety show (3-5 p.m. daily) 
and each day, starting Monday (5), 
the program will present a Tune- 
Dex rated 'possible hit of tomorrow.' 
In addition publishers of selected 
tunes, its writers, pluggers, arrangers 
and the inner workings of the music 
biz in general will be glamorized. 

The story behind >each song se- 
lected will be told, the reasons for 
selection by Tune-Dex and other 
pertinent data' will be woven into 
the program, the whole climaxed by 
a production of Ihe number which 
uses Don Albert and Dick Ballou's 
studio ork, plus the entire cast of 
the show. 



Irving Taylor and Vic Mizzy sold 
their song, 'Three Litlle Sisters,' to 
Republic for use in a picture of that 
title. 



Zoot Suit Murderers 
^Recall Nuisances From 
Jive-Wacky Jnveniles 

New York. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

Show business should take keen 
interest in the circumstances sur- 
rounding the murder of a soldier In 
Harlem by 'muggers' who turned out, 
on arrest and confession, to be 'zoot 
suit' egomaniacs of the unbarbered, 
greasy-hair variety. Similar revela- 
tion was made in the case of two 
more 'characters' of the 'jerk' cate- 
gory who murdered a Brooklyn high 
school teacher last week. 

This type of uncouth youth, with 
their feminine counterparts, have 
been the bane of performers, theatre 
managers and dance hall operators 
for the past few years. They have 
grown up in every city in the nation, 
no matter how large or small, to 
constitute a boxoffice menace and 
an audience nuisance. 

Start of A Nuisance 
How they got their first encourage- 
ment is problematical. Some show- 
men think the invented 'language" of 
'jive" music launched them on their 
repulsive careers. This 'language,' 
circulated in newspaper comic-strips, 
and unwittingly popularized by 
writers in magazines as well as 
dailies, has offered all the encourage 
ment required, just as it popularized 
gangsters during prohibition. 

It has resulted in 'dancing in the 
aisles' in theatres during stage shows, 
talking back to screen performers at 
the movies, crashing into theatres 
without paying, and, in many in 
stances, the 'characters' have jumped 
up on theatre stages and broken up 
shows, to the annoyance of audiences, 
but to the delight of their own small 
dim-wit coterie. Many theatres and 
dance halls have had to frequently 
calU in police assistance and hire 
'bouncers." Some bands and acts 
specify protection from 'characters' 
in negotiating engagements in certain 
towns and neighborhoods. 

All of the 'characters' of both sexes 
are extremely publicity-conscious. 
Most of them start out as 'autograph 
collectors,' and, gaining a familiarity 
with 'names,' break loose from that 
point in the hope of getting jobs on 
stage, screen or radio. Most become 
purse-snatchers and shop-lifters. 
'Charaoter's' Dividends 
'Broadway Rose' is a 'character' 
who is refuted to make as much as 
$100-a-night out of her nuisance 
racket, even after her recent incar- 
ceration by the police after she got 
a Saturday Evening Post biography 
Many ill-advised stars, columnists 
and other good-natured folk still en- 
courage her. 

A few months ago. one 'character' 
went down to the N. Y. World-Tele- 
gram and brazenly asked to be inter- 
viewed. His claim to fame was as 
a gate-crasher. During the course of 
the interview, he revealed that he 
not only never paid admission, but 
had a mob of assistants who would 
take charge of unguarded fire-exits 
and actually sell unauthorized cut- 
rate tickets to passersby. The story 
got in the first edition of the paper 
and then was killed because the edi 
tors feared it might suggest and en 
courage the racket to other irre- 
sponsibles. But the one edition story 
was enough to get the cops on the 
trail of the boastful champion gate 
crasher. 

Along Broadway, 'oharacters" are 
now getting short shrift. The cops 
carefully take them up a side street 
or allty and give them lumps, not 
deigning to even arrest them. Thea 
tre press agents, to further cure the 
menace of characters, are giving 
passes to members of football teams 
of high schools, in appreciation for 
the fact that the footballers, via 
mysterious suggestion, recently have 
taken up the practice of hazing the 
'characters' by first shearing their 
greasy locks, then cutting up the 
zoot-suits. 

Theotre ManageT. 

Joe Relchman shifts from the Los 
Angeles Biltmore to the Palmer 
House, Chi. Jan. 7. 



Cavalcade of Hits 

(1930-1941) 



1941 

(Lilted alphabetically per annum) 
Amapola, 
Daddy 

Don't Want to Set World on Fir* 

Do You Care? 

Frenesi 

Hut Sut Song 

I Hear a Rhapsody 

Intermezzo 

Maria Elena 

My Sister and I 

Shepherd's Serenad* 

The Things I Love 

Tonight We Love 

You and I 

You Are My Sunshine. 

1940 

Blueberry Hill 
Careless 

Ferryboat Serenade 
God Bless America 
I'll Never Smile Again 
In an Old Dutch Garden 
Indian Summer 
Make-Believe Island 
Oh, Johnny (C. 1917) 
Only Forever 
Playmates 
Scatterbrain 

When You Wish Upon a Star 
Woodpecker Song 

1939 

And the Angels Sing 

Beer Barrel Polka 

Begin the Beguine (see 1035) 

Blue Orchids 

Deep in a Dream 

Deep Purple (song version) 

Jeepers Creepers 

Little Sir Echo 

Man with the Mandolin 

Moon Love 

My Prayer 

Over the Rainbow 

Penny Serenade 

Scatterbrain 

South of the Border 

Sunrise Serenade - 

Three Little Fishes . 

Umbrella Man 

Wishing 

You Must Have Been a Beautiful 
Baby 

1938 

Alexander's Ragtime Band (c. 
1911) 
A-Tisket, A-Tasket 
Bel Mir Bist Du Schoen 
Cathedral in the Pines 
Dipsy Doodle V 
Heigh Ho 

I Double Dare You 

Tve Got a Pocketful of Dreams 

Love Walked In 

Music, Maestro^ Please 

My Reverie 

Says My Heart 

Thanks for the Memory 

There"s a Gold Mine in the Sky 

Ti-Pi-Tin 

Whistle While You Work 
1937 

Boo Hoo 
Harbor Lights 
Little Old Lady 
Once in a While 

The One Rose That's Life in My 
Heart 
Rosalie 

Sweet Lei Lanl 
That Old Feeling 
Vieni, Vieni 

Wljen My DreamboatComes Home 
1936 

All My Eggs in One Basket 
Alone 

Did I Remember? 
Goody Goody 

I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and 
Write Irfyself a Letter (c. 1935) 
In the Chapel in the Moonlight 
Is It True What They Say About 
Dixie? 
It's a Sin to Tell a Lie 
Lights Out 
Moon Over Miami 
Music Goes "Round and Around 
On the Beach of Bali Bali 
Pennies from Heaven 
Red Sails in the Sunset 
The Way You Look Tonight 
Until the Real Thing Comes Along 
When Did You Leave Heaven? 
When I'm With You 

1935 

Beautiful Lady in Blue 

Begin the Beguine (could be as- 
signed to 1939 for current, renewed 
popularity) 

Cheek to Cheek 

Deep Purple (instrumental) 

Isle of Capri (c. 1934) 

Lullaby of Broadway 

On the Good Ship Lollipop 

Red Sails in the Sunset 

Take Me Back to My Boots and 
Saddle 

There Is a Tavern In the Town 
(revival; original c. 1883: renewed 
1911) 

When I Grow Too Old to Dream 



1934 

Th* Continental 

Little Man, You've Had a Busy 
Day 
Love In' Bloom 

The Man on the Flying Trapeze 
(revival; originally issued in 1868) 
The Old Spinning Wheel (c. 1933) 
Santa Clause Is Coming to Town 
Stay as Sweet as You Are 
Two Cigarettes in the Dark 
Wagon Wheels 
You're the Top 

1933 

Annie Doesn't Live Here Anymore 
Carioca 

Did Ever See Dream Walking? 

Easter Parade 

In the Valley of the Moon 

The Last Round-Up 

Lazybones 

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes 
Stormy Weather 

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? 
1932 

Forty-second Street 
How Deep Is the Ocean? 
In a Shanty in Old Shanty Town 
I've Told Every Little Star 
Just an Echo in the Valley 
Let's Put Out the Lights and Go 
to Sleep 
Night and Day 
Play, Fiddle, Play 
Say It Isn't So 
Star Dust (c. 1929) 

1931 

All of Me 

Goodnight, Sweetheart 

I Found a Million Dollar Baby- 
in a Five and Ten-Cent Store 

The Peanut Vendor 

River, Stay 'Way from My Door 

Someday I'll Find You 

Time on My Hands (c. 1930) 

When the Moon Comes Over the 
Mountain 

When Your Hair Has Turned to 
Silver 

You're Driving Me Crazy 

1930 

Body and Soul 
Cheerful Little Earful 
Dancing with Tears in My Eyes 
Exactly Like You 
I Got Rhythm 

(Maine) Stein Song (revival) 

On the Sunndy Side of the Street 

Three Little Words 

Two Hearts in % Time 

What Is This Thing Called LoveT 



CapL Bill Meyers Dead 
hNewfonndland Crash; 
Former Disc Executive 



Capt. Bill Meyers, former assist- 
ant sales manager in charge of chain 
stores for Columbia Records, was 
on; of the men killed in Saturday's 
plane crash near Botwood, New- 
fourtdland, in which 10 of 37 pas- 
sengers died. He was in the Air 
Corp as a maintenance man. 

Meyers' death doubly shocked 
Columbia officials in New York be- 
cause the day before the accident he 
visited them to say goodbye. He, 
of course, refused to say where he 
was headed. Two days later his 
death was announced. 



SHERMAN BRANDE, 802, 
INTO MERCHANT MARINE 



Sherman Brande, member of the 
trial board of Local 802, N. Y. unit 
of the American Federation of Musi- 
cians, joined the U. S. Naval Re- 
serve. Will serve in the Merchant 
Marine. 

He follows Dick Landon who re- 
signed a similar Setup to join the 
Navy a fortnight ago. 



Aster's Wmter Policy 



Astor hotel is bringing back Alvino 
Rey's orchestra and the King Sis- 
ters Monday night (12) for an In- 
definite period. This is the first 
time the Astor has operated into 
the winter season. 

Rey will replace the current Les 
Brown, who shifts to Frank Dailey's 
Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J, 
opening Oct. 16. 



Jack Scholl and M. K. Jerome 
cleffed the title song for 'Bombard- 
ier' at RKO. 



Wedne8day> October T, 1942 



▼AUOE¥IIJLE 73 







1,000 Army-Navy Centers to See 
70 Shows Via 22-Week Schedule 
Set by USO; $4,000,000 Provided 



The new winter and spring sched- 
ule for USO-Camp Shows, Inc., as 
approved by the Army and Navy, 
'' win route 70 shows into 1,000 Army 
carhps and Navy bases on a 22-week 
schedule starting about Nov. 20 and 
running into next May. Cost is ex- 
pected to be far in excess of the 
$4,000,000 provided for CSI by the 
USO. The new setup calls for 22 
musical shows, four concert units, 
eight legit shows and 36 tabs, the 
latter being a new name for last sea- 
son's 'sing-song units. These com- 
prise three-to-flve performers spe- 
cializing in audience-participation 
programs and designed to work un- 
der limited facilities. 

Last year Camp Shows spent $1,- 
800,000 for 24 shows to supply enter- 
tainment to soldiers and sailors at 
some 225 camps and bases. Aside 
from the threefold increase in shows 
and playing time, CSI will this year 
. disburse about $500,000 for over.ieas 
units, an item that was minute in its 
previous budget. Despite ah esti- 
mated shortage of about $2,000,000 
for the schedule's complete program, 
CSI is going ahead with Its produc- 
tion plans in expectation that the re- 
quired money will be forthcoming 
via an additional grant from the 
USO or from the military services. 

Unlike the previous 'big' and 
'small' units, this season's playing 
time will be dubbed the Red. While 
and Blue circuits. Red circuit will 
play 10 musical shows with chorus 
lines, five legit shows (four from 
N. Y. and one from California) and 
two concert troupes, all gaited to 
cost an average of $2,500 weekly. 
Th? Blue time will play the 30 tabs, 
slated to cost an average of $450 per 
unit. The While circuit will take 12 
musical shows, sans chorines; two 
concert units, and three legit shows 
(two from N. Y., one from the Coast) 
all gaited to average $1,100. 

The legit shows set at pre.ss time 
were 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' 'Junior 
Miss* and 'You Can't Take It With 
You,' with casting due to start laler 
this week. 

C. C. Cappel is handling details for 
the concert units, also out of Camp 
Shows in N. Y., and it is understood 
that six producers will be hired for 
about six weeks to aid in the pro- 
duction of the musical and tab shows 
and to travel with these units dur- 
in3 Jheir first week to iron out any 
production difficulties that may arise. 

Complete list of the shows set 
thus far, point of origination, cast 
in each troupe and the weekly nut 
fo- each follows: 

Red .Circuit 
oxy Theatre Revue,' New York: 
Hoy Smeck. Dorothy Keller. Bel- 
let and English Brothers (3). Nel- 
son Sisters, Reed Sisters, Charles 
Kemper & Co. (3), Ross and Slone 
(?), Gae Foster Line (16); $2,810. 

'Ada Leonard Band,' Chicago: 
Winter Sisters (4), Maude Hilton & 
Co. (2), Alice Kavan, all-girl band 
(19); $2,200. 

'Looping the Loop,' Chicago: Four 
Sensational Macks, King & Arlcna. 
Lane Brothers, Randall Sisters (3), 
Paul Winchell, Carroll & Howe. 
Charles Niggermeyer line of 16 (jirls: 
$2,512. 

'Hit the Deck, New York: Willie 
Shore, Lee Dixon, Marie Austin. 
Jean, Jack & Judy, Christine For- 
syth, being produced by Richard 
Berger, who handled the municipal 
outdoor operettas at St. Louis: $2,700. 

'Shuffle Along,' New York: Pro- 
duced by Noble Sissle, cast not set; 
$2,250. 

'Meet The People.' Los Angeles: 
Original producers and writers pre- 
paring a new show for the old 
title; $2,200. 

'Haffydilis,' New York: Produced 
by Olsen & Johnson, cast and bud- 
get not yet set. 

'Hollywood On Parade,' Los An- 
eeles: Joe & Jane McKenna. Allen 
* Kent, Cnrdini. Tanner Sislcr.«. 
Milton Douglas & Co. (3), Martez 
« Dolita, line of 16 girls, being 
(Continued on page 74) 



DUNCANS IN 70PSY' 
AGAIN ON THE COAST 



Los Angeles, Oct. 6. 

George Shafer, erstwhile producer, 
has taken a lease on the Music Box, 
recently vacated by Harry Abbott's 
'Laffin' Thru,' and will open Oct. 28 
with a streamlined version of 'Topsy 
and Eva,' starring Vivian and Rosetta 
Duncan. After limited run here, 
Shafer plans routing the show to 
Chicago and New York. 

Duncan sisters have been playing 
nitery dates and starred^on Broad- 
way in 'Topper.' 



ACTORS DEMAND 
E--Di ELSE 




With Many Performers in 
Armed Services, Those Re- 
maining Asking Top Coin 
And Getting It — Both 
Vaude and Niteries Hit 



AGENCIES BLAMED 



Vice Expert 
Would Purge 
Atlantic City 



Atlanlio City, Oct. 6. 

The right of Atlantic City night 
club operators, saloon keepers and 
burlesque promoters to continue 
business at this militarized resort 
may soon depend upon an ace Phila- 
delphia vice investigator of World 
War I fame. 

He is Charles F. Lee, 70, who has 
been in repeated conferences with 
city commissioners here on whether 
or not he will get the job to clean 
up the city 'to the satisfaction of 
military authorities.' Law enforce- 
ment heads have been warned by 
New Jersey Supreme Court Justice 
Frederic R. Colie that the military 
authorities contemplate invoking the 
Federal May Act if the city isn't 
quickly rid of prostitution and gam- 
bling. 

Lee was called in for consultation 
by a frantic city commision, which, 
while vowing the town was already 
closed tight, said they'd bend over 
backward?" to show the Army that 
the city is 100% against vice. 

The backward bend, however, may 
be too costly for a municipality 
whose finances are already stretched 
beyond the point of elasticity, re- 
ports now agree. It is unofficially 
estimated that the cost of paying 
salaries and expenses for the now 
retired vice squad head and a coterie 
of 'strange' dicks would run over 
$30,000 for the clean-up show. 

There is no complaint that the 
asking price is too high. What the 
city commission is deciding Is 
whether the display of good inten- 
tions will be worth the figure, and 
whether the treasury can stand the 
burden. 

Lee served 29 years as head of the 
Philly evil-routers and hung up a 
record of 115.000 arrests In that 
period. As his tenure in charge took 
in the American World War I period, 
he knows all the angles as far as 
military wishes are concerned. He 
retired in 1932 but is willing to re- 
serve during the present 'emer- 
gency.' 

Don Stadler Forced Out, 
Rosita & Deno Substitute 

Ro.'Jita & Dcno replace Castaine & 
Barry who sub.';titulcd for the Stad- 
lers in the Ola.';.': Hat Room of the 
Hotel Belmont Plaza, N. Y., after 
Don Stadler strained a ligament in 
his leg during a performance. 

Castaine & Bairy have an engage- 
ment to fulfill in Pillsburgh and will 
probably return later in the fall. 

Three Stooges and Milcliell Ayre.s 
orch set for the Capitol theatre. 
Williamfport. Pii.. for Ocl. 13-14-15. 



The rapid growth of U. S. armed 
forces, which is naturally taking a 
heavy toll of male entertainers via 
both the draft and enlistments, is 
showing its effect on the stage and 
nitery phases of show business. 
Especially in the relation to salaries 
of those performers not in uniform. 

One thing the war has created is 
a shortage of talent, this resulting 
from both the draft and the grow- 
ing demands of USO-Camp Shows, 
which has greatly enlarged its pro- 
gram this year. This has resulted 
in an unprecedented competition 
between theatres and night clubs 
for the comparatively few remain- 
ing acts — with the result that the 
actors, hep to the fact that they are 
in demand, jumping their salaries 
accordingly. 

It's no isolated instance now for 
an actor, who a few months ago got, 
say, $500 a week, to ask $750 or even 
$1,000— and get it. The major book- 
ers, all of whom sit as an advisory 
committee on USO-CSI bookings, are 
hep to the talent shortage and grant 
the higher pay in most instances. 
The nitery ops, however, are less 
understandini: They're blaming It 
on the talent agencies, who are find- 
ing it tough making explanations. 

The war thus is proving a bonanza 
for some acts while working a 
hardship on others, especially those 
which have had to disband because 
one or two partners had to enter 
the armed forces. Comics are es- 
pecially now in demand, due most 
likely to the yen for escapist en- 
tertainment, and even the second- 
rate gagsters who were satisfied 
with short coin a few months ago 
are now in the 'big' money. 



90-Year-Old Stevens Hotel 
In Mich. Burns to Ground 

Detroit, Oct. 6. 

Fire destroyed the 90-year-old Ste- 
vens hotel, at Whitmore Lake, near 
Ann Arbor, Mich. The inn, at the 
turn of the century, used music and 
floor shows and was a rendezvous 
for the carriage trade from the uni- 
versity town. 

It also provided the training table 
for University of Michigan teams 
from 1901 to 1908. the era of Field- 
ing Yost's famed 'point-a-minute' 
football team;. 



Brandts Snagged on Nabe 2-a-Day 
By Talent Dearth, May Have to Go 
In for Vaude-Line Policy; Bands Out 



GEORGE WOOD JOINS 
WM. MORRIS AGENCY 



George Wood, long one of the top 
indie cafe agents, joined the Wil- 
liam Morris Agency in N. Y. Mon- 
day (5). 

He has a roving assignment with 
the Morris office, handling all sorts 
of bookings, but will naturally be 
primarily concerned with selling to 
the niteries. 

Sam Bramson is head of the Mor- 
ris office's night club_department. 

Philly Snagged 
On Actors Back 
Salary Taxes 



Philadelphia, Oct, 6. 

The City Solicitor's office, last 
week tackled the problem of collect- 
ing back wage taxes from itinerant 
actors and entertainers. Biggest 
headache for the city's barristers are 
the thesps who play one-niters and 
club dates. 

Ordinarily the levy, \'A% of the 
weekly wage, is deducted by em- 
ployers. Thus entertainers who work 
regularly at niteries and theatres 
have the tax taken' from their 
checks automatically and it's no 
problem for the tax collectors. 

But the club-date players have no 
'employer' as such. The '52nd Ward 
Clambake Society,' which, for in- 
stance, hires a juggler and a 
couple of canaries, generally buys 
its show as a package at a set figure 
and could hardly be classified as an 
employer. The booker, who sets the 
deal, claims that he's merely the 
go-between working for a commis- 
sion. 

The ten -percenters claim that the 
actor is a 'contractor' — being respon- 
sible for his own wage tax. 

If this view is upheld by the City 
Solicitor's office, there will be posed 
the almost impossible task of locat- 
ing actors who in some cases are 
scattered all over the country. And 
even if they are located, there will 
arise the problem of proving their 
indebtedness. And if this is proved 
there will still remain the Job of 
collecting. 

Assistant City Solicitor A. L. Sha- 
piro, in charge of wage tax matters, 
has skedded a meeting with officials 
of the Entertainment Managers As- 
sociation (bookers) within the next 
two weeks to go over the matter. 



Piermont Enters Army As Capt.; Kaye 
Moves Into Loew s As Booking Head 



Sidney Piermont, booking head of 
Loew's, enters the Army Oct. 12 as 
a captain in the Specialist Corps, 
which is primarily concerned with 
morale work. Piermont reports to 
Camp Meade, Maryland. 

Taking Piermon't place as Loew's 
stage booker is Jesfe Kaye, who 
moves' over from the top booking 
post at FanchoVi & Marco (Roxy. 
.N^.Y.). while, .replacing Kaye at 
F&M is Sam Rauch. who. for the 
past several years, has been op- 
erating the talent agency end of 
F&M. 

Both Piernjont. at Loew'.';. and 
Kaye, at F<<fM. are veterans with 
both organization.s, though com- 
paratively young in years. Pier- 
mont 'grew up' at Loew's, under J. 
n Liibin and Marvin Schenck, while 



Kaye was originally with the Fox 
booking office, under Jack Loeb, and, 
after the Fox vaude setup was 
taken over by F&M, moved over 
with that outfit. 

Piermont's pals in the show biz 
are tossing him a going-away din- 
ner at Toots Shor's the night of 
Oct 14. 



'Miss America* Beauty 
Contest Set for 1943 

Atlantic City. Oct. 6. 
The 'Mis.<; America' pageant will 
be held here without change next 
year. 

That is the announced plan of the 
pageant's board of directors follow- 
ing its regular meeting. 



Brandt theatres In Brooklyn and 
the Bronx may be forced to install a 
vaude and line show policy, such as 
that currently at the Brandt's Cen- 
tral theatre on Broadway, though it's 
doubtful of success in the nabor- 
hoods, even if clicking in the Times 
Square sector. 

Bill Brandt, who last month had 
worked out plans for two-a-day 
vaude fur the Flatbush and the Wind- 
sor theatres in Brooklyn and the 
Bronx, re.spectively, suddenly discov- 
ered there would be no talent avail- 
able after the first two weeks. 

When queried about talent avaiU 
ability at the time he was planning 
to bring back two-a-day vaudeville, 
Brandt was confident there would be 
plenty of acts. Six months earlier, 
prior to going into rotating stock, 
Brand theatres had no difficulty get- 
ting all the bands and acts needed. 
War developments in the intervening 
period had been more rapid than 
Brandt had suspected. 

Theatre operator i^ow contends 
that not only Is it impossible to get 
turns for two-a-day vaude, but that 
a return to last season's policy of 
stage bands with vaudeville on a 
grind policy is also out. 

Some 200 to 300 acts are reported 
working in USO camp shows; top- 
pers are in the Broadway vauders, 
such as 'Priorities,' and name bands 
have become out of reach. Bands 
formerly getting $2,000 to $3,500 
weekly now demand $4,500, and, in 
any event, are too few in number to 
allow for a full season's operations. 

Frozen out completely insofar as 
film is concerned, Brandt may try 
a line of girls with vaude acts as a 
last resoil. 



Draft, Enlisbnents Give 
Mpls. Niteries Plenty Of 
Headaches on Bookings 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 

Local night clubs are having 
plenty of headaches lining up their 
shows, the problem Involving the 
finding and keeping of actj. 

A dance team that -had been 
booked to open at the Nicollet hotel's 
Minnesota Terrace last week had to 
cancel out just one day before it 
was scheduled to open because the 
male member suddenly enlisted in 
the navy. Another team, Don Julian 
and Marjori, however, was rushed 
in from the Edgewater Beach hotel, 
Chicago. 

The Kurtis brothers, playing the 
room with their marionets, got their 
draft board to grant them a two- 
week deferment so that they could 
fill their Minnesota Terrace engage- 
ment. 



Last Encore 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 

Two cafe teams, Frayne and Fos- 
ter and Arturo and Evelyn, on the 
same bill together here at Villa 
Madrid, played their last engage- 
ments for the duration last week at 
the local nitery. In each case, the 
male half has signed up as a civilian 
pilot instructor and will begin im- 
mediately training young filers at 
designated army bases. 

In case of Arturo, he's had 200 
.solo hours in the air while Frayne's 
had about half that many. Elzi Co- 
vato, manager of Villa, tossed a 
blowout for both couples on their 
closing night (3) in the biz until 
victory. 



Lunceford Stage Unit 

Jimmie Lunceford's new .stage unit 
includes Mabel Scott, Miller Bros, 
and Lois, and Bob Howard. 

Troupe opens Oct. 9 at Paradise 
theatre, Detroit, following Lunceford 
band's ballroom one-niters in Syra- 
cuse and Buffalo 



74 



▼AUDEVILLE 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Special Committee Studies Greaza s 
Proposal That Equity Absorb 
AGVA; No Immediate Action Seen 



USO Schedule 



□ 



A special committee to study the 
report on the American Guild of 
Variety Artists submitted by Wal- 
ter N. Greaza will hold its first 
meeting today (Wednesday) in the 
office of Paul N. Turner, counsel 
to the Associated Actors tt Artistes 
of America. It's jiot expected, how- 
ever, that there will be any imme- 
diate action of Greaza's proposal, 
which, among other things, sug- 
gests that Equity absorb AGVA un- 
der a separate branch, perhaps as 
■Variety Equity.' 

Greaza. at any rate, made it plain 
in his report that he would not re- 
main with AGVA after Dec. 1, when 
he desires to return to his assistant 
executive secretary post at Equity, 
from which he was loaned to AGVA 
by the Four A's about five months 
ago. As administrative chairman of 
AGVA, Greaza learned at close 
hand that there's no salvation for 
the variety performers' union under 
its present administrative and finan- 
cial setup. 

While his report to the Four A's 
was confidential, it's known that 
Greaza stressed the economic un- 
soundness of AGVA's present oper- 
ation. Most months it is in the red, 
due mostly to its unwieldy and ex- 
travagant network of locals. Sorne 
of the locals just don't bother to 
send in their per capita taxes, prob- 
ably because they have none left 
after expenses are paid; others, only 
send in part of the per capita re- 
quirements. The expenses of all of 
them vary to a remarkable degree. 

Plus the takeover by Equity 
Greaza is said to have proposed that 
AGVA's system of locals be com- 
pletely abolished and complete con- 
trol be placed in the national or- 
ganization via representatives per 
Equity, in the various key cities. 

Whether his proposals will go into 
effect is problematical. There's said 
to be some opposition within the 
Four A's to an Equity takeover of 
, AGVA. with Equity itself adverse 
to shouldering the three-year-old 
headache of performer unionism. 

The committee studying the re- 
port includes Paul DuUziell, Equity 
executive secretary, as chairman 
CJohn Lorenz, alternate); Kenneth 
Thomson, Screen Actors Guild (Mrs. 
Florence Marston, alternate); Mrs. 
Emily Holt, American Federation of 
Radio Artists; (George Heller, alter- 
nate); Cora Witherspoon, American 
Guild of Musical Artists; Ruth Rich- 
mond, Chorus Equity (Phil Locb, 
alternate); Dewey Barto, AGVA 
(Dave Fox, alternate). 



This Is Army' Advance 
Belts Triorities/ Pitt 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 
'Priorities' at Niion last week 
banged smack up against beginning 
of ticket sale for 'This Is the Army,' 
and tough break cost hit vaude re- 
vue several grand at least. As it 
was, two-a-day shov.- did okay at 
$17,000, which represents a nice 
profit at both ends. Would have 
easily topped 20 grand, in every- 
body's estimation, if it hadn't been 
for the 'Army' seat rush, which ac- 
counted for around $47,000 in first 
three days. And there's just so much 
coin in this burg for legit enlertairi- 
ment. 

Mats for 'Priorities,' except those 
on Wednesday and Saturday, to 
which regulars are accustomed, 
were a complete washout. Show 
played five of them and three of 
these didn't produce even as much 
as a total of $1,000. Top for after- 
noon performances was $1.63, for 
evenings $2.75. 

Nixon has Lunts in' 'The Pirate' 
current and they'll have a big week 
on strength of subscription backing. 
Advance sale was around $20,000. 



Wheeler to Replace 
Phil Baker in Road 
'Priorities; QoitsN.Y, 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 

Phil Baker played his final per- 
formance in 'Priorities' here at Nixon 
Saturday night (3) and will be re- 
placed next Monday (12) in Boston 
by Bert Wheeler, who's shifting from 
second edition of vaude revue now 
current on Broadway. Touring 
troupe will play current split week 
between New Haven and Hartford 
with only two headliners — Willie 
Howard and Lou Holtz — instead of 
usual three. 

Baker was forced to pull out be- 
cause his Sunday radio show, 'Take 
It or Leave It' for Eversharp, is mov- 
ing to the west coast for several 
weeks. 



RAY SHLES NAMED 

PREZ OF prrr agva 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 
Ray Slyles, magician and m.c. and 
ion of the late Tampa, well-known 
vaude and nitery sleighl-of-hander, 
was named president of local Amer- 
ican Guild of Variety Artists at an- 
nual elections held last week. King- 
don Brown, also a magician, got 
vice-president's chair; Amy Ber- 
linger, of dance team of Sidney and 
Ames, 



Settlement 

Bert Wheeler's replacement of 
Phil Baker in 'Priorities' on the road 
is part of the settlement of a salary 
dispute between the comic and pro- 
ducer. Clifford C. Fischer, regarding 
the N. Y. 'Priorities.' Wheeler 
claimed a full first week's salary in- 
stead of pro rata on the basis of a 
.short premiere week. 

Plus the booking in the road show, 
there was a cash settlement. I. Rob- 
ert Broder acted as attorney for 
Wheeler. 



N. Y. TRIORITIES' IN 
FOLD; 'SHOW TIMr BIG 



Clifford C. Fischer-Shuberts' 'Pri- 
was picked as secretary and [ orities of 1942." at the 46th Street. 



Eva Herbert, dancer, is the new 
treasurer. 

Nat Nazzaro, Jr., former musical 
comedy dancing star who retired 
from active end of the biz some 
years agt}, remains in charge of 
local AGVA oflice as executive sec- 
retary. 



Chi Rainbow Gardens' 
Short Payoff to Its Talent 

Chicago, Oct, 6. 

Ralnbo Gardens again closed with* 
out fuU payment to either chorus or 
principals. Open exactly four weeks, 
chorus were given checks which 
were five days short. Principals were 
stalled oS. 

Show was bought direct in New 
York with local AGVA asking for 
bond and guarantee, N. Y, AGVA 
waiving same. Charlie Hepp and 
Dave Branower, owner and producer, 
unavailable for statement. 



N. Y.. closes Sunday night (11) after 
slightly less than four weeks. The 
new straight-vauder, which took a 
lacing from the critics, approximated 
slightly less than $1!),000 last week, 
not good. 

In contrnst, 'Show Time,' presented 
by Fred Finklehofle at the Broad- 
hurst, is cleaning up. Last week, in 
12 performances, the George Jessel- 
Jack Haley-Ella Logan-DeMarcos 
starrer got an estimated $25,000, 
which was practically capacity and 
represented plenty of profit. 



Continued from pa(e 

staged by Marco (Fanchon Si Mar- 
co); $2,500. 

Blaokstone, the fUaglclan, New 
York: Rae & Rudell, Shy Sisters 
(3), Master & Rollins, 16 people; 
$2,300. 

'In the Groove,' New York: Bill 
Bardo Orch (16), Terry i Ralph 
Reo. Dennis Sisters (3), Ray & Trent. 
6 Tip Top Girls; $2,200. 

White Clrcait 

'Victory Sweethearts,' N. Y.: All 
girl show. Emerald Sisters, Barbara 
LaMarr, June Lorraine. Bob Shaef- 
er's fcmme orch; $1,200. 

'Going to Town,' N. Y.: Smith, 
Rogers & Eddy, Ross St Bennett, 
Wally West, Caryl Gould, Six Bru- 
cettes; $1,050. 

'Full Speed Ahead,' N. Y.: Ken 
Whitmer, Eleanor Sherry, James 
Evans. Wilbur, Hall & Renie, Craft 
Kretlow (2); $1,060. 

'Hullabaloo,' N. Y.: Honey Family 
(6), Dorothy Simms, Steve Evans, 
Marcia Harris. Hector & Pals: $1,070. 

'Keep 'Em Laughing:,' N. Y.: 
Charles Yates package with Eddie 
Hanley. 3 Heat Waves. Bob Alda, 
Marion Wakefield, Lee Bartel. Vivian 
Francis. Lynn Reynolds; $1,000. 

Titled but as yet unproduced are 
'Bubbling Over.' "Pleasure Bound,' 
'Keep Shuffling.' Negro tab version 
of original musical by Noble Sissle, 
all from N. Y.; 'The Fun Parade' 
and 'Hats Off' from Chicago; 'Holly- 
wood Follies' and an untitled Negro 
show from the Coast. 

Blue Circuit 

These units are still being pro- 
duced, will use from three to five 
people, a portable musical instru- 
ment, feature a community sing, 
play the isolated posts practically 
ignored in the past. Being built 
around standard acts like Lucille & 
Eddie Roberts, mentalists out of the 
Rainbow Room; Paul La Paul, ma- 
gician; Bill Dornfleld. magic; Wally 
Boag, balloon caricaturist recently at 
the Rainbow Room; Penny Beau- 
mont, accordionist; Wilfred DuBois, 
juggler; Larry Storch, mimic; Gloria 
Jerome, magic; Richard Lane, ven 
tro, and Katherine Westfleld, pup 
peteer. 

Several of the musical units are 
using the same titles as units now 
completing the summer schedule. 
The angle here is that CSI has dis- 
play advertising sheets, placards 
etc., with these titles In stock 
and will rou{e these shows into 
camps where they have not been 
seen as yet. 

Committees 

The Talent Advisory Committee 
which sat in with Harry Delmar, 
CSI Production Chief, on the casting 
and buying of these shows includes 
the following bookers: Harry Le- 
vine. Paramount: Harry Mayer 
Warners; Sidney Piermont. Loew's 
(chairman); Je.ssie Kaye, Fanchon & 
Marco; Bill Howard, RKO, and 
Lawrence Golde of the Eddie Sher 
man office. 

To aid in the preliminary produc- 
tion of the variety and legit shows 
being produced in the east, CSI or- 
ganized two volunteer committees. 

The Variety group consists of Jack 
Partington. Gae Foster, Arthur 
Knorr, Nat Karson, Leon LeonldofT, 
Harry Gourfain, Lee Morgan and 
Charles Freeman. 

Legit volunteer aides headed by 
Emil Friedlander. who also super- 
vises costumes and scenery, Bert Ly- 
tell. Brock Pemberton. Max Gordon. 
Alfred Bloomingdale, Luther Adler, 
Ronny Hammond. 'Jacob Weiser, 
Nancy Stern, Ruth Wilk. Sylvia Fine 
and Max Liebman. 

Similar committees, being organ- 
ized in Chicago and Los Angeles, 
were not set as 'Variety' went to 
press. 



'Strip for Action and Realism 



'Strip for Action,' the new Lindsay-Crouse comedy presented by 
Oscar Serlin at the National, N. Y., is perhaps the most hep treatment 
of a show biz plot since the George S. Kaufman-Moss Hart 'Once In 
a Lifetime,' a 1930 smash. 'Lifetime' was about Hollywood; 'Strip' is 
about burlesque. 

'Strip' touches the core of burlesk; the backstage carelessness; the 
blowsey chorines;'low comics; grufT straightmen; peroxide blonde strip- 
pers and even an inside gag about N Y. License Commissioner Paul 
Moss, who was successful in eliminating such entertainment at 40c by 
refusing to renew licenses for the burley theatres. That Moss, how- 
ever, was unable to stop such higher class burlesk as 'Star and Gar- 
ter,' clieaning up ^t $4.40 at the Music Box, or 'Wine, Women and Son^.' 
a $1.65 top burlesk at the Ambassador, or even 'Strip'' itself, playini; 
at $3.85 top, is not touched upon in the comedy. 

Besides the 'Floogel Street' bit, perhaps one of the most realistic 
touches in 'Strip' is the chorus, which, like at the Gaiety, Republic and 
elsewhere, has that very happy faculty of being completely out of step. 



PITT HOTEL STRIKE OFF 



Showfolk Breathe Easier — 'This Is 
Army' an Influence 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 6. 

Show people here and coming 
breathed a sigh of relief last week 
when threatened strike of 1,600 serv- 
ice workers in Pittsburgh's eight 
major hotels was averted at last 
minute. Walkout Just about a year 
ago at same time had performers 
going nuts trying to find accommo- 
dations, ^me of them being forced 
to stay 20 and 30 miles out of town. 
Strike was virtually set for last 
Thursday (1) when rank and file 
bolted leaders at zero hour and voted 
to send wage dispute to WLB for 
settlement. 

Union had sought from Pittsburgh 
Hotels Asrociation wage increases of 
14% for service workers and dining 
room help and 15% for kitchen em- 
ployees. Association maintained that 
ceiling prices set by Government 
ruling on rentals prohibited a sal- 
ary hike. In some quarters, it is 
believed that booking here next 
week of 'This Is Army,' with more 
than 400 soldiers requiring rooms 
abd accommodations having already 
been made for them, might have 
had something to do with workers' 
decision to lay ofl for time being. 
Letting ordinary showfolk shift for 
themselves is one thing, but the 
army's something else again. 



ROXY PUTS OFF 
BANDSHOW 
POLICY 



Roxy, New York, now under A. J. 
Balaban-Jack Partington operation 
for 20th-Fox, is postponing its band 
policy start until some time In Jan- 
uary. However, Its plans for a more 
elaborate stage show setup will get 
a partial Inauguration Dec. 23, when 
Carmen Miranda will headline the 
live entertainment coupled with 
'Black Swan,' Tyrone Power's last 
film for 20th-Fox before joining the 
Navy. 

Roxy is going ahead with its plans 
for alterations of the stage in order 
to project more intimacy with the 
audience. Arthur Knorr, house 
producer, has submitted "several 
sketches along those lines. 



PARADISE, DEL, BACK 
TO NEGRO NAME BANDS 



CAFE WORKERS ADMIT 
STEALING 12G IN 5 YRS. 



NAIIES,?OB MASS, VAimER 

Fitchburg, Moss., Oct. 8. 

Name acts now featured at re- 
cently reopened Lyrio theatre. 

Rose Marie was starter last week, 
with Dolly Dawn, Johnny Downs, 
John Boles, Beatrice Kay, and Mor- 
ton Downey inked In soon. 



Billy Hinds, KDKA announcer, 
and his band have resumed weekend 
dance sessioni at Hotel Schenley, 
Pitt, for tall and winter season. 



Del Raid JaOs Acts, 
Cafe Show 'Postponed' 



Detroit, Oct. 6. 
Club Fronlenac here, which for 
several years has had a policy of 
femme impersonator shows, ran no- 
tices in the newspapers last week 
that the show was postponed for the 
week because 'of circumstances be- 
yond our control.' 

The 'circumstances' was the fact 
that a large portion of its acts were 
in jail. Police had conducted a raid 
on a private party and rounded up 
several of the stars who were in 
custody 'for investigation.' Police 
would say little on the arrests but 
it was indicated that several of those 
under arrest would be taken to court 
on ■ morals count. 



Minneapolis, Oct. 6. 

The 620 Club here is operated by 
Max Winters and Ernie Flicgcl, who 
also manage a stable of flghters and 
are supposed to be 'plenty smart.' 
But the pair .have just discovered 
that two of their employes, a bar- 
tender and cook, have taken them 
for $12,000 in the past five years. The 
pair confessed and $5,600 has been 
recovered. 

Winters and Fliegel wondered why 
Iheir establishment was not showing 
a greater profit, although doing a 
flourishing business. So they put a 
checker in the place and he discov- 
ered the pilfering. 

The bartender admitted to the 
police he has taken $5 a day for the 
past four and a half years and has 
spent all of the $7,000 total. The cook 
said he systematically pilfered the 
cash register to the tune of $5,600. 
but hadn't spent it. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 



Saranac, N. Y.. Oct. 6. 

After a little over a year of faith- 
ful ozoning, Percy Wenrich. the 
songwriter, left for Chicago with an 
O.K. Dolly Connolly, his frau, is 
still his main nurse. 

Joseph Cowan, vet vaudeville and 
burlesque comic, is a new arrival at 
the Will Rogers. Just needs a little 
Adlrondacks air. 

Margo Meredith back doing the 
regular routine at the Rogers after 
a 10-day visit at home and on the 
Big Street sapping up Broadway 
shows. 

Dorothy Newcomb to the Broad- 
way, being greeted by her hubby, 
assistant manager of the Music Hall. 
Her first trip out of the sanatorium. 

From Asbury Park. N. J., the frau 
of Jack Hughson ogled her hubby, 
who is doing well at the Rogers. 

Marion Green, faithful ozoner for 
years and an ex-N.V.A.-ite, window- 
shopping locally with a mess of good 
reports. 

Thanks to Ben Goldstein, Bobby 
Graham, Herman J. Keofc. Teddy 
O'Reilly and Tootsie Holmes for the 
reading matter sent to the local 
gang. 

Write to those who are III. 



Detroit, Oct. 6. 

With stage shows seen only infre- 
quently in the loop here, the Para- 
dise, just outside the downtown 
fringe, again will resume its policy 
of bands this season. The house, 
converted from the former swank 
Orchestra Hall, followed a successful 
policy of Negro orchestras last year 
and wilt line up with the same idea 
this year. 

Because of house's location, draw 
is heavy from the nearby Paradise 
Valley, colored section of Detroit, 
but bolstering the regular trade has 
been plenty of the general patronage 
drawn in-by the bigger names among 
the colored orchestras. Season starts 
off Oct. 9 with Jimmie Lunceford. 



Attorney Bob Broder, 
43, Indncted by Army 

I. Robert Broder, prominent ihcaf- 
rical attorney, was Inducted by the 
army yesterday (Tuesday) at Gov- 
ernors Island. He is 43. 

In view of going into the army, 
Broder tried to get the Rockefeller 
Center Corp. to cancel a six-monlh 
balance on his lease in the RKO 
Building, Radio City, but that realty 
outnt nixed the idea on the premise 
that they had already counted his 
lease in the year's gross rental re- 
ceipts. Broder, who was a tenant ot 
the building for eight years, replied 
that he had also counted on fulfilling 
his lease until called into the armed 
services. That argument, plus his in- 
sistence that he was going into the 
army to flght for all American in- 
terests, including Rockefeller Center, 
proved of no avail, however. Under 
Government regulations. Rockefeller 
Center can sue him for the balance 
of the lease six months after he's 
mustered out of the army. 

In contrast to the attitude of Rock- 
efeller Center, Abbott and Costello 
and Edward Sherman, the vaude 
booker and Hollywood talent agcni, 
will continue to pay Broder their 
regular retainer fees for the du- 
ration. The law firm of Goldfnrb. 
Mirenburg and Vallon will act for 
Broder while he's in uniform. 



Sally LaPerch, Pittsburgh trump- 
eter, has dropped his small cockiail 
combo to rejoin pit band at Casino 
theatre, Pitt burley house. 



Wednesday, October 7/1942 

I. ' ■ . 



71 



'More Brilliant Than Ever 



::(nifin! ^iiirar::, '■■rrcihl rril)iini-. '•,■■/)/,. /';/:.' 



THE DE MARCOS 



TONY and SALLV 





"Our happiest mo- 
ments at 'Show Time' 
were provided by the 
dancing DeMarcos . . . 
superior artists . . . they are 
always worth watching."— 

WiUella Waldorf, N. Y. Post. 

"The casual grace with which 
the dancing DeMareos per- 
form the almost impossible." 

Richard Lockridge, 

N. Y. Sun. 



"The DeMarcos, Tony and Sally, 
ace dancers, were at their best. 
They introduced several sensa- 
tional new routines, notable for 
their grace, dexterity, va< 
riety and gorgeous costum- 
ing. They are tops in terp- 
sichore." 

Robert Coleman, 
IS. Y. Mirror. 

"The DeMarcos were also 
around, and If by this time 
anyone has not seen them 
or does not know who 
they are, it is enough 
to say that they are as 
good as, or better than, 
n y ballroom danc- 
ing duo around any- 
where." 



r 




"The DeMarcos closed the first half 
all out of breath after two encores. 
The top dance team did five rou- 
tines in all. Intricate, but beauti- 
fully smooth, and their terrific re- 
ception was 100% deserved . . . The 
DeMarcos, he of the lightning feet, 
and she (Sally Craven) a lovely 
vis-a-vis, are an audience act, flashy 
and finished. Working in full, 
in what is presiunably a 
cafe setting, the smart ball- 
roomologists whisk 
through three routines 
that seemingly run the 
gamut of all dance 
steps, but opening 
night the audience 
forced them back for 
a fourth and finally 
a fifth number." 

/oe Schoenfeld, 

'Variety.* 

"The superb ball- 
room dancers, the 
DeMarcqs, come on 
near the end of the 
first part of the en- 
tertainment and 
score an enormous suc- 
cess. No more artistic 
dancing can be seen any- 
where in New York at 
this writing." 

Kelcey Allen, 
Women'$ Wear. 



Richard P. Cooke, 
If'all Street Journal. 



**. , , the DeMarcos' brilliant ballroom dancing." 

Newsweek. 

"The DeMarcos do their dances in the first act, 
and no one can do their kind of dancing better, 
with great dexterity, with a charm so little 
labored." 

Arthur Pollock, 
Brooklyn Eagle, N. Y, 



". . . the DeMarcos are the smoothest and lightest ballroom 
dancers in the business and a pleasure to watch." 

Louis Kronenherger, PM, N. Y, 



(>)--larrt(l in 






V il 




■SHOW 


1 IMI 




;ulhiii'^l. 





/' ' 'ff A'' ^ ■" " ' ''''''' 



'i^^k '■ ■ ''''' 



76 VAUHiVILLE 



Wednesday/ October 7, 1942 



Night Oub Reviews 



COPACABANA, N. Y. 

Joe E. Lewis, Connie Russell, Berry 
Bros. (2), Pierre D'Angelo, Olga San 
Juan, Fernando Alvarez, Samba Si- 
rens (7), Ted Strater's Orch and 
Fra^k Marti'a samba band; $2.50 and 
$3.M) niinimiinis. 

The Copa is reopened and Joe E. 
Lewis is back. That virtually makes 
New York's night life picture com- 
plete. The room is superb — even 
more so now with a refurbishing and 
enlargement job — and Lewis is aces 
on any boite floor that's within hear- 
ing distance of an audience. 

Thus Monte Proser, who. as Lewis 
puts it, is one of the 'few' partners 
here, appears set for another clean- 
up—but its biggest. This is the be- 
ginning of this spot' s third year. From 
ai\ original seating capacity of 400 
it went to 560 at the end of the sec- 
ond year, and this year, by building 
out the terraces, Proser is able to 
squeeze in 670 at the tables, plus an- 
other 50 or so at the bar. That's 
the biggest night club capacity on 
the east side (one of the biggest in 
the entire city, in fact) and open- 
ing night (1) it appeared as though 
all New York was trying to crowd 
into the place. With more spending 
In evidence than at any time since 
the lush '20s, the Copa unquestion- 
ably will continue to get a tre- 
mendous share of the big nocturnal 
shenanigans. 

Lewis, at any rate, insures that, 
with the flne atmosphere of the 
room, plus a georgeously mounted 
show and those svelte Samba Si- 
rens (seven this season) as added but 
important values. The femmes have 
been an attraction ever since this 
room opened, but at no time has its 
b.o. been as big as when Lewis was 
the entertainment attraction. 

This year he picks up where he 
left off when the room closed for the 
iummer. He's also current at 
Loew's State, which had a day 'n' 
aate opening with the Copa, but if 
ha was tired after six snows be- 
tween both spots it didn't show in 



Opening October 8th 



Jack Harris' 

LA CONGA 

New York 

MACHITO 

and hit 

RUMBA KINGS 



Exelueive Dir.i 

WALLACI DOWNEY. INO 
1620 Broadway, New York 



his laugh score at the midnight 
prcem performance. Previously he 
had done the dinner show here, then 
went back to the State for a fourth 
performance there, and then scur- 
ried here to murder a plush audi- 
ence thai crowded the Copa from 
wall to wall. Some of the patrons 
even appeared to be sitting on the 
waiters. 

That Lewis is a perfectly timed 
comic has been frequently re.slated, 
but the description never fll him 
better than Thursday night. For 
some reason or other he picked 
some of his weakest special songs 
(or the midnight show, yet he was 
as solid as ever. 

Much credit for the flnc initial 
show must go to Don Loper (& Bar- 
rett), who staged the production and 
designed the excellent costumes. 
Loper and Barrett, also at the State 
this week, were fixtures here last 
year, but aren't dancing in the sea- 
son's opener. Another strong plus 
factor is the good original score by 
Benny DavLs and Ted Murray, par- 
ticularly their 'This is New York' 
patter number, which, for one of the 
few times, permits chorus girls to 
deliver something that's both iittel- 
ligent and intelligible. 

Aside from Lewis and the girl.';, 
show. also includes the Berry Broth- 
ers, the sock colored hoofers, and 
Connie Russell, a pretty brunet 
singer who is one of Al Siegel's 
proteges. She scored nicely opening 
night. Ditto the Berry boys, although 
they were cut down from a trio to 
a duo because of the injury to one of 
the boys on the stage of 'Show Time,' 
the straight vauder at the Broad- 
hurst from which they are doubling. 

Ferandez Alvarez, a holdover from 
this spot's inception, is still on hand 
as the suave Latin m.c; Pierre D'An- 
gelo is a neat ballroom dancer, 
working in with the Samba Sirens, 
who have evidently received some 
good hoofology coaching; Olga San 
Juan is a peppery South American 
singer used as an incidental touch 
in a couple of numbers. 

Per usual, the Copa is also hit- 
ting a high standard musically. Ted 
Straeter's band does an exceptional 
job playing the show and for the fox 
trots, while Frank Marti's crew, an 
h.o. from the past two years, takes 
ample care of the patrons' rhumba, 
conga and samba desires. 

Besides Proser, the spot's crew of 
hosts remains the same, with Jack 
Entratter, managing director, Joe 
Lopez, Gus and Arthur Brown the 
chief greeters. Scho. 



'come-al-ye' which. Incidentally, is 
a highly effective, rhythmic clap-clap 
for the exit music. Using a mike at 
the piano, Downey pitches his croon- 
ing In a (Ip-top fashion as he unreels 
'Dearly Beloved,' 'My Heart and I, 
'You Were Never Lovelier,' My 
Ship,' 'Molly Malone,' 'Same Old 
Shillelagh,' 'Make Believe,' 'Why Do 
I Love You?' and 'Can't Help Lovm 
That Man," 'Embraceable You,' 
'Somewhere Til Find You,' 'Russian 
Lullaby.' They're expertly split up, 
and, in between, Downey also whips 
the keys in effective style. 

Warblers, per sc. are of same pat- 
tern, so far as casual values or con- 
cerned, but the great distinction of 
the boffo b.o. artist is always the 
style, showmanship and suavity. 
Downey has steadily progressed to 
the degree he's assumed stature and 
proportions of a genuine boxoffioe 
attraction. . 

Backing him up very effectively is 
the smooth Paul Baron orchestra, an 
NBC alumnus, whose septet gives out 
in the 'society' style that jells with 
the S-P atmosphere. He succeeds 
Roy Ross' combo. And. per usual, at 
the door is Roy, ex-Stork Club host. 

Abel. 




SAVOY-PLAZA, N. Y. 



Morton Downey, Paul Baron Orch; 
$2.50 and $3 minimum. 

There's a new Morton Downey in 
town. He's a cinch for the class cafe 
circuit on the strength of his general 
development as a one-man chan- 
sonier, mixing up his pops and bal- 
lads with flne shading, good pace and 
consummate showmanship. There 
are few one-maji performers who 
qualify in that idiom; it's usually the 
femme type of songbird who falls 
into the personality-singer groove. 
For Downey it s a first-time In a 
class N. Y. bolte of this calibre, al- 
though he's long been a show biz 
staridard on the air, in theatres^ etc. 

With the tenor it's a marathon 
Stelnway routine, crooning bis songs 
to self-accompaniment, in a deftly 
lighted setting, and holding together 
this 250-300 c&pacity room in excel- 
lent style. The only thing left of the 
'Irish crooner' idiom is his thematic 



BLUE ROOM, N. Y. 

(LINCOLN HOTEL. N. Y.) 

Hniry James Orch (25) with 
Hcloii Forrest. Johi\»u McAfee; 
Cover $1.50 uiecfcdays, $2 weekends, 
$2 dinner ininimniii. 

Harry James anit his symphony- 
sized combination, rated the No. 1 
band of the country currently, 
moved back into this 225-capacity 
room last week almost directly from 
a record-breaking fortnight at the 
1.000-capacity Astor a block away. 
An option on his services held by 
Mrs. Maria Kramer, the Lincoln's 
owner, since she played him last fall, 
brings him back. And the walls are 
crawling with the band's followers. 
It's been capacity both dinner and 
supper since the outfit moved in 
Friday (2). 

James' combination of nine strings, 
three trumpets, three trombones, five 
sax, four rhythm, bellwethered, of 
course, by the leader's topnotch 
commercial trumpet. Is a crack 
group. It sits on an enlarged stand 
at one end of this room and dishes 
up jive and ballad tempo that is the 
delight of all. Opening night a regi- 
ment of youthful dancers took part 
of the room and most of the dance 
floor over. Not many will come here 
hereafter, at least not with the stlfT 
minimums and cover Mrs. Kramer 
has slapped down. 

In addition to featuring a trumpet 
style and ability that probably can't 
be matched, James has another indi- 
vidual in his combination who is by 
far the best in the band business — 
Helen Forrest. Here's a gal who 
sings ballad or rhythm tunes in a 
manner that puts to shame 99% of 
her contemporaries. She makes the 
most difficult tune sound simple. 
Johnny McAfee, from the saxes, 
sings also. He's okay, but not out- 
standing. Wood. 



CARROLL'S, PHILLY 



LATIN QUARTER, CHI 

Chicafro, Sept. 37. 
Little Jackie Heller, Anita Alvarez, 
3 Modelairei, Rost A West, Cheena 
De Simone Dancers; $t.2B Saturday 

minimum. 

Entertaining new show replaced 
the 'Copacabana Revels' at the Iiatln 
Quarter, with amiable, pintsized 
Jackie Heller as m.c. 

Cheena De Simone Dancers, held 
over from the last show, get things 
started with a spirited routine, re- 
plete with flashing skirts, mincing 
Spanish steps, twists and turns. 

Modelaires, three nice-looking, 
tall gals in black-and-white lace, do 
pop numbers in the approved style 
of trios. They have strong individ- 
ual voices, the contralto being es- 
pecially able, and their harmony is 
pleasing if not outstanding. 

There's not much to the act of 
Ross and West, billed as "Two Nuts 
From A Newsreel.' The boys imi- 
tate various radio programs, empha- 
sizing tbe more asinine commercials 
and serials. They registered weakly. 

Anita Alvarez, a vivid, expressive 
minx in flashing Spanish skirts, 
slips onto the stage in a whirl of 
energetic twirling and steps. Her 
face is the best part of her act; it 
registers with vivid clarity during 
her flne turn. 

Heller solos next to closing. He is 
a singer with a pleasant voice, doing 
a half-dozen pops in fine showman- 
ly fashion. 

Vincent Bragale's and Eddie 
Pripp's orchs furnish the music, 
largely on the Spanish and Cuban 
side. ' Loon. 



Gopher Grill, St. Paul 



St. Paul, Sept. 26. 
'Knights of Note,' with Alex 
SCuder, 'Doc' Simmons, 'Hucfc' Round, 
Gordon Meek It Audrey Mines, Mor- 
joric Garretson; no couer or min- 
imum. 




Philadelphia. Sept. 20. 
'Zanities of 1943' with Eddie 
White, Dick Jones, Iggie Wolfing- 
ton, the BrandotDS (2) , 3 Rays, Irene 
JCaye, Charlie Gaines Orch (9) , Su- 
eettea (8) ; No cover, $1 minimum. 

This Is one of the best planned 
and executed of the screwball revues, 
of which there's been an epidemic in 
Philly niteries. It's a package show, 
the entire unit being put together 
by Eddie White, w.k. Philly comic. 
It's written by Alan Lipscott. 

White as an m.c. and handler of 
talent has a deftness which comes 
from long years of knowing audi- 
ences. The show starts off, literally, 
with a bang, the members of the 
cast, running through the cafe 
'shooting' guns at people who are 
talking. 

Then the dafTiness really starts. 
A chubby blonde (Irene Kaye) sings 
swing-spirituals while White, Jones 
and Iggy Wolfington play baseball, 
shoot at targets and chase blondes. 

The Three Rays, a trio of sweet- 
faced gals, knock each other out, a 
la Ritzes, in a rough-and-tumble 
acrobatic dancing stint. The Bran- 
dows, Jerry and Jean, are talented 
terpers who are plenty clicko in a 
large variety of routines. 

The troupe puts on numerous 
blackouts which are cleverly done 
as well as being original, one of the 
best being a takeoff on a heart-throb 
radio program, 'Mr. Agony.' White 
sings 'He's a Jitterbug,' 'Last Time I 
Saw Harris' and 'Sam, You made the 
Pants Too Long.' 

Hie windup, however, is one of 
the funniest seen here in months. 
White, Jones and Wolfington don 
wigs and mug through a record of 
the Andrew Sisters singing 'Don't 
Sit Under the Appletree,' making 
with all the well-known motions of 
the three gals. 

Charlie Gaines orchestra, one of 
the best colored bands in these parts, 
plays for the show and dancing. The 
house line (Suzettes) has a couple 
of well-routined dances, neatly cos- 
tumed. 

Room well-filled when caught. 

S7iaf. 



In this small room (capacity 280) 
in the leading St. Paul hotel, the 
current magnet is Marjorie Garret- 
son, singing comedienne, appro- 
priately bUled 'the modern Sophie 
Tucker.' Originally booked for a 
fortnight, Miss Garretson is now in 
her 14th week and still packing 'em 
in. She has built up a substantial 
local following and established her- 
self as an outstanding personality 
and entertainer. She provides the 
entire 20 minutes' floor show here. 

Personality, showmanship and ma- 
terial, along with skillful handling 
of her story-telling song end talk 
numbers and a faculty for making 
the naughty seem nice, explain Miss 
Garretson's hold here. She's attrac- 
tive, in her late 40s, and displays 
youthful enthusiasm. 

Miss Garretson sits at a small 
piano and plays her own accom- 
paniments with the four-piece band 
joining her. Most of her numbers 
are on the sophisticated side and 
some are pretty blue, but her whole- 
some personality and sense of humor 
rob them of ofFenslveness. 

Knights of Note, comprising pipn- 
ist, guitar, trumpet and tenor sax, 
play well for dancing and Miss Gar- 
retson, boasting a standout pianist, 
Alex Studer, their conductor, who 
features some of his own composi- 
tions that have caught on solidly in 
this spot. Their vocalist, Audrey 
Hines, is adequate. Rees. 

Camellia House, Chi 

(DRAKE HOTEL) 

Chicago, Sept. 29. 
Lucille & Eddie Roberti'; Vat 
Ernie's Orch; $2.50 Saturday mini- 
mum. 



Mentalists, when they're really 
good, make for great entertainment. 
And Lucille and Eddie Roberts are 
l>etter than average. They have the 
routine tricks, of course, when she 
tears a strip of paper to pieces, then 
shows it to her audience in one piece 
again, when she stuffs three white 
handkerchiefs into a box, pulls out 
three colored ones, then tears up the 
box to show nothing else there. 

But when, with practically no 
prompting, she reads the serial num- 
bers on bills taken from diners' 
pockets, calls their names, tells the 
kind of rings on their fingers, names 
the cities their relatives are yislting, 
and the dates when Army men were 
drafted, it mystifies. This audience 
loved it. 

Val Ernie's seven musical men play 
danceable music. Vic Manners, bari- 
tone, sings pops in the soft, crooning 
style befitting a class dining ren- 
dezvous such as this. Combine it 
with excellent food and it makes for 
a pleasant, diverting evening. 

Biz excellent. Loop. 



BEOFEN FT. WOBTH CAFE 

Fort Worth, Oct. 6. 

Reconditioned and renamed the 
Supper Club, the old 400 Club 
passed out of existence Thursday 
night (1). 

George and Hazel Smith, who also 
retain the Casino at Lake Worth, are 
the proprietors of the 400 Club, 
which is presenting a six-act floor 
show and Bobby Peters' band. 



LATIN QUARTER, N. Y. 

'Folies D'Amour* toith Line (12) 
Bob Fuller Sextet, Vfally Yfanger 
Ensemble, Abbott & Mazzone Dancers 
(6), Dr. Giouonnt, Armanda & Lila 
Carol King, John & Elizabeth Chad-' 
XDlck, Jane Wood, Douglas Sylvan 
Helen Carrol, Six Marvelettes, Gil 
Galtian, Jad« Ling, Pamela Britioii 
Don JMcGrane Orch (10), Fernando 
Caney Rhumba Orch (6); $2 mini- 
mum weekdays, %3 Saturdays. 

Lou Walters is currently present- 
ing a new version of his August edi- 
tion, second at the new Latin Quarter 
which has caught on so solidly 
He's brought back the Abbott and 
Mazzone Dancers, great click In the 
initial show, and added several 
others to brighten proceedings. Ad- 
ditions lean heavily on dancing and 
this gives the new combo excellent 
balance. Latin Quarter continues to 
go heavily for production and elabo- 
rate trimmings, making it one of the 
most pretentious cafe offerings 
around. 

The can-can opening, the waltz 
sequence, bridal scene and patriotic 
flnale are retained, with such 
favorites as the Wally Wanger girls, 
the Bob Fuller Sextet and Helen 
Carrol continuing to good effect. 
Lookers predominate in the line of 
showgirls and steppers. Jade Ling 
remains as the exotic 'nude' in sev- 
eral scenes while Gil Galvan is on 
for his flame dance aided by trio of 
comely gals. 

Abbott and Mazzone adagio act is 
standard, bein^ ideally suited for 
such a production. It cleans up per 
usual. Dr. Giovanni, whose pick- 
pocket novelty offering has been 
registering in nightclubs and vaude 
for some time, is a new and different 
addition to the show. He's using six 
(Continued on page 77) 



SHOW FOLKS 



INC. 



ISOT FOR PROFIT 
AmOVNCE 

the opening and dedication 
of its Home at 3 p.m. on 
October 11 at 1839 West 
Monroe St., Chicago. 

This young and fast- 
growing organization re- 
joices in the fulfillment of 
its main objective. The 
ownership and mainten- 
ance of a Home for aged 
and needy people in all 
branches of show business. 

You are cordially In- 
vited to attend the dedica- 
tion. Open house until 10 
p.m. 

The Home Committee. 

P. S. — ^Jolii Show Folks, 
Inc., today; dues $2.00 per 
year. Address corr^pond- 
ence and dues to the Home. 
Make checks payable to 
SHOW FOLKS, INC. 



PHIL 
REGAN 

On Tour 

Partenal R«preaent«tlv«i 
FRANK VINCENT 
Beverly Hllla, Calif. 



JEAN 
LESLIE 

Currently 

BEN IHLEY'S 
ARROWHEAD INN 

Personal Rep. 

HEATH & KING 
201 W. 40 Street New York 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



P^niETY 



VAUDEVILLE 77 



Night Club Reviews 



SS Continued from page 16 , 



LATIN QUARTER, N. Y. 

male volunteers from the audience, 
employing his customary routine of 
deftly removing bill folds, wads of 
l)j)|s and wrist watches from the 
patrons. All done In good spirit, 
wilh minimum of gagging, and with 
lifted articles promptly returned. 
Giovanni still does that routine of 
lifting other valuables as he returns 
one. 

Armando and Lita, knockabout 
comedy ballroom team, are new. 
Sts>rt off with their familiar ball- 
room steps, then encounter 'mis- 
haps' with all of their twirls going 
awry. Got nice laugh returns. 

Carol King, youthful ballerina, is 
outstanding. Her two dances are the 
essence of ease and grace, going over 
strongly with opening night crowd. 

Also holdover Is the Chadwick 
ballroom team. Pair of ballroom- 
ologists scored with their two num- 
bers. Helen Carrol, who sings a 
string of oldtime favorite tunes, also 
is a holdover. 

Six Marvelettes, fenime acrobats 
also help enliven the pace. They've 
been around night clubs and in 
vaude and provide a worthy addition 
to this show. 

Don McGrane's orchestra neatly 
plays the show and for dancing. 
Fernando Caney's crew alternates 
with the Latin music for the patron 
terps. Pamela Britton remains as 
vocalist with both bands. Wear. 



AQUARIUM, N. Y. 



A\an Holmes Orch 
Rolh; 110 minimtim. 



(7); Lillian 



Band policy has caught on nicely 
at this Times Square dining spot 
based on biz the night (Friday) 
caught. Operator Ben Harriman 
cognizant of the usual lull from 10 
until 11:30, apparently has hit the 
right formula, to attract customers 
during this period. By spotting 
either a name band or known singer 
at the top of an informal show, he 
is handing the folks the right sort of 
fare. 

New lineup, after about three 
weeks of an opening bill headed by 
Johnny McGee's orch, spots Lillian 
Roth, former vaude-musical-fllms 
singer, in the lead-off with Alan 
Holmes' compact orchestra providing 
remainder of entertainment. Holmes, 
a New York youngster, is a new- 



comer as a band maestro but likely 
will be heard from. 

Miss Rolh, who's been away from 
the night club scene in N. Y. for 
some time, is making this Broadway 
appearance as something of a come- 
back. Scored a solid hit here though 
only on about eight minutes. She is 
using a combination of songs in the 
modern idiom and a couple from 
'The Vagabond King,' film in which 
she appeared. 

Great Day Coming,' a more or less 
talky selection, is her leadoff, offer- 
ing an opportunity to really strut her 
smooth diction. In the lighter vein 
is 'All I Need Is You,' while in the 
more difficult light operatic pattern 
are her two songs from 'Vagabond,' 
'Be Mine Some Day' and 'Song of the 
Vagabonds.' Both register solidly. 
For an encore she's singing 'You're 
Dangerous,' which is also sold strong 
ly. 

Holmes who's played in several 
name bands, has a smooth-playing 
combo, the seven-piece orchestra be 
ing ideally suited for this eatery. 
"Three saxes (who switch to violins 
and clarinets), piano, bass fiddle and 
traps plus the instrument-playing 
leader make for a forte crew 
Holmes plays a number of instru- 
ments, but generally focuses on the 
sax, clarinet, violin or cornet. He also 
does most of the vocals, sometimes 
backed by a trio from the band. 

A sort of endurance test is Holmes' 
number in which he plays (not just a 
couple of notes) the trombone, cor- 
net, violin, two saxes, clarinet, flute, 
viola and a couple of other horns 
Scored heavily. His orchestra leans 
towards tunes that the oldsters and 
men in the service know well— and 
it's smart showmanship. But he 
doesn't neglect the more modern 
numbers such as 'Tangerine,' 'Sleepy 
Lagoon,' etc. wear. 

• 

VILLAGE VANGUARD 

(NEW YORK) 

Ricliard Duer-Bennett, Tony Far- 
rnr Bett« GaTTett, Eddie Haywood 
Orch (3); $1 ininimum toeckdous 
$1.50 tccekoids and holidays- 
Eight years ago Max Gordon (not 
the legit producer) took over the old 
Triangle theatre, deep in heart of 
Greenwich Village, and fashioned a 
nitery that was later to furnish the 
format for Cafe Society. ,The spot is 
small, capacity is about 100, the en 
terUinment not elaborate but always 



In the mood. And where once the 
Village literary lights convened the 
scriveners now gather. 

The Revuers' came from this cel- 
lar club as did the lute fad for 
calypso mu.sic. And since 1939 Eddie 
Heywood, Jr., who docs the accom- 
paniment for Billie Holliday record- 
ngs, has been playing ii hot piano 
and fronting a combo, consisting of 
drum and clarinet, in this spot. 
They play for dancing. Heywood 
doubling into the show. 

Betty Garretl. singer, and Tony 
Farrar, hoofer-mimic, are reviewed 
under New Acts. 

Richard Dyer-Bennett sings a wide 
and interesting variety of English 
folk songs. He has played a few 
other spots, like Le Ruban Bleu. In 
this club, possibly because there is 
no stage and he plays a guitar with 
sizeable lyre attachment while 
singing, he is' not as effective as he 
might be. Pleased the audience but 
would be more effective seated on a 
little platform. Fran 



SOMETHING NEW 
ALL THE TIME 




CENTURY ROOM, N. Y, 

(COMMODORE HOTEL, N. Y.) 

Vanohn Monroe Orvh (16) loith 
Marilyn Duke, Zigqy Tnlcnt, Lee 
Sisters i4); Raul & Eva Reyes, Com- 
modorables (8); coyer, $1 tucckdays, 
$1.50 weekends, tio iniiiiniiim. 



Unit Kemvi 



Mrs. Aster's Pet Horse 

(ADAMS, NEWARK) 



HELD OVER 

RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL 

NEW YORK 
★ 

Thanks to 
LEON LEONIDOFF 



Mitnagoment 

HERMAN CITRON 

607 Fifth Av«nu«, N«w York 



This is Vaughn Monroe's second 
seasonal stand at this east side 
hostelry. The ingredients used to 
provide entertainment in the large 
and tastefully decorated. 500-capacity 
Century Room are essentially the 
same as last year: namely. Monroe 
and his excellent, commercial vocal- 
ling, a fair band though it's improved 
over last year, a passel of beauts and 
a dance act. Tpgether the combina- 
tion stages an entertaining 45 minutes 
twice each evening. 

Dorothy Fox has done a neat job 
routining- thi^ presentation and a 
smart job on the costuming, which 
stands with but one exception. That's 
in the 'Strip Polka' number. In this 
Ziggy Talent displays his fine talent 
for comedy delivery while the line 
drifts on in black scanties and pro- 
ceeds to 'Put It On' instead of 'strip.' 
as suggested by Talent in a special- 
ly written musical interpolation. 
Costumes the gals don are noticeably 
inferior, but t^e number as a whole 
is outstanding. 

Teeoff piece is built around 'Hip 
Hip Hooray.' vocalled by the Lee 
Sisters, from the band, whose efforts 
are no better, no worse than a dozen 
sets of contemporaries. They work 
over 'Gal in Kalamazoo' later in the 
show, only adding to the topheavy 
amount of vocalizing with which it's 
studded. In addition to them there's 
Marilyn Duke, band's soloist, who 
does nicely with 'He's My Guy' and 
"You Were Never Lovelier.' Mon- 
roe's own contributions, well done, 
are 'My Devotion and 'Stout- 
hearted Men.' 

Raul and Eva Reyes first contribute 
differently paced routines to 'Begin 
Beguine.' They earn applause then 
with a comic interpretation of the 
conga. Pair come back later for a 
comedy. Shoeing the Wild Mare, 
number standard with Ihcm. Line 
is also included in the routine. 

Monroe's combination of three 
trumpets, three trombones, five sax 
and four rhythm does a pleasant job 
of playing for dinner. With a half 
dozen or so changes since it was here 
last, the outfit has improved con- 
siderably, oarticularly in its dance 
rhythm.-:. The band is not as clean 
playing as it might be, and its ar- 
rangements run an inconsistent 
course. This band has always been, 
and still i.'. secondary to Monroe's 
vocal appeal. Wood. 



Nexuark, Oct. 1. 
Billy Rose','! )>rc'.<ieii(a(iou o/ 'Mrs. 
Aslor's Pet Horse,' in four scenes, 
featuring GUda Gray, Charles Kiiiy, 
Aunt Jemima, Walter Dare Wuhl, 
and with the following cant: Johnny 
Trance, Arthur Barry, Wayne Mnc- 
Intyre, Mayo Brothers (2). 4 Rose- 
buds, Yacopi TroKpe (6). Cecil Le- 
ti;in. Gait Manners, Jack Spoons. 
George Rotiilnnd and Harry Meclinn, 
Chorus Girls. • Production by John 
Murroy Anderson; dancer stayed by 
Chick Millang; musical conductor. 
Ben Nelson. Presented at the Adams 
theatre. Newark. N. J., Oct. 1, 1942. 

Opening virtually cold here Thurs- 
day, and buttressed only by an 11th- 
hour rehearsal. 'Mrs. Astor's Pel 
Horse' swiftly proved itself a vast- 
ly entertaining, pagei.nt and well in 
accord with the Billy Ro.';e tradi- 
tion of superlative show value. Unit 
represents a stunning amalgam of 
gorge'ous girls, lavish costumes, nos- 
talgic music and such scintillating 
stars of yesteryear as Gilda Gray. 
Charles King and Aunt Jemima. 
Presented at a popular admittance 
scale. 'Mrs. Astors Pet Horse' repre- 
sents a rare show buy. 

Like its N. Y. prototype, show 
opens in front of the 'Hotel Plaza,' 
with Pansy the horse and the remin- 
iscing hansom driver featured, and 
then segues into a nitery of the 
Texas Guinan era. Aunt Jemima, as 
the irrepressible Texas, then brings 
out her girls. 12 ponies and seven 
showgirls, all of them A-1 for sight 
values. Scene then shifts to the 
Yacopi troupe, one of the most .spec- 
tacular aero turns in show biz and 
at one time a feature of rthe Ringling 
Circus. Act. incidentally, along 



with Walter Dare Wahl's stint, is the 
.only deviation from the original 
N. Y. show, the Diamond Horse- 
shoe's limited stage being the de- 
termining factor. 

i On next is Jack Spoon with his 
: ;op-flight juggling, and then scene 
'shifts a.ijain to Harry Meehan and his 
: lri.-;h iciioring of 'When Irish Eyes 
I .'Vre Smiling. Show at this stage, 
; With its iicros. juggler and Irish 
tenor, takes on all the aspects of 
an uld-fashioned vauder bill and is 
enough to recall old Palace days. 

A quick shift brings the show 
back to 'the Plaza' again, 1942 vin- 
tage, rnd brings back the girls plus 
Cecil Lewin and her clicko ballet 
dancing. Another shift and the 
scene fadei to a parly at the Dia- 
mond Horseshoe, with Charles King 
to the fore singing his well-known 
'Singin' in the Rain' and 'Give My 
Regards to Bror.dway.' Follow? with 
three George M. Cohan smashes — 
'Mary.' 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and 
•Over There.' 

Gilda Gray on next singing 'St. 
Louis Blues' and going through her 
gyrations of the shimmy. Sbo c.nn 
still lay 'em in the aisles. 

Wahl and unbilled s;oi%c con- 
tinue their sock kiddinc of the stand- 
, ard aero turn and cngcndeved p'enly 
of skin-pounding with (heir non- 
sense. 

The finale shifts the spotlight to 
Gall Manners, a lovely prima donna 
with a voice that's easy to listen 
to. and also gives play to Arthur 
Barry '.s lilting tenor and Wayne Mac- 
Intvre's rich baritoning. Aunt 
Jerhima comes back again to warble 
a medley of George Gershwin hits, 
including 'Swanee.' 'Man 1 Love.' 
•Lody Be Good.* 'Embraceable You.' 
•Somebody Loves You' and ' I Got 
Rhythm.' The four Rosebuds, each 
weighing 250 pounds on the hoot, 
come on last to end the show in a 
gale of laughter. ■ 

'Mrs. Astor's Pet Horse' has a little 
bit of evervthinp and enoueh of it 
for evervbody. It stamps itself as 
one of the outstanding stage units 
rf the vear. Joni. 



Garden Terrace, Philly 

(BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOTEL) 

Philadelphia. Oct. 1. 
Nat Brandwynne Orch (12) with 
June Robbins, Aladdin. Mata Mon- 
teria. DcMnr <t Dnnijre. Toni Hart; 
no cover, $l-$l.S0-$2 iriin; dinners, 
$1.50 up. 

Fresh from successes in Boston 
and Atlantic Cily. Nat Brandwynne's 
tuneful aggregation opened here this 
week in the Ben Franklin hotel's 
smart Garden Terrace. The band 
seems tailor-made for the room, 
playing the type of music Terrace 
patrons seem to like, soft and sweet. 
The band also features the talented 
vocals of June Robbins. late with 
Eddy Duchin's band. Also high- 
lighted are the violin solos of Alad- 
din. 

In addition to Brandwynne's band, 
the show includes the adroit ball- 
room terping of DeMar and Denise 
and zingy Latin-American and Es- 
pagnole dances by attractive Mata 
Monteria. Rest of the vocal depart- 
ment is handled by petite Toni Hart. 
The gal's pipes are a little weak, 
and althoii?)' <;he .<;ells her songs 
well, she overstays her welcome by 
singing too many. When caught, she 
gave out with six tunes. 

Room well-filled for dinner show. 
The spot could use something to fill 
the lulls. There's an hour break be- 
tween end of show until Brand- 
wynne's boys get back on the podi- 
um for dan.>«pation. A trio, pianist, 
or harpist would fill the bill here. 

Shal. 



ot 




The Popular 
Don Tannen 

Clever Young Comedian 
Al Ihe Normandie Roof 

Th« pop-eyed young comedian 
who yocH by the name of Don Tnn- 
nen. and who has been convulxlng 
aiKlU-nces at the Normandie Roof 
ipct-nilv. belonB.s to the same school 
nf fntf-rlalners a« Billy de W olfe- 
}|1h niPthoilK, thoiiBh not Imitatlve,- 
are In miiny Wiiya Hlmllar. But hl« 
fomedy Is (ieflnlt'ely of 1'1-h own ron- 
<.>.|,i|i;n. It does not mutter whether 
he is sinKing— and. Incldentully. he 
j,oss<-ss<-K a voice f:ir above the 
avei-ane — or whclh<-r he Is hur- 
les<ltiPing ventrllociulsm. or pre.sent- 
Ing one of his Inimitable charactcr- 
Htndle!) of noted Hlum of the .ttage 
and Horo*n, he does everything dl.s- 
(Inctlvfrly iind In ii manner which 
compels attention. His wit l.s bJtlnp: 
"Winter Is coming — llusslu Is in 
good shape again:" His personalliy 
Is Ingratiating, an* his powers ot 
ent»rt;ilnmcnt receive iinuHuully em- 
phatlc recognition at each appoar- 
a nee. 

Ho Is one of the n>o.«t pfipnlar 
artists ever seen at the Normandie 
Itoof. Morgan Powell, 

Montreal Daily Star. 



DON TANNEN 

JuBt Closed 3rd Return Engagement 
Within Nine Months ... At The 

MOUNT ROYAL HOTEL 



Montreal, Canada 
(Sept. 7th — Oct. 4th) 
4-Week Engagement 



Thankt to Don Turner und hia wonderjid mwic 
and to May Johnson of M.C.A. 

Direction:— MUSIC CORP. OF AMERICA 



78 HOUSE REVIEWS P ^iEff - Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Modified 'GirF Shows Back on B way; 
Brandts Central's Hybrid Vaudery 



'Girl Follies' shows returned to 
Broadway last week, but not under 
that title and with no resemblance to 
the old, tired burlesque and strip- 
teas* admixtures eliminated by the 
Oily about a year ago. Central the- 
atre, at 47th and Broadway, a Brandt 
operation, switched from a double- 
feature picture policy (as the quality 
«f product recently dipped to new 
lows (or all time) to the Stiige 
ttevue-Vaudeville setup. Commis- 
sioner Paul Moss objected to calling 
'em 'Girly Shows' and other objec- 
tions were raised to similar tag.^. 
Consequently, the Central was offici- 
ally opened as Stage Revue-Vaude- 
ville. 

First week'.i lineup omits any 
nudity, stripping or kindred trap- 
pings from most recent burlesque. 
This despite the fact that about every 
other nitevy on West 52nd Sti ccl 
nowadays boasts a strip-teaser, or a 
torrid dancer, many of them f;.- 
miliars from the burlesque wheels. 

Considering the hurdles, the Cen- 
tral is doing very well with the pres- 
ent setup since it looks like a natural 
for visiting firemen as well as thou- 
sands of servicemen who flock to 
New York every weekend. The nu- 
merous visitors had been wondering 
what happened to N. Y. burlesque 
and why they have to pay a legii 
chow scale to see anything resembl- 
ing old burlesque st^ ge shows. While 
the city administration has made it 
clear that the Central show is in no 
way a return to old burlesque, or 
last year's 'Follies' shows, the idea 
of keeping chorines garbed in ankle- 
length dresses, eliminating dancers 



Harry Rose, 'Loonev' Lewis, 
Chick Hunter, Joan Carroll, Gene 
Bavlof, Gonzalez Trio, Harmon- 
ettes (2), Long & Short, Bo Jen- 
kins, Line (12). Shouiffirls (C), 
Murray Axister House Orch H); 
shorts. 



?nd all bumps appears (ar-fetchcd to 
hese viaitors. 

Messrs. Brandt apparently have rt 
01 the right formula to please those 
who can't afford the legit burley- 
musical scale or don't go for the 
•treamlined, higher-priced vaude- 
ville-revue. This is not burlesque al- 
though it has some of the better hur- 
ley comics. It is more reminiscent of 
tabloid musicals plus nicely picked 
vaudeville acts. Judging from the 
laughs and applause, audience here 
takes the policy. 

Management still hopes to quicken 
the pace, but when caught again 
Saturday (3), after the show opening 
On Thursday, it played smoothly. 
There's nice pace maintained be- 
0 tween the slower monolog and the 
taster vaudevill* and production 
tiumbers. Further tightening of the 
•tage and lighting mechanics natur- 
ally will come, when the crew here 
sets more accustomed to a stage 
policy. 

Harry Rose (not vaudeville's 
'Broadway Jester') and 'Looney' 
Lewis, burley comedians. Chick 
Hunter and several stooges appear in 
two sketches, both solid clicks. One 
Is the familiar take-off on 'Informa- 
tion Please,' geared to slapstick 
tempo. Some of the lines are double- 
eaning, but not offensively so. Iden- 
fylng pictures and one tabloid are 
employed as well as the reference 
to the $2 question. The other skit is 
th» veneraible hokum prizefight, with 
comic Lewis on the receiving end. 
Joan Carroll, former strip-teaser, 

Cow turned straight, works nicely in 
oth sketches. 

Lewis is finding the quick quip and 

fiantomime gets bigger response than 
ht* battered blue gags of burlesque 
several years back. He's the whole 
•how in both sketches with Rose 

E laying second comic all the wr/. 
ewis. Incidentally, is greatly im- 
proved over a year ago. Hunter 
Inckes a capable straight feeder. 

Gene Baylbs, rated m.c, supplies 
■ome droll comedy on two appear- 

Jinces. He picked up his gait for 
ater shows. 
Cashing in on the vogue for dog 

Sets. Gonzales Trio (New Acts) rates 
ii- top vaude spot. Trio wowed the 

fiatrons at both shows. Bo Jenkins, 
ikeable sort of colored tapster, 
makes a favoi'able impression with 
varied steps. His patter is meaning- 
less and hurts his stepping. Long & 
£hort, a short male tumbler and an 
equally spry midget, have a fast turn, 
using their clowning efforts to good 
effect as they go through standard 
tumbles, stands and balancing feats. 
Pair wears sailor outfit and wisely 
keeps in action every second on the 
stage, Instead of attempting to lean 
too much on the midget's stature. 
Harmonettes, two comely singers, 
nave one specialty but serve mostly 
to Introduce the production numbers. 

Harry Puck (who also stages the 
Hurricane, Broadway nitery, shows) 
has done a yeoman job in whipping 
this show Into such smooth running 
order. Showgirls and ponies are un- 
usually young and pretty, latter 
group of 12 actually knowing how 
to dance. The showgirl contingent 
parades per usual in musical shows, 



with no extreme undress in any ap- 
pearance. Dancers, too. go to ex- 
tremes to keep covered at all times. 
Ultimately, this ultra ccservatism 
in costuming may be modified at 
least to admit thnt the femmes 
have limbs or in line with garb 
worn in current musicals along the 
stem. 

Biz is fairly good thus fur con- 
sidering the sudden opening. Present 
policy stands a good chance of click- 
ing and nroving a profitable ven;ure. 

Wenr. 



Casino de Paree, N. O. 

('TRt.\TS or PARIS') 

Nnw Orleans, Oct. 3. 
Arlenc Tlwmpion, Jack Murray, 
Tounny Ruft, Eleanor Sheridan, Joy 
St. Clair, Mildred fietison, Johnny 
Cook, Sam Gould, Nadine Ondra, 
Chei Atland. Showgirls (6), Line 
ll2). House Orch. 



St. Charles theatre, for years cita- 
del or vaudeville and stock, re- 
opened Friday i2) with 'musical 
comedy.' Mobs stormed the doors. 

Show is fast moving, peppered 
with comedy and specialtie.<:. 

Although the advertising and bill- 
ing said nothing about burley in any 
of its ramifications, the audience 
was given a reasonable facsimile 
thereof through the house's sale of 
ice cream, candy, postcards and soft 
drinks between the picture, which is 
not advertised, and the revue. 

Comics got plenty of laughs, par- 
ticularly Tommy Raft, a pint-sized 
funster who scored solidly with 
semi-pantomime, especially in a nut- 
house .sequence where he grabbed 
laughs last and furiously. 

The girls are young, pleasing and 
pretty, without stripping or grind- 
ing. Vulgarity was noticeably ab- 
sent at show caught. From open- 
ing audience's reaction, patrons liked 
IL . The laughs and applause were 
plentiful throughout. 

Eleanor Sheridan contributes a 
nifty routine vaguely resembling a 
strip, yet is Innocuous enough to 
get by any blue nose. Nadine On- 
dra's novelty tune, 'My Bunny,' 
got plenty of palm pounding and she 
gave several encores. 

Arlene Thomson, looker with nifty 
pipes who appeared in Blue Room 
of The Roosevelt with Jan Savitfs 
orchestra, had two weeks open and 
was added to cast. She stopped show, 
cold with her warbling, ns did Jack 
Murray, who also appeared in the 
Savitt show. Murray's clever imi- 
tation of noted band leaders clicked 
solidly. 

Others who help make the show 
entertaining are Joy St. Clair. Mil- 
dred Benson, Johnny Cook and Sam 
Gould. M of whom appear in 
comedy turns, and Chet Atland. 

The ponies dance as if they en- 
joyed it. They also double into 
specialties. 

Costumes and scenery are all new 
and add much to staging and are 
especially effective in patriotic finale. 

Spot has done terrific business 
since opening day. During first three 
days 18.000 theatre-goers passed 
through turnstiles. Four shows daily 
are presented. Liuz 



STAR, BROOKLYN 



Bobby Morris, Charniai/ne, George 
Rochea, Burton A JeaneUe, Morgan 
Sisters (2). flemie Miller, George. 
Reynolds, Line (8). Showgirls ii) 
Murray Auster House Orch/46)- 
shorts. / 



Apparently the Mayor legislated 
burlesque out of business but for- 
got to do something about the bur- 
ley fans. They're getting a consid- 
erably whitewashed ver.«ion of 
burley here, and coming back for 
more. Nothing flashy but good, 
solid entertainment. Biz at this 
former strip-and-blackout houi-e, 
now In Its third week, has been 
strong. 

The laugh department is in ex- 
pert hands, with Bobby Morris, top 
comic, doing four blackouts and 
getting laughs all the wav even 
though most of the blue material 
has been clipped. For an added 
fliip Charmayne, the name stripper, 
works one of the blackouts with 
Bobby Morris, and between them 
it's a solid laugh romp. George Rev- 
nolds and Bernie Miller handle The 
straightmen's chores, with the latter 
doubling as vocalist. 

Production numbers arc pood, the 
costumes pretty and effective with- 
out veering off bounds. Girls look 
well and dance okay. too. Their best 
number is the rhumba routine which 
introduces Charmayne. 

George Rochea does routine lap- 
ping and had to encore. Morgan 
Sisters do a high-kick tcrp that 
clicked de.spite its mediocrity. Bur- 
ton and Jeannette. with imitations, 
were whammo with this audience. 

Charmayne's routine olo.^cs the 
show. A tall, eye-fllling blonde, she 
works In an effective while, two- 
piece costume that shows the gams. 



But It's Not Burley 



Girl shows in the guise of 
'vaudeville' are making them- 
selves markedly felt in show biz 
of late, as witness recent adop- 
tions of that policy in several 
cities. Indications are that the 
policy will grow, with a number 
of out-of-town theatre managers 
eyeing the progress being made 
by those setups in New York. 
New Orleans. Montreal and a 
couple of other key spots. 

Latest in this setup are the 
Central on Broadway, which 
started this week: (he Star, 
Brooklyn, three weck.s; Casino 
de Paree, New Orleans, and the 
Gayety, Montreal. All employ 
a touch of what used to be bur- 
lesque. 



little else. Sings 'Chi-Chi Castenan- 
go' in fair fashion, then d(ic.< a strip 
sans any stripping. Throws in a mild 
bump or two and docs remove her 
bodice, but there's a bia under- 
neath. 

House orch plays well for the 
show. frnti. 



GAYETY, MONTREAL 

MoiKrenl. Oct. 5. 
Joe Frisco. Marie Cord trifh Lon- 
don Belles (6), Georgetle & Mar- 
cclle, Felicia Short, The Claytons (2). 
Ludovic Huot, 'Floyd Hnllicy. Sliiikie, 
Shorty, Bobby Fay? u'ith Erma 
Vogelee & Ann Smith. House Line 
(15), Len Howard Orrh (9). 



Vaude has established itself firmly 
in this city, as witness a packed 
house this afternoon, a hot day. with 
a counter attraction in the broadcast 
of the World's Series. 

Joe Frisco, headlined, has a lot to 
do with this condition and is easily 
the topnotcher in an otherwise 
mediocre show. He tees off with a 
clever tap routine done with ease 
and goes into his standard race fan 
sketch, which Is still clicko. Finish- 
ing with soft shoe and more patter 
had him begging off at the end of his 
act. 

Marie Cord, with her London 
Belles in support, has a fair soprano, 
is easy on the eye and takes her time 
on the strip. She gives the crowd 
what it likes and won a strong hand. 

Georgette and Marcelle. sister aero 
team, deservedly earned good re- 
turns. Felicia Shore, contortionist, is 
standard as are the Claytons, brother 
and sister, in a lariat turn. 

Ludovic Huot got the hand of the 
show with a French song which the 
French fans, who made up most of 
the crowd, certainly liked. Floyd 
Hallicy straighted for Stinkie. Shorty 
and Bobby Faye with Erma Vogelee 
and Ann Smith in a number of 
sketches that provide nothing new. 
but are put over smoothly and at 
good pace. 

Len Howard orch is on top of its 
job. The line shows good precision 
dancing and is smartlv wardrobed 
and well-chosen for looks. 

Capacity house at this viewing. 

Lnne. 



RKO, BOSTON 



Bo.slon. Oct. 3. 
Stan Kenton Orch. Mary Brian, 3 
Stooges, Frank Paris; 'Footlight Ser- 
enade' (20th). 



A solid band unit and the Stooges 
with a large assortment of blue gags 
are primarily responsible for the en- 
tertainment value of the lineup at 
this stand, which opened to hefty 
biz with the jitterbugs, notwith- 
standing school's in session. 

Kenton, new to this spot but evi- 
dently preceded by the good word, 
has a band which clicks, although 
the tunes and arrangements aren't 
exactly what the locals go for. He 
makes too much to-do with his 
theme at the opening, bogging ir 
down In a pretentious medlev de- 
signed apparently to show off his 
style, and never does gel around to 
a straight instrumental performance 
of a hit tune. Seems to be mostly a 
question of smarter programmmg. 
however, for there's no question the 
band can operate. Kenton himself is 
a neat leader* whose baton-waving 
is no mere fronting gesture. 

Red Dorrls, who also takes a cou- 
ple of good licks on the tenor sax, 
and Dolly Mitchell are satisfactory 
warblers, but neither really regis-' 
ters, again because of mediocre 
tunes. Band does a specialty involv- 
ing the sax section which goes nice- 
ly, and It leaves a good impression 
with a trick arrangement of 'St. 
James Infirmary.' 

Frank Paris leads off the vaude 
routine with his marionet troupe, a 
clever item; Mary Brian, terping 
with her new partner. Douglas 
Deane. seemingly without adequate 
rehearsal, barely .succeeds in keep- 
ing above water in three turn.s. and 
the Three Stooges pile out of the 
wmgs in the feature spot to .spout 
some of their roughest humor and 
click to a fare-thee-wcll. Some of 
their faster gags are due for prun- 
mg. but they'll most certainly con- 
fmue to provide the .sock to a show 
even though their material Is by now 
standard. It's rich with unspeakable 
vulgarity. But It kills the customers. 

Elie. 



APOLLO, N. Y. 



House Line, Pigmeat, Bill Mucht- 
son, Harlem Highlanders, Lily Anne 
Carroll with Louis Prima Orch (M); 
'Bombs Over Burma' (PRC). 



Bill for this Harlem house deviates 
this week from its usual policy of 
name colored bands, setup currently 
presenting the ofay Louis Prima 
orchestra. Prima music is supplied 
from behind a scrim for first half of 
the show, which is handled by an 
otherwise all-colored lineup includ- 
ing the house line, Pigmeat, mimic 
Bill Muchi.sori and the Harlem High- 
landcr.s. kilted singing quartet. 
Band, with its vocalist, Lily Anne 
Carroll, take's over the second half, 
leading to the boogie woogie black- 
out fin.nlc using the entire cast. 

Lacking in spontaneity, the line, 
corvsisting of eight girls, four tappers 
and a singer, is intermingled with the 
standard comedy routines of Pig- 
meat. a house standby. Muchison 
does straight mimicing using a mike 
setup IIS a radio announcer. The 
Highlanders take over with good 
novelty renditions of old Scotch 
tunes. They finish big with a risque 
•Cat Fell in the Well.' 

The Prima band is then unveiled, 
giving out with hot arrangements of 
'China Town' and 'Idaho.' Miss Car- 
roll registers big, perhaps more on 
looks than singing ability. Her mel- 
low voice does 'Beguine,' 'AH I Need 
Is You." 'I Got It Bad' and This Love 
of Mine.' Topper for the band is a 
socko arrangement of Ravel's 'Bolero' 
wherein drummer Jimmy Mitchell 
goes to town. This leads to the 
boogie woogie finale, which is frail 
by comparison. The maestro alter- 
nately hangs the spotlight - between 
his trumpeting, fog-horn warbling 
and m.c.ing. 



ORPHEUM, L. A. 



Los Angeles, Oct. 2. 
Abe Lyman Orch (17) with Billy 
Sherman, Rose Blane, Don A Bev- 
erly. Jack Marlowe, Jackie Green; 
'In Old California' (Rep). 



Vet vaudery lifts itself out of the 
so-so show class of past couple weeks 
with a compact presentation of the 
best in Abe Lyman, his band aides, 
Billy Sherman, Rose Blane and Jack 
Mai'lowe, plus two varied and pleas- 
ing acts. Though show is plenty 
strong from entertainment stand- 
point, and is aided by first run film, 
'In Old California' (Rep), biz is un- 
accountably off. 

Lyman smartly (for this hep 
house) opens with a jive arrange- 
ment of pop, 'Idaho,' and his band 
really dresses the stage for nice first 
impression, loUowing up with im- 
pressive work, too. Show-wise, 
Lyman doesn't hog but gives free 
rein to musicians and acts, infre- 
quently interpolating bits of his own 
humor for bounce. 

Male vocalist, Sherman, starts off 
show with a crooner-like rendition 
of This Is Worth Fighting For.' Next 
is 'Begin Beguine.' Jovial, big and 
good-looking, he gets along well on 
that score. 

Production number by band, 'Let's 
Keep Smilin,' done in deadpan, gives 
the show variance and lightweight 
novelty. Jack Marlowe, violinist 
with band, gets in some classics on 
his instrument, rendering a czardas 
and another doubly fast fiddle flight. 
Socko. and show-stopping on first, 
he overdoes it on second number, 
leaving audience a little limp and 
less appreciative. Ju.st a case of be- 
ing too good and not leting well 
enough alone. But it paces the show. 

Don and Beverly, regulation dance 
team, go through usual terping of 
their school, but reach the crowd 
with audience-participation stunt of 
putting dance requests into action for 
some laughs, running the gamut from 
tango to hep hoofing. Lyman again 
breaks into show with a Gershwin 
medle.v, not overdone as with many, 
and gives just enough of eacn of the 
immortal tunes. Switching from the 
plaintiveness of the 'Porgy and Bess' 
pieces to the older jazz numbers, he 
blends all into a really fine ear 
entry. 

Jackie Green, diminutive comic, 
songster impersonator and pupil of 
Gus Edwards, follows. His efforts 
at imitating the Jessels, Jolsons, Can- 
tors, et al., get home to elders, but is 
partially lost on youngsters, though 
good show stuff with the facial and 
gesture impersonations. His 'Henry 
Aldrich' radio takeoff Is better re- 
ceived and his gags are fast and new 
enough to register. 

Rose Blane. fcmme chirper, closes 
show with the material this hou.se 
sells best, chanting 'Indians Threw 
Rocks at Columbus,' 'Amen' and 'It 
Happened on Monday.' Husky- 
voiced hot singer wrapped up the 
show and the house, and dueled last 
number with Sherman for clever 
fadeaway. 



STATE, N. Y. 



Joe E. Lewis, Don Loper & Maxine 
Barrat, Borinie Baker. 4 Sidnciis- 
'Someu'here I'll Find You' (M-G) ' 

A four-act stage bill this week, but 
it is virtually a one-man show be- 
cause of Joe E. Lewis, even though 
the supporting turns are of first-rate 
calibre. 

There may be half a dozen come- 
dians who can dominate a vaude 
show, but probably none who can 
out-rate Lewis. That goes for his 
night club appearances, too. He is on 
approximately 35 minutes and often 
during that interlude his whimsies 
hit the top of the laugh meter. With 
the aid of a top name picture the gig- 
gle getter should turn in a very smurt 
count at the boxoffice. 

Lewis is on first to introduce Bon- 
nie Baker. Pretty brunet starts with 
'Neck of the Chicken,' then into 'He's 
My Guy,' 'I Met Him on Monday.' 
and encores with 'I had to Say No'; 
there l>eing an extra bit here with 
Lewis. Miss Baker is a strong click. 

When Lewis takes over in the 
finale position he gets rid of a num- 
ber about the $25,000 salary ceiling; 
it's just fair. When he starts gagging 
that's when his act really starts. 
Parody on 'My Man' scored big. as 
did the takeoff on John J. Anthony's 
radio program, while the crack 
about Lippy Leo Durocher of the 
Brooklyn Dodgers having the St. 
Louis blues was a local natural. 'Sum 
the Tailor' is still his comedy classic. 
Lewis starts the number, then goes 
into diversions, such as a gag about 
Alsab, a snatch of 'Blue Heaven,' 
joke about gin rummy, a parody on 
'I Went to Havana' (to the Catskills 
and back to nature in low heels). 
Funster sends 'em out laughing with 
a blue lyric on a bridegroom's 
dilemma, but it's a little question- 
able for family houses. 

Classy dance team is on just before 
Lewis; they are Don Loper and Max- 
ine Barrat, both rating high in their 
field. Appearance of Miss Barrat 
certainly helps. Ballroom duo drew 
an excellent score, earning two en- 
cores. Both acts are Copacabana 
alumini. formerly working together, 
but Lewis alone is doubling from 
that N. Y. nitery. Loper staged the 
new showing which opened there 
last week. 

There is class also to the cycling 
Four Sidneys, who open cleverly. 
Dressing of the three ^irls is very 
attractive and the unicycle bit is a 
notable scorer. fbee. 



TOWER, K. C. 



Kansas City, Oct. 2. 
The Buri'cdells, Burton <t Kaye, 
Hou-ard Parsons, Morey Si Eaton, 
Paul & Petit, Tower Orch luith Don 
Tiff, Mike Carle & Marilyn Ballinger; 
'Jungle Siren' (PRC) and 'Lure of 
the Islands' (Mono). 



Without any big names this week. 
Tower presents another of ils 
fmooth 40-minute presentations of 
vaude at a 35c top. Opening display 
ads in local sheets were slugged 
'Battle of the Burlesque Queens." as 
Ann Corio and Maigip Hart of bur- 
ley fame share the billing for the 
dual flickers on the screen. 

Unseen m.c. on offstage mike intro- 
duces house orch, which opens pro- 
ceedings with a pleasing version of 
'Silver Wings' as arranged by Don 
Tiff, with Mike Carle trumpeting and 
Marilyn Ballinger taking two vocal 
choruses. 

Revealed as Harry Morey of a 
team on later in the show, the m.c. 
then introduces The Burvedells. two 
nice-looking girls, who proceed to 
play a patriotic medley and then 
pop tunes on the xylophone. Their 
finale is a combo of hammer-manipu- 
lation and tap dancing. 

The deuce is taken over by Bur- 
ton and Kaye, comedy dance team, 
who go through a routine which 
kids adagio and other types ot hoof- 
ing with which all vaude patrons 
are familiar. Toward the clore ot 
their turn, they work in .some lift- 
ing and balancing speciallies which 
click. 

On next is Howard Parsons, a 
Tower 'Di.scovery Night' winner, and 
he whistles 'Indian Love Call' from 
'Rose Marie' in a manner which won 
him a loud hand at show caught. 
The boy is good. 

Morey and Eaton fill the featured 
next-to-closing spot, and their com- 
edy patter and busine.ss registers 
nicely. A liny Mexican hairless dog 
brought on just before the flni.-^h 
caught the fancy of the juveniles, 
and the adults, too. 

Closing spot goes to Paul and 
Petit, who combine balancing, uni- 
cycle riding and other similar work 
into a fast turn. Feature of their 
act comes when man balances on 
hands on roller skate.s. and Ihcn 
rides down parallel ramps through 
the wings and off-stage. 

Biz strong opening day and nluhl 
Enrl. 



Kalhryn Duffy's 'Swing Out Amer- 
ica Revue' opened in the Rainbo 
Room of the New Kenmorc Clinton 
hotel, Albany, N. Y., Oct. 3. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



HOUSE REVIEWS 



79 



ORIENTAL, CHI 



Chicago, Oct. 3. 
JiiMHii/ Joy Orch (14), Benny 
Fields, Nelson Sisters, Shea k Ray- 
nioiiti. Betty Bums, Earl Randall, 
Cene O'Brien; 'Hi, Neighbor" (Rep). 

Oriental features one o( those 
pleasant, diversified bills this week, 
with plenty of singing, music, acro- 
batics and comedy. Jimmy Joy's 
orchestra plays with spirit, featur- 
ing the hot favorites of the day, and 
Benny Fields gives them the kind 
of shmaltz that audiences invariably 
love. 

Baritone Earl Randall eases show 
Into the groove with a medley of 
pops, delivered in smooth, crooning 
style. His encore is a pip. 'I Came 
Here To Talk For Joe,' which seems 
destined for the high spots. 

Two lookers, wearing as little as 
the law allows, the Nelson Sisters 
work efTortle.ssly and well on a high 
trapeze. Their best stunt, in which 
one girl hanging from the bar en- 
circles her neck and that of her 
partner with a halter, and twirls 
her furiously in mid-air, is a show- 
stopper. 

'Old Mill Stream' comes in for 
harmony treatment by the Joy trio. 
The orche.stra does nice things with 
'St. Louis Blues," in which Joy simul- 
taneously play.<; a harmony duet on 
two clarinets. Good, too. 

(Canary of the orchestra, looker 
Betty Burns, does a number of 
songs before the audience lets her 
go. Girl is attractive in flame-col- 
ored gown and sings with spirit. 
She's of the hi-de-ho .school, with 
nervous hands and hepcat move- 
ments. 

Shea and Raymond, .shortie and 
longie, strut some quaint burlesque 
dances. Lanky features assortment 
of odd headdresses, impersonates 
female rhumba dancer. Spanish 
danseuse, etc. in hilarious fashion. 
Good act and it won applause. 

Fields is the piece-de-resistance. 
He talks intimately to his audience, 
speaks of the old show days in Chi- 
cago, sings- old favorites, all In the 
dramatic, nostalgic style typical of 
him. All the Fields features are 
there— the high hat, Oie twirling 
cane, the mincing dance steps all 
comprising showmanship galore. 

Biz fine. Loop. 



CAPITOL, WASH. 



Washington, Oct. 4. 
James Barton, Linda Ware, Di 
Gatanos, Gautier's Steeplechase, 
Rhythm Rockets, Sam Kaufman's 
House Orch; 'Orchestra Wives' 
(20th) . 



Jim Barton's 'Mad Dog' stew has 
so many service stripes for this area 
it Is ready for the Smithsonian. 
Dancer woke 'em up with some pan- 
tomimic impressions of a ballroom 
lizard of a generation ago, compared 
with a hot pants jitterbug of today. 
His alcoholic story is too long and 
venerable. However, he's still a 
smash performer. 

Rhythm Rockets introduce the Di 
Gatanos to a classy number, 'You 
Were Never Lovelier.' Team has 
three fast routines, concentrating on 
whirl finishes and really won this 
big Sunday night audience. 

Linda Ware opens with 'Kala 
mazoo' and then walks down into the 
audience for her plant, a sailor. 
Trotting him up on stage, stooge car- 
ries on nonchalantly for 'That's How 
I Subscribed to Liberty Magazine,' 
with singer giving it a trick flnish. 
Then C^ole Porter's 'I Get a Kick Out 
of You' to splendid response. 
Gautier's trained ponies won a gen- 
erous hand from this adult audience. 

Sam Jack Kaufman has evolved a 
very effective overture using the 
theme tunes of hit ochestras. Ties in 
with 'Orchestra Wives' and winds up 
with a jam session using 'Apple 
Tree' for a rousing brass finish. 
Lynn Allison soloes with 'Devotion,' 
Kaufman's apologizing because she 
Is not Ginny Simms being both un- 
orthodox and in poor taste. Arke. 



PALACE, CLEVE. 



Cleueland. Oct. 3. 
Will Osborne Orch. 4 Kit Kals, 
Cookie Bowers, Mvianne, Merry 
Macs; 'Pied Piper* (20th). 

While this season's been one band 
after another at this temple of 
swingaroo, many of them being new 
laves. Will Osborne again proves 
that an old hand who knows his 
yaude ropes can show up the young 
livers. 

Osborne's new band ha."! a lot w 
stage assurance, as well as variety 
and humor of a snappier sort. It 
ff«es into the critics' theme song. 
Anvil Chorus,' shifting into smartly 
Keyed burlesque after a bang-up ver- 
sion of 'Sorghum Switch.' Takeoflfs 
on rival bands are flavored with 
laughs. Outfit makes too many con- 
cessions to jitterbugs by constantly 
using the drums as .<;olo instruments 
unwisely, but it spells boiling Jive 
roo for the kids who go into ecsta- 
sies over it. Top hand -grabber is 
usDorne s pianist, a genuine scorcher 
01 ivory keys in boogie-woogie. Ma- 

i5"* okay as singer of pop stuff. 
r.aVl®"'.'"^ .J*^" "'so maintain this 
Dace In the closing spot with their 



breezily ivncopated. tight harmonic 
effects. Majority ot their numbers 
are rapidly growing shopworn from 
overuse, but singers probably would 
be buried under protests it they 
didn't repeat their socko versions of 
'Kalamazoo,' 'Jingle' and 'Idaho.' 
Band gives them flrst-rate support. 

Four Kit Kats, Harlem team, rap 
out crisp taps expertly but have a 
tough time following Cookie Bowers 
after he has milked the audience. 
Letter's apple-munching travesty of 
a musical yokel plus his acutely jdroll 
satirical impressions of a fat lady 
at the beach and a gal going to bed, 
keep the air filled with a steady 
stream of loud chuckles. Perfectly 
spotted, this clever caricaturist gives 
more body to the bill than anybody 
else. 

With 'Pied Piper' giving house one 
of its strongest film attractions of 
season, it was stampede biz over 
weekend. Pull. 

CIRCLE, INDPLS. 

fiidianapolis, Oct. 3. 
Dick Jurgeiis Orch uiifh Harry 
Cool, Buddy Moreno. Carl Brandt, 
Lew Quadling, Robert E. Lee, Joe 
Potzner, Lynn. Royce & Vanya, Wal- 
ter Willson; 'iWcricnn Spil/irc's Ele- 
phant' (RKO). 

Dick Jurgens band has moved into 
the Circle for the first time to make 
a favorable impression with its en- 
ergetic jive. Music, both swing and 
smooth, is sweet to the ear and ar- 
rangements have a pleasingly dif- 
ferent flavor. The boj's have also 
cooked up some cuto gags for com- 
edy effects. All in all. a good show. 

The show is away to a fast start, 
with a jam session on 'Ragtime 
Cowboy Joe' while Jurgens comes 
down off the stage and sits with 
the kids down front to get them 
into the spirit of the thing. Then 
he takes time to introduce every 
member of the band with a little 
good-natured banter. The next item 
IS the best soft number of the pro- 
gram, a dandy version of 'Pagan 
Love Song,' with muted trumpets, 
violins and plenty of Lew Quad- 
ling's piano. Three of the sax men 
double on strings for the mellow 
effects. It gets hot again with 'Ida- 
ho,' spotlighting Eddie Kuehler in a 
snappy trombone sole. Buddy Mo- 
reno, the rhythm singer, then goes 
to town on 'One Dozen Roses' and 
The Insect Song.' a novelty num- 
ber written by Bob Lee of the band. 
For an encore he does 'I Said No,' 
with the boys clowning in the back- 
ground. 

Putting plenty of drive Into the 
brassy tunes, the band next strikes 
up Ravel's 'Bolero' in a rhythmic 
concert arrangement, then presents 
Harry Cool, the ballad singer, in a 
sock vocal of 'Temptation.' Cool al- 
so sells 'Kalamazoo' in a big way, 
with 'Stage Door Canteen' for a 
nifty extra. A clarinet and violin 
trio then kids with a Viennese 
waltz and 'Elmer'.s Tune,' leading 
up to the band's bic comedy num- 
ber, 'Hawaiian War Chant,' with Mo- 
reno dressed like a hula girl in a 
grass skirt and' bra that won't stay 
put. The finale is a rousing patri- 
otic number. 'Uncle Sam Gets 
Around,' in which Jurgens, Moreno, 
Cool and Carl Brandt handle vocal 
choruses, solo and as a quartet. It 
blends into 'God Bless America.' 
with a fiag background and the band 
singing, for the climax and curtain. 

'Two first-rate acts are presented 
during interludes in the band show. 
Lynn, Royce and Vanya, dance trio, 
offer some ballroom routines with 
a screwy slant. It's funny stufT. 
Vanya is the only femme on the 
bill, as the band has no girl vocal- 
ist. W.ilter Nillson tickles the folks 
with his comedy antics on varied 
unicycles. Corb. 

EARLE, WASH. 



EARLE, PHILLY 



Philadelphia. Oc(. 3. 
Aluino Rey Orch with King Sisters 
(4), Sheets Herfurt, Dick JWorgon, 
Bill 5ch<i(ler, Buddy Cole. Lane Bros., 
Winik <& Mae; 'A-Haunting We Will 
Go' (20ch>. 

A field day for Quaker City jive 
fans is this chunk of swing dished 
out during the current sesh by Al- 
vino Rey and his touring troupe of 
alligators. 

Rey's program gets off the barrel- 
house beam just long enough to give 
a nod to the lovers of the more 
schmaltzy rhythms. And assisting 
nobly in making up an all-around 
entertainment bill are the rhythmic 
King Sisters, the acrobatic Lnne 
Brothers, baritone Bill Schallen, 
clarinetist Skeets Herfurt, et al. 

The band tees off with Subway 
Jam,' which starts the pedal-tapping 
in the pews. This is followed with 
'Idaho' during which drummer Nick 
Fatool and Skeets Herfurt get their 
chance to shine on their instruments. 
Winik and Mae, a couple of double- 
jointed, nimble youngsters, break in 
at this point with an adept bit of 
terping. 

Rey then goes to work with his 
electric guitar, starting with 'My 
Buddy,' a solo, then teams with 
Schallen baritoning 'A Pretty Girl is 
Like a Melody.' Schallen solos with 
'Stage Door Canteen,' which nets 
plenty of salvos. He encores with 
'This is Worth Fighting For.' The 
lad is dynamite with the gals in 
the audience. 

The Lane Brothers have a tricky 
rope-skipping stunt which has the 
patrons ga-ga. One of the lads 
jumps the strands while carrying 
his partner in most difficult posi- 
tions. 

The band then lets its hair down, 
clowning through a series of popu- 
lar numbers including 'Strip Polka.' 

The always-popular King Sisters 
then wrap up the works with a 
zingy arrangement ot 'Kalamazoo,' 
changing their pace with "My De- 
votion,' 'Keep Smiling.' Yvonne King 
.steps out on her own with 'I Said 
No.' The finale features the King 
gals with the band in a sock version 
of -Idaho.' 

Th-ey were lined up six deep in 
back of the house when reviewed 
(Saturday supper show). Shal. 

HIPP, BALTO 



Vvnshinglon, Oct. 3. 
Toy & Winn. Arren & Broderick, 
Martin Bro?.. 7 Fredysoii.?, Joe Lom- 
bardi's House Orch; 'Wake Island' 
(Par). 



About 50 minutes of straight vau- 
deville this week, four acts, nicely 
produced and presented, but no show 
stoppers. 

"Toy and Wing come on for some 
ballroom gliding and adagio. Ori- 
ental dancers really go to town with 
their jitterbugginc, and femme, 
classy looking, woke 'em up with 
some fancy toe stepping. 

Martin brothers are new to Wash- 
ington. They brought a trunkful of 
marionets, which they manipulate 
in black costumes. Open slow, but 
had this audience in their palms at 
the finish. 

Arren and Broderick brought the 
first belly-laughs. Male does some 
fancy work with the piano, aban- 
doning the keys to pluck out chords 
from the strings in 'World Is Wait- 
ing for the Sunrise.' Girl has po- 
tentials for banfi-up clowning but 
needs belter material. A cross be- 
tween Cass Daley afi^ Martha Raye. 
Encore brought her on to do Her- 
bert's 'Kiss Me Again' with a col- 
oratura that climbed into -fhe 
clouds. 

Seven Fredysons sell pyramiding 
and somersaults for a rousing hand. 
Joe Lombardi's orchestra, elevated 
to the stage for this week, has a neat 
selling and blows out some hot jazz, 
but the trumpeter is not yet ready 
to solo. Arke. 



Baltimore, Oct. 4. 
The 5 Herzogs, Slate Bros. (3), Al- 
len A Kent (4), Murtah Sisters (4), 
Felice lula House Orch (12); 'My 
Siiter Eileen' (Col). 



There's lots of talent in this lay- 
out and it's nicely routined into a 
potent 52 minutes of solid entertain- 
ment. Slate Bros, weave in and out 
in cor ic interludes, finally winding 
up the whole works with' an ex- 
tended closing spot of their own. In 
between, the other acts punch out 
individual turns of no mean merit. 

Five Herzogs open, with the all- 
femme contingent of trapeze work- 
ers registering with tricky stuff. De- 
cided novelty spot is the entrance of 
one of the gals from the audience for 
a bellringing setto of highswingine 
fully clothed and interlarded with 
laugh-getting comedy. Makes spot 
for first appearance of the Slates, 
who go to town with swift gagging 
and comedy vocal of 'Buy Ameri- 
can.' 

Allen and Kent next, a solid beg- 
off. Act is one of most appealing 
hoofing combos current and went to 
town in a big way when caught, 
.scoring a long series of bends. 
Youthful mixed couple starts with 
modern tap after which elderly duo 
gives out with oldtime tappcry and 
buck and wing. It all bui'ds to a 
punchy foursome highliRhted by 
some jilterbugging which earns an 
interesting encore bit of contrasting 
the two schools of dance steps. Act 
ha.s what it takes. 

Slates return for some more 
clowning, this time clad in khaki. 
Emphasis is on army gags leading 
into some okay legmania. Bring on 
Ihe Murtah Sisters trjo of warblers 
who whack out a very solid session 
of special arrangements highlighted 
by smartly spotted comedy. Do ver- 
sions of 'Three Little Sisters.' 'John- 
ny Doughboy' and a travesty on an 
operatic medley; all earning an en- 
core. Closing niche allotted to the 
Slates. 

Combination with film ('My Sister 
Eileen') resulting in better-than- 
average biz. Burm. 



MICHIGAN, DETROIT 

DetrotI, Oct. 3. 
Sammy Kaye Orch (17) tuith 
Tommy Ryan, Arthur Wright. Don 
Cornell, Billy Williams, Nancy Nor- 
man. 3 Kaydem. Sterner Sisters: 3 
Noiicluilants. Phil BrestofI House 
Orch triih Del Parker; 'The Class 
Key' I Par). 

Not strictly an appeal to the hep- 
cat trade, the currrnt K.iye appear- 
ance here may bolster the conten- 
tion of plenty of .showmfn here that 
Det.-oit is up to sunporlinf! average 
vaudeville in the loop pix houses. 
Up to now the infrequriil bookini; 
in the .'■olidly cioiiblc-bill houses has 
boon solely on the promise of book- 
ing hottest bands, but Kaye is dem- 
nnslralinc how to fill a bouse with- 



out the direct appeal to the zoot- 
suiters. 

Not that Kaye isn't solid in the 
brass. Most of his show, built on 
the numerous singers in the outfit 
and, with ea.sy comedy strung 
through, carries an all-around ap- 
peal. With single choruses the or- 
chestra covers plenty of numbers in 
the hour's session and, what's more, 
introduces them for the benefit of 
that part of the trade which doesn't 
spend its time dancing in the ai.slcs. 

Sterner Sisters are catchy with 
two tap routines. Show keeps mov- 
ing sprightly with Nancy Norman, 
whom the band recently added, 
working on 'Wonder When My 
Baby's Coming Home' and 'Another 
You.' Her voice is smooth. 

Kaye neatly clarinets 'My Gal 
Sal.' Tommy Ryan sings 'My De- 
votion' and 'Beguine' with nice feel- 
ing but he sometimes lets, his eye- 
brows accompany him. Band plaases 
with 'Modern Design' before the 
Three Nonchalants walk off with the 
biggest* hands. The acrobats' swell 
spoofing give just the right touch be- 
fore Kaye rings off with his always 
big 'So You Want to Lead a Band' 
contest. 

Brestoff orch uses 'Latin Swing' 
for its contribution, with Del Park- 
er, from the local niteries, torching 
up the right spots in the medley. 
Show crowds plenty in 60 mifiutes 
&nd was playing to close to full 
house at mid-afternoon show caught. 

Pool. 



KEITH'S, INDPLS. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 3. 
'Whir Bang' with thsJVfaxellos (5), 
Ghez:is Bros. (2), Catherine Harris, 
Shavo Sherman, Billy Farrell & Lucy 
Boot, Hibbard, Bird tt La Rue; 'Not 
a Ladies Man' {Col). 



The- pulse of vaudeville has a 
steady beat at Keith's this week with 
a solid lineup of six good acts. 
Comedy is the predominating ele- 
ment, sparking all turns but one, and 
that a dancing novelty. Headline 
honors go to the five Maxellos, who 
close the show, with Billy Farrell do- 
ing a click job as m.c. 

The Maxellos offer their usual 
classy routine of foot juggling, 
bouncing and balancing one another 
on their pedal extremities. In their 
most spectacular flip one of the girls 
jumps on the key man's feet and 
catches the guy in the air on her 
shoulders as he comes down. For a 
laugh, they draft Farrell as a human 
ball to try a double twist forward 
somersault while the house band 
plays a funeral march. 

The Ghezzis brothers also combine 
a sense of fun with their athletic 
prowess, imitating a pair of jitter- 
bugs doing a dance upside down, on 
their hands, for a lot of laughs. The 
boys also impress with their strong- 
arm stuff. Farrell pops in and out ot 
the show with a line of droll .stories, 
mostly about the army, tricks and 
taps before settling down to a solid 
routine with his partner, Lucy Boot. 
He's going big until they over-extend 
their tpngue twi.ster stuff, some of 
which is pretty crude. At the first 
show Farrell was on thin ice with a 
service man in the front row who 
seemed to resent his harmless army 
gags. 

Hibbard. Bird and LaRue add to 
the fun with a comedy dance routine 
that starts like a tame ballroom ex- 
hibition and then is joined by an 
amiable (Irunk who wanders up and 
down the aisles until he's chased onto 
the stage by a couple of usherettes. 
He can't keep out of the way, so the 
act turns into a romp. Shavo Sher- 
man, who looks like Ted Lewis with- 
out trying, specializes in imitations. 
He gives apt impressions of Al 
Jolson. Jimmy Durante, Charlie But- 
terworth. Hugh Herbert and Groucho 
Marx, with songs and gags in the 
style of each. His humor is pretty 
good. The only non-comedy act on 
the bill is Catherine Harris, who does 
plain and fancy taps on her toes. She 
got a good hand. 

Business is average. Core. 



'Ice-Capades, $111,000, 
Smash in Cleveland 



Cleveland, Oct. 6. 
Besides hurdling all steel-bladed 
show records for Cleveland on Its 
initial touring stand, 'Ice-Capadcs of 
1943' also proved to John Harris, its 
chief angel, as well as to the other 
Arena Managers Assn. backers that 
such extravaganzas can hold their 
own on special longroad engage- 
ments. 

Experiment of keeping it here for 
16 performances, longest run ever 
essayed by the local sports empo- 
rium, was justified when ice spcc- 
'^acle cleared about $111,000 at $2.20 
top. Four of the 18 shows were .sell- 
outs, with others averaging 75% ca- 
pacity. 

Seats for a Defense Bond matinee 
Saturday (3i, with each buyer of a 
bond getting a free ducat, were sold 
out within five days after sale 
opened. Vi.sit.< of 'Ice-Capados' skat- 
ers to factories and plugs by WTAM 
enabled Arena to sell $182,000 worth 
of War Bonds. 



CENTRAL, PASSAIC 



Pa.<!saic, Oct. 2. 
Gene Krupa Orch (16) ii-ith Ray 
Eberly, Anita O'Day and Roy Eld- 
ridge. Johnny Douins, Ames Se Arno; 
'She's In the Nax>y' (Mono). 

Moving in here in the wake of 
Glenn Miller's terrific four-day fare- 
well engagement (SIB.OOO dining 
that stretch) would feaze many a 
name band, but Gene Krupa is 
.sticking to the pace and is proving 
a local b.o. rave on his own. Gum- 
chewing drummer recently added 
JRay Eberly to his crew and onlflt 
is now solid all the way down the 
line. 

Orch, staffed with five saxc^. four 
rhythm and seven brasses, starts off 
with the usual jungular Krupa 
theme and then swings into 'Sleepy 
Lagoon,' with Mickey Magano trum- 
peting a torrid solo. Roy Eldridge, 
band's featured Negro trumpeter, 
then gets in some liot licks with 
'Jersey Bounce,' and takes the spot- 
light again with 'Big Fat Mama,' 
also taking care of the vocals. 

Krupa's skin-pounding is. a.^ al- 
ways, band's prime asset, maestro 
working himself into a lather over 
the kettles and turnint; in an fx- 
hibition that had the jive c(i(i.;io 
pleading for more. Krupa i< ospo- 
cially hot in his pounding vor.-iion 
of 'Drumboogie.' a solid natural 
that all but brought down ;he 
house. 

Remainder of the crew is strictly 
out of the top drawer, both brass 
and sax Kctions jiving with consid- 
erable bravura. Rhythm is also 
brilliant and includes. bosides 
Krupa's incomparable drums, guitar, 
bass fiddle and piano. 

Eberly, soloist recently acquired 
from Jimmy Dorsey's crew, was 
singing with extreme difficulty when 
caught. Came down with a bad 
throat opening day and could barely 
be heard, even with the aid of a 
mike. Went through the motions of 
singing Gershwin's 'Embraceable 
You,' and then called it a night. 
Audience was hep to his difficulty 
and gave him a big hand when he 
walked off. 

Anita O'Day, femme chirper. has 
a small voice, but packs a load of 
personality and oozes plenty of s.a. 
Sang 'Drummer Man,' 'Jingle. Jan- 
gle, Jingle' and 'That's What You 
'Think' to handsome response. 

Ames and Arno. first j3f the regu- 
lar acts, went through"^ their usual 
zany antics but didn't succeed in 
selling themselves any too well. 
Only high spot of this turn is gal's 
amusing takeoff of a fan dancer. 

Johnny Downs, the film actor, 
scored solidly with his nimble hoof- 
ology and singing. Young and per- 
sonable, he has an okay voice, but 
best bet is his dancing, the hepcats 
here going for it all the way. Had 
to beg off. Jona. 



New Acts 



GONZALES TRIO 
Dancers, Dog Act 
10 Mlns. 
Central, N. T. 

Gonzales Trio obviously have been 
around. Spanish male and two Latin- 
appearing fcmmes are out first as 
dancers, but turn soon develops into 
a swift-moving dog act. Tumbling 
and leaps of the canines furnish 
much of the action and one hound 
lifts itself up on its front legs while 
balanced high on a perch by one of 
the trio. 

Rope-skipping pooch, the familiar 
clown that knocks down the hurdles 
rather than jump over them, and 
high-diving canines work in easy 
fashion. All of dogs are well trained, 
albeit they may not do many diffi- 
cult stunts. Act is neatly paced and 
registered stoutly with this audience. 

Wear. 



TONT FARBAB 
Mimic-Hoofer 
It Mins. 

Village Vanguard, N. Y. 

Young, and from the New England 
mountain resorts, Tony Farrar rele- 
gates his hoofing for a fairly fresh 
line of^ comedy characterizations. 

Thanks to a facile face and dextrous 
limbs he does well with takeofls of 
Eleanor Powell and Fannie Brice. 
His impressions of a draft board 
physical exam and 'The AWVS on 
Parade' are good in spots but over- 
long. 

Needs seasoning but can build as 
a prospect for legit musicals and re- 
vues. fron. 



BETTT GABBETT 

Singer 

18 Mins. 

Village Vanguard, N. Y. 

In last season's 'Of V We Sing" re- 
vue, Betty Garrett does a highly ef- 
fective job of song-selling. 

Blonde, a looker who's attractively 
gowned, does four tunes that range 
from the plaintive 'Where Have You 
Been. Billy Boy,' to 'Chi-chi Casten- 
ango,' all neatly sold. One of her 
best tunes is an old Irish folk song 
done legit and then in swing tempo. 
For an encore she tackle-; a boogie- 
woogie that's okay hut not as efTcc- 
tivc as the other material. 1; clashes 
with her personrlity. 

A good bet for inlime rliil)s. 

Fran. 



80 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 9 

Nnmerals In connection with bills below Indicate openinf day of 
•how, wfaetber fnll or spill week. 




NBW TORK CITV 
Htair (8) 

AVInter Sis 
Jl Shnvor 

\\'RlIy Tlrow n 

Martha Rnx'e 

rOMMBIS 
Rronil (9-11) 

Siiminy Knye Ore 

Nnnchnlants 



Slelner SIb 

riTTSIUHCH 
Stiinlry (B) 

Dlnnionrl H'8hoe R 

WAgiiiynTON 

Ciipltnl (»> 

Rhythnt Rnckela 
John nolcri 
Holpno Pi-nlzon 
nrtli Evnnn 
nniuliill Sis 



ParamoDDt 



NICW TORK CITY 
Paramount (1) 

Tony Pamor Ore 
Andrews Sl« 
Alan Carney 
Lalhrou & I.ce 
CHIt'AfiO 
CUraco (9) 
Tip Tap & Toe 
Linda Ware 
Jaek Durante 
Lime 3 

MIAMI 
OlrmplH (1-10) 



A De Wnid & M 
Johnny Hiile 
Wally Ward 
Danny Drnyaon 
Vri Setz 

SIINNRAPOI.IB 
Orphfom (9) 
Bob CrOHby Bd 
Billy Rayes 
Church & Hale 
Binmett Oldndd 
ST. I'AIX 
Orplieum (9) 
Funzaflro 



Kelly te Hayea 
Larry Danlelfl 
YounK & Ryan 
(1 to nil) 

rAI.I. RIVRR 
Kmplrc (3-7) 
.Martha Raye 
O-irar havis 
3 Chorda 
Monroe BroB 
Lucky Olria 

HARTFORR 
Stnte (S-ll) 
Alvino Rey Ore 
t Kins aiB 

INDIANAPOMS 
Clrrlr (9) 
r Thiirnhlll Ore 
nay * Trent 
VfrRlnlii AuHtln 
Jolinnv It.nrneB 
I.YMIROOK 
I.Tnbniflk 
(lOlh only) 
Wallnre Dron 
Ijirry Slorch 
Anzac Sc Klelda 

(2 to nni 

NKWARK 
AdjinM (9) 

Charlie Barnct Ore 
FrnnceH Favo 
Snillh & Dale 
King & Arllna 



RKO 



ALBANY 
Palace (9) 

Clen Gray Ore 
)>lxlc Dunbar 
Amea & Arno 
BOSTON 
Bnalon (9) 
Jerry Wrild Ore 
Johnny Downea 
Mlnevltch Raacals 
Sybil Bowan 
(S) 

Stan Kenton Ore 
Mary Brian 
a StnoRea 
Frank Parla 

CLEVELAND 
Palace (9) 
Ink Spota 

Lucky Mllllnder Ore 
Sla Tharpe 
Gordon & Rogera 
Peg Leg Bates 
(«) 

Will Oaborne Ore 
Merry Macs 
Cookie Bowers 
4 Kit Kats 

DAYTON 
Colonial (9) 
Ann Corlo 



J Scat DavlH Ore 
Anne Nagle 
Frnnce.s AVtlla 
Jack Goofi 
Charles Stnnrt 
(«) 

C Thornhlll Ore 

\'lrfflnln Austin 

Johnny Barnes 

Ray & Trent 

roMMRtS 
Pnlarr <IS-IS) 

Shep Fields Orcti 

Mary Brian 
(9-8) 

Ann Corlo 

J Scat Davia Ore 

Anne Nagle 

Prancea Wllla 

Jack Good 

Charles Stuart 
ROCHECITRR 
It.K.0. (J-4) 

H'wood Comes Twn 

Ann Corlo 

Anne Nagle 

Una Merkel 

Jack Oond 

Charlea Stuart 

Frances Wills 

i Earls 




NEW TOKR CITY 
' Strand (9) 

Horace Heldt Ore 
(2) 

Horace Hel<U Ore 
PHILADIU.PHIA 
Rarir (9) 

Prank Fay ' 
Una Merkel 
Betty Keane 
Eddie Parks 
Clarence Oasglll 
Bonnie Buker 
John KIrbv Ore 
<!) 

Alvino Rey Ore 
Lane Bros 
Wlnlk ft Mne 
PITTSRIROH 
SUnlry (9) 



Billy Rose Rev 
<*> 

Pour Ink Spots 
Lucky Mllllnder Ore 
Gordon A Rogers 
Peg Leg Bates 
Slater Tharpe 
WASHINOTON 
Earle (9) 
RoxyeltCB 
Helen Faye 
The Herzogs 
Miriam Lavelle 
Wally West 
<*) 

Toy A Wing 
7 Predywons 
Martin Bros 
Arren & Broderick 




NBW YORK CITS 
.UuBic IIhII (H) 

NIrska 

Bob Dupont 

Al >>c Le>! Ilelser 

Huri-y Martin 

Lano & Edna Ward 

Hilda Kckler 

Koiy (7) 
Tex Ueneke 
Marlon Hutton 
4 Modernalres 
Al Donahue 
Nadlne Gae 
Tommy Wonder 
Paul WInchell 
46th St. Tlieatre 
(30-7) 
Harry HIchman 
Ben Wheeler 
Carol Bruce 
Hank Ladd 
Henny Youngnmn 
The Brlcklayera 
Johnny Burke 
Harrison & Fisher 
Rally Keith 
The Radio Aces 
The Acronianlacs 
Imogene Carpenter 
Ted Adttlr 

Broailliumt Theatre 

(7) 

GeofKe Jessel 
Jack Haley 
Ella I.oRan 
The De Marcos 
Beri-y Hroa 
Bub Williams 
Con Colleano 
Olaen ft Shirley 
Lucille Norman 
Apollo (9) 
Six Willys 

Central (8) 
1 Coeds 
Jed Dooley 
Joe Wong 
Charles Carrer 

BROOKLYN 
Marine (lltli only) 
Shirley Lloyd 
Renald & Ruddy 
(3 to (III) 

Blarfnir (lOth only) 



Shirley Llovd 
Henald & Ruddy 
(3 to nil) 

BIdgewood 

(7th only) 
Tick Ic Took 
Nestor & Rollins 
Kelly ft Hayes 
Cy Keeves 
3 Wovea 

(9th only) 
Wallace Bros 
Viola Layne 
(3 to HID 

Star (ftlh only) 
Golden & Rnget 
Juan Marin 
(1 ti> nil) 
ATLANTIC CITY 

Steel rier 

(llth onlj) 
.Major Dnwe^ Rev 
BALTIMORE 
Hippoilrnme (9) 
3 Murlah Sis 
Allen & Kent 
3 Slate Bros 
Fay Carroll 
Paul I.aVarre Co 

State (8-10) 
3 Hearln 
Eleanor French 
Reynolds & White 
t Macks 

(11-14) 
Kelvin A Lynn 
Sy Reeves 

Royal (9) 
Cootie Williams Orc 
7 Fredyaons 

nRIDOBPORT 

I.yrle (5-7) 
Charlie Bnrnet Ore 
Knight Sis 
Larry Storch 

CAMDEN 
Towers (9-II) 
Don Francisco 
Nora Wlllloms 
Art & Bob Coleman 
Rome & Oaut 
Oalante & Leonarda 
EUZABBTH 
Uberty (8-11) 
S Byrnes Sis 



PAS8.4IC 
Central (8) 

Johnny Long Ore 
Frank Sinatra 
N Rae & Mrs W fall 
Knight Sis 

PAmSON 
Majestic (10-14) 
Harriet Cross 
Watson Sis 
Harry Rose 
Irene Vermillion 
PHII.u%nELPIIIA 

Carman (9-12) 
Major Bowes Co 

Fay'a (9-12) 
Nick Lucas 
Bob Enston Co 
.Miinroe Bros 

PROVIDENCE 
Mrtroiiollliin (9-11) 
Louis Prima Ore 
Jane Wit here 
.1 Stooges 
RAM Clayton 

W.ATERIirRY 
Poll's (7-8) 
Jerry Wald Ore 
Rorrah Mlnevltch 
Kay A Karol 

WORCESTER 
Plymouth (n-7) 
Beachcomber's '42 



Cabaret Bills 



NEW YOBK CITY 



(\f|iiiirluni RcHt. 
Rod Norvo Ore 
LllllAn Holh 
Iten MurdvD RiTlera 
I'nnrho Ore 

lUII Hcrtototirs 
Evelyn Dnw 
Lynn & Morlnnnt 
Norma l.ucoro 
Shirl Thnmna 
Helene Sipwart 
Don 3ylvlo Ore 
Rnborlo Ore 

Etbel Gilbert 
Harry Donelly 
Charlie Roas 
Bernle Grauer 
Gay OO'b Quartetta 

Cafe Sodely 
(Mldtown) 
Hazel Scott 
Revue ra 
Eddie Mathewa 
Bill Moore Ore 
Teddy Wilson Oro 
Cafe »oclet7 
(Vlllava) 
Albert Ammona 
Edward Tyler 
Pete Johnson 
Anna Robinson 
Relchman Lewis 
Sam Gray 

Casino Boaaa 
Nina Tarasova 
Oypay Markoft 
Qeorve Saltan 
2>mltrl Matvlenko 
Kris Kay Ore 
Nicholas Matthar O 

Ceruttra 
Walter Lynch 
Mae Bnrnes 
Mary Talley 
i Chanllcleera 

Clover Club 
John Hale 
Helene iSi Hayes 
Poll Mar Dano 
SnnchoE Ore 

Clab Ball 
Bernlce Claire 
Herbert Dexter 
Willie Smith 
DiiU-cttes 

Tommy Nunez Ore 
Barlo Hanson Ore 
Clab Caravan 

Jerry Dnker 
Helun Fox 
June Uarrett 
Dolores Colvert 
Marlon Myles 
Allan Sla 
Larry Wnrd Ore 

Club 18 
Frankle Hyers 
Roy Sedley 
Carrie Kinnell 
Vlnco Curran 
Lillian Flt'/scrald 
DInne Fontane 
Ilnzel McNulty 
Guyd Dixon 
Jerry Blanchard 
Joe Frisco 

Club Maxim's 
Dave Barry 
Junitt Amor 
Monn Wlndell 
Blair &. Dcane 
Mlllna 

Carlos Campos Ore 
EU Farley Ore 

Club Samoa 
Mal>ell(' RueaoUs 
Linila Castro 
Chlng 

Coparabaaa 
Joe K. Lewis 
Berry Broi». 
Connie Russell 
rierre D'Angelo 
OIgn San Jtmn 
Fernando Alvarez 
Samba Sirens 
Tod Straeter Ore 
Frank Marti Ore 
Diamond Doneshoe 
Harriet Hoctor 
W. C. Handy 
rantiy the Horsa 
Willie Solar 
Calts Pnrm 
Billy Wells 
Four Fays 
Herman Hyde Co 
Luclenno & Ashour 
Eddie Kddy 
Peril (a 

Virginia Mayo 
Pedro Lopez 
Juno Melva 
Great Daniel 
Emma Francis 
Nnrlne Rnhlnsnn 



Nellie Durliin 
Billy Banks 
Perry Bruskln 



Tallma 
Momikal 
I*nnl Ore 
Ken Luke 
f.eil.ini laea 
Hotel Lincoln 
(Blue Room) 
Hi-len ForreHt 
Johnny MacAff'e 
llnrry James Ore 
Hotel McAlpiD 
CindyH Tell 

(Marino Grill) 
Johnny Meesner Ore 
Hotel Nan Torker 
(Terraco Boom) 
Benny Ooodinan Ore 
Itob HUHflell 
Honny Roberts 
Audrey Miller 
GeorKO Banyas 
Grace Mity 
Blssello Sl Farley 
Hotel rarh Central 

(Cocoanot Orove) 
Tacht Club Boya 
Glover & La Mae 
Buddy Clarke Ore 
n^nny Howard 

(Royal Palm) 
Dell O'Dell 
Jack Reynolds 
Snndro Roantl 
Bennett Green 
Jerry Green 
Bunny Howard 
Hotel Pennsylvania 

(Cafo Bouffe) 
Bob Allen Ore 
J RodrlKuez Ore 
Hotel Pierre 
(Cotillion Kuom) 
Victoria Schools 
Ellsworth & Falre'd 
Stanley Melbn ure 
Hotel Plaxa 
(PenlaN Boon) 
Hlldegardo 

Hotel Boooevelt 
Guy Lombnrdo Ore 
Walter Pernor Orch 
Hotel Bavoy Plan 

(Cafe Loanffe) 
Morton Downey 
PhuI Barron Ore 
Hotel St. Beirbi 
(Iridium Roiim) 
Ethel Smith Ens 
Paull Sparr Oro 
(Malsonetlo 
Bob Terry Ore 



Gil Galvan 
Mtttonno Apaches 
Carol KiiiK 
Armando A Llla 
J A K Clittdwlck 
Wally Wanger Eds 
Hob Fuller (6) 
J one Wood 
Pamela Brltion 
l>r. tilovnnni 
Don .McGrane Oro 
Cancy Ore 
La Vie Piirlsleaaa 
Joy Lyons 
Yvonne Bouvler 
Maru OalnHWorlb 
O Ray Terrell 
Rasha St Mirka 

Imp ft Eddie's 
Eddio Davis 
Adrian Dancers 
MItzi Martin 
4 Kit Kats 
Kirk & Madeline 
Paula Drake 
Francis Cnrlyla 
Bob Field 
Jean Mmie 

Mother Kellj'a 
Cully lllehai-ds 
Tomack-Relas Bros 
IJarbara Lee 
LolltH (.'ordnba 
MouHtiy 
(iRleB Ore 
Chavez Ore 

19th Hole Clob 
Marlon Towers 
3 Caddies 
Angel Velez Ore 
Snub Mosely Ore 

Onyi Clob 
Bobble Dunne 
Dalo Delmnnt 
Ann White 
Baby Hines 

Old Hnomanlnn 
Sadie Dunks 
Freddie Bernard 
Ada Lubina 
Ginger Layne 
Joo LaPorte Ore 
Place Blevante 
Bill Farrell 
Vincent de Cnsta 
Art Tubertlnl 
Ernest Kranz Ore 
Qaecn Mnry 
Vera Nova 
Carrol Chnppelle 
Betty Carter 
Bill Gln»s Ore 

Qoeens Terra re 
Phil Foster 



Blaehhawb 

Chleo Marx Oro 
Skip Nelson 
The Alblns 
Elllse Cooper 
Woody & Bettr 
BUckatone Hotal 
(Ballneae Bn) 
Johnny -Duffy Ore 
Pattl Ciavton 

<Ma>-ralr Boom) 
Eddie Oliver Oro 
Jane Plekena 
Brevoort Hotel 
(Crjatal Boom) 
Tony & Lisa 
Bob Billings 

Brown Derby 
Three Ryans 
Margie Kelly 
Beth Farretl 
Evelyn Vaughn 
Dixie Dawn 
Sherwood Gla 
Mel Colo Oro 
MiltAn>Ann 
Cordon & Sawyer 
Ted Smith 

Cliei Paree 
JiK-k Ctie Dancers 
Sut» Uyan 
Liiidii Ware 
(Jeorgo Bealiy 
lJuriiH 2 * Kvelyn 
Adorables 
Franklin Ore 

Clob Alabam 
Pauletie LaPlerra 
Harriett Norris 
Carole Abott 
Jane Jordan 
Cal Herbert 
Cassandra 
Del Esies 
Allan Coe 
Dave Unell Oro 
EddIo Roth Oro 

Colo«lnMHi 

Ralph Cook 
De Mayo, M'ore A M 
The Appletons 
I.e(* Royce 
Val Ernie Oro 
Lucille & Richards 
Jack Prince 
Don Lang Ore 
Edgewater Beacb 
Hotel 
(Marine Bm) 
Henry King Oro 
Richard Gordon 



BOOKING THE NAHON'S LEADING INDEPENIXNT 
VAUDEVniE THEATRES 

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY 



NEW YOBK 



BEVERLY HOIS. CAL. 



Roy Fox Ore 
Sid Pruosln Oro 

El Chleo 
Dorlta ft Valero 
CoDsuelo Moreno 
Gloria Belmonte 
8 Quitara 
Trio Ulxteco 
Del Dnea Oro 
Herman del Toro 

El Hovoceo 
Chauneey Grey Ore 
Chlqulto Ore 

FaBsoas Door 
Zorlta 

Frances Wayne 
Nick Jarrett Ore 
Fefe'a Monte Carlo 
Narlta 

Sonny Kendia Oro 
51 Onb 

Bert Frohman 
Leon Fields 
ChlQuita 
Pearl Wllllanu 
Joy Dixon ' 
Margo Goods 
Rene Vlilon 
Stuart Ore 

FIsber'a Gny OO'a 
Annio Kent 
Betty Jane Carlton 
Lounle Grace 
Minnie Allen 
Gay 90's 4 & Ore 

Gr«wnn-lrh Vllliige 
Inn 

Benny Fields 
Leslie James 
EnoL-h Light Ore 

Havana-Madrid 
Nell Fontaine 
Franco & Beryl 
Nino & Lenora 
Myrta Sllva 
Maya Ore 
Don Gilberto Ore 

Hickory Hoose 
Anrii Sweet 
Jfiiii Muvruy 
Kddle South Oro 
Hotel Aator 
(AMnr Kntif) 
Loi Bi-o\vi) Ore 

Hotel Belmont 
rinza 
(Glass Hnl) 
Paul WInchclI 
StHdIers 
Jprry Mahoney 
Bill Johnnon 
Anita Hosnl 
Kay Penton 
Bobby Parks Ore 

Hotel Blltmore 
Heasley Twins 
Hazel Franklin 
Ray Heaihcrton Ore 

Hotel Brernort 
RoKQlle Grant 
Myara 

Dana Collier 
.Inn llrunPMfo 
Jiickfion lllnfri 
Hotel Commodore 
(Century Boom) 

Vaughn Monroe Ore 
Four Vs 
Irfe Slhters 
Marylln Duke 
5ClBgy Talent 
V & E KoycH 
Peter Rotunda Ore 

Hotel Edison 
Bobby Byrno Ore 
B<ttel Esnei House 

(Casino on Park) 
Don Brown 
Kerwin SomorvMle 
Judith Arlen 
Amy Arncll 
Tommy Tacker Ore 
Hotel Lexlnglon 
(Hawaiian Rm) 
Kahnia 



Freddy Miller Oro 

Uotol Tnft 
Vincent Lopes Ore 
Hotel Waldorf* 
Astoria 
Wedjrwood Boons 
Grade Fields 
Georges & Jalna 
Emll Coleman Ore 
Hotel Warwirk 
(Balelgb Boom) 
Vlckl George 
Sande WllHama Ore 

Hnrrieaao 
Willie Shore 
Cabot & Dreaden 
Alphonso Berg 
Bancoft & Cannon 
Jerry Bergman 
Bobby PIro Oro 
Iceland Beats orant 
Danny Wlitte 
Brady St Barton 
Nils & Nadynne 
Penn & Devon 
KIkl 

Les Kramer 
Frances Miller 
Linda Fagen 
Jean Harvey 
Jane Waring 
Ted Eddy Oro 
Angelo Ore 
Jack Dempaey's 
B'way BeatanranI 
McFarland Oro 
Betty 'Angels 
Twin Quartet 
Dick Shelly 
Jack Holmes 
Jimmy Dwyer'a 

Sawdnat Trail 
Bobby Heath 
Pat O'Shca 
Arlene 
Bea Foley 
Frances O'Connell 
Marie Daley 
Dorothy Mack 
Mnrlene Francis 
Paula Valera 

Jimmy Kelly's 
Joe Carter 
Glenda Hope 
Reneo 
Denise 
Lorna Roi*e 
Roslta & Romero 
Montmarte Boy» 
Margaret Grey 
Kallh Arlen 
Joe Capello Ore 

Kelly'a Stable 
.Nelda Duprle 
Jerl Wlthee 
Leonard Ware I 
Dianne Reed 
Rosalie Gibson 
Thelma Carpenter 
Walter Fuller Ore 

Kitty Davis 
mil Ames 
Frank Marlowe 
Rnao MaRrlll 
Johnny Silvers Ore 

i4» Conga 
EMtellia 
Tito Coral 
Jack Harris Oro 
Sacasufl Ore 

l<n Martlnlqae 
Ticny Daniels 
Mary Parker 
Jackie Miles 
.MnrilnlquopTin 
Miixl Ilorutrre Ore 
Mornli>H Ore 

I<atln Qoartev 
Ifolen Carroll 
Jodo Ling 
Stanley Twins 
Kainarova Ballet 



Beverly Page 
J & R Rexer 
Rosle Moran 
Jack Allyn 
Ned Harvey Oro 

Balnbow Ortll 
Russ Smith Ore 
Vera Sanoff 
Ashburns 

Balnbow Boom 
Perlita Greco 
Mono Montez 
Alexia DoUnolT 
Senor Wenees 
Tom Scott 
Dacita 

Del Casino Oro 
Boger* Comer 
Johnny Pineapple 
Harry Lefeourt Ore 
Jean Claire 
Pat Rooney, Sr 
Ross Mac Lean 
Harold Green 

Rnban Blea 
Maxinc Sullivan 
Fred Keatnig 
Delta Rhythm Boys 
Ruth Berman 
Julius Monk 
Herman Chlttlson 
nil Bhird 
Bubbles La Rue 
RuBiilan Kretchma 
Darla BIrse 
Daria Sokniskaya 
Senya KaravaelfT 
Michel Michon 
MIeholns Mai they 
Valdimir KayalofT 
Nastia PnllQkova 
Marunia Sava 
Cornelia Cednlban O 

Spivy's Root 
Spivy 

Arthur Blake 
Stork Club 

Grace Reilly 
Charles Tlnum Ore 
Ted Steele Ore 
The PInre 
Irene Darkley 
Pat Rlni: 
Kvelyn Brock 
Skeots Tolbcrt 

runnel CInb 
At Guster 
TontlcIn\o A I.or>*»z 
Savanna Churchill 
Dick MoniRonuTy 
Columbus Orc 
Vrritnllles 
Den Cutler Ore 
Panrhlto Ore 
Paul Drii|>pr 
Gloria Gilbert 
Avis Andrews 
LoIh llannernian 
C:irolyn Marsh 
6 Ver-Hlghs 

Village Rarn 
John ririnin 
Blenlons 
Dinno Davis 
Alkali Ike 
Al Robinson 

Village Vanguard 
Richard D Bennett 
Tony Ferrnr 
Betty Garrett 
Kddie Ylrywood Ore 

nivci 

Bob l^c 

Lilyan Doll 

Chos Hownian Ore 

Th<>odnrA Brooks 

Paulr^ns 

Tommy Haydeo 
DorlM NeilBon 



CHICAGO 



Ambnundor Hotel 

(Pamp Room) 
John KIrb; 
niamarck Bolrl 
(Walnot Boom) 
Art Knssel Oro 



Talla 

Hadley Ols 
Don & Sal Jennlnga 
(Tarorn Boom) 

E'llih Ixirand Ore 



Maxine Turner 
Don Julian & MarJ 
Dorben Ola 

Ellel'i 
lleadllner'a Ore 
Rathtkellar 

LoUlO & OODB 

MM CiBb 
Danny Thoniaa 
MsKley Ola 
Mark Flataer Oro 



WB Clab 
Carroll ft Oorman 
Tunc Pin 800 
Jack * Jll Waroar 
Mark Talent Oro 
Jobnny Honnert 
Oanrlcb Btecebsr 
June Price 
Ascot Boye 
Downbeat Bm 

Kat * the Fiddle 
a Sharpe * FlaU 
Oladye Palmer 

Orsemore Hotel 
(Olaa* Houae Bm) 
Billy Chandler Ore 
Blleen O'Hara 
Mary Sinclair 
Helaloi* 

(TodTll LooDte) 
Frank Payne 
Dorothy Davis 
Chet Robles 
The DuRlelds 
John Trio 

iTBDhOO 

Florence Schubert 
Barney Richards O 
Vterra Hawallans 
Helen Sumner 
L-Aldoo 
Splroa Stamoa Ore 
Qwendolyn Veauaell 
Murray «*t Simon 
Oeoree Dovron 
laobel de Marco 

La Salle eHotel 

(Pao-Am Boom) 
Al Chamberlain 
Joae Manzaneres O 

Latin Quarter 
V. Branale's Oro 
Eddie Prippa Oro 
De Slmono Ols 
Jackie Heller 
Anita Alvarez 
Roaa & Weat 
Joo Norman Oro 
Palmer Uoos* 

(Empire Boom) 
Orin Wllllame Oro 
The Hartmans 
Cnrlyn Truai 
Walter I<on|r 
Del RlOB 
Abbott Ols 

Bnlnbow Gardens 
Dean Murphy 
Henly & Mao 
Deane Jonia 
The Valdez 
Bnllarti & Rae 
Ruth Quinn 
Martell's & Mlgnon 
Rainbow Qls 
Arnle Dnrnett's Ore 
Phil Levant Ore 

Sbermnn Hotel 
(Celtio Cafe) 
Qene Kerwin Oro 
Jaroa Sis 

(Panther Boom) 
Woody Herman Ore 
3 Makebelleves 
Felice Shaw 
Ray KelloK 
Carl Marx 

eo« Clob 
Paul Mall 
Suzan Shaw 
Louise Stewart 
Romayne 
Janeen 
Diane Lou re 
Alma & Roland 
Florenza 
606 Ols 
Dolly Sterlinc 
Sol Lake Oro 
Tripoli 3 

Tar Beat 
Geo Scherban Oro 
Bolen Ortega 



ATLAimC CUT 



Alpine Tavern 

Carman Inland 
Don Bennett 
riirr Anderson 
Evs, Margie. Mary 
Chatmn Beaaalt 
Sid Roxe 4 
'i Knightn & Day 
I'lkiaot Clab 
Lenny Roas 
TonI Sorrell 
Ramona 
Sammy Harris 
Ruth Warren 
Ruthle Marlln 
nabe C'ummlngs 
Jackie Martin 
Bllalne Ellis 

Kl Mororro 
Danni' Hart 

noo Cafe 
Rlx Lovllea 



P Travers & Men 
Bill Hey 

(•ables Inn 
(Btaok Horse Pike) 

Nan Demar 
Howard Russell 
Runs Taylor 
Earl Applegate 
Tiny Klein 
Marge McQurk 

Orob's Cafe 
Bill Ockenlander 
Herman's Music Bar 
Al Miller 

Peach Orchard 
Dolly 

Charlie King 
Penn-Attantro Hotel 
(Palm Boom) 

Al Francis Ore 



BOSTON 



Beaehcnmber 

Sammy Dale's Ore 
Ro(Ih Cltniie * 
KobiTta Hamoo 
Nil:i Ht Ravell 
Arlle Dann 
Beach -charmers (6) 

Rllnstnib'a 
Tcter Bodge Oro 
Boyd HcaihoD 
La Lnge 
(loldon Pa Ir 
I'm tilde ItrooUe 

Ciiwi Maniinn 

<Thettfre-ClDb) 
Eddie l^nds Ore 
Jnck Shea 
SorjTt A-Klal 
Marinan Slit 

(.tluslral Bar) 
AllPo O'Leary 
Adrian O'Brien 

Club MayfHlr 
Billy l>ouloy Ore 
June Welting 
\\':iltor Donaltue 
I.p«l6»r OInnan 
J»*rry Jt Turk 
Man* Hnllrro 
K McCabe Girl? 
Henrlqucttn Brazil 
Club Vanlly Fnir 
Krankift Nr'\vU)n Or 
Kloronce Kay 
Stella Ray 

Coconnut Grore 
Mickey Alpert Ore 
Alfred Pineda Oro 
BuHter Keim Rev 
BItly Paine 
Grace Rellly 
1-: /t Mary Nolan 
J llolHt & Milady 
Juno Shepron 
I.ynn Reynolds 

(MelcMly Lounge) 
Herb Lewis 
Copley Plaxa 
(Oval Room) 
rtastl Komecn Ore 
Dorothy Lewis Rev 

(Merry -Go- Round) 
Mark Gilbert 3 
Copley Square Hotel 
(Music Box) 

Johnny Colo 
Donald Van Wart 
Rl'nor Prnthlncnnm 



Tnnya 

Roland & Victoria 

Crawfunl House 
Wlngy Manone Oro 
Carol Lord 
Fox A llnondi Club 

(Rhumbn Casino 
Room) 
Charles Wolk Ore 
Don Dudley Oro 
Maxlne Coleman 
Georges St Nannelte 
Paul WInIek 
Kdna Wllnon 
Hl-llat 
Pete Herman Oro 
Frank Petty 

Hotel Bradford 
(Roof Garden) 
Andy Jncobsens Ore 

(Clrcos Room) 
Kenny Brilliant 
Lucille & J Maloney 

Hotel Csaei 
Buddy Smith's Oro 
Jack Manning Ore 
Bill Cronin 
Dorothy Dennis 
Sally Harris 
Armand St Julia 

Hotel Fenngale 
(Satire Room) 
George Lloyd 
Ruth Landl 
Maxlne Coleman 
Al Robln}<on 
Cyril Rodney 

Hotel Leooi 
Bob Hardy Oro 
Eleanor Boland 
Hotel Statler 

(Terrace Boom) 
Jack Edwards Ore 

(Cafe Rouge) 
Salvy Cavlcchio Ore 

Hotel Vendome 
(Fife A Drum Bm) 
Jimmy McHala Ore 
Jolone 

Nan Vincent 
Helen Douglas 
Elaine Morrison 
Ken 

Milton George Ore 
Ruas Howard 
Lathi Qoartcr 

Tony Bruno Ore 



Don Rico Oro 
Al Trahan 
Margaret Adams 
Hermanos W'ms 3 
Harrlii Clare & 8 
MayU 

Hum ft Strum 
Don Arden Ror 
Bio Caaino 

Harry de Angolls O 
DIosa Costello 
The Robertos 
3 Heat Waves 
Harry Stoekwell 
Buster Kelm Rev 

Saroy 
Sabby Lewis Oro 



Sleubea's 
(Vienna Kmini) 
Lew Conrad Oro 
Eleanor Kn\ 
Jimmy Marr 
Doris AbbotI 

The Cave 
Don DIBona Oro 
Jack Pisher 
Tamarn Dorivs 
Edna Rogers 
Tommy Koran I 
Roas Johnson 
Jimmy Marr 
Plr-ettes S 

Tie-Toe 
Fletcher Henderson 



CLEVELAND 



Alpine Village 

Arturo ft Evelyn 
Bobby Whalen Co 
Two Hamlltons 
Dixon Broa. 
Myron Ryan 
Brueo Norman 
Willie Matthlar Ore 
Gregory ft Raymond 

Eldorado Clab 
Napua 
Tnllma 

Kokl Paradiso Ore 

Hotel Carter 
Charles Wick Ore 
Estrllitos 

Cunnlngton Sisters 
Hotel Cleveland 

Bornlo Cummins' O 

Hotel Fentvoy Hall 

Poison Gardner 

Don Di Flavio 
Hotel Hollenden 

Peter HlffRlns 

Pierre Se Benee 

Marianne 



Henri 

Nella Webb 
Sloan ft Gary 
Sammy Watklns O 

Hotel Statler 
Barry Wlnton 

t« Cooca Clob 
Chiek Albergo Ore 
Uodaay'a Skybar 
Four Blazes 
Arthur Stmpklns 
Pearl de Lucca 

Hanaro's Cafe 
Monterns 
Franc Reynolds 
Versatlllans 

Bfgnl CInb 
Ducky Malvln Ore 

aioe Club 

Barry Parks 
Virginia Roe 
Nonuan ft Roberta 
Hal Hall 
Don Walsh Ore 



DETBOIT 



Book-Cadlllac Hotel 
(Book Caalao) 

Copacabana Revue: 

Estelle ft LeRoy 

Carole Dexter 

Betty Jane Smith 

Anilrlna 

Johnny Coy 

Samba Sirens 

Betty Apple 

Jan Martel 

Ben Young Ore 
(Molf>r Hnr) 

Eddie Frit'/ 4 
Bowery 

John Boles 

Don ft Jane ford 

Mildred ft Maurlee 

Harry Jarkey 

Mary Snyder 

Harvey Stone 

Donn Arden Co 

Johnny King- 
Benny Rcsh Oro 
Braaa Ball 

Del Parker 

Skeeter Palmer 

Roy Swariz 

Earl Beaudrle 
CsHaoova 

Bonny Rubin 

Domuy Sisters 

Billy ft Irene Joy 

1^ Maire Ore 

Peggy Newton 
Clab Congo 

Congoettes 

Walter Batle 

Beverly White 

B ft F Johnson 

Phil ft Bea 

Claudia Oliver 

Congo Ore- 
Hay market 

Mel Snydor 

Tommy Tucker 

Roy Hall 



DeRonda ft Barry 
Phil Maraquln 
Wally Johl 
Charmettes Ore 
l.ondon Chop Home 
Paul Rofllnl 
Cthel Mows 
Ruby Ore 
Sammy DIbert Ore 
Olde Wayne Club 
Jimmy Clark Oro 

Palm lleach 
Gus Howard 
Tangia ft Co 
Mary Ann Jnmes 
Cirole l>eai» 
Don Pablo Oro 

Boy ale 
Harry Stove na 
Royalettes 
Carl Bonner 
Rill McCune Oro 
Jan Murray 
The W:iltons 
The Pellctlers 
Saks 

Connor?* ft Barry (•) 
McNally Siaior^j 
Jnrklv MilKard 
Buddy Isester 
Pete VIera Ore 

Club Three 666 
The Three Rlffa 
Jean ft Vornon 
M 'Swing* Brown 
Rosita Lorkhart 
Prince Albert 
Joa-Anna Holmes 
8 Tnylorettes 
S:nn Fouclie 
Lanky Bowman Oro 

U'onder Bar 
Aylene Mason 
Madelon Baker 
Eddie Paisley Ore 
Ouy Welsh Oro 



LOS ANGELES 



Band Hob 

Pete Snyder 
Jackie Green 
Mae Brewster 
Geo Tibbies Ore 
Billy Snyder 
Billy Lankin 

Bar of Masle 
Ann Triola 
BUI Hoffman 
BUI Jordan 
Michael Etiwarda 
Dick IVInslow Ore 

Blltmore Bowl 
Harris & Shore 
Penny Lee 
Donald Novis . 
Marjorle Day 
Joe Relchman Oro 

Cass Manana 
Bob Chester Ore 

Cocoanot CiniTe 
Freddie Martin Ore 

Earl Camlls 
West & McOlnty 
Oall Call 
Happy Kelton 
LaVonn Mover 
Dorothy Ford 
Wlore Bros. 
Deryl Wallace 
St Clair & Day 
Aurora Miranda 
Roily Rolls 
Shirley Wayne 
Al Norman 
1)111 Bra<;.v 
Manny Strand Ore 
Michel Ortiz Ore 

l-lorentlne flardcn 
Fred Scott 
Mills Droa 
Sugar Oelse 
Sonia Levkova 
Jean TIghe 
Ted Flo Rlio Ore 

Charlie Foy's Clob 
Charley Foy 
ChIek & I.ee 
Lorraine Elliott 
Lea Barnct t Ore 



Omce Hayes Lodsa 

JImmIe O'Brien 
Maurli-e O'Brien 
P LInd Hayes Oro 
Dolores Gay 
Orocs Hayes 
H Carroll & Pauline 
Hollywoed Tropic* 
Maxlne Lewis 
Paul Neighbors Oro 
June Carson 
Markers & Dale 
Dick Thomas 
Hoose of Uorphj 
Jean Meunler 
Beth Reynolds 
George Redman 
Rub Murphy 

l^nlslana 
Don Joae & Royce B 
Lea Hits Oro 

Macatnbo Cafe 
Phil Ohmnn Oro 
Richard Smart 
Eddie LeBaron Oro 

Pnlladlam 
Jimmy Dorsey 
M Malneck Oro 

SInpey Maxlea 
Ben Blue 
Archie Bobbins 
Pes nuts Bohn 
Patricia Page 
Jean Scott 
Sinn IlAi«a 
Joe Plumer Ore 

Streets of Paris 
Art Tatum 
Mead 'Lux' Leivis 
Murray McEkrcn 

Swanee Inn 
Eildie Deal 
CU^irlle Davis 
I\le Anderson 
Trianon 
Rsy McKlnley Ore 

Trouvllle Clob 
Barney Blgard Oro 



PHILAOELPHIA 



Alpine NuMlcal 
Bar 

3 Tonea 
Owen Slaters 
Benny the Bum's 
Alma 

Eddie Toung 
Scamps (t> 
Zeke 

Anita Chandler 
Clab Ball 
Dellsse & Dwlghl 
Beth O'Malley 
Mary Jane Orown 
Danny Rogers 
Joe Oakle 
Balllovclles 
Earl Denny Ore 
Luis Fernandez Ore 
Stratford Garden 
(Bellerae Stratford 

Hotel) 
Walter Miller Orch 

Ben fVanblUi 
TonI Hart 



June Bobbins 
OeMarr ft Uenlae 
Nat Drandwynn Ore 

Cadillac Tarem 
Harry Dobbs Ore 
Anila James 
Jo!4ei>ltlne Millard 
Litu & Evelyn 
DUIe Penion 
Henrlqus Sc Adrian's 
Sliadrack Boya 
Jack Farrell 
Carmrn'H MaslrnI 

Bar 
BrnoK!! SiH 
Rill Tollv 
Chick Mullery 
.1 Dukes 
Don's Ivlllolt 

Carmirs 
1 Gems 

Roae VenutI & Trio 
Joe Hlnsley 
Billy MeKee 



(Continued on page 86) 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



UOITIMATE 81 



Dramatists Guild Nixes WB-Led 

Plan for Pre-B'way Legit Buys 

— ■♦ 



Washington in Tribute to Show Biz 
For War Work, Gives Exemption To 
Theatre Authority on hcome Tax 



Latest revival of the proposed plan 
of pre-production film buys of 
Broadway plays has been tossed out 
by the Dramatists Guild. However, 
the picture companies, led by War- 
ner Bros., and the manager members 
of the League of N. Y. Theatres are 
still dickering on the scheme, ap- 
parently in ignorance of the Guild's 
action of last week. 

Newest version of the pre-produc- 
tion film buy plan was presented to 
the Guild council by Edward Childs 
Carpenter, who had worked out a 
'compromise' with Jake Wilk, eastern 
story editor of Warners, and repre- 
sentatives of the other studios. Al- 
though the matter failed to come to 
a vote, the Guild council members 
turned down virtually all the major 
changes in the plan, including a pro- 
posed reduction in royalties and a 
lowering of the maximum price on 
any play purchase. 

Fact that the council members 
failed to put the matter to a vote still 
leaves it officially open to reconsid- 
eration. But the tone of the meeting 
was described as so sharply against 
the proposed revisions that the fail- 
ure to put the matter to a vote wds 
regarded as indicating the members 
present didn't consider a ballot nec- 
essary. Only council member re- 
ported backing the proposed changes 
was Carpenter. 

Refusal of the Guild to agree to 
any revisions in the former proposed 
plan apparently leaves the situation 
about where it was two years ago, 
when the playwrights' organization 
voted approval. That previous plan 
contained provisions inserted by the 
Guild and unacceptable to the pic- 
ture companies, however, so nothing 
ever came of it. 

Only part of the proposed new 
plan which the Guild council didn't 
toss out last week was the elimina- 
tion of a clause requiring a film com- 
pany backer to hire an 'independent 
manager' for all plays purchased in 
advance of production. Since that 
stipulation was inserted at the re- 
quest of the manager-members of 
the League of N. Y. Theatres, the 
Guild council last week left it open 
to the latter. That apparently ex- 
plains the letter sent last week to the 
managers, asking their attitude on 
the proposed modification. 

Warners now propose the picture 
companies be permitted to nominate 
their own producer, who may be 
one of their employees, without first 
permitting 'two commercial man- 
agers' the right to accept the script. 
Second proviso is that the picture 
backer be permitted to withdraw at 
any time within the first three 
weeks. If so. any money put up for 
the film rights would go to the au- 
thor, unless the manager, if a pic- 
ture firm staff man. elects to con- 
(Continued on page 84) 



ATAM SUDDENLY CUTS 
INITIATION FEE SO;^^ 



In a sudden move, the board of 
the Association of Theatrical Agents 
& Managers slashed the initiation 
fee fo- new members by 50%. As it 
developed as a union the cost of 
joining mounted until reaching the 
virtually prohibitive figure of $519. 
Cost now is lowered to $259. Method 
of payment by new members has not 
been decided upon, but it is believed 
that applicants will be given the 
privilege of making a series of re- 
mittances, instead of being required 
to put the whole amount on the line. 

Under the rules of the American 
Federation of Labor, no affiliate can 
have a higher initiation fee than $10, 
but the unions found a way to get 
around that limit. ATAM established 
an 'admittance fee' of $500. That, 
plus $10 for initiation and t9 for the 
first three months dues, raised the 
amount to $519. Same schedule still 
applies, except that the admission 
coin was cut in half. Understood that 
the drop is in anticipation of build- 
ing up out of iown membership, 
jurisdiction of ATAM being con- 
ceded by the A. F. of L. some time 
ago. 



Dante as Dramatic Actor 

Hollywood. Oct. 6. 
Magician Dante is turning dra- 
matic actor lor 'Wake Up and 
Laugh,' farce by Joseph Carole. 
Show will break-in in east, with 
Carole directing. 



Gloria Swanson to Tour 
In Irving K. Davis Play 

Irving Kaye Davis, an author of 
many scripts, has planted a new 
one with Gloria Swanson. Contract 
between the former silent film star 
and Davis was arranged through the 
Dramatists Guild. Miss Swanson in- 
tends touring in the play, which has 
not been titled, for about three 
months. The chances of a Broadway 
appearance are dependent upon how 
the show fares out of town. 

Miss Swanson made a number of 
stock appearances last summer and 
in some spots played to excellent 
business with 'Refiected Glory.' One 
of her biggest audience draws was 
at the Flatbush, Brooklyn. New play 
is a one-setter, calling for a cast of 
eight. 



DullzeD New TA Proxy; 
Gillmore Resigns Due 
To Gasoline Shortage 



Paul Dulzell was elected president 
of Theatre Authority at the annual 
meeting Thursday (1), succeeding 
Frank Gillmore, who sent word that 
he is no longer able to preside at 
the organization's sessions. Former 
Equity head explained that, because 
of the gas situation, reaching N. Y. 
from his Hollis, L. I., home is too 
arduous a trip. He is not able to use 
a car and not strong enough to use 
the subway. , 

Dullzell didn't want the TA trick, 
attending the meeting determined 
not to be 'drafted.' He was told by 
other members of the board to keep 
quiet until after the nominations 
were made. His name was proposed, 
seconded and the nominations closed. 
Dullzell is executive secretary and 
treasurer of Equity, chairman of the 
board of Chorus Equity, exec-sec of 
the Associated Actors and Artistes 
of America, member of the Ameri- 
can Theatre Wing board and acts on 
sundry other committees. All his jobs 
are on the cuff, only remuneration 
coming from his Equity post. 

Brock Pemberton and Florence 
Marsten were renamed vice-presi- 
dents; Walter Vincent, treasurer, 
and Alan Corelli, executive secre- 
tary, all being incumbents. 

'ARSENIC'S' SEPT. MELON, 
$50,000, BIGGEST YET 



Probably the biggest of the divvies 
of 'Arsenic and Old Lace' profits is 
slated to be made this week among 
the numerous backers. Amount to 
be cut up will approximate $50,000. 

While the company on the road is 
cleaning up and the comedy is still 
making coin at the Fulton, N. Y., the 
big melon is not only from operat- 
ing profits. It was sweetened con- 
siderably by another advance pay- 
ment on the picture rights, the sixth 
such remittance in advance of re- 
lease. 



Current London Shows 



London, Oct. 6. 
'Belle of N. T.,' Coliseum. 
'Blithe Spirit,' Duchess. 
■Claodia,' St. Martin's. 
'Dancing Years,' Adelphi. 
'Doctor's Dilemma,' Haymarket. 
D'Oyly Carle Opera, Princess. 
■Flare Palb,' Apollo. 
'Fine and Dandy,' Saville. 
'Fall Swing,' Palace. 
'Gangway,' Palladium. 
'Get a Load of This,' Hipi>odrome. 
'Man With Red Hair,' Ambassador. 
'Macbeth,' Piccadilly. 
■Man Who Came to Dinner,' Savoy. 
■Men in Shadow,' Vaudeville. 
■MornlDg Star,' Globe. 
■Marder Without Crime,' Comedy. 
'Night of the Garter,' Strand. 
'No Orchids for Blandish,' Wales. 
'Quiet Week-End,' Wyndham's. 
'Rebecca,' Lyric. 
■Rose-Marie,' Stoll's. 
Russian Ballet, Cambridge. 
Sadler's Wells Ballet, New. 
'Salt of Earth,' Vaudeville. 
■Wild Rose,' Prince. 
■Waltz Without End,' Cambridge 
■Warn That Man,' Garrick. 
'Watch on the Rhine,' Aldwych. 



John Harkrider Staging 
Big Pitt Charity Show 

Pittsburgh, Oct 6. 

John Harkrider is in Pittsburgh to 
stage mammoth outdoor pageant at 
Forbes Field, Oct. 18. It'll launch 
city's United War Fund Drive for 
$4,500,000. Harkrider's working with 
big staff of little theatre, choir and 
dance directors on spectacle, which 
will be called The Fifth Freedom,' 
and is to use upwards of 5,000 people. 

Although scheduled originally for 
only one night, Harkrider's project 
has met with such an early enthusi- 
asm from press and community in 
general itil probably run for two or 
three performances. 

GROUP TO REP 
DRAMATISTS 
IN SERVICE 



George S. Kaufman, Lillian Hell- 
man and Owen Davis have been 
named a new committee by the 
Dramatists Guild to handle the play 
properties of the organization's 
members in the service, for the dur- 
ation. Group will have unusually 
sweeping powers. 

As far as known, no such step 
has ever been taken by any talent 
organization to protect the rights and 
interests of its members during 
their absence. In thijs case, it's un- 
derstood, the Guild's move was 
precipitated by an unprecedented 
situation raised by attempts by sev- 
eral play agents to obtain powers of 
attorney from their playwright 
clients while the latter are in the 
armed services. Guild's action in 
setting up a committee of such sea- 
soned hands as Kaufman, Miss Hell- 
man and Davis is expected to meet 
the problem satisfactorily. 

Under the proposed setup, the 
committee of three will be given 
trust agreements by any Guild mem- 
bers wishing their play properties 
handled during their absence in the 
service. Trust agreements, it's point- 
ed out, remain in effect until re- 
voked, so that if the member were 
to lose his life in the Army or Navy 
the committee would handle that 
portion of his estate. Under a power 
of attorney, control would revert to 
the signer's estate upon his death. 

Figured that one of the first plays 
which the new committee will be 
called on to handle may be Sidney 
Kingley's 'Thomas JefTerson,' which 
the Playwrights' Co. has slated for 
production. Kingsley is in the Army 
and, though stationed in N. Y., can- 
not be on hand during casting, re- 
hearsals and tryout. 

Notice of the appointment of the 
committee by the Guild council has 
been sent to the organization's mem- 
bership. 



NOMINATE JOHN GOLDEN 
AS LAMBS' SHEPHERD 



John Golden has been nominated 
as the new Shepherd of the Lambs 
and, in the abs«Bce of other candi- 
dates, will be the first producing 
manager to head the club. In other 
years there were a number of man- 
agers who belonged to the Lambs. 
During the actors' strike of 1919 most 
of them resigned and although a few 
came back, most of them did not. 

Balance of the ticket, which will 
be voted on Oct 15: Raymond Peck, 
boy; James A. Meighan, treasurer; 
Bobby Clark, corresponding secre- 
tary; Jack Whiting, recording secre- 
tary; Ole Olsen, librarian. Peck and 
Clark are incumbents. Several pres- 
ent officers, including Sam Forrest, 
have been named for the board. 
Meighan is the brother of the late 
Thomas Meighan, once a leading 
Lamb. 

Golden was on WOR Friday (2) as 
the guest of Martha Dean, who ques- 
tioned the showman about his varied 
war aid activities. He mentioned 
that he had been the recipient of the 
keys to 47 cities and, if he ever finds 
them, will put them in the metal 
scrap heap. Manager also mentioned 
that around $1,700. the profits of 
•Claudia' 'St. James. N. Y.) for the 
pa.;l two weeks, was donated to 
Russia. He al.so said something about 
the vodka served him when he 
visited the Russian legation. 



Surefire Tonic 



What may have started an- 
other argument between Lee 
and J. J. Shubert is said to have 
occurred after the latter read the 
notices on 'Wine, Women and 
Song,' Ambassador, N. Y. J. J. 
was steamed up and is reported 
saying that if the burlesque out- 
fit didn't move out, he'd 'throw 
'em out.' 

Lee Shubert is mentioned as 
financially interested in 'Wine.' 
His brother is believed to have 
been mollified when he learned 
of the show's good business. 

Squabble With Seattle 
Censors Helps 'Claudia' 
To Gross Big $17,000 

SeatUe, Oct. 6. 

This burg's new censorship board 
tried its teeth on 'Claudia,' at the 
Metropolitan last week and chawed 
out just one word, 'Jesus.' 

The board had objected to three 
gags, (1) the business with the glass 
of orange juice, (2) the cow and 
farm dialog and (3) the over-ardent 
kiss for a guy not her hubby. The 
board ordered the cuts, but Edward 
O'Keefe, manager of the company, 
held his ground and did some in- 
terpreting of the statute. The 
squabble finally ended with the one 
word deletion, but not until there 
were several columns of hot news in 
the papers, couple of stories on page 
one and pepped up public interest 
Many read about the play being at 
the theatre that wouldn't have 
noticed the ads or reviews. 

It was ace publicity, and b.o. 
stepped up from Wednesday on, 
when the story broke In the news- 
papers. Monday's take was $1,400, 
but Wednesday night it was $2,400. 
Rest of the week it was capacity, 
with extra seats installed in the or- 
chestra pit, and show wound up with 
estimated $17,000,' big in the 1,600- 
seater at $2.88 top. 



WARREN MUNSELL INTO 
AIR CORPS AS MAJOR 



Warren P. Munsell, general man- 
ager and vice-president of the 
Theatre Guild, resigned to accept a 
commission as major in the Army 
Air Force. Munsell, who has been 
with the Guild for 21 years, was 
in the first World War. 

At the Guild offices it was stated 
that Munsell is 'not replaceable' and 
no one from the outside will be en- 
gaged. Theresa Helburn and Law- 
rence Langner will supervise Mun- 
sell's department, while his secre- 
tary, Sadie Greenspan, Addie Wil- 
liams and Martha Swanson, of the 
sub-scription department, and Jack 
Koritzer, accountant, will handle 
the details. 

No Decision As Yet 

On 'Kickers' Clanns 

Whether claims by half a dozen 
players of the defunct 'High Kick^s' 
against George Jessel will be arbi- 
trated or a settlement effected, is 
still undecided. Case was twice post- 
poned and, if arbitration is insisted 
upon, it may not come until late 
winter. Equity does not care to dis- 
pose of the matter in that way until 
all claimants are in N. Y. Because 
of out-of-town dates, that is not ex- 
pected before next February. 

Players loaned Jessel money to 
keep 'Kickers' going. He says it was 
understood they were to be reim- 
bursed when and if operating profits 
were earned. Comedian aLso says he 
wanted to close the show, but that 
the supporting people wanted to con- 
tinue, voluntarily putting up the 
coin. They exhibit I.O.U.'.s and con- 
lend the nione.v is due from the star. 
J«.s.<tl i.s ciirrenlly topping 'Show 
Time,' high-grossing straight vauder 
at the Broadhurst, N. Y. 



A Government ruling exempting 
the Theatre Authority from income 
tax has been handed down, reversing 
last year's stand on the Internal Rev- 
enue Department. TA, a charity col- 
lection bureau for show business, 
was not recognized by tax authori- 
ties until so directed by higher-ups 
in the administration. 

It is believed that the exemption 
was ordered by Henry Morgenthau, 
Jr., Secretary of the Treasury, whose 
action is interpreted as a gesture to 
the profession in recognition of its 
efforts to aid in the sale of war 
bonds, in building up the Army and 
Navy relief funds and the establish- 
ment of canteens for men in the 
services. It is the first concrete 
acknowledgement from Washington. 

When tickets to charity and bene- 
fit shows were ruled subject to the 
admissions tax, TA was ruled as in- 
cluded in the general government 
levies. People representing show 
business went to the capital and pro- 
tested but failed to impress the tax 
officials, who curtly told one delega- 
tion it was there to answer questions, 
not to explain the functions of TA. 

TA collects 15% of the gross from 
all benefits except for the Actors and , 
Stage Relief fund shows. Money so 
obtained is periodically divided 
among aforementioned two charit- 
able groups and the several theatri- 
cal guilds' charity funds, only deduc- 
tions being for administrative ex- 
penses. Latter comprises a small 
percentage of the money collected. 

2 Ticket Agcys. Lose 
Licenses for Alleged 
B. B. Ticket Scalping 

Commissioner Paul Moss indefin- 
itely suspended the license of the 
Rialto ticket agency as the result 
of overcharging for tickets to the 
Brooklyn Dodgers ball games. 
Claimed by R. E. Hunniston, Glen- 
brook, Conn., that he paid $11.65 for 
three $1.65 tickets. Transaction was 
said to have been made at the Del- 
monlco hotel, where the Rialto outfit 
has a branch. Larry MacPhail, for- 
mer general manager of the Dodgers, 
placed the violation of the state's 
75c maximum premium law before 
Moss and revocation resulted. Harry 
Schack, of Rialto, named as the 
specific offender, asked for another 
hearing because he was not repre- 
sented by counsel. 

Schack contended that MacPhail 
turned down tickets regularly pur- 
chased if they bore ,the stamp of an 
agency on the reverse side. In some 
such instances the tickets were, taken 
away from the holders at Ebbetts 
Field and the agencies had to refund 
the purchase price to the customer. 
Schack, however, was fined $200 re- 
cently for failure to stamp other 
tickets as required by the federal 
regulations. 

More flagrant were violations in 
ticket sales for the World Series. 
Most of the Broadway brokers de- 
clined to handle tickets, but gyps 
managed to get tickets in various 
ways. License of Max Cohen, who, 
with a brother, operates the Capital 
agency, was also suspended by Moss, 
whose agents paid $35 for three 
tickets which had a face value of 
$16.50. The Cohens have been in- 
volved in other ticket violations and 
bragged that they could dig out 
tickets for any hit or event regard- 
less of control systems. 



LEE SHUBERT HUNTING 
THEATRE IN CAPITAL 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

Lee Shubert is canvassing this 
town for anything resembling a 
theatre which can play road shows. 
On Sunday he looked over George 
Washington University's little play- 
house, just fini.shed, but doubtful 
whether it would be fruitful. 

University, as an educational insti- 
tution. i<: on non-taxable basis in 
Washinglun. Playing commercial 
shows would place it on tax list. 
Modern theatre, air cooled, seats 
1,500, but probably will be confined 
to university activities and some 
concert bookings. 



89 LEGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Plays on Broadway 



STRIP FOR ACTION 

iniady Id mo act* oresentad at the 
loBkL V. T., 6«pt. 30, 'U, by Oecar 



llndsty and CrouM: writttn by 

d Vl " " 
itawne i , 



tida»7 and Rtuaal Crouaa: atagad 
WInduat; Kaanan Wynn, Bla' 



kr J.'*onar4,^ Mflly Soud faaturad; aettlnia 
Raymond Sovay; M.W top. 

Iroaklyn Coby Ruakin 

Eblt.....u » ^..Wyll* Adanu 

foar u,..RIctiard Sandcra 

^UMi » Owen Martin 

.Kenny Forbea 
_ J.... Bart Freed 

hddte. Jack Alberiaon 

Bollenbeck Jerry Thor 

rei Don Kobler 

!na( Richard Clark 
Ilia Jamea McMahon 
iKni Charlie Knyo 
like Harry Pe <"o»ia 
iiginix Jacqueline Huixe 
L'KUa Joaeph Howorih 

iail)' OI(a Brace 
'\nVv Howard BiHine 
;(iiy Kllly VoHa 
luih.'AH 0»ry M.ilcii 
l^rli-i Jemldine Dvoink 
,..„.. Evelyn KuHecli 

j„i,,av Harold AbDpy 

F^iiiwi Wenilell foriy 

Billv MillPr Billy KoH.l 

Aitli4 ■ Tonl Crnne 

^•,.lf John PeShay 

guiiii.* Elonnor Hoh-yn 
M.uli Bftty Nooniin 

B,,,,, Milton Crnnmin 

Glorlii liii:!' » 

H. ix..! Poo I. a Von 

Mnrji llciJlei' 

Phi Klynn 

Shlil-v..' Poria r.-iyo 

p.,ri,^ Holrn nnn-ir 

(II ' Aniln Arilcn 

J„,v ; J"?y l ii!'" 

^iiM'.' Kopnan Wyliii 

II ,, ,.y Murray I.'^onnril 

f*!.., I'.i;,''. Icnn i"jti'i*M 

T, Toiiiniy K;int*ll 

M-s-. s.'i J.Vii.-, rtarry K-llcy 

s^,„.... Kipanur l.ynii 

c.ii.i iiit A<l.".i> Clordon N^lsiin 

Mil. It |t;ini.-l^ Pavld Keim;iii 

I. l"iii.-njAi Nolncii I.ronurd Hnlm k 

r..i,iiMiHMl..ni>i' AiiilPy I.-slla Rinlp 

C'lii.-i i<r SiHff IIiilTV nalinMPi- 

(i-iwinl M' l"!.d:in I'aul Hulier 



but there is an orchestra necessary 
for th« rehearsals and numbers. 
'Always In My Heart' (current pop) 
is satirically employed as the theme 
for the nullity and stripping. 

Frequent scene switches call for a 
sizeable backstage crew. When the 
show tried out it was realized that 
the second act must be revised. 
There has been considerable im- 
provement made since its first break- 
in date. 

Smaller parts which count are 
handled by Paul Huber, Tommy Far- 
rell, Barry Kelley, Harry Bannister, 
Boo LaVon and Jacqueline Paige. 
Bretaigne Windtist staged 'Strip,' as 
he did 'Father' and 'Arsenic' Latest 
effort is a much bigger job lhat 
would look better with some script 
deletions. Ibee. 



HELLO OUT THERE 

■lU'lut Om Th^iv.' iltamn In oi.p n.-t, liy 
Wllliiitn SHi oynii : mid 'MhkU .' «Ii ;iiiih i» 
iww iii-iM ((l)i'(.'e H<*pnf)f Aixl prelurl*'), bv <>. 
K. Chfitiei ion. Sura Kdrtle Duwiiiii:. Julie 
H:i\-ti<»ii. SuiK<*«l Ivv I>«Mviii)|r, N<^(i liif;8 i>y 
\Vhi»(ii) HHii:tll, lliclHinK by Fedor. rm- 
iliirr inn imd*'!- ]iui>vrvl)i|nn i^C mixniicrh 
.M I**!". Pi csPiiieil I'V DowlInK nt Bf lii:-*-" 

ih^iiM.*. N. Y.. :>p|>t. ?t>. ni $3.:iU lop 



flinio Klnixt) . 

Klh.l 

Mmh 

Anulhi^i- M;in. 

U Mill. I I) 



::::r:j;::: 



.Kilille Piiw'.iDi: 
..Julie Jl:(\,l(,n 

l.ihn FHiiell 

...Knnell J>lly 
...Ann Piis^.ii: 



Wilh a cast of 49, six of whom ore 
featured, the newest laugh show 
must get goodly grosses to operate 
in the black. First night impression 
was lhat 'Slrip for Action" could 
have been more diverting, but it has 
a Kood chance of getting across. 

The presenters comprise the trio 
that clicked with 'Life With Father.' 
Oscar Serlin being the producer, 
while Lindsay and Crouse delivered 
the script. Latter duo turned pro- 
ducers wilh 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' 
which is also still playing on Broad- 
way. However, should Strip' con- 
nect, the net won't even be within 
sight of the profits of either ol the 
other two bell-ringers. 

'Strip' germinated from the ban- 
ning of burlesque from N. Y., but 
that type of 'entertainment' exists 
elsewhere. Authors- place a burley 
show In a theatre near an army 
camp in Maryland for the amuse- 
ment. H not the edification, of the 
soldiers. The actual performance is 
not given, but the line girls and 
chorus practice; in fact, there is too 
much of the rehearsal business. 

Show has its stripper, a tempera- 
mental blonde, who after walking out 
on the show, comes back awl gives an 
exhibition of bumps— and she knows 
how. Commandant rules the show 
out of bounds, but that doesn't stop 
the bunch. Pert Squee, a kid whose 
mother was a champ stripper but 
who is aimed for Vassar. scoots to 
Waithington with Private Nutsy 
(Keenan Wynn) who was formerly 
with the burley outfit. She cajoles 
an army big-shot with the aid of a 
letter which he sent her mother 
commending the bravery of a kin 
and obtains orders for the troupe to 
go on. 

Pan of the show within the show 
Is seen in olio fashion, with Joey 
Faye and Keenan Wynn doing 'Flugel 
Street.' one of the familiar bur- 
lesque bits in 'Strip.' but there is too 
much of it and. as the performance 
progresses, the bit pets thieadworn. 
First act is a backstage scene, with 
exit.s up stage to dressing rooms. 
Second act has a number of scene 
clianuc.-:. one showing the wings of 
till' Bijou. 

Peering on stage from, there. Elea- 
nnr Lynn, wlio i> little Squce. on 
for the strip, number, getting down 
to lace bras.siere and panties. She 
hesitate.-! about stripping further and 
finiilly fomcs ofT without having fur- 
thoi- disrobed, raying she just 
cmUlri't loniovo thr pantief. At least 
sonu- of ll'c iTgu'iitis among the first- 
nii'lnov.< were stiucanii^h about it. 

Wynn. who is a private in the 
army and. when the troupe arrives, 
has just enitrgcd from the Kuard 
house, pretty nearly has the run of 
tlu> show and largely throuch him 
tht' perforni.ince is made lively. Miss 
Lynn, a miniature beauty, is playing 
her Hrsl imporlanl pail and comes 
through wilh plenty to spare. The 
othor featured nlayers are from bur- 
le.sqiie. wilh Faye the most active 
and piomisinR. Jean Carter, who 
was one of the .'Irippcrs at the Gai- 
ety before the l*d went on, also does 
a click job. giving Icpit a very ex- 
pert illustration of bumping. Mur- 
ray Leonard, as a straight man, i."; 
also typical of the burley type of 
peiformer. Bill Koud. a thin-faced 
comic wilh horn rimmed specs, is 
the stage manager and as such di- 
rects the rehearsals. His role has 
him on the stage often and long, 
doing the dyspeptic burley vet in 
authentic style. He drew featuring 
after the premiere. 

•Strip" Is not a musical comedy. 



Eddie Dowling, who presented 
William Saroyans 'Time of Your 
Life' and 'Love's Old Sweet Song' 
in association with the Theatre 
Guild, is producer, director and co- 
star of this do.uble-bill consisting of 
Saroyan's one-act 'Hello Out Thiire' 
and Gilbert K. Chesterton's short 
'Magic' For the most part the show 
ofTers little to attract business, but 
it can apparently operate for little 
coin, so has a moderate chance of 
getting by. 

Chief interest in the bill stems 
from Saroyan's 'Hello Out There,' 
which first attracted attention when 
produced by David O. Selznick at 
the Lobero theatre, Santa Barbara, 
last fall, and was part of Dowling's 
'Life. Laughter and Tears' bill of 
one-acters last sjpring. The piece 
hardly justifies the extravagant 
praise it has received, though it is 
a clear enough expression of Saroy- 
an's familiar compassion for the 
lonely and outcast. Chesterton's 'Ma- 
gic' first ofTered on Broadway in 
1917 with O. P. Heggie and Cath- 
leen Nesbitt, is clever, precious, 
untheatrical and woefully dated. 

"Hello Out There' is the over-re- 
peated cry of a woebegone gambler 
unjustly flung into a smalltown 
Texas jail. He and the drab slavey 
find mutual sympathy and an in- 
stant, instinctive love in each other's 
loneliness and need. Although it's 
obvious from ttie start that they 
haven"t a chance, they take desperate 
hope of escape until lynchers mur- 
der him and, flinging her to ihe 
ground, carry off his body. The 
playlet lacks depth or keen insight, 
and it is strident and repetitious, 
but it is dramatic and reasonably 
provocative. 



when they were outside the show 
zone. On coming to Broadway, how- 
ever, Equity rules applied and it 
cost them more money than budgcl 
called for. But they still didn"l dis- 
cover enough material. There are 
few laughs and the numbers are 
fairly good only here and there, 
enthusiasm not making up for Ihe 
lapses. 'Sing' is remindful of 'Puis 
and Needles.' without lhat revue's 
salty satire. 

Nearest player with a name is 
Milzi Green, who is lop feature. She 
is a clever girl but without num- 
bers suitable to her. so has some 
trouble getting into stride. Late in 
Ihe first act she comes through with 
'Private Jones." E^arlier. 'The Lady 
Is a WAAC was supposed to click, 
but didn't opening night. 'I Did It 
for Defense" was rather mild. too. 
Miss Green is best with "Grandpa 
Guerrila,' whom the lyrics deiicribe 
as a 'Russian killer-dillcr Pancho 
Villa.' 

Betty Garrett is a comedienne who 
should land. She is an attractive 
little songstress who appeared in a 
similar revue called 'Of V We 
Sing' last .season, and was on the 
road with another youth revue. 'Meet 
the People.' Miss Garrett .scores 
with 'History Eight to the Bar.' one 
of Harold Rome's better numbers in 
this score. Girl starts off the second 
part in lively fashion leading 'Give 
a Viva' and is generally useful in 
the better skits. One indicates Wash- 
ington to be a madhouse. She also 
teams well with Miss Green in 
'Women in Uniform.' 

Leading the male players are 
Bcrni Gould, who quit "By Jupiter" 
for "Sing" because he has more to 
do in the revue, and Phil Leeds, al.so 
of the "V show. Duo have a couple 
of skits which don't reach first base, 
but one or two are mildly amusing, 
such as that which has them arguing 
over war strategy. Gould seems best 
in the WAAC skit and wilh a num- 
ber billed as 'Mitfel Europa.' lyric 
contending that the musical shows 
there were 'belter than any Shu- 
bert operetta.' Leeds singles with 
'Flowers in Bloom.' which drew 
hearty giggles from a limited num- 
ber of first-nighters. 

In the baritone department, Lee 
Sullivan has the most to do, while 
Mordecai Bauman has a single shot 
with a patriotic number. The Houstf 
I Live In,' which was liked. Pro- 
duction is encomical like other shows 
of the kind, with platforms and steps 
generally in evidence. There is lit- 
tle painted stuff. Lighting is well 
handled. The limited ensemble rou- 
tines are okay but not exceptional. 
Costuming is colorful, but also lim- 
ited. Amplification system used was 
so loud everybody seemed to shout 
for the first half hour or so. /bee. 



indde Stutf-Legit 



MAGIC 

Ounjurei- Kddie Pon I'-nx 

HaliirlH CMtieun Jiill* Hav«)4>n 

Hit ft ii)|cH Fjii If 11 F'-lly 

He-v. (*> ill ainllh Itrnin Nocp^n 

1>r. l)i'tiiilliriv|>« John Mi.'K^r 

Duke. Sixnley Han i^on 

Mui I IS <*Hi'leon Jf ^8 Bftt'kM 



Play Out of Town 



THE DAMASK CHEEK 

Boston, Oct. 5. 
c^i'inpily In ' ihr^e acin (Hve HC*>neM). by 
John \'(in Druten anil I>loy«l Mitnln. Slnra 
Flora Robnon. Sensed by John Van Druten. 
fifittngt* itiid coiiUihieK by RHvmond Sov^y. 
FrfrrnrPfl )<v Dvrlglit Dferi* Wlinan. at 
Dynuiuih. Boston, Oct. C, '-12. 

Rhndn Meldium Kluia RoUion 

Mifti Pinntr Ruih Vivian 

Mi>. Kanilitll MuiKiirel DouvlnH 

Ni-iA Mary Michael 

.1 iinmy Rn ndnl) « , Myi on MrCurmIrk 

Oai'hne Rnndall Jnun Ti'tzel 

r 'f Uk Lon|{i<i reth C«laHtfl Holm 

Mil hafl Rpndnll P#l«r Fernandi*/. 

Noil llGidinft Znchnry Scoit 



'Magic' iv moi-e a collection of ob- 
servations than a play. As a dis- 
cussion of faith, agnosticism and dis- 
belief, it may have been stimulating 
reading 25 years ago. but even in 
the library it would seem artificial 
and lusterless now. And under 
Dowlings rigid direction and the 
drab playing of virtually the entire 
cast, it is merely a museum piece. 
Compared to it. the staging and per- 
formance of 'Hello Out There' have 
coii.^iriprable vigor. Hobe. 



LET FREEDOM SING 



I in. I.. 
V Il 



,1 ni 
II,' 



•'I'll 



i.ir,. ifvii,' III (wii [..ii'.i. |ii...iiM. 
nv-i'-if. .N. \.. U- I. !■> 
'riii'.llrt.; iini...i|. Iiy hlhlnifl it 
n:il niiinlieiH 1,\- K»ll Htililnvnii. 
•I.. Ij.il C-..,. ;.(.,. Ri,i.l>n H.i 

K'l-nl; f":ilur*'a '.MilKi 
-rt I'V l.iiikr: HlflK^'l by .li 

'fiy Irii'l liiiii Ki'liley; r*-llinK» l-V 
.\i<.l'.u>. i«-iuiilPs by I'i.'ij tlu 
ii l. i-. 

.\l.i/i Cjr-n. Hernl GoiiUI, 
Pl..;;v (;;,ii..!i. riill l.fMlf. Ml. Ill", I 

It. .In:. II ll-XIf-i-, .lMn» .lubll^li I'*. 

Muki'i. Mti^v:!- jH>'ki.f>n. .Mm. ..It 

y, ijiii.; sii'i t..iin. l,iiiB <;ii-fii*i. i-hi 

, Hi.l.iy V;,ii|.. llMiiy Mrii,. 



'Strip For Action,' which opened at the National, N. Y., last Wednesday 
(30), went over its production budget and the approximate nut will be 
around $65,000. Part of that coin was expended in backstage charges, 
what with extra rehearsal time. As the show came in a week later than 
intended, and played another three-day tryout in New Haven, all hands 
were on full salary. Included in the total outlay are salary guarantee 
deposits of approximately $10,000, which are refundable. 

'Strip' is not a musical, but there are over 70 people in the outfit. Total 
crew is 23 men. Cast has 49 persons listed, plus extras and the show 
must gross better than $15,000 week to break even. 'Strip' is the first 
straight play that has a $3.85 top this season. If capacity is drawn the 
gross would reach the $24,000 level. 

Program for 'Strip' is a novelty. Instead of the characters being listed 
in the usual fashion, there are small photos of each player and the charac* 
ter played, carried five deep on the program pages. Harry Forwood, the 
press agent, is credited with the idea. He is of the Oscar Serlin office 
and that outfit is handling the play, although Lindsay and Crouse. the 
play's authors and co-presenters, have their own managerial setup. John 
Latham Toohey is co-p.a. with Forwood. 

Sgt. Lloyd Shearer, Ft. Bragg, who contributes pieces to Yank, the Army 
weekly, wrote an amusing story which appeared in the N. Y, Times 
Sunday (4) about Maxwell Anderson getting material from him and others 
at the camp for the author's 'Eve of St. Mark,' opening tonight at the 
Cort, N, Y. They thought that Anderson was just a kindly middle-aged 
fellow who bought the boys steaks at the Rainbow Grill, FayetteviUe, 
N. C, because he knew that men in uniform are always shy of coin. 

Other soldiers mentioned were Sgt. Bushemi, photographer for Yank, 
and Corp. Marion Hargrove, whose book, 'See Here Pvt, Hargrove,' is a 
best-seller. They attended rehearsal of 'St. Mark' while on furlough in 
N. Y. and they 'found three actors on the stage imitating us . *„Mr. Ander- 
son had not even bothered to change some of our names , H% had also 
permitted himself a latitude of poetic license ... I looked at Corp. Har- 
grove, Corp. Hargrove looked at Sgt. Bushemi and Sgt. Bushemi looked 
at me . , . 'baloney' we said.' Then they wrote a note to Anderson: 
Around Fort Bragg, it ain't going to be healthy for you.' 



War Department authorized sale of tickets to colored patrons for 'This 
Is the Army's' engagement in Washington. They were present at the 
$16.50 precm performance, and at sub.sequent shows. Policy is against 
the National theatre's long standing rule to bar the sepias, sustained by 
many court decisions. No protest was made by the management, as house 
was in complete control of War Dept. 

Last incident of race discrimination here to cau.se a furore was when 
Hot Mikado' played E street. Colored organizations planned to picket 
theatre, but Bill Robinson, by a tactful plea, relieved the situation. He 
told mass meeting Ke earned $2,500 a week through white patronage and 
that he considered picketing unfair. It was called off. 

When 'Green Pastures' played here management scheduled a Sunday 
matinee, exclusively for colored patrons. Action was resented and col- 
ored weekly sponsored a boycott. 



Opinion of those interested in 'Lady in the Dark' which opened it.s tour 
in Philadelphia last week, was that the notices were so enthusiastic that 
they could have been written by Gertrude Lawrence and Moss Hart, who 
wrote the book. Of course the N. Y. critics went to town on 'Lady' when 
it opened, and Brooks Atkinson, Times, referred to Miss Lawrence as 
'Gertie to Goddess,' but a Philly reviewer went so tar as to say: 'It seems 
incredible that a production of such magnitude . . . could be put on the 
stage at all.' 

Another started with: "This morning's report on 'Lady In the Dark' Is 
going to be pretty heavily embroidered with superlatives ... by far the 
most brilliant, fascinating and completely charming' musical play this re- 
porter has seen in a lifetime of theatre-going.' 



This intimate revue, fashioned by 
a young, ambitious group, is plainly 
.vhy of Plleclive material in Ihe fir.sl 
part. While Ihe second half is an 
iniprovenient. Keneral impression is 
that 'Let Freedom Sing' is a semi- 
professioiial attraction, hardly sturdy 
enough for Broadway competition 
even though the admission scale is of 
the pop variety. 

Ttiose spon.-iDiing the show and 
most of those in it have been appear- 
ing in houses adjacent to Broadway 
for the past year or so. Youth The- 
atre originated in Brooklyn and the 
average age of the four who lead 
the group is 26. 

Outfit spent much time in re- 
hearsals and cast changes, okay 



'The Damask Cheek,' starring 
Flora Robson as a lovelorn heroine, 
must have taken a lot of courage, 
but Dwight Wiman has plenty. 
Opening cold to a capacity house, 
and running a full half-hour too 
long, it looks like a natural for Miss 
Rob.'.on with a better than even 
chance of surviving the winter. 

It is the seventh John Van Druten 
play that Wiman has produced in 
Ihe past 10 years, but the first one 
personally staged by Van Druten 
and with his authorship credit 
•.hiiied. The story is a simple one 
but wilh surprisingly well-sustained 
interest, especially to women. If the 
show clicks in New York, it will be 
the women who make it boxoffice. 
bccnu.'e it deals with a 'good woman' 
lhat the men pass up because she 
lacks oomph and lure. And this is 
the role lhat Wiman gavf Miss 
Robson. she of the daggers and the 
pistols and the villainies. 

The comedy is set in the snobby 
East 60s of New York in 1909. with 
Miss Robson. a 30-year-old British 
heires.s. sent to visit her aunt in the 
hope she w-ill find a husband before 
.-he withers on the tree. She finds 
her childhood lover engaged to an 
aclress and winds up by buying the 
ariventiiress off for $30,000 and mar- 
i.v:iig him herself. He has always 
regarded her as having no feminine 
appeal until he finds that she has 
been 'compromised' in a hansom rab 
in Central Park by his chum, who 
is a heart-breaker and who reports 
that she is so fflluring that he is go- 
inc to win her even if he has to 
marry her to do it. It all sounds 
thin and old. with all the gay 90s 
prudery, costumes and convention- 
alilies. but it has been deftly writ- 
ten, superbly cast, and with a fair 
.•^hare of genuine comedy. The only 
action is. surprisingly enough, a very 
poor rough and tumble battle be- 
tween the two women which, how- 



Before he opened his two short plays. 'Magic' and 'Hello Out There' at 
the Belasco, N. Y., Eddie Dowling was in a quandary as to which was to 
take precedence in the billing. He finally decided to use 'Hello' first, it 
being a new one-acter by William Saroyan. while 'Magic,' by G. K, Ches- 
terton, is a revival, having been shown in N. Y. about 20 years ago along 
with a curtain raiser. 

Dowling is reported not having been anxious to produce the double bill, 
but had made certain commitments from which he could not withdraw. 
Notices were mixed, but 'Hello' got at least one rave notice and was gen- 
erally given the edge over the revived piece. Business so-so after the 
debut. 

Except for the pending application for a salary boost by the Association 
of Theatrical Agents and Managers, the managerial League of New York 
Theatres has cleaned up its various labor problems, including settlement 
of the claim of the N, Y. stagehands that a granted pay boost be retro- 
active. Deckhands figured that $16,000 was coming to them, but accepted 
$3,000, so amounts payable by the theatres are moderate sums. 

Stagehands union will place the money into its pension or inactive fund, 
which is devoted to members who have been forced to retire. Contract 
between the managers and union expired Feb. 1 and the new agreement, 
granting about 6% more pay, was not signatured until May 9. Retroactive 
increase was figured due for the period between those dates. 



Abrupt withdrawal of 'The Morning Star' Saturday (3), after three weeks 
at the Morosco, N. Y., Indicated again that those plays London goes for 
doesn't ensure Broadway popularity. Enilyn Williams drama In its 10th 
month over there. Believed that English audiences, having experienced 
bomb raids, more keenly appreciate the war play. 

First week 'Star' drew a moderate gros.s. but it started dropping the fol- 
lowing two week;-. 



When 'Count Me In' comes into the Barrymore tomorrow (Thurs.) it 
will mark the first score authored by a femme on Broa'dway. Ann Ronnell 
did both lyrics and music. Only Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Harold J. Rome 
have done one-man words and music jobs, but never a femme. 

There have been women lyricists and librettists, such as Clare Kummer, 
Anne Caldwell, Dorothy Fields and Dorothy Donnelly, as collaborators but 
not solo songsmilhs. 



Almost since inception Equity has held a weekly council session except 
during summer, when those huddles are every other week. Latter schedule 
has been extended indefinitely because no important 'issues' have devel- 
oped and only routine business has been the order for months. 

Felt that if councilors were asked to attend weekly, and there were no 
important matters for disposal, they would get into the habit of passing 
up the meetings. 



Jack Ha.^kell, former Broadway dance director who was in N. Y. for 
some months readying a new show. Is reported having suddenly gone 
back to the Coast. Ascribed reason is that the backers backed out, but 
Haskell appears to have forgotten to advise the actors lined up for the 
show, nor the agents who supplied them, with the result that those people 
are peeved. Show was identified as 'Bells (or Belles) of Moscow.' 



ever, may be built into a high .spot 
if Miss Robson stops pulling her 
punches and sparing her gown. 

Playing in one practical set with 
only nine characters, it will always 
be good for stock. It may possibly 
be well received two weeks hence 



in N. Y. as a sort of 'life wilh 
mother' motif, plus the charm of 
seeing sex rear its ugly head in the 
gay 90s with virtue still triumphant 
for the 'good woman,' whose inward 
smouldering fire could not be sensed 
by stupid males. Libbey. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



LEGITIMATE 



8S 



'HeHz; $17,000. 'Best Foot.' $13,1 
Hit Skids in Oii; ladies,' $16,000 



Chicago, Oct. e. 

Week of mixed blessings tor shows 
In Chicago. 'Hellzapoppin/ despite 
tremendous advance ballyhoo and 
gock publicity campaign, didn't do 
gny better than when it was here 
last, and, unless it improves, can't 
expect to stick. 

'Best Foot Forward' dropped bad- 
ly following its move to the Stude- 
balier and also must recover rapidly 
il it hopes to stay. 

EsUBBtes for Last Week 

'Best Foci Forward,' Studebaker 
(4th week) (1,200; $3.30). Dropped 
badly and extended run doesn't look 
likely at this rate. Grossed $13,000. 

'Good Nlcht Ladies' (Blackstone) 
(25th week) (1,200; $2.75). Garnered 
socko $16,000. 

■Jonlor Miss' (Harris) (2nd week) 
(1,000; $1.65). This play is going 
along with fair audiences. Grossed 
nearly $13,000. 

'Hellupoppin* (Erlanger) 1st 
week) (1,400; $2.20). Given a ter- 
TiBc buildup, but, unless biz im- 
proves, it won't last very long. Did 
$17,000. 

■Blaid In Of»x\i (Great Northern) 
(3rd week) (1,300; $2.20). Still 
around $2,000, very poor. 



lADY.' %\\m, 

WOWINPHILLY 



Philadelphia, Oct. 6. 

'Lady in the Dark' is a legit b.o. 
wham. After a slow start in its 
ticket sale, it grossed over . $31,000 
in its first week at the Forrest. The 
Gertrude Lawrence musical vehicle 
is skedded for four weeks here and 
will probably hit a new high of the 
last decade for a show staying that 
long. 'Lady' has a $3.50 top, some- 
thing not often attempted in Philly. 
- Ethel Barrymore in 'The Corn Is 
Green' also stowed away a tidy profit 
with $16,300 for its second week on 
ATS subscription at the Locust. 
EsUmates for Last Week 

'Lady in tlie Dark,' Forrest (first 
week) (1,800; $3.50). Seat sale start- 
ed a little slow, but business built 
with a vengeance. Gertrude Law- 
rence musical vehicle hit rousing 
$31,000 on its first of four weel^. 
That wasn't capacity at this high 
scale, but very good. 

'Corn Is Green.' Locust (2d week) 
(1,600; $2.50). On ATS subscription, 
Ethel Barrymore vehicle got very 
nice $16,300. This week, with 
straight public sale, should be best 
of the play's three here. 



mie; $14,000, Geto 
Mild Start m S. 



San Francisco, Oct 6. 

'Watch on the Rhine' opened in a 
mild fashion, despite fact it ia only 
legit in town, but may pick up as 
word of mouth adverting and hi^- 
ly favorable reviews overcome pho- 
bia of war toners against war plays. 

The 1,774-seat Curran clocked esti- 
mated $14,000 in first week at a $2.75 
top. 



'Spring' N.G.5GmNJl. 



New Haven, Oct. 6. 

'Spring Again' got the wintry 
shoulder from Shubert cash custo- 
mers despite nice press. Fell below 
estimated $5,000 for poor biz on four 
performances at $2.75 top. 

Cucrent first half is 'Priorities of 
'42' (5-7); last half gets preem of 
'Mr. Sycamore' (0-10). 



'ARMV TO GROSS 
$112,000 IN 2 
D.C. WEEKS 



'AngeF 9G in Cleve. 



Cleveland, Oct. 6. 
Although the weather in Cleve- 
land is still warm, 'Angel Street' 

Sot its ears slightly frost-bitten at 
ie Hanna last week, ending with 
estimated $9,000, fair for eight per- 
formances at $2.20 top. 

Better luck is being experienced 
by current 'Porgy and Bess,' which 
has $15,000 in advance orders in the 
till. 




U«t. LOD 0LA¥TON 

e/e Variety, Hollywood 




THROW A POSEY TO 

BILL STERN 
For His Modesty 
Olreotloni Wm. Merrla 



ST. M ARK' OK 
$12,000 IN HUB 



Boston, Oct. 6. 

Prosperity is definitely the key- 
note along Hub's legit row, with 
three shows — two musicals and a 
play— taking a tasty $52,000 total 
last week. 

'Eve of St. Mark' finished strong 
at the Wilbur, where 'Life With 
Father' toed off Monday night while 
'Damask Cheek,' debuting at the 
Plymouth, caught a smart opening 
the same night. 

Next week there'll be six legit 
houses lighted including the Opera 
House, where the Ballet theatre 
comes up with six performances. 
Estimates for Last Week 

'Coont Me In' (Majestic) (3rd 
week) (1.667; $3.30). Galloped to the 
finishing line with very satisfactory 
$22,000. Boston Comic Opera Co.'s 
'Pirates of Penzance' opened today 
(Tues. ). 

'Beat the Band' (Shubert) (2nd 
week) (1,590; $3.30). Showing some 
improvement; about $18,000. One 
more session. 

'Eve of SL Mark' (Wilbur) (2nd 
week) (1,227; $2.75). Steady but not 
unusual at $12,000 for a generally 
favorable set of notices. 'Life with 
Father' opened here last night (Mon- 
day). 



LUNTS, $16,500, GIVE 
CINCY BIG TEE-OFF 



Cincinnati, Oct. 6. 

Lunt and Fontanne, in "nie Pi- 
rate,' grossed approximately $16,500 
on four performances in the 2,500- 
seat Taft theatre during the last half, 
of last week for the start of the 
local legit season. Top was $3.30 
at night and $2.75 for the Saturday 
(3) matinee. It was a sellout for 
the two closing day performances, 
when chairs were added and stan- 
dees accommodated. Engagement 
was the first of a series of six sub- 
scription plays under banner of the 
American Theatre Society. 

New try with road shows at $1 
top began Monday (5) night in the 
2,300-seat Emery auditorium. Ini- 
tial week's show is 'You Can't Take 
It With You,' starring Fred Stone. 

'Pirate* Great 12G, Indpls. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 6. 

The legit season opened here with 
a bang last week when Alfred Lunt 
and Lynn FonUnne, in 'The Pirate,' 
grossed estimated $12,000 in four 
performances, Monday to Wednes- 
day, at English's. Take would have 
been higher but for fact show was 
on subscription series. 

Immediate prospect for shows is 
pretty good here, with 'My Sister 
Eileen,' 'The Student Prince' and 
'Angel Street' booked for October 
dates. 'Eileen' will go full week, 
starting Oct. 12. 



'Show-Off, $9,300, 

OK in 7th Del Wk. 



Washington, Oct. 6. 

'This Is the Army' counted up 
$46,075 on its first seven perform- 
ances, including the $16.50 premiere. 
With extra Sunday matinee added 
to regular Sabbath night perform- 
ance, Irving Berlin musical is ex- 
pected to gross approximately $112,- 
000 on the full two-week engage- 
ment, with 10 shows on the second 
week. Represents complete sell-out. 

National theatre is not large 
enough backstage to accommodate 
company of 30O with dressing rooms, 
so neighboring Loew's Palace, across 
the alley, opened up its doors and 
dressing rooms for the overflow. 

Hotels gave $1 a day rate to sol- 
diers, sleeping five or six to a room. 
Maintenance allotment was upped 
from $2.75 to $5 to meet Washing- 
ton's high cost of living. 

Show was universally praised, but 
the Washington Star critic, in Sun- 
day reflections, said This Is the 
Army's' dances could not touch the 
terpsichore of the 29th Division's 
show, 'Snap It Up Again.' In latter 
show dancing was straight, and of 
the ballet type. 

Musicians Union No. 161 will pre- 
sent a bill to Army Emergency Re- 
lier for compensation of seven men 
in the National's orchestra, forced 
idle for two weeks. Claim will be 
based on National Defense Act of 
1916, which forbids soldiers from 
competing with civilian trades, arts 
or professions. Matter will be 
pushed after show departs. 

'ARSENIC,' $14,000, NO 
WOW IN LA. REPEAT 

Los Angeles, Oct. 8. 

Lightning didn't strike twice at 
the Biltmore and repeat of 'Arsenic 
and Old" Lace' fell below expecta- 
tions, garnering estimated $14,(X)0 on 
the week. Show opened Monday 
(28) for two-week repeat stand on 
strength of recent sock diowing of 
$20,000 weekly for fortnight. 

'Blackouts of 1942,' at Hollywood 
El Capitan, is still a b.o. knockout. 
Show continues hovering around 
estimated $14,000 weekly, getting 
capacity on all shows except week- 
day matinees, keeping backers in 
clover at close of 15th week and 
end is nowhere in sight 

Milw. Stock's 1st Wk. 
Only Fair at $5,000 

Milwaukee, Oct. 6. 

Customers failed to come In the 
numbers expected to the opening 
week of the first stock company the 
town has had in years — the group 
directed by Arthur Sircom at the 
Pabst. where Francis Lederer In 
'The Play's the Thing,' with Tamara, 
was the feature. Gross of approxi- 
mately $5,000 at $2.20 top, however, 
was enough to keep the show out 
of the red. 

Current are Constance Collier nnd 
Violet Heming in 'Our Betters.' 



Joe E. 



Detroit, Oct. ft 
Brown still continues to 



roll up healthy grosses at pop prices 
at the Lafayette in 'The Snow-Off.' 
Report that the star would hike back 
to the Coast shortly for pix com- 
mitments brought the comedy up 
again last week to an estimated 
$9,300 at $1.50 top in seventh week. 

This week will see the third of 
Detroit's legitimate houses come 
back into operation when the Wil- 
son lights up Oct. 8 with the musi- 
cal 'Life of the Party,' adapted from 
"The Patsy.' However, the Cass will 
be dark that week, reopening Oct 
11 with 'Porgy and Bess.' 



'Eileen,' Against Fihn 
In Balto, Good $11,000 



Baltimore, Oct 6. 

'My Sister Eileen,' back to Ford's 
last week at pop priced top otf 
$1.67, rolled up a highly pleasing 
take of approximately $11,000, de- 
spite opening of film of same name 
during the week. 

'Guest In The House,' with Nancy 
Kelly starred at $2.22 top, is current. 



St. Louis, Oct. e, 
The mobs that invaded this burg 
for the first two games of the World 
Series last week apparently left 
some coin at the American theatre, 
sole legiter here, where the season 
teed oft Sept. 26 with a two-week 
stand of 'My Sister Eileen.' First 
stanza that closed Saturday (3) 
grossed an approximate $9,500, with 
the house scaled to $1.50. 

Piece played here for two weeks 
last season and copped plenty of 
coin at advanced scale. 



Series Crowds Hypo N.Y. Legit; 'Strip/ 
$12,000 in 5 Shows, Looks Like Click 



Early portion of last week was 
not good for Broadway legit shows, 
but as expected the latter halt was 
big, fans in for World Series also 
jamming theatres. 'Strip for Action' 
appears to have a good chance, 
judged by the attendance after a 
mid-week debut. 'Hello Out There' 
and 'Magic,' two-play bill, had mild 
first week, but claims improvement. 
Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C (Comedv), D (tyra.ma.') , 
CD (Comedy -Drama) , R (Revue), 
M (Musical), O (Operetta). 

'Auel Street,' Golden (43d week) 
(D-789; $3.30). New shows may af- 
fect holdover's chances from now 
on; imported meller scoring a run; 
around $8,000 estimated. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(89th week) (CD-893; $3.30). Like 
most others, business dipped the first 
part then hit capacity Saturday 
night; count was $10,600; not greatly 
imder recent average pace. 

<Bllthe SpirU,' Booth (47th week) 
(CD-712; $3.30). Another English 
sticker, a comedy that has been 
turning weekly profits since open- 
ing last season; $10,500 estimated. 

'By Jupiter,' Shubert (18th week) 
(N.-l,325: $4.40). Nearly $28,000; 
management claims that mark ap- 
proximated since late July, when 
show spurted after a dip; among top 
musicals in town. 

'Count Me In,' Barrymore (M-1,- 
104; $4.40). Presented by Shuberts, 
Olsen and Johnson, Krakeur and 
Schmidlapp; written by Walter Kerr, 
Leo Brady and Nancy Hamilton; 
score by Ann Ronell; opens Thurs- 
day (8) at $6.60 top. 

'Hello Got There,' <Magie.' Belasco 
(1st week) (D-1,000; $3.30) Drew 



fair notices, some enthusiastic; la 
first seven times the takings ap- 
proximated $6,000; about even break 
on operation. 

'Janle,' MUler (4th week) (C-940: 
$3.30). Get off to good start and 
more than holding the pace, with in- 
ications of landing in the success 
column; rated over $13,500, which 
was a climb. 

'Janlor Miss,' Lyceum (48th week) 
(CD-1,004; $3.30). Jpining the list 
of shows playing Sundays, which is 
expected to bolster the pace; now 
in 12th month and indefinite; bit off 
at $10,500. 

'Let Freedom Sing.'.Longacre (Jl- 
1.016; $2.75). Presented by Youth 
liieatre, an independent group: 
opened Monday (5) after long pepioa 
of rehearsals and several cast 
changes; notices on down side. 

'Let's Face It ' Imperial (45th 
week) (M-1,4S0; $4.40). Another 
show now playing Sundays; business 
somewhat off last week at $27,000, 
but capacity plus at end of week. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Beck (93d 
week) (CD-1.214; $1.65). With 'Th« 
Pirate' staying out of town longer 
than scheduled, run comedy can stay 
here for a time; still making money; 
$9,000. 

•Life With Father,' Empire (151st 
week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Expected to 
stay on Broadway well into new sea- 
son; business continuously profitable, 
with last week quoted well over 
$12,000. 

'Sons o' Fmn.' Winter Garden (44th 
week)' (CD-1,S19; $4.40). Was off 
early last week, then closed with • 
rush and the gate was again quoted 

(Continued on page 84) 




"ICE-CAPADES OF 1943'' recently conclnded a 
Bucceeeful engagement at Madison Square Garden, 
New York, and now b touring the Big Arenas of 
the United States and Canada. 



Eicliutuctv boohed bu 

ARENA MANAGERS' ASSOCIATION, INC. 

JOHN n. HARHI8, Pr«. WALTEB A. BBOWN, VIcc-Frea. 

I.Ol'IM A. B. FIERI, Secretary 



For Skating TalefU, Ice Revues, Roller Skating 
Vanities, Rodeos, Circus or Sports Events Contact 



GEO. D. TYSON, Exec. Dir. 
191S RKO Bld(., Rockefeller Center, New York City 

TrI. CI. .1-n440 



84 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



Literati 



Those Columnisls Who 'Lift' 

The Broadway coluinnLsts perloicc 
depend on Ihe press aKenIs for mate- 
rial, and Waller Winchell's favorite 
l>ru>hofT to an errant p.a.. who 
iwipes material from 'Variety,' or 1 
other sources, and then feeds it to 
him ill exchange for a plug for some 
client, is to tell the.preiyi agent 'don't 
send me any more stuff.' "That's Cov- 
entry for the pa. 

But the frequent, uncrediljd litis 
from 'Variety' in Danton Walker's 
column indicate he imposes no such 
penalty on the p.a.'s or else is him- 
self doing the rewriting. 



That Q. T. FDR Trek 

With FDR's return to Washington 
frohi his receftt swing around the 
country to inspect war production 
plants, some Washington newspaper 
and radio correspondents this week 
put the blast on the White House for 
its order forbidding any mention of 
the lour until the President had re- 
turned. The newsmen and radio 
commentators filed formal protests 
with the White House and looked to 
Elmer Davis, head of the Office of 
War Information, for an answer. 
Certain 'opposition' press seized on 
the incident as an excuse to lacerate 
the White House. 

John O'Donnell, Washington col- 
umnist for the N. \. Daily News, 
teed off on FDR for taking unto him- 
self the right of censorship. Accord- 
ing to O'Donnell, the Washington 
newsmen feel that the OWI, headed 
by Davis, or Byron Price, the Direc- 
tor of Censorship, could have done 
a better job. Basis of these com- 
plaints is that everyone in every 
town where FDR visited soon knew 
the President was in town, and that 
it was downright foolish to sit on 
the news. Another angle to the_ 
complaint and one that was manna' 
to the anti-Administration press was 
the assumption that the President 
want the news corps along on the 
trip since his train passed through 
several states where the November 
elections are vitally important to 
FDR's political party. 

Byron Price replied to this criti- 
cism by declaring at a meeting of 
the New Jersey Press Assn., that 
'the public will overwhelmingly ap 
plaud what their newspapers d'd' in 
withholding news of the President's 
tour. 

The entire fracas just emphasizes 
the long standing difference in 
opinion between the White House 
and the newspaper publishers over 
vhat the man in the street con- 
siders as vitally important. 



sumed publication. Status of morn- 
ing paper, the Stale Clazet'e. still un 
certain, with Thomas L. Kerney, 
general manager of the Times News- 
papers, announcing that the a.m. 
sheet would 'continue suspended for 
a time.' Seen as likelihood that 
Gazelle will be dropped perman- 
ently, with editorial employees ab- 
sorbed by the evening and Sunday 
Times-Advertiser, which also re- 
sumed Sunday i3). 

Work stoppage ended in what 
Kerney described as a 'very mutual 
agreement.' Settlement of strike, 
which was called Aug. 31 by the 
Philadelphia Newspaper and Maga- 
zine Chauffeurs & Handlers Union, 
AFL. on behalf of a score of circu- 
lation department employees de- 
manding union recognition and pay 
increases, was arbitrated by Jack 
Kelly, vice-president of the State 
Federation of Labor, who said it 
called for a one-year working agree- 
ment with circulation employees, pay 
increases, union recognition, a week's 
vacation with pay each year and 
seniority rights. 



War Correspondents' Toll 

Number of replacements of war 
correspondents and photographers 
in remote war sections have been 
forced through illnesses, those or- 
dered back mostly being afTected by 
malaria. Itis a problem to return 
to the U. S. One news service man 
had to ship as a seaman on a freight- 
er. Under maritime rules, a bonus 
goes to every man at each port of 
call. Upon arrival he collected $473 
in bonuses and the office manager 
thought it should be kicked in, as he 
was under salary right along. Fel- 
low didn't think much of that idea 
and said he spent the money. 

At the Associated Press there are 
several men back from the war zones 
who are taking their daily ration of 
quinine. Some of the expense ac- 
counts of correspondents runs into 
real figures — one item including the 
purchase of a motor boat — and the 
auilitors can't do anything about it 



Ban N. Y. Telegraph 

Mayor LaGuardia continued his 
drive on horse betting in New York 
City by banning from all newsstands 
licensed by the city the sundry 
scratch sheets, including the Daily 
Racing Form and the Morning Tele- 
graph. 

The latter, 109 years old. devotes 
a majority of its space to racing 
news and info. Originally the sheet 
was a top drama and entertainment 
paper and among the famed Tele- 
graph staffers were Rennold Wolf. 
Bat Masterson, Louella Parsons, 
Nellie Revell. 

The problem will undoubtedly be 
resolved in the courts but meanwhile 
only newsstands not on the streets 
arid thus not licensed by the city 
are continuing to sell the papers and 
scratch sheets. 



Sues Isolationist Publisher (or IjtOG 

Ralph Beaver Strassburger, mil- 
lionaire isolationist publisher of the 
Norri.stown (Pa.) Times-Herald, was 
last week sued for $100,000 on 
charges of libel filed by George 
Bauscwine, superintendent of the 
Norristown police department. 
Bausewine charged that Strassbur- 
ger's paper had printed 'false, scan 
dalous. defamatory and malicious 
editorials' becau.se the police chief 
refused to 'thwart the FBI.' 

Bausewine claims that Strassbur- 
ger asked him 'to run out of town 
several FBI agents who were check- 
ing up on the Norristown publisher's 
activities in 1941. Strassburger came 
to the attention of the FBI when 
it was revealed that he had dis 
tributed at his own cost 68,000 copies 
of the German White Paper which 
■j'jstifled" the Nazi invasion of Po- 
land. Strassburger has also been ac- 
cused, in testimony to the FBI, of 
contributing funds to the Nazi-con- 
trolled Transocean News Agency. 



Shows in Rehearsal 



'Mr. Sycamore' — Theatre 
Guild. 

'Skin ol Your Teelh'— Michael 
Myerberg. 

'LUtle Darling'— Tom Wealh- 
erly 

'Time, Place and the Girl'— 

Georges D. Gersene. 

'Junior Miss' (Boston Co.)— 
Max Gordon. 

'Stadent Prince,' 'Blossom 
Time' (road)— Shuberts. 



CurreDt Road Shows 

(Oc(. 7-17) 



S. F. Dallies Again Boost Price 

San Francisco morning newspapers 
boosted their subscription rates Oct. 
1 for the second time within six 
months, evidencing their intention 
to pass more and more of the cos! of 
newspaper production along to the 
subscriber. Subscription prices are 
now at the all-time high of $1.50 a 
month, with the Sunday single copy 
price U£^ to 15c. 

Both morning sheets. Examiner' 
and Chronicle, were selling their 
Sunday editions for 10c and getting 
only a $1.30 a month subscription 
rate until a few months ago. The 
first hike was to 12c for the Sunday 
paper and $1.40 a month per sub- 
scription. 

The afternoon rags, Call-Bulletin 
end News, have been selling for the 
high (as compared with many other 
metropolitan cities) street price of 
6c for the past several years. Al 
though it might be difficult to boost 
their single copy price, they may 
get around to increasing their 90c a 
month subscription rate. 



Trenton Strike Ends 

The month-old strike which forced 
suspension of the three Trenton 
Times Newspapers terminated Oct. 1 
when the afternoon sheet, Times, re 



Ted Liuzza Quits N. O. Item 

Ted R. Liuzza. stage and screen 
critic of the New Orleans Item, has 
resigned to take over the publicity 
department of Bauerlein, Inc., town's 
largest ad agency. Liuzza has been 
On news staff of daily for 22 years, 
serving as radio editor, news com- 
mentator, feature editor, Sunday ed- 
itor and in nulnerous other posts. 
He succeeded Pete Daily, who joined 
Universal publicity staff in Holly- 
wood, as critic. 

He continues as 'Variety' mugg in 
N. O. . , 



Old Army Game 

Latest edict of the Army public 
relations brasshats requires any 
nationally distributed publication 
desiring info from an Army post to 
first write the War Department, in 
Washington, stating in detail what 
it wanted and how the data would 
be used. 

Modus operandi calls' for Wash- 
ington to contact the post public re 
lations officer who will then con- 
tact the writer, providing of course, 
that the story is still newsworthy, 

LITERATI OBITS 
David Wilson Cox, 94, poet and 
landscape artist, died Sept. 29 at his 
home in St. Joseph, Mich. He was 
an intimate friend of Gen. Lew Wal 
lace and Cox had the distinction of 
being the first to dramatize the Wal 
lace novel 'Ben Hur,' a prop of the 
theater a generation ago. 

Mrs. Theodore Dreiser, 73, long es- 
tranged wife of the novelist, died 
Oct. 1 in St. Louis. 



'Angel Street' (2d Co.)— Empire, 
Syracuse (7-8); Masonic Auditorium, 
Rochester. N. \. (9-10); Erlanger, 
Buffalo (12-17). 

'Arsenic and Old Lace' (1st Co.) — 
Biltmore. Los Angeles (7-10); Geary, 
San Francisco (12-17). 

Ballet Theatre— Opera House. Bos- 
ton (14-17). 

'Beat the Band' (tryout)— Shubert, 
Boston (7-10). 

•Best Foot Forward'— Studebaker, 
Chicago (7-17). 

BUckouts of 1942' (vaude)— El 
Capitan, Los Angeles (7-17). 

'Claudia' (1st Co.)— Mayfair, Port- 
land (7-8); Civic Auditorium Fresno, 
Cal. (10); Biltmore, Los Angeles 
(12-^7). 

'Corn Is Green' — Locust, Phila- 
delphia (7-10); Rajah, Reading, Pa. 
(12); Community, Hershey, Pa. (13); 
Karlton. Williamsport, Pa. (14); 
Strand, Ithaca, N. Y. (15); Masonic 
Auditorium, Rochester, N. Y. (16-17). 

'Damask Cheek' (tryout) — Ply- 
mouth, Boston (7-17). 

Gilbert and Sullivan— Majestic, 
Boston (7-17). 

'Good Nljjft Ladles'— Blackstone, 
Chicago (7-17). 

'Gaest In the House' — Ford's, 
Baltimore (7-10); Locust, Philadel- 
phia (12-17). 

'Helliapeppln'— Erlanger, Chicago 
(7-17). 

'Jnnior Miss' (2d Co.)— Harris, 
Chicago (7-17). 

'Lady In the Dark'— Forrest, Phila- 
delphia (7-17). 

'Life of the Party* (tryout)— Wil- 
son, Detroit (7-17). 

•Life With Father' (2d Co.)— Wil- 
bur. Boston (7-17). 

'Little Darling' (tryout) — Play- 
house. Wilmington (16-17) (pre- 
miere). 

'Merry Widow'— Playhouse. Wil- 
mington (9-10); Ford's, Baltimore 
(12-17). 

'Mr. Sycamore' (tryout)— Shubert, 
New Haven (9-10) (premiere); 
Colonial, Boston (12-17). 

'My Sister Eileen' (2d Co.) — 
American, St. Louis (7-10); English, 
Indianapolis (12-17). 

'My Sister Eileen' (3d Co.)— 
Metropolitan, Providence (7); Klein 
Auditorium. Bridgeport (8-10); His 
Majesty's, Montreal (12-17). 

'Native Son' (stock) — Windsor, 
Bronx (7-11). 

'Papa Is All'— Walnut. Philadelphia 
(7-17). 

'Pirate' (tryout) — Nixon, Pitts- 
burgh (7-10); National. Washington 
(12-17). 

'Porgy and Bess'— Hanna. Cleve- 
land (7-10); Cass, Detroit (12-17) 

'Priorities of 1942' (vaude)— Shu- 
bert, New Haven (7); Bushnell Audi- 
torium, Hartford (8-10); Shubert 
Boston (12-17). 

•Show-OS' (stock)— Lafayette, De- 
troit (7-17). 

'Skin of Our Teeth' (tryout)— 
Shubert. New Haven (15-17) 
(premiere). 

'Spring Again'- Royal Alexandra, 
Toronto (7-10); Sclwyn, Chicago 
(12-17). 

•SUge Door' (stock) — Flatbush, 
Brooklyn- (7-11); Windsor, Bronx 
(13-17). 

'Student Prince' — Hanna, Cleve- 
land (12-17). 

'Thi» Is the Army' — National 
Washington (7-10); Nixon, Pitts- 
burgh (12-17). 

Tobacco Road'— Erlanger, Buffalo 
(7-10); Royal Alexandra. Toronto 
(12-17). 



Series Crowds 



□ 



— m Continued froQ page 
with a top ot $4.40 ('Fun' has a $5.S0 
scale Saturday night), whloh rather 
blasts the theory that there aren't 
enough substantial playgoers on 
Broadway on Simday evening. Prob- 
ably top money for a stralghWehow 
Saturday night went to the new 
'Strip For Action,' which got over 
$3,200. It has a $3.85 top, first show 
at scale in some time. 

'Face It' was played Sunday de- 
signedly as a stunt because of the 
baseball visitors, but the business 
was so heavy that the show will reg- 
ularly play two performances on 
that day from now on. 'Junior Miss,' 
Lyceum, will also go on a two-time 
Sunday basis. Only run shows that 
are sticking to the regular six week- 
day schedule are "Life With Father' 
(Empire), 'Arsenic and Old Lace' 
(Fulton) and 'Blithe Spirit' (Booth). 

October lists the debut ot 12 
shows. There are two musicals open- 
ing this week, 'Count Me In,' Barry- 
more, and 'Let Freedom Sing,' Long- 
acre, along with "The Eve of St. 
Mark,' Cort, and a revival ot Three 
Men On a Horse,' Forrest. Next 
week two more musicals are slated. 
'Beat The Band,' 46th Street, and 
'Time. Place and The Girl,' Mansfield, 
in addition to a Yiddish musical 
with Molly Picon at the former Jol- 
son theatre. 

Week of Oct. 18: "The Damask 
Cheek,' Playhouse, and 'Roslinda,' 
44th Street, it being a light opera; 
Oct. 25: 'Little Darling," Biltmore, 
and one or two other new shows are 
likely. 

Cafes Too 

The niteries never enjoyed such 
boom biz, and ditto the hotels. One 
Eighth avenue hostelry in Times Sq. 
was asking and getting $12 a night 
single. The ropes were up all over 
and well publicized spots like the 
Stork had to put the tape out on the 
sidewalk, using the girders of the 
fancy marquee for support. Sher- 
man Billingsley and maitre d'hotel 
Frank Harris and aides stbod out- 
side all night Saturday, shooing cus- 
tomers In or out in order to ease 
the pressure in the lobby proper. 

The legits, realizing how much it's 
become a weekend town, are how re- 
shuffling to drop Monday shows and 
put in Sunday performances. 



•Watch on the Rhine'- Curran, San 
Francisco (7-17). 



WATERS & MERRnr 
GET MOSQUE, NEWARK 

Newark, Oct. 0. 

Sale of the Mosque theatre build- 
ing by Prudential Insurance Co. to 
Waters & Merritt of Birmingham, 
Ala., operators of a chain of theatres 
in the south, was confirmed here 
Saturday (3). Sale price was be- 
lieved to be about $1,000,000. 

Understood that new operators In- 
tend to utilize the deluxe theatre 
for stage shows and Ice carnivals 
and may convert the lower hall of 
the building into a nitery with lead- 
ing name bands featured. * 

Understood also that Bobcttc and 
Russell Mack, who operated the 
theatre during the last three months 
as a stock house, will be in charge 
of all future Mosque productions 
and will also book the house. Macks 
are particularly set on getting 
Broadway musical productions for 
the 3,36S-seater. and also hit New 
York plays. Management is current- 
ly dickering with John Golden for 
Claudia.' 



Michelesko BkpL 

Michael Michelesko, listing him 
self as an unemployed theatrical 
producer and actor, filed bank- 
ruptcy petition in N. Y. federal court 
last week, claiming liabilities of 
$23,485 with assets of $17,200, in in- 
surance, hence exempt. 

He will be featured in a Yiddish 
language production, 'Be Happy,' 
opening Oct. 12 at the 2nd Avenue 
theatre, N. Y. 



B*way Grosses 

— Continued from page 83 

over $30,000; $9,000 grossed for two 
shows Sunday. 

'Star and Garter,' Music Box (15th 
week) (CD-1,510; 5440). One of the 
musicals that newer tune shows 
will hardly affect; rated around 
capacity $24,000 level week after 
week. 

Strip for Action,' National (1st 
week) (C-1,162; $3.85), Some no- 
tices strongly laudatory, others being 
fairly good; in first five perform- 
ances takings very close to $12,000. 
indicating starting pace of $18,000 
costly to operate. 

'Stars on Ice,' Center (12th week) 
(M-3,000; $1.65). Among the shows 
that greatly benefited from the 
weekend influx and again the gross 
was around $30,000; turnaway from 
Radio City Music Hall helps here. 

The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (D- 
1,064; $3.30). Presented by the Play- 
wrights; written by Maxwell Ander- 
son; rated okay out ot town; opens 
tonight (7). 

'The Morning Star,' Morosco. 
Stopped suddenly last Saturday 
after three weeks; gross dropped to 
around $7,000; under even operat- 
ing break. 

'Uncle Harry,' Hudson (19th week) 
(D-1,042; $3.30). Operating to some 
profit, but off from pace at Broad- 
hurst; but claimed around $9,000 last 
week. 

'Vickie,* Plymouth (2d week) (C- 
1,075; $3.30). Not taring very well; 
indicated gross around $7,000, with 
most of that coin coming at weekend. 
Added 

'Claudia,' St. James (return en- 
gagement) (10th week) (C-1.520: 
$1.65). Staying qualities surprising: 
pop prices in large house gives show 
chance to get profits; over $6,500 
quoted. 

Vaude-Revues 

'Show Time,* Broadhurst (3d 
week) (1,142; $2.75). Primed for 
clean-up; quoted at $25,000 pace for 
12 performances; three times Sunday 
to S.R.O., Ukings being $5,700; $200 
over capacity. 

'Wine, Women and Song,' Ambas- 
sador (1st week) (1,200; $1.65). 
Burlesqye-vaude show getting good- 
ly money tor show of the type; in 
15 performances, rated around $10,- 
000, which is plenty at scale. 

'Priorities of 1942,* 46th St. (3d 
week) (1,347; $2.75). Closes Sunday 
night (11); $15,000 estimated for last 
week: house due to get 'Beat the 
Band next week. 

Revival 

Three Men on a Horse,' Forrest 
(C-1,105; $1.65). Presented by Alex 
Yokel, who originally put show on 
at Playhouse; most of original cast 
will reappear, opens Friday (0), 



Exempt Actors 

s Continued from page I 5 



and members of his group have been 
writing to high Government officials, 
including President Roosevelt, ask- 
ing that members of his group get 
draft exemption, but has received 
scant support. 

Now the Hedgerovians are writing 
to prominent Philadelphians, actors 
and writers, asking that they write 
testimonials* as to the theatre's value 
'in the war for democracy and the 
integrity in the American theatre.' 

The campaign for mass deferment 
of his actors came to light just a* 
one of the members of the cast, 
Michael DeBausset, tailed to show up 
for induction. Thus tar three other 
actors — Jack Devlin, Eugene Lowe 
and Logan Ramsey — are in service, 
as well as at least a dozen other part- 
time performers, according to Deeter, 
At least five ot Deeter's actors have 
registered as conscientious objectors, 
but they've been classified in 1-A. 

In his letter to the President, 
Deeter wrote: 

'If as many as five men are taken, 
financial failure will wipe us out be- 
fore we can replace them, and this 
idea, the Idea of an independent, 
non-subsidized, non-profit-making, 
melioristic theatre, will vanish from 
the cultural scene.* 

Deeter said he would 'guarantee' 
that no more draft-eligible actors 
would be taken by the troupe, it 
present actors woiUd' be exempted. 

In a letter to Paul V. McNutt, Man- 
power Commissioner, Deeter pointed 
out that the members ot the cast 
thought so much ot their work 'in the 
interest of the national health and 
culture ot the nation* that they 
worked for only a bare living and 
$4.50 to $7 a month. 



Dramatists Guiid 



Contlnned from page 81 s 

tinue the play to complete three 
weeks of playing so that he could 
earn a share in the film rights 
money. 

Plan would be effective for one 
year, after which it would be 
dropped it not satisfactory. Orig- 
inally the managers were skeptical 
about picture-backed plays, on the 
ground that Hollywood might aim to 
eliminate the present crop of pro- 
ducers. Managers are expected to 
give their opinion of the plan prior 
to the League's annual meeting to- 
morrow (Thursday) . 
meeting Thursday (8). The basic 
agreement with the authors would 
have to be revised In the event of 
assent. 

Original plan on picture righls 
money tor plays which were Holly- 
wood-backed in advance of produc- 
tion called for setting aside $5,000 
for the first week, the amount 
jumping to $7,500 and $10,000 tor the 
following two weeks, plus royalties 
weekly thereafter, such money to be 
deposited with the arbiter of pic- 
ture rights sales until such time that 
the play was purchased or reverted 
back to the author. The author was 
virtually guaranteed a minimum of 
$15,000 tor the picture rights. 

None of the new proposals would 
affect the regular basic agreement 
between the Guild and the League. 
That covers film financing of plays 
without entitling the backer to pur- 
chase ot the picture rights in ad- 
vance. The proposed alternate plan 
would provide a method of setting an 
advance price on the screen righls. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



CHATTER 85 



jo« Glick doctoring again. 

gammy White U framing a new 
^gle for vaude. 

George Ade Orson Welles Is the 
correct full name. 

George White back In town, due 
to road-tour 'Panama HatUe.' 

George McCall has joined the 
HiSseU Birdwell flackery staff; he'll 
work on The Outlaw' roadshow ing. 

William Saroyan due to be In- 
ducted in the Army next week. 

Music publisher Irwin Dash is 28 
lbs. lighter as result ot mandatory 

'''ceorge Lelfler Ls the company 
manager of Three Men on a Horse,' 
Forrest 

Irving Cooper back with 'Hello 
Out There" and 'Magic' at the Belas- 
co theatre. ... 

The joints were jumpin' over the 
weekend, hypoed further by the 
Series influx. 

Columbia Pictures has taken over 
the whole sixth floor at its home 
office building. 

Charles Washburn okay after eye 
operation and is now ahead of 'The 
Kunask Cheek.' 

Monte Proser in Park East hosp; 
intestinal trouble. Copacabana prop, 
still trying to enlist 

Many Broadway well knowns In 
Washington for opening of latest 
'Stage Door Canteen.' 

Nick Holde is g.m. for Peter Arno, 
who la opening offices in former 
Hanunerstein theatre building. 

Lieut Eddy Duchin, USN, request- 

gl active duty, and shifts from 
reat Lakes to Miami this week. 
The Nick (Kathryn) Kennys cele- 
brated their ISth anniversary on the 
same day as her birthday last week. 

Redecorated Stork Club is a slick 
decor job. Sherman Billingsley 
staged a $5 preen> last night CTues- 
day). 

The David (Sonny) Werblins 
(Leah Ray)' have moved into a new 
house at Harrison, N. Y. He's v.p. 
of MCA. 

Joint on Sixth avenue sells 'silk 
itocklng photographs.' Just another 
name for the pictures of scantily 
clad gals. 

Al Schacht's new restaurant got 
big play from visiting baseball writ- 
ers, here for World's Series. So did 
Toots Shor's. 

Leo Guild, who long did freelance 
publicity on Broadway, heads for 
the Coast Oct 16 to join Warner 
Bros.' flackery. 

Leo Morrison, Hollywood agent, in 
town; Also Metro scripter Irv Brech- 
er (he has a play on rehearsal) ; and 
p.a. Ed Perkins. 

Mark Hanna took over several 
disks of 'Der Fuehrer's Face' for 
OWI officials in London, when he 
cllppered away. 

Senator Hatch and Leon Henderson 
hosted a luncheon for George Jessel 
In Washington,^ Friday. Irving Ber- 
lin also attended. 

Frank Phelps, in charge of labor 
relations for Warners, returned 
Monday (S) from a tour ot the cir- 
cuit's Ohio theatres. 

Series influx caused out-of-towners 
to' almost bivouac in the streets. It 
was a field day for the hotels; some 
ot 'em took 'em plenty. 

Private Carl Laemmle, Jr., not 
only is an ex-hyperchondriac. but 
looks fitter than ever. He's at As 
toria with the Signal Corps. 

Fred A. Mayer exhibiting silhnu 
•ties of servicemen at the 58tli St. 
Library cut during his several 
weeks at the Stage Door Canteen. 

The Artists tc Writers Association 
will pay tribute to the American 
Theatre Wing at a supper-dance- 
show slated tor Oct. 23 at the Wal- 
dort 

Don Stadler, of the dancing Stad- 
lers, tore a ligament in a show at 
the Hotel Belmont Plaza's Glass Hat 
a week ago. Castaine and Barry i^- 
placed the Stadlers.. 

Serge Glykson, w.k. French maeS' 
tro before the Occupation, has been 
in the States for some time. He is 
guesting with Harry. Saltzman, one- 
time booker, of the ABC variety 
house, Paris. 

The street in front of Monte 
Proser's Copacabana opening night 
was like a Carnival in Rio,' accord- 
ing to Wally Downey, U.S. show- 
man, formerly domiciled in the Bra- 
zilian capital, 
^eekend cafe business being what 
. is, class spots now stagger the 
minimum tariffs. Thus, one hotel's 
Pnce range from Monday through 
Thursday is $2.50; thence $3 on Fri 



davi arid $3.50 or $4 on' Sat and 
holidays, 

S. Barret McComiick, RKO ad- 
PubUcity chief, back from two-week 
huddles on the Coast with Charles 

i^P^"" Perry Liel)er. McCor- 
mick looked at new product and 
mapped out campaigns of forthcom 
mg films. 

Ted Westbury, among the RCAF 
boys now visiting New York from 
^-«nada, is a nephew of Ted L.ane, 
gen. mgr. of Greater Union Theatres. 
Both Westbury and the Greater 
union executive are widely known 
•<> AustraUans in the U. S. 

wUUam Rowland last week started 
production on 'Follies Girl,' fllmusl- 
cal at the Ideal studio, Jersey City. 

Ross Landesman, of Warners east- 
ern pubUcity department, left Mon 
oay (5) to Join the company's stu 
uijstafl under Alex Evelove. 

Ex-bandleader Roger Wolfe Kahn, 
son af the late Otto Kahn and him 



se^f now a veteran In aviation. Is In 
charge of bottleneck problems at 
Grumman Aircraft, at Bethpage, 
Ii. L The Kahn family Is reported 
financially interested in the defense 
plant. 



By Hal Cohen 



Bill Blum, U explointeer, has had 
the Pittsburgh district added to his 
territory. 

Stephanie Diamond back in radio 
work again after retiring for a year 
to have a baby. 

20th-Fox screened 'Springtime in 
Rockies' for Jackie Gleason (he's in 
it) day he left town, 

Rita Watson, of Lola and Andre 
rhumba troupe, here visiting friends 
t>etween engagements, 

Lester Cutler to N,Y. to arrange 
for preem there of his new PRC pic- 
ture, "Yanks Are Coming.' 

Betty Falvo, kid sister of London's 
Diane Ward, is one of singers at Al 
Mercur's new Music Bar, 

'Eve of St. Mark' at Playhouse will 
lose its leading man. Bill Minton. in 
middle of run. The Army. 

'This Is Army,' due Monday (12), 
was completely sold out five days 
after tickets first went on sale. 

Tom Kane In town beating drums 
for Muriel Angelus revival of 'Merry 
Widow,* which Nixon gets Oct. 10. 

Lena Home, who clicks in 'Pan- 
ama Hattle' is a Plttsburgher. She 
sang with Charlie Barnet for a year. 

Variety Club will honor Mike Cul- 
len Monday (12) before he shoves off 
to become captain In specialist corps. 

Lois DeFee revealed here she's 
been married since August to Pri- 
vate Joe Baldwin, of Camp Pickett, 
Va. 

Frank Berglas, NSS salesman, 
back on the job again after licking 
pneumonia at the Presbyterian hos- 
pital. 

Leonie 'Hiurston, ex-burley strip- 
per, has been Mrs. Tony Brent for 
four months, and living nearby, in 
Monessen, Pa. 

Bob Gill, Tech drama alumnus 
who joined faculty this year, direct- 
ing first show of the season, 'Pride 
and Prejudice.' 

Harry Keller has rejoined Ink 
Spots-Lucky Millinder as p.a., after 
doing public relations for Army's 
Dogs for Defense. 

Harry Thomas, manager of Schen- 
ley, new president ot local Warner 
Club, succeeding Jimmy Totman, 
who's held job for two years. 

Lily (Mrs. Moe) Silver down with 
flu and direction of her Victory 
Women's 'Gay Nineties' revue is be- 
ing taken over temporarily by 
George Held. 

Charlie Alley, manager ot News- 
reel theatre, and Ken Hoel and Jim 
Lindsay, of Harris publicity office, 
to New York to get some ideas from 
Broadway's newsreel spots. ' , 

Lou Holtz sparked the tun at Emil 
Steiner's farewell party for Press 
sporlswriter Les Biedennan, who 
shoved off last week for Miami and 
a first lieutenancy in Army Air 
Force. 

Captain Bud Nestor, nephew of 
Mae Stevenson, WB phone operator, 
reported missing . in action in Af- 
rica, is believed now to be prisoner 
ot war in Libya..- A pilot his plane 
was shot down by Germans. 

Gloria Ingles, local youngster in 
'Strip for Action' and daughter ot 
Gladys Ingles, WCAE receptionist 
has announced her engagement 
to Midshipman Laird Dobenspeck, 
studying for his ensign's commission 
now at Columbia U. 



Minneapolis 

By Les Rees 



Joe Morrison held over at Tiirt 
nitery. 

Mel Turner, Metro booker, an in- 
ductee. 

Gene Meredith. Warners' chief ac- 
countant, enlisted in Navy. 

Charlie Rubensteiii. independent 
circuit owner, joins colors Oct. 8. 

Tony Sarg marionet show, 'Robin 
Hood,*^ cancelled here at late hour. 

Paul Draper and Larry Adler 
scheduled tor one-nighter at Lyceum 
Oct. 12. 

Marjorie Garretson, singing come- 
dienne, in 16lh week at Hotel Saint 
Paul Club Casino. 

'Smith of Minnesota' had Advance 
premiere here night before week's 
run, opening at Gopher. 

Lowell Kaplan, former Ruben cir- 
cuit booker, promoted to technical 
corporal at Ft. Snelling here. 

Ed Abbott, former WCCO an- 
nouncer, back here as air corps offi- 
cer to aid in recruiting drive. 

Edith Day, localite and former 
musical comedy star of 'Irene' tame, 
mourning loss ot son, an RAF flier. 

Gertrude Lutai, singer, back in 
Minneapolis after many years' ab- 
sence tor Curtis hotel engagement. 

Bob Mochrie, RKO general sales 
manager, accompanied by Walter 
Branson, division manager, here for 
sales meeting. 

Return of W. R. Frank and Paul 
Mans, Independent circuit owners, to 
Northwest Allied brings back 20 the- 
atres into fold. 

Twin City Variety club social sea- 
son inaugurated with Saturday 
'celebrity nights' arranged by Mar- 
tin Lebedofl, entertainment commit- 
tee chairman. 



on 



Lieut. Don Craig (former 'Variety' 
mugg) shipped to Texas. 

Bill Fields, in town ahead of the 
Lunts, is still trying to land in the 
U. S. Marines. 

Johnny Long, who played this 
President's Birthday Ball, booWed 
into the Earle, Oct 23. 

Theresa Helbum of Theatre Guild 
had a sitdown with local critic, at 
Mayflower Monday (S). 

Curly Fox ot Capitol theatre or- 
chestra hosted by fellow player.'; be- 
fore joining the services. 

Army denied it bars 'My Sister 
Eileen' from camps for morale rea- 
sons. Insists double-deck set won't 
fit the stages. 

March of Time moved from 
Keith's to Loew's Palace under deal 
completed by Sam Wheeler, War- 
ners was after it 

War Bonds drive Is over but all 
theatre men summoned again for full 
support of Community War Fund. 
Goal is '$4,500,000. 

Betting here is that Muddy Riiel 
will be new manager tor Clark Grif> 
flth's Senator's, with Bucky Harris 
going to BrooUyn. 

Local 161, musicians union, has 75 
of its 800 men in uniform. Last week 
it had 58 requests for free music tor 
various patriotic purposes. 

Carlton Duffus^ U. S. Treasury 
report shows that 400 stage and 
screen stars responded 'Yes' to in- 
vitation to help bond sales. 

L. Stoddard Taylor, for 30 years 
manager of the Belasco theatre, 
came up from Winter Park, Fla., to 
see his old house turned into Stage 
Door Canteen. Took job as busboy. 



By Harry Bbrtia 



Gus Edwards in town briefly tor 
visit 

John B. Kennedy due tor lecture 
Friday (0). 

LltUe theatre doing 'On Borrowed 
Time next week. 

Ray Herbeck orch launched fall 
season in Ballnese Room at the Clar- 
idge Hotel 

Football really gets under way 
Saturday when Ole Miss and Geor- 
gia tangle here. 

Mid-South Fairgrounds Amuse- 
ment Park skeds windup of season 
for Sunday (11). 

Tommy Baldridge, Warner publi- 
cist for south out of Atlanta office, 
in town tor peek around with old 
pals. 

Ringling Circus dated here Oct 
28-29. Mid-week dates for first time 
in years. Usually here Sunday and 
Monday. 

Island Queen in local harbor for 
series ot moonlight dance excursions 
on Mississippi River. Jimmy James' 
orch aboard. 

Andy Devine and wife here to en- 
ter bosses in annual LeBonheur 
Charity Horse Show, this year for 
Army-Navy Relief. 

First location stand here tor 
George Wald band moves Peabody 
Hotel dance activities Inside from 
Plantation Roof to Skyway Room. 



Kansas City 

By E. E. Hofton 



Ringling big" top here for three 
days Oct. 5-7. 

Joe Sanders' orch now in Terrace 
Grill at Hotel Muehlebach. 

Cab Calloway orch set for dance 
night of Oct. 10 in Municipal Audi- 
torium. 

Bernie Evens now exploitation 
man for Metro with headquarters 
here, succeeding Claud Morris. 

Rosemarie Brancato. soprano, com- 
ing home with Columbia Opera Ca. 
to sing role in 'Barber of Seville' 
night of Oct. IS in Music Hall. 

Old towers of WDAF on roof of 
The Kansa.s City Star, erected in 
1924, now being dismantled for con- 
tribution as scrap metal to War 
Production Board. 



SL Louis 

By Sam X. Horsl 



C. Cox. Charter Oak, Mo..- has 
reopened his 300-seater in that town 
after the house was given a 100 "c 
face-lifting. 

John X. Quinn, manager for 
Loew'.s, Inc., here, making headway 
in St. Anthony's hospice in battle 
against cold. 

Mark Raymond, Southern Illinois 
salesman for RKO-Radio, with head- 
quarters here, training for bomber 
ferry service. 

The Shubert-Rialto. in midtown, 
dark for several years is reported 
to have been leased for picker 
houses purposes. 

Rochelle and Beebe, comedy dance 
team, headlining floor show at Club 
Continental, Hotel Jefferson. Nick 
Stuart's band on deck. 

Paul Belsman, manager of the 
American theatre (legit), has moved 
his office to the mezzanine floor of 
the American hotel, next door. 

O. W. iBing) Miller, formerly a 
salesman for Columbia Pictures in 
the DCS Moines, la., territory, has 



opened *a military equipment shop 
here. 

Joseph C. Ansell heading Motion 
Picture Scrap Metal Drive ihat 
started Tuesday (5); 110 fiicker 
houses in the St. Louis area are co- 
opping. 

An SRO mob purchased a total 
of $564,000 in War Bonds last week 
at the local preem of Paramount 
Battle of the Midway' at the 5,000- 
seater Fox in midtown. 

An abbreviated version of the 
annual Veiled Prophet parade, pat- 
terned after the New Orleans Mardi 
Gras stunt, will be held Oct 22 to 
tee off the local War Chest drive. 
The full parade and ball have been 
postponed for the duration. 



McCoy Ork Enlists 



Continued from pate 1 . 



chestra came along with it, barely 
two weeks after donning uniforms. 

There's been a general hush-hush 
ot publicity about the troupe being 
at the Millington Station because 
Naval authorities were afraid the 
public might get a false impression 
ot what is taking place there. Mis- 
guided critics would be quick to 
pounce upon the wholesale enlist- 
ment as a phony of some sort, it 
was feared. Hence, McCoy himself 
has never been Interviewed by the 
local press on the subject and thus 
tar the band is confining all its ef- 
forts to the SUtion. Even the boys 
in the organization are doing no talk- 
ing for publication at present 

'Variety' learned, however, that 
the McCoy enlistment is strictly on 
the level. At Millington, the outfit 
is no longer known as 'Clyde. Mc- 
Coy's Orchestra.' It is "The Aviation 
Machinist's Mates Orchestra Led By 
Specialist Clyde McCoy.' Insistent 
pleas by local stations, by social or- 
ganizations and even a few patriotic 
groups tor appearances by the band 
have all been turned down, first, be- 
cause of the possible unfavorable re- 
action, and second, beicause the lads 
are too busy with their Naval chores 
to be fiitting into Memphis tor 
dances and radio dates. 

Group lives in barracks at the 
Stations, wears regulation clothing, 
eats in mess halls, gets up at 5:30 
a.m. for exercise, goes through full 
Naval routine during day, and retires 
when the lights go out at 9 o'clock 
each night. Full weekend liberty to 
visit Memphis comes- about twice a 
month, with Simday or flve-hour 
night liberty sandwiched oftener in 
between. McCoy himself lives in 
Memphis, as do all the personnel 
holding Specialist rating, which is 
about equivalent to a new sergeant 
in the Army, but even McCoy must 
report for duty at 7:30 each morning 
at Millington (29 miles from his 
home) and remain at the Station 
imtil night 

AMM musickers spend part of 
day-time hours In rehearsal as a 
jazz unit, part In practise as mem- 
bers of augmented AMM School's 
Naval military-type band under di- 
rection of Chief Musician Pezzalla, 
part in military drill, and part in 
general Naval indoctrination. 

In addition, the Station being 
brand new and Its recreational facili- 
ties as yet incomplete, the McCoys 
often give jam sessions in front of 
the barracks at night for their fel- 
low aviation sailors. Sometime.<; Mc- 
Coy shows film shorts of the band 
on his own projection machine. He 
and his musicians are said to have 
mixed right in with the seamen, 
making themselves part of the group, 
and reports locally are that . their 
presence is serving as a strong mo- 
rale builder, the personnel being 
extremely proud of its presence. 

Once the McCoys is set on Navy 
marching routines, etc.. It is expect- 
ed to make appearance.^ In N.ivy 
Day parades and at various public 
functions where the Station wishes 
to be represented. For the present, 
however, these ex-Jackson,<! are just 
another unit among 10,000 sailors 
training for duty as the Navy's Avia- 
tion 'ground crews.' 



Can't Loan Stars 

5S Continued from page 1 



was frowned upon when first 
broachd .several month.<; ago, but in- 
dividual producers had hopes until 
the last that occasional furloughs 
might be granted for top stars 
needed to maintain maximum inter- 
est in the theatre. 



Metro'* Borrowlni Ilepcii 

Hollywood, Oct. 6. 

Metro's musical salute to the Navy, 
'Anchors Aweigh,' reportedly has 
studio making a pitch In Washington 
to have Robert Montgomery and 
Douglas Fairbanks furloughed to 
take leads. 

Arthur Freed produces from script 
by Michael Fessler and Ernest 
Pagano, 



Hollywood 



Damon Runyon down with flu. 

Irving Briskin laid up with flu. 

Patty Hale's new film name la 
Diana Hale. 

Tex Ritter recuperating from ap- 
pendectomy. 

Mary Martin out of the hospital 
after appendix trouble. 

Veronica Lake returned from an 
eastern War Bond trek. 

Ramon Navarro to make pictures 
for the Mexican government. 

William French, inag writer, 
joined. 20th-Fox publicity staff. 
' Walter Abel hospitalized during 
bond selling rally at Idaho Falls. 

Azalee Leeds, screen actress, di- 
vorced Herbert I. Leeds, director. 

Morrie Ryskind back at 20th-Fox 
after five weeks pneumonia .siege. 

Tommye Adams, screen actress, 
granted uncontested divorce from 
Lyle Talbot 

Dustine Famum, daughter of the 
late Dustin Famum, making her 
screen debut 

Margaret Hayes, film actre..i.s, di- 
vorced Leif Erickson, stage and 
screen actor. 

Ruth Plumlelgh checked out of (he 
Walt Disney publicity to enlist in 
the WA'VE& 

Melvlna Pumphrey, formerly with 
American Airlines, joined Metro 
publicity staff. 

William Stephens, former agent 
and prodiKer, joined Republic's 
casting department 

Lou Davidson shifted from Uni- 
versal's New York office to the 
studio publicity staff. 

Harpo Marx returned to town after 
entertaining 94,000 in Army camps 
on a two-week tour. 

Marty Welser succeeded Sam 
Clark as western division exploita- 
tion rep for Wamers. 

Sam Whitehead, film salesman 
with RKO for 21 years, retired be- 
cause of failing health. 

Lee Herod, stage and screen dan- 
cer, filed suit for divorce against 
Ray H. Herod, nitery owner. 

Nat Spingold in from New York 
for a quick gander at three Columbia 
pictures, slated for early release. 

Harry Friedman shifting from the 
William Morris agency to become 
Nat Goldstone's agency partner. 

Tom DlUon, exchange manager for 
20th-Fox laid up with a hip frac- 
ture sustained in a fall at home. 

Earl Carroll and Herman Hover 
east to arrange tMokings for the new 
road unit ot 'Vanities' In Chicago and 
New York. 

Murphy McHenry back in town 
after piloting Dorothy L a m o u r 
through a country-wide patriotic 
tour. 

Dave Bershon head of Theatre 
Committee of tne Treasury's War 
Savings Staff, back at work after a 
siege of bronchitis. 

Barney Roditsky, former New 
York police sergeant, is technical ad- 
viser and plays a cop in 'Margin for 
Error' at Warners. 



By SI Sbalti 



Jerry Gaghan handling publicity 
for the Philadelphia Opera Com- 
pany. 

Reps of Westinghouse stations met 
here last week to discuss personnel 
problems due to draft. 

William Robinson, WIP recording 
engineer, lecturing at Drexel Insti- 
tute on radio engineering. 

Pvt. Wally Sheldon, formerly ot 
WCAU, is cartoonist on 'Polar 
Tech,' camp paper of Air Corps base 
in Sioux Falb. S. D. 

Bob Laurence, former WCAU 
.spieler. Is new stage director at local 
Stage Door Canteen, replacing Link 
Wilmerton, now in Army.. 

Leroy Miller, KYW 'Musical 
Clocker,* feted by outlet at luncheon 
last week marking fourth yearly re- 
newal of Bond Clothes contract. 

Parkeo Johnson and Warren Hull 
did a special 'Vox Pop' broadcast 
from Victory Harvest Show at Con- 
vention Hall Friday (2) over WCAU. 

WPEN has an exclusive wire into 
Academy of Music for United China 
Relief Rally Oct 9 featuring Clare 
Booth. Gertrude Lawrence and 
Gracie Fields, among others. 

Ge?eland 

Dye Glenn C. Pnllcn 



Joan <Perlman) Gordon, singer, 
quit biz when she married Al ka- 
tona Sept, 30. 

Johnny Joyce. Jr.. gave up own 
band to enlist in Lee Allen's ut 
Southern Tavern. 

Marty Lake owner of Chez Mar- 
tee, teaming with Harry Gross in 
operating new nitery in Hotel Bol- 
ton Square. 

Freddie Carlone. ex-mae.stro who 
injured back recently, well enough 
to join Benny Bee's crew at Wonder 
Bar as saxman. 

Frederic McConnell's Play House 
opens its 27th season tonight i7) 
with Maxwell Anderson's 'Eve of 
St. Mark,' same night as Broadway 
preem. 

Pvt. John Cleveland, of the ma- 
rine corps, killed in a rifle accident 
recently at Quantico<«Va., was the 
local writer who collabed with Lu- 
ther Davis on 'Mayor of 42nd Street" 
film. Real name was John Fried- 
man. 



86 



Wednesday, Octotjer 7, 1942 



OBITUARIES 



MARSHALL HONTGOMEBT 

Marshall Montgomery, 55, veteran 
vaude ventriloquist, died Sept. 30 at 
th« St. George hotel, Brooklyn, 
where he lived for years. He was 
afflicted with cancer of the throat. 

Montgomery was a standard turn in 
the two-a-day, his salary then aver- 
aging about $500 weekly. In recent 
years he played club dates which 
paid from $15 to $50, but he some- 
times appeared at two or three af- 
fairs a night, and not infrequently in 
different cities, making the jumps by 
plane. 

Last steady engagement was at 
Billy Rose's Diamond Horseshoe 
nitery, Paramount hotel, N. Y., in 
'Mrs. Astor's Pet Horse,' a revue, 
Montgomery being the cabbie, 
speaking for the horse and himself. 
H* was stricken about two weeks 
prior to death and removed to Belle- 
vu« hospital, but after diagnosis was 
cent to his hotel, where be passed 
«way sitting in a chair after listen- 
ing to the broadcast of the Army 
Relief show at Madison Square Gar- 
den. 

At the height of hU career, Mont- 

8 ornery expended plenty of money 
1 advertising, taking pages in the 
trade papers and extra space in the 
N. Y. Evening Journal, which at 
that time had a special vaudeville 
department. His appearance abroad 
Included 'command performances' in 
London and St. Petersburg, Mont- 
gomery was the flrst ventriloquist to 
use a girl in his act, working with 
Edna Courtney, and the stunt was 
followed by others of his craft. 

Montgomery invested a goodly 
su 1 In securities, but lost it all. 
Services were held Saturday (3), 
and Interment was held yesterday 
(0), nearly a week after he died. 



FLORENCE LEONABD 
norence Leonard died Oct 8 In 
New York after a six-month illness. 
For over 26 years she did a sin^g. 
dancing two-act with her husband, 
Albert Leonard, under the name of 
Mack and Leonard. Team appeared 
years ago in various William B. 
Frledlander tabs such as 'Naughty 
Princess.' 

Deceased came from England 28 
years ago, her death occurring on 
the anniversary date of landing in 
America. Relatives In England sur- 
vive as do her husband, now a danc- 
ing instructor, and her sister, Ger- 
trude Grandy, widow of a Broad- 
way stage electrician who was killed 
In a backstage accident about IS 
years ago. Mrs. Grandy for many 
years was in the service of the late 
Marie Saxon. 

Burial took place yesterday (6) in 
New York. 

LEON BROWN 

Leon Brown, 73, veteran actor 
and stage manager, died Monday 
(5) in New York. 

Born in Dilmont, Me., Brown en- 
tered the theatrical profession in 
1895. He appeared with stars such as 
Elsie Ferguson, DorU Keane, Mar- 
garet Anglin, Henry Miller, and 
Arnold Daly. For several seasons 
he toured in 'Abie's Irish Rose.' He 
had also performed with many of 
the best known stock companies. 

Funeral services today, under the 
auspices of the Actors' Fund. In- 
terment in his family plot at Kensico 
Cemetery, Westchester County. 

Survived by widow, Edith Hard- 
ing. 



JAMES S. VANCE 

James S. Vance, 66, former owner 
of Station WJSV, Washington, D. C, 
died Saturday, Oct. 3, at his home 
In McLean, Virginia, after a long 
Illness. A native of Alabama. Vance 
came to Washington in 1921 and 
founded the radio station about five 
years later. 

He continued to operate it as the 
WJSV Corporation until it was sold 
several years ago to the Columbia 
Broadcasting System. 



week. He was bom In Trinidad and 
had returned there from Montreal 
in the hope of recovering his health. 

Survived by widow, mother, three 
sisters and three brothers. 



MBS. EMMA KAISEB 

Mrs. Emma Kaiser, one of the 
pioneer femme theatre operators in 
Northern Ohio, died Sept. 28 at the 
age of 69 in Cleveland. With her 
husband she operated the Corlette, 
nabe house, for the last 30 years and 
sold it last season because of illness. 

Survivors are husband, son and 
four grandchildren. 



MBS. 'TLVIA F. FISCHER 

Mrs. Sylvia FoUcman Fischer, 
widow of Eugene M. Fischer, the- 
atrical manager and booking agent 
on the Fischer circuit of Seattle, 
died Oct. 2 in Cleveland. Her hus- 
band died in 1020. 

Brother and mother survive. 

JOHN KEOUGH 

John Keough, 81, former vaude 
actor and advance man, died Oct. 1 
in San Diego. 

For past 20 years he had operated 
theatres at Long Beach, Calif. 



JEBBT SHEA 

Arthur Benedict (Jerry) Shea, vet 
stagehand and property man, died 
last week in New Rochelle, N. Y. 

For the past 14 years he had been 
chief property man for Katharine 
Cornell and Guthrie McClintle. 



CHARLES COMFTON 

Charles Compton, 78, former the- 
atrical promoter and advance agent 
for road shows and circuses, died at 
his home in Brazil, Ind., Oct. 1. 



JABIES H. WINGER 

James H. Winger, 29, Canton, (O.) 
musician, former organist at WHBC 
there, died Sept 27 in MassUlon City 
hospital, Massillon (O.). 



Jacob Arthor Strelbert, brother of 
Theodore C. Streibert, WOR-Mutual 
executive, died at his home in 
Schenectady, N. Y., Oct 1. 

He was an employee of General 
Electric for 33 years. 



John J. Keenan, 70, a stage car- 
penter in Albany theatres for years, 
died at his home in the New York 
state capital Oct. 2. 

Widow and two sons survive. 



Llent. Joseph W. O'Brien, n, 24, 

killed in plane crash near Plant 
City, Fla. He was the brother of 
Patricia Ellis, film player. 



Mrs. Henry Epstein, 56, mother of 
Philip and Julius Epstein, screen 
writers, died Sept. 28 in Hollywood. 



Roscoe C. Buckley, brother of 
Harry D. Buckley, v.p. of United 
Artists, died Oct. 4 In St Louis. 



R. R. Shortage 



Continued from page 1 ; 



CHARLES P. PREISEL 

Charles P. Preisel, 80, vaudeville 
and Chautauqua circuit violinist 
died Oct. 2 at his home in Cleveland 
after an illness of seven months. A 
native of Cleveland, he was for- 
merly a member of Hyman Spl- 
talny's orchestra when it played at 
the Stillman and Park theatres in 
that city. Survived by widow, Mar- 
garet J., to whom he had been mar- 
ried 57 years, and a son, Charles H., 
music teacher. 



WILTON W. SPENCER 

Wilton W. lancer, well known 
In theatrical and advertising circles 
in Montreal, died of heart disease In 
Trinidad, British West Indies, last 



nlghters are imperilled or may not 
played at all. Judging from the 
ODT regulations, it would mean 
that actors might have to sit up all 
night in coach cars in order to make 
a jump. Shows en route require 
from 12 to 40 or more reservations, 
but it is indicated that only some 
will be obtainable. Much railroad 
equipment is assigned to war pur- 
poses. 

Whether jumps between key 
stands will be made on schedule is 
problematic. Showmen are already 
figuring on eliminating Mondays on 
the road, and either adding an ex- 
tra matinee or playing Sundays, un- 
less some contract concessions are 
agreed upon. That appears to be 
a matter of Equity consideration, the 
latter being well aware that a re- 
vision of road rules is virtually in- 
evitable. 



No Gee-Gees In Miami 

Miami, Oct. 6. 

Horse racing seems to be on the 
way out in this sector, as a result 
of the recent Offlce of Defense 
Transportation ruling barring use of 
trains for delivering passengers to 
tcacks. Nitery business is uncertain 
and opinion is mixed regarding gen- 
eral show business aspects this com- 
ing winter. Much admittedly hinges 
on whether pleasure-seekers will 
And transportation available and. If 
so, whether they'll be inclined to go 
on junkets. 

Meantime, however, the gambling 
Ud is off again, the books are doing 
fine and there's every reason to be- 



lieve there will be plenty of sneak 
gambling this winter, unless the 
governor is pushed too far. 

The blackout here will knock off 
night dog racing, though some pro- 
moters are talking of trying It after- 
noons. 

Most of the hotels now open are 
doing well, but advance reservations 
are coming in slowly. The Army 
will shortly take over another 15 
hotels, but there will still be plenty 
left. 

Both the Tropical and Hialeah 
tracks are so far out that it takes a 
week's normal gas ration to get 
there. 

Among the nlteries, Kitty Davis' is 
continually in hot water with the 
Army authorities. It's been desig- 
nated 'out of bounds' most of the 
time for various reasons. BUI Jor- 
don's is doing all right, but for the 
rest they're mainly beer joints. In 
Miami both the Clover and the Bali 
go full blast over the weekend and 
then limp through the week. There 
are no shows of any consequence, 
just a band and a piano to fill. 

Since the Royal Palm now houses 
the Coast Guard, Art Childers is 
figuring on opening up a p^ce called 
the Yacht Club. It's connected by 
a back entrance with the Frolics. 



Flying Bands 

S CoaUniied from page 1 s 

the band booking trade's shrewdest 
reader of the tealeaves, Thomas G. 
Rockwell, president of the General 
Amusement Corp, and developer of 
many dance combinations In the past 

Rockwell beUeves that the band 
business as it exists today (and it's 
very good) will be picayune when 
compared to the expansion it will 
undergo Immediately after the war. 
He believes the most popular dance 
units will be probably those that 
have emerged from camps, naval 
bases or fighting contingents on the 
various fronts. They will be com- 
posed of soldiers, sailors or aviators, 
and these dance aggregations will 
likely not be billed in the name of a 
leader but rather will take the bill- 
ing of their particular military 
origin or association. These groups 
may be the' crack music makers of 
the future and some of them may 
come out of the service witii in- 
terpretive styles that will project 
new modes and fancies. 

Rockwell foresees our band busi- 
ness moving out on an international 
scale with the end of the war. 
American dance records are being 
shipped to service men stationed In 
many sections of the globe. The 
youth of Ireland, the Antipodes, 
England, Cairo, Latin-America, Bom- 
bay and scores of other points are 
bound to come in contact with the 
rhythmic germ and the exposure 
will develop a taste and a demand 
that will dwarf into significance the 
rash of American dance band tour- 
ing in eastern Europe which marked 
the reconstruction period of the last 
World War. 

Rosy Picture 

In his picture of the band business' 
future Rockwell accords a major 
panel to aviation. By the end of the 
war the global facets of commercial 
aviation will have made tremendous 
strides. Rockwell envisions the wide 
use of these facilities for the trans- 
portation of bands on one-nighters 
not only in the States but for inter- 
national hops. The same dance unit 
may play New York one night, Chi- 
cago, the next, break the Jump be- 
tween Chicago and Honolulu with a 
date in San Francisco and several 
days later find itself launched on a 
tour of Australia. 

In any event Rockwell is con- 
vinced that the postwar position of 
the band business will be rich in 
color and possibilities, but as far as 
the immediate future is concerned 
everything will figure but incidental 
to the war effort. 



Bills Next Week 



Continued from page Vt ; 



Kudo Show Bfz 

S Continued from page 1 s 



given the Government's scrap sal- 
vage campaign; the services ren- 
dered in the national interest through 
the production of shorts, based on 
Ideas of U .S. film coordinator Low- 
ell Mellett and in the distribution of 
Government-produced informative 
shorts; and the recruiting of hun- 
dreds of performers for USO camp 
shows and the entertainment of 
troops overseas have all redounded 
in favor of the amusement industry. 

Show business, faced with the 
problem of justifying its existence 
in wartime has, in opinion of both 
high Government and Industry rep- 
resentatives earned Its right to ex- 
ist—always, of course, within defi- 
nite limits which will become tighter 
as the war goes on. - 



Bddle Whit* 
Qalnoa Oro 
Currollettes 

Collese lao 
Juiiy Tappfl 
TunI iaorroll 
Hi:Ion Jerico 
The Thuntlerbolta 
Urity LaRua 
Dill Kelly 
viola Klalsa 
Belty llruce 

D« Ciurffna Cafe 
Ruse VenutI (3) 
Joe llelnaley 
Billy McKea 
Uema (3) 

oi riuio* 

Crescent (6) 
Dobby Cavla 
Qerrle Powell 
The Dl PIntocttea 
Mnrle I.alell 
Hohlnuon & L,orraln« 
Peck & Peck 
Murray Wooda 
Pedro Blanco Oro 

Erabtttay 
Virginia Darla 
Dime Burr 
The Eintonaylpha 
Rita Lopez 
Erlck Rhuinba Oro 
Carol Horton 
Carolyn Winter* 
Qeo Clinord 
Pat SberllD Ore 

OennantowB Bar 
Sam Price 
Kurt Wellar 

<a WalloB Boot) 
Roa« Gallo 
Jackie .Marahail 
Delia Llnd 
Stump & Stump7 
Diane Barry 
Peggy Iioeb 
Olamonr Ola 
Eddie Da Luca Oro 
R Mbncblto Oro 
HopUBa'Batlukellor 
Tvonettea 
Johnny Cablll 
Kay HamltOD 
Kaya ft Orejr 
Clara Bvana 
Tony Bennett Ore 
Hotel PblUdelphUa 
Don Maaaey 
Betty Johnaon 
Jon Arthura 

Lexington Caalao 
Margie Jamea 
Caalnettea (6) 
Dolorea ft Roalna 
Dick Ijealle 
Bye Sla 
Lanny Vale 
Ted Oliver Oro 

Little BstliakeUer 
Mary Jane Drown 
Johnny ft George 
Eddie SchalTer 
DeQulncy ft Olvena 
Victor Hugo'a Oro 
Lon'a Chancellor Bat 
Gloria Mann 
Boyd ft Smith 
Don Renaldo 4 

Ulnatral TaTora 
Dotty Dewayne 
Mary Morris 
Margie March 
Anita Thoma 
Michael Wayne 
Sleay Oinnle Loftoa 
Horavlan Bar 

Helen Ruth 
Kenny Shaffer (3) 
Cookie WlUlama 
Dick Wade 

lUurray'a Rhythn 

Bar 
Fay Wray 
Mary Lane 
.Shirley Amea 
Clene Mar^hiil 
Sunny Terkum 
Dotty King's Ore 
Kell Dleghan'a 
T.«e Ross 
Jerry Tups 
The Craters 
Dotty l.andy 
SercnadFrs 
Frank Murtha 
Goo Marchctti Oro 

Old Fails TuTem 
Andy Kurlong 
Jack Hutchinson 
Pen Rfiy Mond 
Dotty Urenniin 
Billy Haya Oro 

Open Door Cafe 
Dqv, Dusk. Dawn 
IJ>i-lniiii-:< 2 
Clolso .Mack (6) 



Chick Mullery 
Le Shonnes (2) 

Frank rainmlio'e 
Orooveneers 
Zola Grey 
Paatlnea 
Irla Wayne 
Frankle Sobluth 
Jeanettea 

Powelton Cafe 
Joe Jovenelly 
Charlie Ray 
Gypsy Rolllta 
Nan O'Rourke 
Molly Mariano 
Dotty Uorae 
Marty Wayne 

Bendeavoiu 
Delloyd MacKage 
t Bellea ft Beau 

HIU CarlloB 
Howard Lanin Oro 

Boman flriile 
Warner ft Valerie 
Diana Cooper 
Jewel Bllo 
Danny Richards 
Marty Devlne (Jrcta 

Sam'* Cafe 
Lloyd Mann 
Ruth Brewer 
Robert Drake 
Blllle Fauat 
Eddie Qalbralth 
Klnga of Rhythm 
Mike Ray Ore 
Sololta'e 
Frankle Rlebardaon 
Bob Karl 
Yankee Doodle Mnat 
Vernlca Kay 
MInatrel Revelrle* 
The Ouardamen 
Oertle Taylor Ure 

Shaag-Bl-La 
Dick Stabile Oro 
Oracle Barrle 
Charez Oro 
Julie Lynn 
Roddy Stuart 
Diana Oray 
Eddy Mllla 
The Blancharda 
Harmony Sextet 
Floradora Olrl* 

surer Lake Uu 
Mario ft Maria 
Mile, Lillian 
Col Geo Reed 
Alice Loeey 
Mickey Fomllant O 
Bn Bar Oetdona 
Eddy Hochney 
Brown Sla 
Kitty Helmllng 
Eddie Blum 
Carlta 

Beatrice ft Danor 

Agnea Willis 

•Mb St. Bathakeltor 

Mile. Mlllcent 
Jacqueline Herman 
June Van 
Hairy Adar Ore 
Babe Latour 

Snan Clob 
Duke HcHale 
'Frances Carroll 
Vincent Rizzo Ore 
Pussy DeCarmo 
Ray Sis 
Armand Camp 
Flack Lane 
Marty Bohn 
Lee Bohn 

Trana AtUntIo L'go 

Sally LaMar 
Richard Boch 
20th Centary CInb 

Harry McKay 
Men of Rhythm 
Mike Pedeain 

Venice Orlll 
Antone Bove 
.Marlta 
Geo. Erlnog 
Bill Richards 
Ruth Gallagher 
Don Nicholas Oro 
IVeber's Hof Bran 

Camden 
Ray O'Day 
Monte ft Adele 
Chlcqulta 
DobuH Trio 
Jules Flncco's Oro 
Raths'r Bldoradlanv 

Wliaon'a 
Art Mathues 
Joe Hough 
Oen Baquet Ore 
Helen I.ane 
Jennne Kendall 
Ginger Harris 
Cath Dcrney Gla 

Tncht Club 
Ann Taley 
Janice lleise 
Gloria Dale 
Ted Lewis. Jr 
Harry Holly 
Victor Nelson Oro 



FITTSBUBOH 



Alpine Lodge 

Joey .shns Oro 
Pulll Ueiie 
\Valknilr.<4 
Kceil (6 Dpnn 
Pntcliard & Lord 
Marie Ju.se 
Jnck Herbert 

Arlington Lodge 
Pall Allwea Oro 

Dalconade* 
Bob Lazar Oro 
Dale Spohrer 

Bill Green'* 
Baron Elliott Oro 
Mary Krelg 
Babe Rhodes 

Dine Ridge Ina 
Lou Lucky Oro 
Cornell Cooper 
Boogle-Woogle CInb 
Cozy Harrla 
Gladys Mason 
Dancing Buddy 
Boog Shermail 
Racehorse WlUlama 
Harry Comorado 
CInb Petite 
Jack Peek Oro 
Molly Paplle 
Eddie ShaKner 
Ralph Springer 

Cork and Bottle 
Lloyd Fox 

Eddie Peyton'* 
Geo Overholt Ore 
Eddie Peyton 
Marlon Muller 
SI Clob 
Max TarahIa 
Pat McCauley 
Unda Cotla 
Sally Rice 
Man* Steele 
Caria Moore 
Louise Donn 



Sherry Lane 

Hotel Fort Flit 
Ken Bailey Oro 
Johnny Mitchell 
Harry Walton 
Jeasle Wheatley 
Hotel HeniT 
(Silver arlil) 

1 Kings ft Queen 

(Oar so'a) 
Dorothy Nesbltt 
Hotel Tth ATentu 
Frank Andrlnl 
Argentinians 

Hotel Hooserelt 
The Kaalhues 
Sal Recch 

Hotel Schenler 
Billy Hinda Oro 
Joy Llnd 
Hotel Wm Pens 
(Chatterbox) 
Bob Astor Oro 
Terry Russell 

(Continental Bar) 
Billy Catlzona 
Lertoz Gordon 
Deno Belli 
John Fritz 

Uerrr-Oo-Roinid 
Ken Harris Oro 
Bob Sherman 

Hoalo Bar 
Skeeta Light 
Betty Falvo 
Genevieve LIpton 
Lillian Morton 
Phil DeJong 

2 Jaya 
Hlldebrand 

New Hllloteot 
Joey Sims Oro 

Nixon Cafe 
Al Maralco Oro 
Bob Carter 
Coleman Clark 
Bob Anderson 
Wally Sherwin 
Honey Murray 
Kat Boaie 



Plocolo Pete Ore 
Hal ft Dolly 
Joey Kline 
Jimmy Muzzo 
Bddle Miller 
Tad Blake 

NIte Conrt 
Ray Dunn 
Pat McGowan 
Chuck Murray 
Jerry Tagress 
Tommy Mnndres 
Orchard Inn 
Benny Burton Ore 

Oaala 
Al Snyder Oro 
Johnny Wiiea 

Pine* 
Don Rutter 
Bill LeRoy Ore 
Jacquea La Belle 
Bedd'a Cafe 
Rudy Paul Ore 
Maxina ft Odette 
Bobby Norman 
Bddle Palmar 

Squirrel Coop 
Dothory Mason Bd 
Margo Price 
Ethel Mason 
2 Mohameda 
Snow Bdmonda 



Treton 

Joey Reynolds 
Freddy Rose 
Bddle Meyera 

Yacht Club 
H Middleman Oia 
Eddie Metcalfe 
Seller Bros, 
Nancy Hunt 
Christine Cross 
Castaine ft narrr 
8ky-Vo* ^ 
(Seorge Wells Ore 
Bvelyn Nellls 

Cnlon OrlU 
Sammy Waltera 
Frank Natale 
Mike Sandretto 
Villa Madrid 
CIro RImal Oro 
Etzl Covato Ore 
Mark Lane 
Jack McCarthy 
Rita Montaya 
Charlie Roy 
Mechlta Virella 
Marqulta Rivera 

Vlotorr Lonnga 
Vlotory S 

Webster HaO 
Nelaon Maple* Ore 
Fashlonettes 



Berlin 



ContlBMd from page 2 

ward for the great talent and 
tireless effort which all of you 
have devoted to "This Is The 
Army.' 

'In addition to expressing my 
appreciation to you for con- 
tributing generously .to Army 
Emergency Relief and for pro- 
viding an effective stimulus for 
civilian morale, I thank you for 
an electrifying evening in the 
theatre. Will you please convey 
the War Department's congratu- 
lations, and my own, to every 
member of the cast and staff?' 
The D. C. preem last Tue^ay at tha 
National was surprisingly un-self- 
conscious, considering the galaxy of 
gold braid and dignitaries in the 
theatre, including everybody from 
Vice-President down. The President 
obviously couldn't attend in the light 
of bis q.t nationwide survey of our 
defense plants. The White House re- 
ception for Berlin's boys, considering 
FDR's itinerary, has been set back 
to Oct. B for supper. The show 
leaves Washington Oct. 10, thence to 
Philadelphia". 'Army' will leave D.& 
with over $100,00 net on Its two 
weeks. 

Meantime, the by-product revenua 
for Army Emergency Relief Fund, 
which geU all the 'Army' coin, it 
starting, to assert itseU. Over |13,000 
was netted from the music sales for 
September; some $10,000 for tha first 
month. In addition to a $7,500 ad< 
vance for the recordings, another 
$2,500 has been paid on the albums, 
so that's another lOG. 



MARRIAGES 

Constance Carr to Pvt. Robert 
Welch, In Pittsburgh, Sept. 26. She's 
of Carr Family, vaude and nitery act 

Ruth Lyons to the Rev. Herman 
A. Newman, Oct. 3, in Cincinnaa 
Brtae is conductor of femme pro- 
grams on wr^W and WSAI. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Revel, son, in 
New York, Sept. 28. Father is of 
the dance team of Revel and Allen, 
formerly Moore and Revel. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ted McMlchael, 
daughter, in Hollywood, Oct. 1. 
Father is one of the Merry Macs. 

.and Mrs. Parker Gayman, 
daughter, lu San Francisco, Sept. 26. 
Father Is a KFRC, Frisco, staff an- 
nouncer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Hahn, 
daughter," in Pittsburgh, Sept. 25. 
Mother is the former Geneva Harris, 
of Harris theatre family, Pittsburgh. 

Mr. and Mrs. Paul N. Lazarus, Jr, 
son, in New York, Oct. 5. Father U 
with the Buchanan advertising agen- 
cy, N. Y. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Z. Loring, 
son, in Hollywood, Oct. 2. Father Is 
a director at 20th-Fox. 

Mr. and Mrs. James Jaffurs, 
daughter, in Pittsburgh, Sept. 20. 
Father's the veteran Wilmerding, Pa., 
exhib. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jacobs, son, 
in Pittsburgh, Sept. 29. Mother was 
formerly on KDKA, Pitt, staff. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lewis, son, 
in Indianapolis, Sept. 28. Father is 
drama editor of The Indianapolis 
Times. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph W. Hardy, 
daughter, in Ogden, Utah. Father is 
traffic manager for KSL, Salt Lake 
City. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alderson, 
son, in Boise, Idaho. Father is man- 
ager of Panney and Granada thea- 
tres, affiliated with the Intermoun- 
tain Theatres, Inc. 

Mr. and Mrs. Breck Fagin, daugh- 
ter, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Father is 
manager of Orpheum and Idaho 
theatres, Salt Lake City. 



Wednesday, October 7, 1942 



87 



H'wood Relief Home's Comforts 



Continued from page 2 



tastefully furnished and its large 
living room has a glassed-in effect at 
the rear, looking on to a patio and 
garden. It even has a concealed 
mring from which this >lass can be 
rol)<d back, permitting egress to the 
garden. 

Buildings in the Country House 
colony on opening day consisted of 
an administration unit, a combined 
dining room and theatre, the latter 
equipped with projection devices; a 
recreation hall, kitchen, lounge, li- 
brary, medical clinic and the various 
cotuges 

The medical unit, named the Sid- 
ney R. Kent Memorial Clinic, was 
built by the donations of his friends. 
It has a staff of nurses under the 
direction of Dr. Francis E. Browne, 
who is to personally examine any 
patients thrice weekly. 

The lounge is a memorial for 
Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., whose will 
contained a bequest of $10,000 to 
cover construction • of .tjje building? 
The concert grand inano in the' 
lounge is the gift of H.*»ry M. War- 
ner. Paramount Th«atr« Partners 
financed construction of the Y. Frank 
Freeman Library, with books being 
donated by members of the Relief 
Fund. Jean He^sholt. Its president, 
Airnished a quota of rare volumes; 
upward of 30O classical books cnme 
from Walter Wonger, and more than 
100 others were provided by Lynne 
Overman, Ewell D. Moore, Raymond 
Griffith and Harry Ruby. 

Donations from Artists 

Paintings and drawings hang in the 
main buildings and cottages. Donors 
are from various studio art deport- 
ments. John Azzimontl presented 
his entire photo collection of famous 
dramatic and operatic stars of an- 
other age. Nursery plants and horti- 
cultural effects thrive on every side 
as a testimonial from various un- 
named people In the Industry, while 
Sol Lesser has given $1,000 for oc- 
cupational therapy and the large 
American flag in tiie central garden 
is the gift of Alan Hersholt and his 
wife. Osa Massen. 

The Gulf Screen Guild Theatre 
radio program, not satisfied with 
being the mainspring of all contri- 
butions to this project, also provided 
record albums of all the Screen 
Guild shows of the last four years, 
presentation being made by Oscar 
Bradely, mu.'iical director of the air 
series. 

Practically everything. In fact, has 
been achieved that the modern spon- 
sors have visualized, after taking 
over the ideas of those who founded 
the movement back in 1919, with an 
original building fund of $95,000. 
This has been greatly augmented in 
recent years through varying sources, 
including donations of one-half of 
one percent from industry workers' 
earnings. 

Orisinal Intent of founders, inci- 
dentally. wa.<; to provide means tor 
the rehabilitation of artists and 
workers who have served the in- 
dustry in the production of motion 
pictures — and this proposal has been 
faithfully carried out in every de- 
tail.. The rule was that every guest 
must have been connected with the 
Industry for three consecutive years 
but, among the incoming people 
there is not one who had been in 
the industry less than 15 years. 
Taking Care of Its Own 
The revenue raised from all 
sources, therefore, seemed no more 
than something the industry owed 
Its very own. And the principal 
source, needless to state, was that 
provided by screen actors, writers 
and directors In donating their serv- 
ices to the Gulf Screen Guild radio 
programs. Others, noUbly Mr. and 
Mrs. Louis B. Mayer, who donated 
the combination dining hall and the- 
*l'e. with a stage at one end," were 
most generous but, as seemed only 
fitting, the bulk of the money came 
'rom the MPRP itseU. through its 
participation In the Gulf air shows. 

At the dedication ceremonies more 
than a week ago, the following were 
announced as having donated the 
various housing units: 

Major W. S. Van Dyke II, $10,000 
'or the building of a four-unit cot- 
"ge; Screen Directors Guild and 
Mark Sandrich, double-unit cottage, 
ench: Individual cotUges were pro- 
MDor.^ Jean Hersholt, president of 
""•RF; Robert Taylor and Barbara 
Manwyck. William and Marian Sci- 
w Morgan and Billie Burke, 
fri! ""■'^'^e" Hersholt, Jack Benny, 
■"ends of J. Walter Ruben. Ofto 
pw'°«""„ancl daughter, Oltilie: Y. 
•varT /'■"^'"nn. Mr. and Mrs. Ed- 
't!™ Arnold, Charles K. Feldman. 
■■■n e'^'^'ord. Mrs. Y. Frank Free- 
• Samuel Goldwyn, John M. 



Stahl, the late Louise Closser Hale, 
memorial cottage to Frank E. Wood, 
a founder of the Fund, donated by 
MPRF; the Artists-Managers Guild, 
and the Winston Churchill Cottage, 
donated by British actors, writers 
and directors. Since then other 
bungalow units have been provided 
by Mr. and Mrs. Sol Lesser, James 
Cagney, Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. 
Robinson. Cary Grant and Mrs. 
Charles 'Chic' Sale, in memory of 
her husband. 

ObviouJy with all this kindliness 
and good will in evidence, there is 
little place here for the misogynist 
and even less for his words. Far 
more appropriate, in fact, would be 
those of homely, old Ben Jonson 
and his rugged, unabashed senti- 
ment, as presented by this couplet: 
'Diinnelv fair is she; 
'Who wears within her heart, 
'The spirit o/ humanitv.' 



AEF let Down' 



S Continued from pace 4 

pany's voice had not 'created a 
change in program matter to any 
great extent.' He said that baseball 
news and .\merican news bulletins 
seemed to be the greatest inroad 
made by the newest audience. 
Arizona Editor Arrives 

Another sea-going plane arrived 
was William R. Mathews, 'working 
editor' of the Arizona (Tucson) Star, 
who declared that there can never 
be a surprise attack on the con- 
tinent 'as- long as Eire remains neu- 
tral.' He pointed out that 'unusual 
troop movements in neutral Eire can 
be reported by the German diplo- 
mats there to their homeland with- 
in 48 hours.' The reporter-editor 
said that the Canadian boys who 
came through the Dieppe raid all 
'felt that the Germans were stand- 
ing there waiting tor them.' 

Another USO unit reported back 
from an army base to say that all 
seemed well. Yvette, radio singer; 
Linda Moody, tap dancer; Ken Whit- 
mer, novelty musician, and Howard 
Tifft, pianist, were in the group. 

Lina Romay, the thrush who 
worked with the Xavier Cugat mu- 
sic-makers, stopped off at the port's 
Kitty Hawk room, on her way 
somewhere. The Ritz Brothers 
boarded a Silverliner to the South- 
land on another military amusement 
movement, and the airport wits, at 
this writing, were awaiting the 
momentary arrival of Ilka Chase 
aboard a TWA cloud-chaser. 



H'wood Canteen 



Continued from page 4 



band dais. Also Eleanor Powell do 
ing a tap dance, and the various en- 
tertainers from outside going on 
again for another turn. 

It took about $15,000 worth of 
time, building material and sup- 
plies—all donated— to get ready for 
the premiere. Studio carpenters, 
electricians, painters, plumbers, 
upholsterers, prop men, press agen<s, 
grips, decorators, drapers and the 
like gave freely of their time and 
talents. Hollywood merchants laid 
bare their shelves. Stars and studio 
heads turned«to and not only worked, 
but paid for the privilege. 

Yes, the preparatory effort was 
tremendous, all around. But, at the 
end, everybody seemed agreed — serv- 
icemen and civilians alike that it had 
been worth it. 



watch the uniformed men march into 
their own club for the first time, thus 
reversing the procedure of the usual 
Hollywood premiere — where the 
people gather to gape at the stars. 

With Vallee going on the air over 
NBC at nine o'clock, the Coast Guard 
Band perforce opened the show, with 
Eddie Cantor taking charge as mas- 
ter of ceremonies. Meantime, there 
were 200 picked uniformed men in 
the stands— 50 each from the Army, 
Navy, Marines and Coast Guard— 
and with them sat Marlene Dietrich, 
Ann Sheridan. Hedy LaMarr, Loretta 
Young, the Bennett sisters, Joan 
Crawford, Judy Garland, Greer Gar- 
son, Rita Hayworth, Betty Grable 
and so much Hollywood glamor the 
boys were slightly dizzy. 

Bette Davis, originator of the Can- 
teen and now its president, delivered 
an appropriate address of welcome; 
Abbott and Costello did their stuff; 
Betty Hutton, Ginny Simms and 
Dinah Shore sang their songs, and 
Col. Harold B. Shanon, Marine com- 
mandant at Midway Island, spoke 
briefly and to the point. 

This concluded the exterior scenes, 
after which everything settled down 
to a lot of miscellaneous horseplay. 
Those outside couldn't get in, and 
vice-versa. Some crashed over the 
fence, others tried to come through 
and didn't quite make it. The Can- 
teen doors were finally closed, leav- 
ing a milling throng in the courtyard 
and, beyond them, thousands outside 
the fence. 

They finally got the delayed, in- 
side-and-outside program going, just 
In time to Uike in the Kay Kyser 
broadcast, which went out over CBS 
between 10 and 10:30. 

The fortunate first thousand or so 
who made the doorway found them- 
selves in quite an atmosphere. 
Lounge scats along the wall, a long 
eating and soft drink bar, a shorter 
one for cigarettes and all kinds of 
tobacco, a large dance floor, plenty of 
tables and Ky.ser and his men on the 



War Pictures 

S Continued from page 3 — 

weeks aso that Hollywood was sur- 
feiting film audiences with meaning- 
less pap on the war which was turn- 
ing them away from really impor- 
tant pictures. OWI asked publicly— 
as it had been advising the pro- 
ducers privately — for more films 
showing Americans what they were 
fighting for. 

Analysis of the past half-year by 
the OWI shows that only in the past 
three months have there been any 
features at all released on 'The Is- 
sues.' And the number in that per- 
iod has not been great— only one a 
month or three altogether between 
the beginning of July and the end 
of September. They totalled less 
than of all films made during 

the past six months. 

Analysis 

Soundness of the recent OWI pub- 
licity release is evident in compar- 
ing those three films with more than 
40 during the past half-year on The 
Enemy — His Nature, Tactics and Ob- 
jectives.' In the latter category fall 
all the films on saboteurs and Axis 
agents within the United States. They 
were mostly mellers of the B and 
C quickie variety. 'The Enemy' 
classification includes almost 20% 
of all pix released during the six- 
month period. 

Next most popular category was 
pictures on The Fighting Forces,' 
numbering almost 15, or approxi- 
mately 6% of all releases for the 
half-year period. 

'The United Nations and Peoples' 
classification was next in number, 
although a far cry from the approxi- 
mately 40 pix in 'The Enemy' 'cate- 
gory. Our allies were depicted in a 
total of around five films in the six 
months, or little more than 2%. 

Two other classifications, 'The Pro- 
duction Front' and The Home or 
Civilian Front' give still further 
evidence that the OWI's request was 
j justified when it asked for more 
films on such- themes and fewer 
westerns in modern battle dress. 
There were only, about three films in 
each the 'Production' and 'Home 
Front' categories during the six 
months — as compared with 41 on 
'The Enemy.' 

In the shorts field, the percentage 
of films with war angles was consid- 
erably lower. Of the 245 briefies 
released, about 50— or 20%— con- 
cerned themselves with the interna- 
tional holocaust. (Figure for fea- 
tures was around 30%.) Aboiit 170 
— or 70% had no war relationship, 
while approximately 25 (10%) bore 
indirect relation to the war. 

Of the approximately 50 one and 
two-reelerp with military themes; 
about 17 were cartoons. 

Number of pix in the various cate- 
gories of shorts lined up quite dif- 
ferently from the features. Sabo- 
tage and alien agent stuff apparent- 
ly doesn't lend itself to briefies be- 
cause 'The Enemy' classification was 
third in quantity. First, as might be 
expected, were shorts on the armed 
forces. Army, Navy Air Corps and 
Marines, as well as such training 
points as We.st Point and Annapolis, 
make natural short subject matter. 

The fighting forces found their 
way into about 25 miniatures or 10% 
of the total. (It was 6% for fea- 
tures.) 'The Enemy' wangled into 
only around half-a-dozen sl^orts. or 
2 ',4%, as compared with 40 (20%) 
of the features. 

But even in 'The Armed Forces' 
category, Hollywood apparently took 
the easy way. The simple-to-ro- 
manticize Air Corps got the heavy 
part of the play, while the merchant 
marine, which really needs good 
publicizing for recruiting purposes, 
was all b\it neglected. 'That'j being 
rectified, however, in this and com- 
ing months, according to OWI execs 
here. 

Other rectifications may be ex- 
pected, too, as shorts under the pro- 
gram .set up in Hollywood by Lowell 
MeUett last spring start to appear on 
release skeds. 

'The Home (>r Civilian Front' was 



GRIDCAST 



By Nat Kahn 
COLLEGE GAMES 



FRIDAY, OCT. 9 

GAMES WINNEBS 

SMU-HnrdIn Simmons SMU 

The Mustangs have the greater power. 
Temple-Bucknell Temple 

The Owls are graduaWy tinding themselves, 

SATUBDAY, OCT. 10 

EAST 

Army-Cornell Cornell 

Comelt has Ihc greater scoring punch. 
Columbia-Brown i i:'umbia 

The Lions have Paul Coueriuili pitching strikes. 
Dartmonth-Colsate Colgate 

The Red Raiders are rolling. 
Duqnesne-Kanaas State uesne 

The Dukes have a great defense and enough scoring pouier. 
Fordbam-No, Carolina ^..k-ordham 

The Rams should find themselves. 
Georgetown-ManluUtan ueorfretown 

The Hoy OS are Improving week by week. 
Harvard- Wm. & Mary Harvard 

This may well be ai upset by little Wm. A Mary. 
Lehigh-Penn State Penn State 

It's )ust a question of the score. 
Mteryland-Botgers Maryland 

Clark 5haughnessi/ Is doing a great job at CoUegs Park. 
Princeton-Navy Navy 

Battle of the cellar league. 
West Va.-Se. Carolina S«. Carolina 

The Gamecocks are primed after that No. CareUna defeat. 
Tale-Penn renn 

Yale may surprise. 

SOUTH 

Alabama-Pensaeola Naval Alpbaraa 

The Crimson Tide Is one of the great teams in the South. 
Arkansas-Baylor Arkanses 

This'II be close. 

Clemson-Boston College B. C 

The Bostonlons have too many siege guns. 
Duke-Ga. Pre-Fllght Gii 

This is not a Duke year; Co. is one of the notion's great teams. 
Fiorlda-Aobam ' uburn 

Not a chance for an upset. 
Georgia-Mississippi Ga 

Ca.'a Slnkulch Is one of the nation's best. 
Kentucky- Vanderbllt VanderblH 

A romp for the Vandys. 
LSU-Miss. SUte Miss. SUte 

This'II be a defensive battle. 
N. C. St-N. C. Prc-Fllght Fre-Fllght 

Pre-FHght might well beat an;; team In the country. 
Tulane-Elce Tuiane 

A close game. 

Texas-Oklaboma Texas 

The Texans are hopptn',a/ter that Northwestern setback. 

TCU-Kansas TCU 

Look for a big score. 

WEST 

Great Lokes-PItt Great Lakes 

It'll be close for the first quarter. 
HIineis-Minnesota Minnesota 

But Daley again runs wild. 
Iowa SL-BIarqnette Marqoette 

Marquette's sophs are tough. 
MIchigan-Iowa Pre-Flight I>rc-Fligbt 

Bemie Blerman may well be toppled here. 
Nebraska-Indiana Indiana 

A wide-open game. 
Northwestcm-Pnrdoe NorthH-cstern 

Purdue may hold the Wildcats for the first half. 
Notre Dame-Stanford N. D 

The Irish to rebound from the Ca. Tech. defeat. 
Ohio State-So. Cal Ohio SUte 

The Trojans are not to be too greatly under-rated. 
Wisconsln-Mlsaonrl . .' Wise 

The Badgers have been coming 'round. 

FAR WEST 

Wash. SUte-Monlana Wa.sh. Slate.... 

No question about it. ^ 
Calir.-Sanla Clara Santa Clara 

The Broncos are on the upbeat. 
Oregon-WasUneton Oregon 

The Webfeet are slow starters, but should have enough here. 
UCLA-Oregon State State 

State seems to be the class of the Coast. 



NAT'L PRO LEAGUE 



ODDS 
8-» 

8-6 



. Even 
«-» 
•-S 
9-5 

. Even 
7-S 
6-9 

3- 1 
, Even 

C-B 

1- l 

2- 1 

»-8 
Even 
2-1 
2-1 
13-S 

2- 1 

4- 1 

EVCB 

3- 1 
Even 

12-t 

2- 1 

11- S 

3- 1 
7-B 

Even 
7-6 

12- 6 
9-6 
9-6 

Even 

12-6 

7- 6 

8- 6 
8-6 



SUNDAY, OCT. 11 

Bears-Cardinals Bears 

The Bears are tops in the league. 
Lions-Packers Packers 

The Lions are reorganizing. 
Bedsklns-Eams Redskins 

Don't under-sell the Roms. 
Giants-Eagles Glanta 

The Giants' offense had belter step up. 
Dodgers-Steelers Dodger* 

Dodgers are the. class of the East. 

STANDING 

Won, 33; Lost 26; Ties. 4; Pet., J59 

(Ties are not counted) 



12-6 

11- 6 
8-6 
7-6 

12- B 



the theme of about eight films (ap- 
proximately 3%), 'The Production 
Front' hit the .screen three limes 
(1%) and "The United Nations and 
Peoples' eight times (3'.'<,) in the 
shorts lineup. 

September was the biggest month 
of the past six for the number of 
features on war themes rclea.'ind. It 
.«w 14 ?uch films out of a total of. 



31 on all subjects sent into distribu- 
tion. There were 13 war features 
released in April, seven in May, 11 
in June, 12 In July and 12 In August. 

Shorts graph hit its peak of war 
releases in May, when 12 of them 
were on the slate. There were six 
in April, 10 in June, eight in July, 
nine in Augu.<:t and eight in Septem- 
ber 



88 f^RBBfr Wednesday, October 7, 1942 




Cxclutiv* ManogoiMnt 
lONDON • NEW TOWC • CMCAOO • «AN niANCMCO • tlVIRlV HILIS • ClIVilANO • PAUAI 



SCREEN 



RADIO 



MUSIC 





niETY 



Publdhed WafklT at 15i Weit 46th Street, New Tork, N. X., br Variety, Inc. Annual lubaerlptlon, |10. SlDfl* UPlM c^F'f- 
Botered aa BecoAd-ilasa matter December 11, ItOS, At tbe Post Office at New York, N. Y.. under the act of BkroB t, U7». 

COPTBIOHT, 19a, Vt TABIETT, INC. ALI, BIOHTS RESERVED 



VOL. 148 No. 6 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1942 



PRICE 25 CENTS 







Lady on Hosdback Newest Fad in 
Westerns, But Win Fans Go for It? 



41- 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Not necessarily for the duration 
but largely to strike a trial balance 
v/ith' the public in the foothill and 
shrubbery circuit while the box- 

?flice flnds out what transpires, Hol- 
jrwood film production is in the 
throes right now of a noble experi- 

?jent, World War 2 Model. For the 
Ime being, some of its westerns 
won't be quite so tough, rough, gi^uff 
and full of resonant, manly chest 
tones, as of yore. 

They'll go yip-yipplng through the 
oanyon and over the sage as usual, 
yes. But In this Intermezzo of out- 
cries there may be noted a well de- 
fined soprano instead of the tradi- 
tional all-out popeye bass. And 
when there's a necktie party given 
for the dastardly road agent, as 
likely as not, they'll do it with a 
tcarf instead of a rope. 

Fact is that some of the westerns 
ere being slightly emasculated, with 
girl cowpokes taking top billing for 
the nonce. But it will be fairly 
permanent if audience reaction is 
favorable and male stars keep go- 
ing off to the war. Gene Autry has 
already gone from Republic; Rus- 
sell Hayden and Bob Wills are on 
the verge of going from Columbia: 
Tim McCoy is being allowed to 
finish his quota of pictures at Mono- 
gram before reporting for active 
duty, and Johnny King, Dave Sharp 
and other established masculine 
leads are soon to follow. That 
leaves the gals and a lot of leathery 
(Continued on page 55) 



Reverse Jolt 



Cleveland, Oct. 13. 
Manuel Benson, nitery owner 
who heckles customers at his 
Nut House with Joe Cook-like 
gadgets and practical jokes, had 
one pulled on him that wasn't so 
funny. 

When he arrived at his club to 
open it up one afternoon last 
week. Benson discovered that 
burglars had lugged away 
liquors, win^s and cigarets 
valued at $1,000. Heisters also 
tried out all his automatic 
thriller-diller devices, and left 
this note on his electrified chair: 

"This is just for sissies — it 
didn't give us even a jolt.' 



NATl MFRS. ASS'N MAY 
AIR SHOWS FROM ENG. 



George Corey, author of This Na- 
tion at War' for the National Assn. 
of Manufacturers, on the Blue net- 
work, will probably go to England 
sometime in November to do several 
stanzas of the show for shortwave to 
the U. S. He expects to be gone 
about six or eight weeks and to do 
four broadcasts from there. 

Idea of the English .originations of 
the program is to show how U. S. 
troops use the armaments turned 
out by American Industry. 



Ghost Writers Behind 
Stars on Bond Caravan 

Writers Hal Block and Clifford 
Goldsmith will go along to Canada 
Oct. 26 with a group of radio and 
film personalities in order to pro- 
vide the latter with material dur- 
ing visits to Canadian key cities on 
behalf of Canada's war bond drive. 

Walter Pidgeon, Myma Loy, Mad- 
eleine Carroll, Barry Wood and 
Jackie Kelk are the personalities 
lined up so far. 



Ha. Resort Cities Aside 
From Miami Look For 
A Cleanup This Wmter 

Certain Florida spots, such as 
Fort Lauderdale and Sf. Peters- 
burg, unaffected by military bases, 
look forward to a cleanup if things 
remain as is. If naval and aero- 
nautical trainees move in on these 
communities, it may affect matters, 
as it has in Miami Beach, but for 
the moment many a class spot there, 
and also in the Palm Beach and 
Del Ray sectors, which didn't start 
rolling until after Xmas, plans 
opening two months ahead of sched- 
ule. 

Miami Beach mear.time has been 
cued to save the literature, etc., 
until Nov. 1, when the War Dept. 
will be more explicit on its winter 
plans. 



AFM GIVES IN TO UNCLE SAM 



Special Dispensation tor Victor to 
Wax 2 Patriotic Tunes 



RCA-Victor was given special 
permission by the Am^ican Fed- 
eration of Musicians to record two 
tunes with vocalist Barry Wood for 
the Treasury Department. Titled, 
'Ev'rybody Ev'ry Payday' and 'March 
for the New Infantry' (paratroop 
song), the two melodies will be re- 
leased commercially on a Bluebird 
disc, and the Treasury people hope 
to influence their use in coin ma- 
chines and on radio record pro- 
grams. Title of first tune indicates 
it's a melodic plug for War Bond 
sales. 

Wood made the sides yesterday 
(Tues.) in New York, backed by a 
17-piece orchestr^a and a mixed 
vocal chorus of 12 directed by Leon- 
ard Joy, Victor recording director. 
Tunes were written by Tom Adan, 
lyrics, and Dick Uhl, music. 



SAtAIIY DECREE 
BlIFfLESFILM BIZ 

Studios Uncertain About 
Exercising Talent Options, 
Percentage and Royalty 
Deals — Guilds Seem to Be 
Most Affected — Industry 
Attorneys, Huddling East, 
Hope for Early Clarifica- 
tion of Wage Stabilization 
Ruling 



CONTRACTS STALLED 



Puzzled by a . wage and salary 
stabilization decree which defies 
clear-cut interpretation, Hollywood's 
normal busines,: activities are fast 
approaching an impasse as studio 
heads and film attorneys await 
clarification of the law. 

Meeting of industry attorneys was 
held at the Hays office yesterday 
(Tues.) morning to discuss impli- 
cations of the law insofar as it would 
affect contracts, royalties and per- 
centage arrangement'. Another 
huddle is scheduled today (Wed.) or 
tomorrow. 

With hundreds of talent and other 
(Continued on page 18) 



FILMS' ENCORE 
IN JAN. FOR 
BOND SALE 



Washington, Oct. 13. 

United States Treasury Is de- 
lighted with the result of the Sep- 
tember bond sales spearheaded by 
the Motion Picture Industry drive. 
So pleased it Is quietly considering 
asking Hollywood to duplicate the 
high pressure salesmanship in Jan- 
uary, touching spots not re,ached in 
the September tours. 

Treasury heads feel delicate about 
making such a request of Holly- 
wood, but If the film executives are 
receptive to the idea it will be wel- 
comed in Washington. 

Bond organization now looks for- 
ward to the nationwide tour of the 
captured two-man Japanese sub- 
marine. This undersea craft was 
captured at Pearl Harbor and, where 
shown, has been a mighty magnet 
with the public. Sub begins its tour 
at San Francisco on Oct. 27 (Navy 
Day) and is listed to visit every 
large city In the country. 

Sub will be transported by a 
Diesel engined cab and trailer. Bur- 
ton Davis will have'rharge of the 
exhibit, with Barry Buchanan 
ahead. 



See Gov't Eaang Legit's Traveliiig 
Problems for Sake of Public Morale 



*Der Fuehrer's Face' 



Recorders are mulling how to 
get around the Petrlllo ban, 
what with a few new song hits 
cropping up to further harrass 
them, by using vocal groups and 
other unorthodox sound effects. 
Ditties like 'Der Fuehrer's Face,' 
which catapulted Spike Jones' 
Bluebird record to the^^op of the 
list, would be immediately 
waxed, since it's one of those ac- 
cidental hits which neither Jonea 
nor Bluebird really anticipated 
would catch on to the degree it 
had. 

Even Walt Disney, whose Don- 
ald Duck short, 'In Nutzi-Land,' 
inspired 'Der Fuehrer's Face,' 
has been forced to change the 
title to coincide with the sudden 
song hit 



Kate Smith's Campaign 
On Behalf of Natl 
Anthem's Last Stanza 



Kate Smith has taken the leader- 
ship in popularizing the neglected 
lyrics of the last stanza of 'The 
Star-Spangled Banner.'. She an- 
nounced this on her Monday noon 
show and will repeat It this Fri- 
day on the big show. 

It has been pointed out that the 
words are far more appropriate to 
these times than the less meaning- 
ful references to the rocket's red 
gli^re. Ted Collins has agreed with 
the Writers War Board contention 
that there is a desirable ringing af- 
Armation in the line 'then conquer 
we must when our cause It is just' 

It is expected that the impetus 
given by Miss Smith to the move- 
ment to revive the last stanza will 
result in radio stations and patriotic 
groups everywhere following suit. 



Reaction in show circles to the new 
rail transportation restrictions, which' 
first caused considerable concern, 
appears to be that, while road shows 
will have difficulty in making jtmips 
as promptly as in the past, curtail- 
ment of transit will not reacb such a 
degree that shows will not be able to 
tour at all. Believed that Washing- 
ton will recognize the need of shows 
as being essential to public morale, 
as was the case in World War I. 

As flr<it indicated, the smaller 
stands are expected to be affected 
more thao key cities. In any event, 
legit will not decrease any more than 
conditions dictate during the ell-out 
war effort. Some managers are fig- 
uring on producing only for N. "If. if 
railroad restrictions become very 
tough. There is a possibility that 
Chicago may again be a pro4uction 
centre to some extent. In other sea- 
sons several shows were produced 
there, but mostly for pop-priced bin- 
' terland consumption. For some time 
Coast producers have been putting 
on shows, and will probably continue 
to do so. 

Big productions are sure to feel the 
transportation problem, and some 
have been already affected. 'Lady in 
the Dark,' now in Philadelphia, is 
figured to open in succeeding stands 
on Tuesdays instead of Mondays, and 
in some instances a Wednesday start 
is probable. It is a seven-car show, 
(Continued on page 52) 



36 YEARS AFTER DEATH 



Composer of Mexican Anthem Is 
Beturned to Homeland 



Buffalo, Oct. 13. 

Almost 90 years after he had com- 
posed the Mexican national anthem, 
the remains of Jaime F. Nuno were 
exhumed from his grave here this 
week and under full military escort 
fiown to Mexico City to be placed 
in the Mexican Hall of Heroes. 

Nuno died in Buffalo 36 years ago, 
a.<; a refugee from a Mexican revo- 
lution. 



MONASTEBT VAUDEE 

. London, Oct 1. 
Unique vaudeville house in Eng- 
land is St. Francis theatre, Lietch- 
worth. 

Only entertainment spot ever 
erected Inside a monastery. 



FILM STUDIOS YEN DINAH 
IN 'HELEN MORGAN' ROLE 



Dinah Shore, . now on the Coast 
making a film for Warner Bros., has 
been offered two separate deals for 
parts in which she would depict the 
late Helen Morgan. First, by War- 
ners, is to play the lead role in 'Life 
of Helen Morgan' and second is from 
Metro to rcenact Miss Morgan's role 
in 'Showboat' 

On her radio broadcast for Bris- 
tol-Meyers this week (16) Miss 
Shore will have Elsie Janis as her 
guest, assertedly the first time that 
Miss Janis has ever agreed to ap- 
pear on any broadcast. 



Syracuse U. Auditioning 
Play for Helen Hayes 

At the instance of Gilbert Miller, 
a play called 'Harriett' will be tried 
out at Syracuse University by the 
college's drama society late this 
month. Presentation is being made 
so that Helen Hayes may see it in 
performance, manager planning to 
star her in the new piece. 'Harriett' 
was authored by Florence Ryerson 
and Colin Clements. Coast writers, 
who came on to watch several re- 
hearsals o( the college players. 

Usually at Syracuse the players 
are restricted to students, but one 
small part which could not be cast 
at the college was assigned to Gloria 
Stroock, pro. 



umsceilSjImy 



Wednesday, October 11, |()I2 



How to Hit Literary Jackpot 

In 10 Easy Lessons by OWI 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Rising young writers who, in com- 
pany with some of our outstanding 
literary dotards are wondering how 
one goes about hitting the three-bars 
jackpot in the magazine sweep.stakes 
may henceforth be of good cheer 
They can have, for the asking, an ex- 
tensive list of story tips from ll-e 
Office of War Information, which not 
only has gotten out a pamphlet with 
World War angles and backgrounds, 
highly topical now, but even seems 
to have taken into consideration the 
essential matter of editorial timeli- 
ness. 

Anyhow, the OWI pamphlets' title 
page reads, 'Magazine War Guide for 
December, 1942, and January, 1943,' 
Indicating that the suggested subject- 
matter is marketable as of now. 
Moreover, this implication is not 
without a certain authority, inas- 
much as the daU is assembled by 
Dorothy Ducas, herself a regular 
contributor to Collier's, Cosmopoli- 
tan and various national mags before 
taking on her OWI assignment. 

Miss Ducas, being a lady with no 
great fancy for the delayed attack, 
doesn't keep her best punch for the 
last. She lets fly right from the draw, 
as follows: 

•Suggested Subject No. 1: What Is 
Happening to the Children of Eu- 
rope?' _ , 

It's flrst-rate springboard stuff for 
•nybody who wants to try a one-and- 
a-half gainer Into the literary waters 
of a very absorbing subject, and, 
helpfully, there is attached a number 
of leads, such as "Life Under the 
Nazis," with a suggested breadth of 
canvas to Uke in conditions in 
Czechoslovakia. Holland, Poland, 
Greece, Jugoslavia, Belgium, France. 
Denmark and Norway. In other 
words, the conquered countries of 
Europe. , 

A second lead for Subject No. 1 
has to do with the 'Mass Movement 
of Youth," both organized (by the 
Nazis), and spontaneous. The ex- 
ploitation of youth by the conquerors 
and the Uttcr's use of this pitiful 
pawn as a 'weapon of *ar, are 
named as possible story develop- 
ments. And Just to keep the record 
(Continued o page 53) 



Scram You Guys 



Des Moines, la., Oct. 13. 

It will be an all-femme alTair 
when Phil Spitalny pitches at 
Fort Des Moines, home uf the 
WAACS, for his 'Hour of Charm' 
broadcast Oct. IB. Also marks 
tlie first time in radio that names 
were on both sidv of the mike. 

Spitalny is bringing his gal 
musikers here at request of the 
War Dept. 



Mary Pickf ord Endorses 
Patriotic Raffle in Can. 

Toronto, Oct. 13. 

With Mary Pickford donating a 
building lot which is as.sessed at 
$5,000 in a' restricted residential dis- 
trict here, and with building-mate- 
rial and supply houses committed to 
erecting a $14,000 home complete 
with heating, electrical equipment, 
furnishings and landscaping, cam- 
paign for a patriotic draw gets under 
way immediately whereby two-share 
scripts at $1 will be sold throughout 
Ontario and Quebec. 

Project is being sponsored by the 
Lions' Club and fund-raising objec- 
tive is set at $100,000, net proceeds 
to be split 50-50 between the Brit- 
ish Bomb Victims' Fund and the 
Lions' British Child War Victims" 
Fund. In addition to lending her 
name to the project, Miss Pickfora 
has assented to make several per- 
sonal appearances throughout On- 
tario and Quebec for booster pur- 
poses. 




It will cost money to defeat 
Germany, Japan and Italy. 
Our government calls on you 
to kelp now. 

Buy war savings bonds or 
stamps today. Buy them 
every day if you can. But 
hull them on a regular bosff. 



POHER LEAVES AIR 
DUTIES TO PILOT PIC 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

H. C, Potter, who retired from pic- 
tures last Januar^^,J«-^ecome an 
aviation instructor, is returning tem- 
porarily to direct the Caiy Grant 
starrer, 'From Here to Victory,' 
which David Hempstead will produce 
for RKO. 

Since he left the picture field, 
Potter has become superintendent of 
operations at Falcon Field, Phoenix, 
Ariz,, where Royal Air Force Cadets 
arc in training. 



Lefty's Notebook 

By Joe Laurie, Jr. 



A Plea for Navy Entertainment 

Ex-Emcee Billy Reed Advocates Reinstatement of 
Specialist ^Rating for Entertainers 



STATEMENT OP THE OWNEIIMMP. 
mInXGEMENT. CIRCUI.ATIO.N, 1- IV.. 
KKQUIRISD BY THE ACT.S 1)1- i <>S- 
"SeSS OF AUGUST 24. 1S12 .\.ND 

li.ih. N. Y.. for October 1. 1J<- 

.Slate of New York. County of S.« 

"nVr". me. a NoUry Public In an>l for 
tlio .ftale and County atpre»al.l. l'.i» " 
ally ..ppeared Harold Krlclis. «1.". I ti'. - 
inir Iwen duly eworn, accorJlnB I.. 
drW-e« and Jay. that ».« 1» ''■« '"-"'T 
1111 nnifci- of Variety, and iliai Hie i"l- 
awiHl l.. to the beat of hi. "jno-l- 
and belief, a true .lateinenl M^e 
i.wiiernlilp. miraBemcnt. 
lif.ir.iwld publication for the dnlc nliown 
\n (lie above caption, required l;v '''<■ 
Act of Augunt 24, 1912. an Bm.-n,l.-.l b> 
the Act of March 3, 1933, enil.o.llr.l ,n 
SfiMlon 0a7. Postal I.awa and U.i:ulii- 
tionw. printed on the reverse of llil« t'Tin. 
to wH : . , , / 

1 That the names and aildi esse « o( 
the publlnhcr. editor, mnnaeini; i-.htui. 
and buBlneBB manager, are: 
I'ubllahcr— Variety. Inc., lEt ^^<•»t 

Hireet. New York city. 
Editor— SIdno Silverman, li>4 « e>i 46iii 

dtreet. New York city. , . . „. , 

MMiiaKlnK Editor— Abel Green, 1^1 W eel 

<i;th stroel. New York <"Uy. 
B'iKinPKH Manager — Harold Ivrirhs, 151 

Went 40lh alreet. New York <ii,v.- 

2 Tliai the ownera are: Varieiy, inc.. 
164 tVe"l 46lh street. New York cil.v. 
Hidne .Silverman, 104 Wciit 46ili mi'-'i. 
New York rity. Estate of Slnii- .Silver- 
man, J54 West 46th street, .Nuiv ^ork 
city. 

:i Thai the known bondholdom. niorl- 
miKees and other security holdern own- 
Inu or holding 1 per cent, or more of t"tal 
amount of bonda, mortgages, i-r oiher 
Btriirltles are: None. 

4. Tlml the two paragraplis next 
Bl.oie. Kiving the namcH of llie uwnerii. 
atuL'kliolderu and security holdvr.i. ir nny. 
contain not only the list of slocklmld- 
• ra and security holders an tliey niipeur 
upon the books of the company, but 
Klao. In casos Where the atocliholiler or 
w-curlty holder appears upon the imolis 
or Iho company as trustee or In nny 
other fiduciary relation, the name of the 
pi'rnon or corporation for whom yui-Ii 
trUHlre Is acting, le given, also Hint the 
aniil two paragraphs contain Hliitemontn 
rnibraring affiant's full knowledte iind 
bf'llef aa to the clrcumstanvcs and roii- 
<lltlons under which stockliolilrrs ;ind 
■«M'urlly holders who do not appe:ir upon 
■ he books of the company an Iruniees 
tiiild stock and securities In a caimrlty 
otiior than that of a bona nde owner, 
and tills affiant haa no reason to lie- 
lleve that any other person, nsnoclntion 
or i-nrporatlon hos any Inleiosl. illrrcl 
or Indirect. In the said stock, liomls or 
other securities than aa so stated by 
blm. 

G. That the average numbfr of i-miies 
or i-arli Issue of this publication soM in 
distributed, through the malU or other 
wise, to paid subscribers ilurlni: the 
Ynonths precpdlng the dale shown nhi.vp 

Is (This [nformnllon Is n-iiuirnl 

from dolly publications only.) 

Harold Eili-h.'i. 
BuslnrsM .Miiiiji'.'it. 
f^worn lo and subscribed lioforc iiic litis 
80lh day of September, ]94:i, 

Nathan Newninn, 
Notary Public No. B2. 
OlY coiiiii)l»a!on expires Mnrrh 3ri. I!ii4.) 



Miami, Oct. 9^^ 

Editor, 'Variety': 

Until recently the United States 
Navy has had a specialist rating for 
entertainers. That rating iS now 
closed. 

It Was Never Reallv Ciuen a 
Chance. 

I know that there are many quali- 
fied actors in the theatre who could 
assume the responsibility of enter- 
tainment and morale work on Naval 
Stations oft the beaten path, both in 
this country and on foreign soil. I 
know there are many Naval Stations 
where entertainment is not avail- 
able, that would welcome the work 
of someone who could produce for 
the men and from among the men 
.such recreation and entertainment as 



would be needed to maintain the 
high morale I believe is ncce.isary 
to keep these men inciit.-.lly 'fit to 
fight." The theatre could do a tre- 
mendous job for the Navy if given 
half a chance. 

Actors were given a chance to sell 
War Bonds for the Treasury De- 
partment, with the result that they 
raised more money than any other 
group or organization in America. 
Actors have done .(hows all over 
this country and have helped raise 
more money for Navy Relief than 
any other group of people. 

In view of all this. I feel a keen 
disappointment that the members of 
my former profession have been 
'closed out' so to speak, from a 
(Continued on page 52) 




Denr Joe: 

Coolacres, Cal., Oct. 13. 
Just read where my old friend Marshall Montgomery went "Up; lairs.' 
He was a fine artist and a grand guy. His passing reminds me of the many ' 
great ventriloquists that we had in the old vaudeville days. 

Arthur Prince, one of the most noted of them, told me years ago when 
he appeared in America that ventriloquism was formerly used in connec- 
tion with religious ceremonies instead of theatrical entertainments. The 
priests would make voices come out of the idols and that way make money 
come outta the worshippers There is no such thing as voice-throwing. 
The art of voice throwing, or 'distant ventriloquism,' is in taking a deep 
breath and then allowing it to kinda escape slowly, the sounds of the 
voice being modified by means of the upper part of the throat and the 
palate, the tighter the throat is closed the further away the sounds (seem- 
ingly). It is then up lo the ventriloquist to mislead the audience as to the 
man being 'on the root.' 'under the ground' or 'in the box.' 

A. O. Duncan in America did a lot of voice throwing. Baron Mcngcn, 
of Vienna, was about the first to construct a wooden doll with moveable 
lips. That was about 1750. But from the first the backbone of ventrilo- 
quism was the 'distant voice.' or 'natural ventriloquism.' The po.ssc.s<;or of 
the 'second voice' in the old days was generally regarded with super- 
stitious ama2ement. Many were burned for witchcraft. The best of the 
walking figures, barking dogs, chickens, etc., was done by Cole Travis, 
Reynard, Trovolo. Clemart, Scgommcr. Noble and Mills. 

Fred Russell was the first to work the whole show with one figure, 
called 'Coster Joe ' They all copied working the figure on the knee and 
also his gag.s. Arthur Prince was the first to give the whole sho-.v in the 
form of a sketch with the one figure away from the body, Edgar Bergen 
was the first ventriloquist with a scmi-sophisticnted dummy and "has made 
more coin in the art than any ventriloquist past or present. 

Although Bergen himself says 'his mouth swings like a gate when he's 
working.' he manipulates Charlie McCarthy bc^er than any previous ven- 
triloquist and has the finest materia) (and funniest). 

Great Vcntrlloqnlsta 
There were great ventriloquists in vaudeville like Sam Watson's Barn- 
yard Circus, Frank Rogers (colored ventriloquist), Ed Reynard iwho, by 
the way, won a lifetime ad in 'Variety' from Sime years ago on the toss 
of a coin), A. O. Duncan and Harry Kennedy. The Great Lester, Coram 
and Jerry, Walters and Emily Walters, who was great with the baby cry, 
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh J. Emnielt, Valentine Vox, Paul Sandor's Minatuie 
Cirque, Herr Richard Nadrage. Cai l Nobel, Les Fraed Nad, Howard, the 
Scotch ventriloquist, Ray Conlin, Frank Gaby, Senor Wences, a newcomer 
here and great. Professor Davis and Trovolo were first to introduce 
mechanical walking and talking flRures. And so Marshall Montgomery 
was one of the great exponents of this art and was a headliner for many 
years. A grand guy, Aggie and me will bend a knee for him. 

Heard that the Arnaut Brothers, the two loving birds, are now in the 
army, which reminds me that in 1924 there were 15 acts in vaudeville all 
related to each other and all having separate acts. They were The Arnaut 
Bros., Arnaut Trio, Sylvia Loyal and Dogs, Three Jeanettes, Gaudschmidt 
Bros., Gordon's Dogs, Olympia Dcsvall, Five Jansleys, Novello Bros., 
Gautier's Toy Shop, Gautier's Phonograph Dogs, Gautler's Pony Boy, Al 
Golem Trio, Weiser Bros, and PoUi Sassi and Boxing Pony. Some family! 
Now Gautier has the Bricklayers, one of the greatest of all dog acts. 

Borscht Circnit 

It was in 1924 the bor.scht circuit started. Actors acted as waiters and 
entertainers for $40 a month with board and throw money. Over 200 
acts were placed, some making over $50 a week, counting the throw 
money. 

Some great entertainers graduated (rom this school. Danny Kaye is one 
of them. Regular actors call the Boi.scht Circuit boys, 'Mountaineers.' 

The year 1924 saw the deaths of two brilliant vaudeville writers, Aaron 
Hofi'man and Tommy Gr.iy, In that same year, Ethel Waters and Earl 
Dancer made a terrific hit in Chicago and had an ad asking for eastern 
dates. And out on the Pacific C3ast, Olc Olscn, appearing at the Orpheum 
theatre, Frisco, with Alexandria in a comedy act, was married to Laura 
Weber, who was also playing the Orpheum time. In true Ol.scn fashion 
they went to Mile Rock, a lighthouse station close to Seal Rock, and 
climbed a 40 foot rope ladder accompanied by Justice of the Peace Frank 
Dunn. They were married on the balcony of the lighthouse with .seagulls 
as witnesses. 

Do you remember in 1912 Ethel Conrad and Lillian Graham, the girls 
who shot Stokes, were playing Hammcrstein's. Ethel Conrad changed her 
name to Ethel Pieice and joined the Tick Tock Girls. Patsy Shea, now at 
Dwyer's Sawdust Trail, also was with the act. 

Speaking about shootings, here's one from the book. In 1913. when 
Harry Thaw escaped from Mattewan to Canada the management of Proc- 
tor's Fifth Avenue was dickering with the owner of the Packard car that 
helped Thaw in ^he getaway to have the car shown at . the -theatre, but it 
was no go. The owner of the Packard wouldn't even let the newspapers 
photograph the car without laying the coin on the line. 

As long as I mentioned Thaw, here's one that few people know. The 
show on Madison Square Garden Roof the night of the shooting of Stan- 
ford White was called 'Mile. Champagne,' a revamped musical comedy 
written by Edgar Allen Woolf tthc noted vaudeville sketch writer) in his 
early college days. 

A breeze was blowing from the wrong direction so that none of the 
dialog could be heard. Naturally the show was 'dying,' much to the dis- 
comfort of Woolf's mother, who was present. When the murder occurred, 
Woolfs mother jumped up in seat and yelled, 'They've shot my Edgnrl' 
Best to the gang. 

Your pal, 

I,c/fv. 



ABBOTT and COSTELLO 

Breadcacting evary Thursday, 7-7:30 p.m., on NBC Coast'- to -Coast 
Network In their own show for Came! Cigarettes 
Now on National Release 

In "PARDON MY SARONG" 

A Mayfair Production — Universal Pictures Itelease 
Under Personal Management' of EDWARD SHERMAN 



Ask Fans to Pay 10c Into U.S.O. For 
Autographed Fix of Radio Names 



In an attempt to raise money for 
the USO, a Radio Star Picture Fund 
Committee has been formed to carry 
out a plan of collecting 10c con- 
tributions to the USO for all fin 
requests for autographed pictures. 
The group hopes to educate the pub- 
lic to send the 10c contributions with 
all letters asking performers for 
autographed pictures. Where such 
donations don't accompany the re- 
quests, the performers agree to send 
cards accompanying their signed pic- 
tures, asking the fans to send the lOc 
direct lo the USO. 

Barry Wood is chairman of the 
committee, which includes Joan 
Blaine, Joan Edwards, Dave Elman, 
Al Goodman, Edwin C. Hilli 'Jay 



Jostyn, Fibber McGee and Molly, 
Lauritz Melchlor, Hal Peary, Lily 
Pons^ Alice Reinhart, Lanny Ross, 
Mark Warnow and Ireene Wicker. 



Par Looks to the Fotnre 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Paramount Is carrying on its own 
enlistment campaign, with 80 playci s 
under term contract, 17 more under 
special pact and talent scou'is hunt- 
ing recruits to fill future vacancies 
as a result of the war. 

In addition, the studio ha.s ihree 
producer-directors, 12 directors and 
21 writers contracted. 



Wedneeday. Oetobw 14, 1942 



MISCELLANT S 







Bob Hope s Alaska Reaction Points 
Up Need for More Overseas Shows 



Hollywood, Oct. 18. 
Bob Hope, a rollicking, irrepress- 
ible guy who can be as serious as 
rat poison when the occasion war- 
rents, is back in town and still rav- 
ing about what he terms the most 
•unforgettable' weeks he spent giving 
Army shows in Alaska, with Fran- 
ces Langford, Jerry Colonna and 
Tony Romano. And he wasn't even 
thinking of, let alone mentioning, 
one memorable Ave minutes in the 
air when the pilot grimly told the 
awed troupers '.o get ready to bale 
out — over a most fearsome, desolate 
wiste of crag r.nd fjord and cranny. 
Somebody else told Bboat that.- 

Hope, in a gush of words, was 
too busy telling of other things he 
considered more important about 
this 16,000-mile trip in two and a 
half weeks. The fact, for instance, 
titat the soldiers were so genuinely 
enthused; that to Frances Langford 
' went the distinction of being the first 
white woman ever to reach Cold 
Bay in the Aleutians; and that four 
priple, bringing with them what 
they honestly felt to be so pitifully 
littia, oould and did manage to gen- 
erate 10 much enthusiasm among so 
many lonely soldiers, stationed in 
this stark outpost on the rim of the 
world. 

'I wouldn't trade the trip for my 
last Ave years in the show business,' 
Hope says, then adds, 'My lucky 
years. 

'The boys were so appreciative, 
Ihey made you feel humble. There 
they were — guys doing a tough job 
at $60 a month, standing and cheer- 
ing four people who, after all, were 
only giving what they could readily 
ppare, time and talent. By gad, we 
felt like cheering right back at them. 

'For they were guys who came 
crawling out of fox holes, with mud 
in their eye and beards on their 
Chins. They were slogging through 
their jobs, day after day and week 
after week, uncomplainingly and. In 
tact, with high, good humor though 
th^ had no way of knowing wheth- 
er or not civilization had forgotten 
them. 

That's our job — emphatically 
mine — from now on. To point up 
the necessity and importance of 
showing our boys in these desolate 
outposts that they are not forgotten 
py those at home. I'm going back 
there in January, and I mean to take 
everything with that they think 
they need. ' 

There Goes Hope 

Til hit Iceland, too. probably as 
Dart of an itinerary that takes in Ire- 
land and Scotland. Yes, Hollywood 
won't see so much of Hope from 
now on out. I've got other plans.' 

The man seemed subtly changed as 
be said this. More serious, less 
iaunty and jocular. He appeared 
anxious to get over the idea that 
nothing could be more serious than 
the ^problem of maintaining good 
cheer among American soldiers in 
those far parts of the world. So, 
what? So this: 

He's working on what he terms an 
Alaska Fund, in which moneys are to 
be ante-ed into a pol so that maga- 
zines, athletic equipment and various 
amusements can be sent on to the 
boys in the Arctic peninsula. As 
matters stand, they have practically 
nothmg with which to divert them- 
jelves, except in the bigger towns 
gke Fairbanks and Anchorage. 
Pianos naturally are at a premium 
yhlch, In a sense, was why Tony 
gomano was there with his guitar. 
He was the troupe's 'piano' as ha 
neaded back and forth across the 
bastes, stopping only long enough 
H>r Hope to go down to Seattle for 
his broadcast. 

Tree Stum.> for Stage 

The Arctic entourage played its 
Diggest show in Umnack, where 4,000 
soldiers watcherf the routine out- 
ooors in the rain. The smallest au- 
"'tl^e was 40, at an auxiliary air- 
port called Northway, where the 
f»6e was a huge tree stump. The 
noA ""^"lorable part of the jaunt, 
flnrf ??^,'.^*^ visit to Umnack 
flrS • .. ^^y- theirs was the 

"Tst civilian feet yet to reach that 

(Continued on page 53) 



Lady Lenser 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

For the first time in Holly- 
wood history a gal becomes a 
cameraman (or camerawoman) 
at the Leon Schlesinger cartoon 
plant, where Verena Ruegg, who 
has worked up from a tracer's 
job, is lensing animations with 
full permission of the lATSE. 

Shortage of manpower, due to 
the war. is causing a general ad- 
vance of femmes in all phases 
of the camera art. 



Detroit Theatre-Goers 
Weep With Joe E. Brown 
Over His Son's Death 



Detroit, Oct. 13. 

There was plenty of pathos here 
when comedian Joe E. Brown re- 
ceived word that his oldest son, Capt. 
Don E. Brown, lost his life last 
Thursday (8) when his plane crashed 
at Palms Springs, Calif. The star 
was in the boxoffice of the Lafayette, 
where as a gag he often sold tick- 
ets to 'The Show-Oft,' in which he 
was appearing, when the telephone 
rang with the message of his son's 
sudden death. Oddly, there were 
newspapermen there with him and 
they had been talking to him of his 
sons — another, is joining the Ma- 
rines — unaware of what had hap- 
pened on the Coast. 

Brown broke down and broke 
with the outworn tradition that the 
show must go on. The blow was a 
particularly hard one oomlng on the 
heels of the father's proud discus- 
sion of his sons. In the ridiculous 
zoot suit in which he was made up 
for his part, the little guy had his 
head down on the counter and wept 
it out like any typical father. 

His grief was shared by the audi- 
ence who were told why the show 
was being called off and women 
came out in tears and many went on 
home 'without bothering for refunds. 
Among the newspapermen who had 
been gabbing with Brown and enjoy- 
ing his kibitzing with the customers 
were several of the town's top 
feature writers. 
-They were unexpected, first-hand 
witnesses to a story which was re- 
flected in some mighty sympathetic 
writing. It was a liuman interest story 
played in proportion to the fact that 
in his two months here Brown had 
played to more than 100,000 Detroit- 
ers and on top of that had been the 
big figure in the War Bond Drive. 
Every paper in town also followed 
with an editorial on the comedian, 
praising him for his war bond work 
and his patriotism reflected by the 
fact that, in his grief he mentioned 
that he had another son, Joe, Jr., 
to take Don's place In service. 

That Brown was the big figure in 
the Michigan bond drive was evi- 
denced by the fact that before he 
was to go on he was worried about 
whether his voice would hold up 
through the show. Brown had made 
close to 100 bond appearances here, 
frequently servihg as auctioneer, 
speaker at rallies, etc., and was just 
about worn out. The day before the 
city fathers had been discussing a 
special resolution commending him 
for his extraordinary patriotic and 
civic service to Detroit. 

The Army canceled westbound 
reservations It had made to permi'. 
Brown to fly out early Friday for 
the services in California. 



Capt. Don Brown Was 2S 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Capt. Don E. Brown, 25, son of 
Joe E. Brown, film star, was killed 
Oct. 8 in an airplane crash near 
Palm Springs, Cal., while on duty 
with the Army Ferrying Command. 
He had been In the Army Air Force 
since July 11, 1941 and was awarded 
a captain's commission only a few 
days before the accident. 




TtlEMES INSTEAD 



U. S. and British Propagan- 
da Experts Figure That 
the 'Hate' Motif, Even As 
Applied to Nazi Barbar- 
ism, Soon Wears Thin; But 
That the General Pattern 
of Unsocial, Anti-Demo- 
cratic Forces Makes for 
Better Film Fare 



SEEK BALANCE 



Hollywood producers, directors 
and writers who evinced a strong 
determination to give the public 
'hate pictures' since the outbreak of 
war last December, have found an 
unsympathetic reaction to their ef- 
forts in official circles. 

Hate pictures are frowned upon by 
both British and American Govern- 
ment propaganda experts as ineffec- 
tive screen ammunition. Consensus 
of opinion is that the 'hate' motif, 
even when applied to Nazi barbar- 
(Contlnued on page 40) 



Nearly Everybody 
New on Jolson 
Show This Week 



Following last week's trouble- 
haunted premiere, Al Jolson has 
taken over active charge of his 
Tuesday night program for Colgate 
toothpowder, on CBS. Carlo De An- 
gelo walked out as director. No suc- 
cessor has been obtained late yester- 
day (Tuesday) for last night's broad- 
cast, despite strenuous efforts to hire 
someone. It was expected that Jol- 
son might do the directing himself. 

Eddie Forman and Pat C. Flick, 
who collabed on the script of the 
audition show and who were nomi- 
nally listed as authors of the great- 
ly revised version used on the ini- 
tial broadcast, are also out, with 
various writers submitting material 
for the second stanza. Elaine Ar- 
den, who played a comedy bit in the 
opener, was also exited after that 
show. 

James Barnett, Sherman-Mar- 
quette executive on the Colgate- 
Palmolive-Peet account, came to 
New York from the agency's home 
office in Chicago to take charge of 
the situation, though Jolson is ac- 
tively handling the production of 
the program. 

i 



British Pic Balked on U. S. Showmg; 
Disparages Officials As Incompetent' 



■Praise the Lord, Hello' 



If you call the offices of Fa- 
mous Music in New York the tel. 
ephone operator, instead of giv- 
ing the firm name in customary 
manner, announces 'Praise the 
liOrd.' It's apropos its new click, 
'Praise the Lord and Pass the 
Ammunition.' 

Biow agency's New York office 
has a similar greeting. There op- 
erators greet callers with 'Bulova 
Time Is Now ' 



Bob Weitman All Set 
To Go to England For 
War Show Prodactions 



Robert M. Weitman, managing di- 
rector of the Paramount theatre, N. 
Y., is set to go to England to put 
on benefit shows over a period of 
probably three months ^nd is stand- 
ing ready for the wocd to depart. 
In preparation for notice of teeofT, 
which may come any minute, he 
has been vaccinated and obtained 
all necessary papers, including pass- 
port, American and British embassy 
permits and leave o( absence from 
the country from his local draft 
board, where he has been classified 
as 3-A. 

While not indicated the exact type 
of shows to be put on in England 
and Ireland, understood they will 
be for the benefit of the Red Cross. 

Harvey D. Gibson, president of the 
Manufacturers Trust Co. and a mem- 
ber of the board of Par, is director 
of a war-fund drive of the Red 
Cross. At present in London, he is 
in charge of the plan to put on the 
benefit shows and recently cabled 
Barney Balaban asking if Weitman 
could be sent over. How he will 
travel and the date, on being set, 
when he will go, are military se- 
crets. 

In anticipation of being away 
around three months, Weitman has 
set up shows, including pictures, for 
the N. Y. Par for the time he ex- 
pects to be gone. . 

Bob Shapiro, house manager under 
Weitman at the theatre, will be in 
charge of operations during his ab- 
sence. 



Mmi MAKES GOOD 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
If Dave Butler isn't already a Ken- 
tucky Colonel he's a cinch to make 
the honor roll since his screen test 
of Senator 'Happy' Chandler's daugh- 
ter, Mimi, won her a Paramount con- 
tract. 

Senator Chandler is ex-Governor 
of Kentucky. 



Cole Porter Switches Prod, of New 
Musical to Todd After Freedley Feud 



Reputedly hard feeling between 
Cole Porter and Vinton Freedley 
over the picture rights sale to 'Let's 
Face It,' current at the Imperial, 
N. Y., tosse,d the new 'Something 
for the Boys' musical into the lap 
of Michael Todd. Plus a score by 
Porter, 'Boys' has a book by Her- 
bert and Dorothy Fields. 

Todd this week signed Ethel Mer- 
man for the starring role in 'Boys,' 
and expects to put the production 
into rehearsal next month. It's ex- 
pected to cost around $100,000. Has- 
sard Short will stage, as he did 
Todd's 'Star and Garter," Music Box, 
N. Y. 

B]IIy Rose also made an attempt 
to gel the production rights to 'Boys,' 
after it became known that Freedley 
was bowing out, but Todd had al- 
ready clinched the deal. 



Mank's New Exec Post 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Joseph Mankiewic: is slated to 
shift from his Metro producer chores 
to a new executive post where he 
will clear story material for other 
producers on the .ame lot. 

Position on the studio's inner cab- 
inet has been vacant since the death 
of Bernie Hyman. 



20TH'S CHIRFEE 

Gale Robbins. 21-year-old singer 
with Ben Bernie's band, has been set 
for a term contract with 20th-Fox 
by Herman Bernie. 

She leaves for the Coast Nov. 23. 



Release of Michael Balcon's Brit- 
ish-made film 'Next of Kin.' which 
Teddy Carr, United Artists managing 
director in England, came over to 
set for distribution through major 
channels here at the suggestion of 
the British War Office, is being 
balked by British Ministry of Infor- 
mation in the U. S. BMI feels that 
the film shouldn't go out because 
high British officials are pictured as 
incompetent and also because it 
shows tremendous losses being suf- 
fered by British troops. 

Carr, who intends to take the mat- 
ter up with British authorities upon 
his return to England around the end 
of this month, says 'the picture 
should be shown in order to cure in- 
competence in high places' and as 
an 'example how careless talk may 
cause unnecessary loss of life.' Carr 
has had several releasing deals of- 
fered him for 'Kin.'' 

While effective in its general pur- 
poses of buttoning up mouths, the 
film might be pounced on, it is 
feared, by British-hating German 
and Irish sources in the U. S. It's 
understood the film will be tested in 
communities known to be over- 
whelmingly of Irish and German 
racial extraction to discover what 
the dangers might be. 

British film production has been 
cut more than BOVc since the war 
began, according to Carr, despite 
that the British Government wants 
to preserve film production and rec- 
ognizes its value to the war effort 
Only some 40 pictures were made in 
England last year, as compared to4 
approximately 250 pictures in pre- 
war years, due to manpower and 
equipment shortages. 

Queried in New York last week 
about the situation regarding the 
borrowing of English male stars 
from the armed forces for occasional 
films, Carr said that this had been 
resented by the public at the begin- 
ning when players were being paid 
their usual professional fees in ad- 
dition to their army pay. It is under- 
stood that once players agreed to 
make pictures without remuneration 
other than their service pay much 
of the resentment subsided. Loan- 
ing of stars for picture purposes is 
rare, however. 




Trade Mark Registered 
FOUNDED BT BIMB SILVERMAN 
rabllalied Iftekly by TARIRTT. lor. 

8ld Sllverinan. Prealdont. 
lt>4 West 46tb Street. New York. N. T. 



6UDSCIIIPTION 

Annual 110 Foreign til 

SInglo CoploB 26 Cente 



Vol. 148 



iw 



No. 6 



INDEX 

Bills 48 

Chatter 53 

Concert-Opera 37 

Exploitation 15 

Film Booking Chart 10 

Film Reviews '8 

Gridcast 55 

House Reviews 20 

Inside— Legit 50 

Inside — Music 42 

Inside — Orchestras 40 

Inside — Pictures 8 

Inside — Radio .'54 

Legitimate 49 

Literati 52 

Music 42 

New Acts 44 

NiKht Club Reviews 46 

Obituaries 54 

Orchestras 38 

Pictures 5 

Radio 2C 

Radio Reviews 32 

Unit Review 44 

Vaudeville 44 

War Activities 4 

DAILY VARIKTV 

(Publlnhcd In Ilullyu'ood if 
Dally Variety. Ltd.) 
110 a year — III foreign 



WAR ACTiyiTIES 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



Stars Willing to Entertain U. S. Forces 
Overseas Read Like An Honor RoH 
Of Show Biz; Radio s Big Hurdle 



An impressive list of nnmes, vir- 
tually the crcHm of the talent ciop. 
has wired Abe L^tfogcl, head of 
USO-Camp Shows. Inc., of their 
willingness to follow Al Jolson, 
Merle Obcron, Edgar Beruen. Bob 
Hope, Patricia MorLson, Allen Jen- 
kins. Frances Langford, Yvetle, the 
Ritz Bro.<:., Frank McHugh and a few 
others who have already gone over- 
cca.s to entertain American troops on 
foreign shore.?. The next problem, 
for LasKogcl. is to .<;chediile these 
shows. 

The radio names, who arc among 
the most desired, are a major pi'ob- 
lem, due to their commercial com- 
mitmenl-s. A-s the USO-Camp Shows 
chief see.<! il. however, it can be sim- 
ply solved by a peremptory dropping 
out of the ether, with the radio fans 
merely apprised, when next week 
rolls around, that a gue.<;t show is 
pinchhitting for three or four weeks. 

Lastfogel is using a show biz ap- 
proach to scheduling this scheme of 
things, by citing the time Burns tc 
Allen. William' Morris clients, were 
compelled to lay off for four weeks 
(Continued on page 22) 



AQORS BEEF AT UCK 
OF D. C. HOSPITALITY 



Washington, Oct. 13. 

Washington theatres and night 
clubs are doing a noble job for the 
Stage Door Canteen. Actually they 
are supplying bands and entertain- 
ment for 48 hours of solid programs 
each week. 

American Theatre Wing should be 
grateful for this cooperation, and is, 
but acts contributing are doing 
plenty of grumbling because public- 
ity is nil for their efTorts. Bands 
and act$ also complain nobody wel- 
comes them, nobody thanks them, 
and they are expected to come to 
the Stage Door Canteen without 
their appetites. It's stated that a 
commissary for stage, screen and ra- 
dio volunteers should be set up at 
once. 



YVETTE'S BERMUDA CUES 



Writes USO-Camp Shown Abe Lait- 
(ogei on Laffs, Coslume*, EU. 



Dear Mr. Lastfogel: 

I shall always remember tliis last 
trip to Bermuda. Singing for our 
boys down there was one of the 
most wonderful experiences I've had. 
The boys need shows there so badly. 
It is impossible to realize the ab.so- 
lute necessity until you've actually 
seen how limited they are for en- 
tertainment and in their social life. 
They don't need long shows as our 
show was surprisinfily complete. It 
ran as follows and lasted at least 
on hour: 

Army orchestra overture. 

Announcement for Yvette. 
Introduce Howard TifTt (wilh 

a gag). 

Linda Moody — 3 dances, 7 min- 
utes. 

Ken Whitmer— gags with act, 
23 minutes. 

Yvette — regular show and re- 
quests, 25 minutes. 

Call on soldier or sailor, clown 
with him, 3 minutes. 

Community sing — as long as 
they wanted to sing. 
The boys want mainly to laugh. 
They prefer comedians and singers. 
It was fortunate that our show was 
as small as it was as we were able 
to adapt ourselves to any conditions. 
Of course they will be more thor- 
oughly prepared from now on for 
any shows which will follow. 

We managed to cover the island 
thoroughly. Our show was highly 
successful. Linda Moody was ex- 
cellent; Ken Whitmer was perfect, 
and Howard Tifft worked very hard 
and did a fine job. 

I hope you'll continue to send 
shows as often as possible. I wish 
I could go there and sing for those 
boys with every<show. 

As I mentioned on the phone, my 
gowns were ruined down there, due 
to the heat and wear and tear on 
them. One gown is completely gone. 
The other four I can have repaired 
and cleaned. Yt'ctle, 



Borzarc Will Direct 'Canteen* 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Sol Lesser signed Frank Borzage 
to direct 'Stage Door Canteen,' part 
of which will be Aimed in New York 
early next month and the rest on 
the RKO-Pathe lot, where Lesser 
has leased office and shooting space. 

Musical direction will be in the 
hands of Freddie Rich. Picture is 
a joint production ,with Lesser 
working in conjunction with the 
American Theatre Wing, for United 
Artists distribution. 



Bettes $5,000 to Charity 



Hollywood, Oct. 13 
Bette Davis is donating the $5,000 
she receives for guesting on the Bob 
Hope program to the Hollywood 
Canteen, of which she is prez. 

Of .that sum $1,500 is going for the 
purchase of a Hollywood Canteen 
bungalow at the Motion Picture Re- 
lief Country Home. 



Soldiert' Autographs 

Omaha, Oct 13. 

Two lop notables of the enter- 
tainment world arrived last week 
in Omaha attached to the Sev- 
enth Service Command_which 
has headquarters here unBer 
Maj. Gen. Frederick Uhl. Great- 
e.'^t furore among the young folks 
was created by Capt. Glenn Mil- 
ler, bandleader who spent most 
uf his first day handing out 
autographs. The other is Capt. 
Maurice Evans, noted Broadway 
actor and Shakespeare author- 
ity. Both will be in the morale 
building and entertainment divi- 
sion in their respective Selds. 

Miller expects 'to start organ- 
ization of bands in the area at 
unce. He arid Mrs. Miller have 
established their home here. 



'Army' {100,187 in D.C.; 
FJ)J(. Calls It Greatest 
Show He's Ever Seen 



More Than 1000 From Pictiire Biz 
Now in the Service; 8% of WB's Staff 



SPEWACK BACK 



Head of OWI Film ProdaelBjf la N.T. 
Seta Flow of Film to Enff. 



Wa.shington. Oct. 13. 
Tills Is Ihe Army' pulled out for 
Pittsburgh Sunday til) with $100,- 
187 as the gross takings for the 11- 
day Washington engagement. Final 
week's gross for 10 performances was 
$54,102. First week was $46,085 for 
.seven performances. 

One performance was entirely 
deadhead. President Roosevelt de- 
cided last week he would like to 
see the show. The management 
icheduled a special Thursday (8) 
matinee, with the audience, strictly 
military, coming from the neighbor- 
ing camps. White House secretariat 
and correspondents also got in on 
the free peep. President said it was 
the greatest show he'd ever seen. 

Entire company .went to White 
House for supper after the Friday 
night performance. Marched in for- 
mation to East gate and President 
met them at entrance to State din- 
ing room. The Chief Executive gave 
a handshake to each of the 300 in 
the cast, including Irving Berlin, 
Mrs. Berlin also was present as were 
Harry Hopkins, Robert E. Sherwood 
and Chairman Ed Flynn of the 
Democratic National Committee at 
the supper. 

Reception here plea.<;ed 'Army' and 
Army Emergency Relief officers. 
They not only got a green light and 
pat on the back from Chief of Staff 
General Marshall, but President de- 
clared he was glad they were mak- 
ing the show into a motion picture, 
so that more Americans could en- 
joy it. All Washington performances 
were sellouts, with the only passes 
those assigned critics, and a small 
handful of admis.sions allotted night- 
ly to the Stage Door Canteen. 



Samuel Spewack, head of the Of- 
fice of War Information Aim produc- 
ing unit in N. Y., is back from Lon- 
don. 

Spewack went over to arrange for 
a steady flow of latest news material 
from the various battlefronts. Un- 
derstood that he set arrangements 
whereby the Government film unit 
would receive all late Russian and 
British battle scenes. Heretofore 
such supply has been a hit-and-mlfis 
proposition, with the OWI having to 
lean heavily on supplies from Ainer- 
ican newsreels for such material. 



BRITAIN'S MOBILE 
PROPAGANDA SHOWS 



Washington, Oct. 13. 
Seventy mobile f)lm units, popular- 
ly known as the 'celluloid circus,' are 
being used by the British Ministry of 
Information to get information to the 
public concerning the war efTort, the 
U. S. Commerce Department has an- 
nounced. 

Each 'circus' plays one-night 
stands, but shows several Alms at 
each stopofT. Morning performances 
usually are attended by sohool chil- 
dren, and usually carry films show- 
ing some phase of cooperation be 
tween Great Britain and the United 
Nations. 

Films chosen for afternoon audi 
ences of women usually relate to 
food and wartime problems of house- 
wives. Evening shows are de.signed 
to inform individuaLs how their ac 
tivities may <tt into the war effort. 

Midnight shows in industrial towns 
depict the part which industrial pro- 
duction plays in the war. and illus 
trates the need for Increased output 
at a high level. A collection of films 
is available free to organizations 
having facilities for exhibiting them 
Some 5.000 to 6.000 Alms are loaned 
each month. 



More than 7,000 recruits from the 
rank! of the motioa picture industry 
are currently In the armed forces and 
the accelerated rate of induction will 
obvio usly see that figure much 
hlgher~In~the hear future. A little 
over • year ago, when the 31 to 28. 
y«ar-old8 were called for training, 
prior to Pearl Harbor, the industry 
got the once-over lightly, with less 
than 900 from the Aim business then 
called. Some of these were later 
returned to private life, following 
the fixed period of training, but have 
since been recalled for service. 

Paramount tops the list of com- 
panies with manpower in uniform, 
with 1,463 at the last count, since the 
largest number of men from show 
business going into service are from 
theatre operation. 

Warners comes next with 1.262 of 
Its staff In uniform, the equivalent 
of over 8% of the toUI WB staff 
of some IS.OOO, including feminine 
worker*. 

I.ocw's personnel roundup at the 
last count ahowed 1,121 men from 
exchanges, studios, home offices and 
theatres In various branches of Uncle 
Sam's armed forces. 20th-Fox and 
National Theatres combined have ap- 
proximately 890 men in the service. 
(Continued on page 16) 



'Rookie No 'Army/ But H'wood 
Takes It to Heart Just the Same 



By JACK HELLMAN 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
'Just to proi'e 'Tiey ran di.^h it out 
as well as take it. two dor.en yard 
birds from nearby Fort McArthur 
are reversing Ihings at the down- 
town Bcla.-co theatre by entertain- 
ips in^lc.id of being entertained. 
Thciiv Is a two-aot revue called 'Hey 
Runkic' and it r.bounds in clean fim 
and tuneful mu.<i(.'. 

Film sliM.'i. civic biggie.-; and high 
r.'nikiiii; niilil.irisls packed the thea- 
tre at Sunday night's Ul) opening 
end gave rookies fiom Southern 
Califoinia draftee induction center 
vcll-dc^crvcd leccplion through 22 
el(il<. Maybe il isn't another 'This 
L Army.' but Holl.Vwood is willinR 
to accept it as ii.s own without 
apologic; for nature of show or 
'the costumes.' 

Pioccods KO to the camp's athletic 
and recreation fund. 

Star (if llie show is Steiling Hol- 
Idway. (llni comic, wilh a blonde 
mop of di-hevcllcd liair. He geLs 
most of . llie laugh lines and had 
audience howling with his antics 
of pu.shcd-ai'ound rookie. Only other 
pro in cast known to the.se parts 
is Pvt. J. C. Lewi."!. Jr., who. for 
year.s. was radio producer at KHJ. 
While no individual credit.^ are 
programmed other than Sgt. Johnnie 



Walker, who organized the troupe, 
it's quite possible Lewis contributed 
much of the script and had a hand 
in the score, which may have 
sleeper in 'It's a Helluva, Swelluva. 
Helluva Life in the Army,' briskly 
tempoed for marching men and with 
catchy lyrics. 

Bright Lines 
Some of the brighter lines in the 
.show are 'We don't examine, eyes 
any more; we just count them': 
Thi.s army may not be a cjuiilry 
club, but it lias a better member- 
ship than most of 'em': 'I've got .so 
(Continued on page 52) 



N. Y. to L. A. 

Edward Arnold. 
Herman Del Bonta. 
Larry Elliott. 
Gus S. Ey.ssell. 
Frank Fagan. 
Bob Oillham. 
Nat Goldstone, 
Joe Hill. 
Roger Lyons. 
James V. Monaco. 
Jan Peerce. 
Paul Small. 
Vic Shapiro. 
Jean Tennyson. 
Robert Weedu. 



2MG B.O. Possible In Pbllly 

Philadelphia, Oct. 13. 

A total, gross of $200,000 is in sight 
for the two week stay of 'This Is 
the Army,' set to open Oct. 26 at the 
giant Mastbaum theatre. For the 
past week long lines have been out- 
side the ticket ofAce in the Mast- 
baum building. 

Mastbaum (4,700 seats) has almost 
double the capacity of any other 
Philly house, and is operated by 
Stanley-Warner. It is being donated 
to the Army on a non-proAt basis. 
The S-W press .staff is also cooperat- 
ing with the Army p.a.s. 



AU Puliing Together 



Hollywood. Oct. IS. 

War Department stamped its okay 
on the script for 'Army, Navy and 
Marines.' a Technicolor two-reeler to 
be produced by Warners, showing 
teamwork between the three 
branches of the armed forces. 

Gordon HoUingsheads will produce 
from a screenplay by Carl Dudley 
and Roger Q. Denny. 



$180,000 to $200,000 
GnwrforAmrSlioir 



Early figures on the Army Emer- 
gency Relief show at Madison Square 
Garden Sept. SO indicate net receipts, 
after all expenses, of approximately 
$180,000, though final total may be 
closer to $200,000. Seat sales netted 
around $117,000, while sale of pro- 
grams, advertifing. etc., boosted the 
gross. 

Ed Sullivan, N. Y. Daily News col- 
umnist, who was largely instrument- 
al in promoting the show, recently 
sUted that ha had a bid of $10,000 
from 20th-Fox to use slogan 'We're 
All In It,' which Sullivan used in 
exploiting the affair, as a Aim title. 
This would further swell the fund. 

Hal Home of 20th originally sug- 
gested the slogan to Sullivan. 



BRINCH WAX CENSOR 

Los Angeles. Oct. 13. 
Peter N. Brinch succeeds Major 
Ralph W. Liddle as a member of the 
Los Angeles Board of Review of the 
Office of Censorship, which passes 
.on all film shots of war plants, docksi, 
shipyards, airflelds and other mili- 
tary or naval Installations In this 
area. 

Major Ijjddle is b<»)ng Iran.sferred 
from civilian to_ active military 



L, A. to N. Y. 

Ruth .\ikm;ui. 
Fred W. Bcet.son. 
Maurice Benjamin. 
Samuel Bronston: 
Charles Chaplin. 
Charles Francis Coe. 
Harry Cohn. 
Dick Condon. 
Glenda Farrell. 
Lucille Glca.son. 
Dave Gordon. 
Ruth Gordon. 
Sir Cedric Havdwicke. 
George Heller. 
Emily Holt. 
Veronica Lake. 
Sol L€.s.ser. 
Tom Luckenbill. 
F. T. Murray. 
Tom Murray, 
Elizabeth Patterson. 
Miklos RoT-sa. 
Rudolph SaaL 
William Saal, 
Gradwell Sears. 
Martha Scott. 
Mendel B. Silberberg, 
A. A. Shubaru 
Nate Spingold. 
George Wa.sson. 
Al Wright. 
Max Ynungstciii. 
Vera Zorlna. 




Benardy's Encore 

Os.sy Renardy. concert violinist. 
U. S. Army. He was inducted al 
Governor's Island where he did a 
cuffo concert for USO-Camp Shows 
a week ago. 



R. P. Rosser, Jr., CommiMloncd 

Albany ,N. \., Oct. 13. 
R. P. Rosser, Jr., for several years 
local manager of National Theatre 
Supply prior to his induction last 
spring, has won a commission with 
the Armored Forces. He was gradu* 
ated from the officers' sch(K)l at Fort 
Knox, Ky. Rosser. a native of North 
Carolina and a college man, under- 
went basic training at Fort Chazy. 
Ark. 



Lieut. Duke Wellington 

Duke Wellington, completing an 
officers' training course at Crystal 
Springs, Miss., has been commis- 
sioned a lieutenant in the Army. For 
many years in charge of the art de- 
partment at Paramount, more re- 
cently Wellington was associated 
wilh National Screen Acces-sories 
in N. Y. 



Denver Boll Call 

Denver, Oct. 13. 
Marvin Olson, manager of the Rex 
at Rapid City, S. D., has joined the 
army. 

John Bartolero, partner in the 
Black Hills Anius. Co.. Rapi'd City, 
S. D., writes from England he is now 



a major in the regular army. 

Leonard Gray, manager of the 
Orientiil, a Civic theatre, and direc- 
tor of Civic publicity, has joined Ihe 
army. Clarence Froid, manager - of 
the Rex, also a Civic, is in the air 
corps, and is taking a refresher 
course at Ft. Collins. Colo. 

Emmett Warner. Universal sales- 
man, has left for the avmy. repoi ting 
at Ft. Logan, Colo. 



Detroit's Latest 

Detroit. Oct. 13. 
Betty Dunn, of Station WWJ, into 
WAACs. 

Herman Brody, Times Square the- 
atre. Army. 

Pat Nasca, trumpet with Jack Le- 
Maire's orchestra. Army. 



H'wood's Motley Group 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Jon Hall, film actor. Coast Guard. 

Jack Jungmeyer. Jr, screen 
writer. Army Air Force. 

Frank Loesser, songwriter. Army. 

George Batcheller, Aim producer. 
Army. 

Tex Terry, Arm aclor. Army. 

Fred Hynes, sound technician. 
Army Air Force. 

Jack Stanley, screen writer. Army 
Air Force. 

Curt K Weinberg, to Fort Bragg. 

Tom Brown, film actor. Army. 

Larry Beckner, film booker, Arpiy. 

Frank Loesser, Paramount .studio 
tCon^ued on page 9S> 



Sfs^SSBdtjj Ovi^r 14, 1942 



PICTUBES 







See British Coin Expectancy as One 
Reason for Amus. Stocks Bullisimess 



Bullish trend in the stock rnarket 
was doubly reflected in film company 
shares last week because of expecta- 
tion that American companies soon 
would get upwards ot $40.000.00Q in 
heretofore frozen coin from Great 
Britain. Virtually every picture cor- 
poration stock registered a new high 
price for 1942, with some sensational 
gains scored by such preferreds as 
Warner Bros., Paramount and Uni- 
versal. 

Buying in amusement shares, 
which on several days put the flim 
leaders up among the most active 
stocks on the big board, started 
around midweek, with nearly all 
stocks closing at peak prices. Loew's 
common, bellwether of the film 
group, advanced $1 to the best quo- 
tation of the year at $45.50. Par- 
amount common hit a new peak at 
(17.50, while Par preferred soared 
more than $3 to near the best groun^ 
of the year. 

Universal preferred roared ahead 
$6 to almost its old top price, while 
the common climbed $29 and the 
certiflcates of tlie same again touched 
$8. Warner Bros, preferred boasted 
a 4-point advance, while the common 
tied the year's high several times. 
20lh-Fox common, which lifted frac- 
tionally, hovered about the year's 
high of $15 much of the week, while 
the preferred advanced nearly $1 and 
into new high ground. 

Columbia Pictures common soared 
$1.62Vi, partly on strong earnings 
statement for the year ending last 
June, this representing a hefty climb 
for this stock. The preferred also 
pushed ahead nearly $3. 

Upbeat also was reflected in RKO 
preferred reaching a new 1942 high 
at $47.50. gain of $3.25 on the week. 
Company's common also moved up 
fractionally and near the year's best 
price. 



Playing It Safe 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
When Harold Lewis left his 
ob a.s studio manager at RKO- 
'athe to join the Army he was 
succeeded by Sol Landon, who 
held the post exactly 10 days 
before Uncle Sam beckoned him 
Into a uniform. 

New manager is J. R. Crone, 
who has been in the picture 
busine.ss for 30 years and is far 
beyond military age. 



UNFREEZING OF 
BRITISH COIN 
MOMENTARY 



KLINE'S ANTI FASCIST 

FILM PROD. nmiExico 



Herbert Kline, producer of The 
Crisis' and other anti-fascist docu- 
mentary films, is in Mexico ready- 
ing the first full-length, English- 
language, anti-Nazi film to be pro- 
duced in Latin America. He is 
working with sanction of the Mexi- 
can government and it is under- 
stood that his financing is also being 
arranged via Mexico City. Budd 
Schulberg, author of 'What Makes 
Sammy Run,' is handling the script- 
ing. 

Story is a revamp of an oldie orig- 
inally done in France and deals with 
the underground in 'Yugoslavia. Ten- 
tative title is The Hostages.' Aside 
from Mexican sanction, the film is 
being shot south of the border since 
exteriors closely resemble Yugo- 
slavia. 



Pasternak Speeds M-G 
Films, Yens Army Duty 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Joseph Pasternak, currently in the 
nnal stages of 'Presenting Lily Mars.' 
U -rushing preparatory work on two 
more Metro pictures before he re- 
ports for duty in the Army. 

Two Impending films are 'Scorched 
Earth,' starring Walter Pidgeon. and 
Private Miss Jones,' with Kathrvn 
tJfayson in the top spot. 

Buzzie Gets a Buzz 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
War moved Eddie Buzzell into the 
airector spot on the Virginia Weid- 
'er starrer. 'The Youngest Protes- 
S'oii. at Metro. 

Lederer. originally as- 
signed to the job. has moved into 
'"e Army Air Force. 





MAIN OBJECTIVE 



Threat of Price. Ceiling on 
Film Meantime Develop- 
ing Into Move for Buying 
Setups — Believe This Is 
Solution to High Rentals 
—New Michigan Organi- 
zation 



Exhibs Balking At Percentage 
Deals Since War Is Carrying the s 
And Flats Into Higher Ground 



OVERHEAD SLANT 



Although cabled reports from Lon- 
don late last week indicated agree- 
ment by the British government to 
unfreeze upwards of $40,000,000 of 
American distributor revenue cur- 
rently impounded in Great Britain, 
official confirmation of the deal and 
details were lacking up until press 
time yesterday (Tuesday). No defi- 
nite word had been received by the 
majors, but it was indicated else- 
where that consummation of de- 
freezing pact likely was only a mat- 
ter of detail and oflicial announce- 
ment. Would cover only the relea.se 
of monies now impounded in Lon- 
don. 

While the unfreezing of currently 
held U. S. distrib revenue seems set. 
the British government has not 
agreed thus far to any unlimited 
flow of American rental coin to N. Y. 
Instead, the British have oflfered to 
unfrece $20,000,000 of U. S. distribu- 
tor coin in the 1942-43 year (starting 
Oct. 25). or identically the same 
amount as in present year. This is 
rated a 50"; coin free. Inclination 
of top olTicials is reputed to favor 
acceptance of this arrangement, at 
least for the time being. 

Though the exact amount to be un- 
frozen probably will be close to 
$50,000,000. several companies al- 
ready have received part uf their im- 
pounded funds. Thus RKO was 
given .special consideration and al- 
lowed to withdraw $?.000,000 about 
two months ago. while Warner Bros, 
ha.s employed approximately 
$3,000,000 for a buy-in on British 
theatre properties. Also reported 
that other companies such as United 
Artists have been permitted to with- 
draw various sums in advance, for 
use in England only, which means 
that the actual total remitted to New 
York may be reduced to around 
$44,000,000. 

These frozen funds, covering sev- 
eral years, probably will be released 
Oct. 24, date for expiration of the 
present frozen money arrangement 
with Great Britain. Additionally, 
on that date $5,000,000 is due as 
fourth quarterly payment in the 
$20,000,000 pact covering the 12 
months, ending this month. Repre- 
senting halt of total revenue of eight 
majors (after deducting operating 
expcn.ses in Britain p. this has been 
paid out at the rale of $5,000,000 
every three months. 

Reason that the ii>ual normal flow 
of American distrib coin from 
Britain was not included in the un- 
freezing arranficnieiit. now seem- 
ingly sel. is Miat there were two sr. 
of negotiations— one for de-freezing 
and the other on future money ar- 
rangemenl.s. 

R. C. G. Somervell, undersecretary 
of the British Board of Trade, who 
recently returned to London after 
vi.siting in the U. S. on the frozen 
money deals, is due back in Wash- 
ington shortly. Understood he will 
have charce ol all Board interests in 
America besides jusl films which 
he previously handled exclusively 
for the B. ot.T. 



Recent agitation throughout the 
country looking to control of film 
rentals, if necessary by federal reg- 
ulation fixing price ceilings, is de- 
veloping in a movement on various 
fronts to set up buying combina- 
tions. As the same time, an attempt 
is being made by exhibitor associa- 
tions to bring various local organiza- 
tions closer together, with a view 
to stabilizing and controlling rentals. 

Seeking also to get together and 
compare notes on operating over- 
head for theatres of comparable 
classes, certain exhibs in flarious 
territories believe that this will pro- 
vide a more unified front in resist- 
ing terms being asked by distribu- 
tors, especially where they are out 
of line. Just how far the average 
exhib will go in discussing his over- 
head with another theatre operator 
is a question since this entails op- 
erating matters generally regarded 
as secret except to the distrib where 
percentage Alms are being played. 

In line with what may develop 
into a wave of buying outflts, de- 
signed to create purchasing power 
and save the exhib on buying costs, 
is the recent organization of the 
Michigan Independent Exhibitors 
Assn. W. A. Cassidy, indie exhib of 
Midland, Mich., is president. 
Mich. Plans 

MIEA. claiming 30 theatres as a 
stactcr, . proposes . to buy flIm for 200 
Michigan theatres on an overhead 
of $15,000. Doubted in certain sales 
circles that the organization can 
(Continued on page 52) 



SELZNICKPAR 
DEAL ALL OFF 



History Repeats 



David L. Loew and Albert 
Lewin last week pointed out that 
'Moon and Sixpence' grossed 
$6,800 at the Orpheum, Montreal, 
instead of the $4,500 estimated 
in advance. Which recalls the 
time the late, normally placid 
Marcus Loew, pretending ex- 
ceeding irritation, marched up 
to Sime Silverman and Jack 
Lait. in the Hunting Room of 
the Astor hotel. New York, and 
complained that the quotation 
on Loew stock as carried in the 
then current issue of 'Variety' 
was two points below its actual 
selling price. 

Whereupon Lait said, 'Look, 
Marcus, those stock market quo- 
tations are carried in very small, 
six-point type. For $400 you 
can buy a full page ad in 'Va- 
riety' and print a correction.' 

'I ain't that mad,' answered 
Loew. 



RKO THEATRES 
HEADING FOR 
FINE TALLY 



Negotiations for the purcha.se by 
Paramount of David O. Sclznick's 
story properties and talent contracts, i 
entirely off and unlikely to be re- ' 
sumed, went cold as a result of 
problems that are Selznick's own. It 
was not because of any conflict be- 
tween the producer and Par. In- 
volved, among other things from the 
Selznick side of the fence, was the 
tax problem on a sale of assets run- 
ning well into six flgures. Under- 
stood that nowhere along the line 
had there been any unfriendliness 
or hitches in the negotiations with 
Par. With the deal now off. Selz- 
nick thus retains the properties he 
wished to sell, originally ofTcred to 
Warner Bros, and later to Par. 

As result, it is expected Selznick 
will produce for UA. with 'Jane 
Eyre' as the likely starter, although 
j it is said the maker of 'Gone With 
: the Wind' has not yet definitely made 
I up hi.s mind whether he will turn out 
I any pictures or not in the immedi- 
I ale future. 

Par deal, in negotiation several 
weeks, is understood to have been 
'initiated by Selznick principally bc- 
I cause he wanted to go into a Covern- 
meni post or into some special war 
I activity. Post of coordinator for the 
I film industry with the War Produc- 
ition Board, which was assertedly dis- 
cus.'-eri. is now cold, .so far as Selz- 
nick is concerned, from accounts. 
I J. H. Karp. legal h^fl of the Par 
I studio oi: the Coast, who ha.s been 
|iti the east sitting in on the necjo- 
;tialions for Y. Fr: nl; Frcom;in. v. p. 
Ii)vcr production, rclcrns to Holly- 
wood tomorrow (Thius.) or Friday 
1(16). 



Evidence of the strong upbeat in 
picture house business throughout 
the country is pointed up in showing 
being made this year by RKO thea- 
tres, where indicated net earnings for 
the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 1942. 
will likely be better than $3,500,000 
before taxes, or around three times 
RKO theatre earnings for the pre- 
vious year. Heavier income tax Im- 
posts will, of course, cut deeply into 
profits, but net returns will be far 
above the preceding 12 months. 

Terrific increases In earnings are 
also being piled up by Loew's, Par-, 
amount. National Tlieares and War- 
ners, though the improvement will 
not be proporlinalely as heavy as in 
RKO. 

From accounts, RKO has already 
rolled up in the neighborhood of $2,- 
500,000 in net earnings for the first 
nine and one-half months of the cur- 
rent year, with some of the least 
profitable months out of the way and 
the best season of the year for show 
business yet to come. 



MEUETrSN.Y. POWWOW 
ON PATRIOTIC SHORTS 



Lowell Mellett is due in New York 
tomorrow (Thurs.) to huddle with 
head^ of short subject sales depart- 
ments of major producer-distributors 
on future' production of films, such 
as the 'America Speaks' series and 
other war-slanted themes. 

Possibility is that Mellett will also 
discuss production and distribution 
phases of wartime films with heads 
of other sub-committees of the War 
Activities Committee. 

Arrangements which Mellett made 
on the Coast for the 'America Speaks' 
series of shorts led to some confusion 
at the beginning since only the pro- 
ducers were originally called in. 
Theatre men were later brought into 
the discussions. 



Skouras' Coast O.O: 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Spyros Skouras. 20th-Fox prexy. 
arrived on the Coast for an eight day 
look -see into studio affairs. 

Schedule calls for production and 
dislr.'ljution confabs with Joe 
Schci'i.k and William Goclz. and the- 
atre operations parleys with brother 
Charles. 



With so-called 'B' product and 
other flat rental pictures bringing a 
higher level of grosses than they 
have in years, exhibitors are de- 
clared resisting deals calling for per 
centagc terms and low splits partly 
for this reason. 

The war. filling the pockets ot 
defense workers and bringing pros- 
perity in other directions, while kit- 
ing the take for the bigger films 
is at the same time lending a help- 
ing hand to product of lesser im- 
portance. 

As result, the variation in per- 
formance between the big pictures, 
those of average merit and the 
dogs' has lessened, according to ex- 
hibitors. For years, it's pointed out, 
the variation has been gradually 
vyidening but now the. B's and other 
flat rental pictures are being car- 
ried in part by the momentum of 
the widespread .-ttendance. In addi- 
tion to the defense workers, men in 
uniform are patronizing the film 
theatres and, it is believed, are not 
so choosey as they may have been 
in the past. Also, many soldiers 
have more money to spend than they 
formerly did — and are spending it. 

Because of the improved state ot 
the boxofTice. distributors are seek- 
ing higher brackets of percentage, 
lowered splits, advertising participa- 
tion, etc. on as many pictures as 
possible. A large number of ac- 
counts which formerly l>ought all 
product fl;it. are now being asked to 
.sign up at percentages. They re- 
sist this not only in cases where 
they are bargaining for lower terms 
but also because they want to re- 
main in the same, former groove 
and can see no reason why they 
shouldn't be allowed to continue 
buying film on a flat basis. That Is 
the only alibi some .accounts give 
the salesmen. 

Want More on Percenlage 

While distribs can continue sell- 
ing flat, boosting the prices, the 
difficulty in forecasting how much 
a film may do at the boxofTice In 
Ihese limes prompts all companies 
ta want to play more houses on 
percentage since, if the picture goes 
above normal expectations the dis- 
trib wants a share in the gravy. 
Exhib's argument is that he is en- 
titled to that 'gravy' now and then 
in order to make up for the losses 
sustained on various pictures. 

Decree selling resulted in the mar- 
keting of many picture: on per- 
centage among accounts that had el- 
ways played flat, also In an increa.sed 
number of films on a sharing basis 
over the season. Enlargement of the 
number of such bookings last year 
broiryht .•:quawk$ aplenty while, on 
the olhcr hand, it appears that this 
season there will be still more films 
going out at specified percentages. 

The method of selling, as carried 
out under the decree, has not 
changed for the Big Five except 
that Metro is offering a larger pack- 
age than the others, its initial block 
bcin-! 12. while Par. 20th-Fox, War- 
ner Bros, and RKO are so far stick- 
ing to blocks of no mor^han five 
each. 



METRO VERY TUNEFUL 

Wore AFM Stowaways on Culver 
City Lot Than Ever Before 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

There are more musicians than 
actors on the Metro lot this week. 
More than 300 are toting instruments 
around the sets of five pictures. 

Studio's 75-piece recording ol^ches- 
tia has been augmented by 60 for 
Jose Iturbi maestroing in 'Private 
Miss Jones.' Duke Ellington has 22 
working in 'Cabin in Sky.' Tommy 
Dor.sey has 32 for 'DuBarry was 
Lady'; 100 femme instrumentalists 
rouiiditl up for 'Three Hearts for 
Julia': and a IG-piecer is playing for 
hoofiir; sequence in 'Human Come- 
dy.' That adds up to more musi- 
cians ever on any lot at one time. 



PICTURES 



Wedoe9day, October 14, 1942 



Canadian Official Salutes Screen s 
New Fopd Importance in Diplomacy 



Deridiiig (he pompous and 
quantitative approach in picture 
produclion as a means of cultivating 
belter internationsl relations, John 
Crierscn. Film Commissioner of 
Canada, in an address at the Museum 
of Modern Arts in New York last 
Sunday (11) pointed out that Wash- 
ington had never paid much atten- 
tion to showmen because the Gov- 
ernment apparently never regarded 
the screen as a pacemaker of inter- 
national policy, until recently. 
'American showmen, for all their 
vast international influence, went on 
being despi.>:ed and neglected.' 
Grierson said, "and until recently 
there was no great incentive placed 
before them to learn the arts and 
inspirations of international relation- 
ship.' 

Grierson stated that Hollywood 
showmen, since their international 
relationship had been pointed out to 
' them, had been learning fast. He 
added, however, that it would be too 
much to expect them to become im- 
mediately tutored in international 
good-sense after a lifetime without 
rcponsibilily in the matter. 

Speaking on the 'Strategy of Inler- 
na'.ional Film Making.' Grierson 
urged a broader understanding of 
international problems based on 
comnoon genuine and specific inter- 
He pointed out that though 
there is a great deal of talk about 
global war <ind hemisphere defense, 
the peculiar thing about both British 
en ' American propaganda is that 
'We keep on looking at everything 
from our own point of view.' In 
England. Grierson stated, all war 
films are abciut England's war while 
in.<^far a-: the U. S. is concerned he 
su^gc.^ted that 'It isn't just a matter i 
cf celebrating American assembly I 
lines." I 
One of the greatest drawbacks to 
International goodwill. Grierson 
nole<t. was the type of film which 
carries an implied degree of patron- 
age not immediately apparent to the 
spectator which yet remained over 
to influence his future attitude. 
Good-Nelghlrarllness 
Outlining the contribution pictures 
could make towards good neighbor- 
linens. Grierson said that it was of no 
avail to send films from one country 
to another if the 'Implicit attitudes 
In them are wrong and only serve to 
create disturbance among the people 
who see them. In this part of the 
continent.' he continued, "we have 
become such great organizers that 
there isn't a question we can pro- 
duce infinite quantities of film. It 
may be good looking. But I boggle at 
the thought of loosing so much or- 
ganizing ability and so much 
technical fkill if the underlying at- 
titudes are not assured. ' 

'It is particularly interesting to 
note the pictures which America has 
been producing in the great flush of 
patriotism which has swept over the 
country since Pearl Harbor. I can't 
blame the United States in the 
least, for it is all very human and 
natural for it to be deeply concen- 
trated on itself at the present time 
and excited both about its achieve- 
ments and problems. But when such 
happy local loyalty is backed by 
tremendous poivers — economic, in- 
dustry and military — a new kind of 
international responsibility rests 
upon it.' 

Grierson spoke under the auspices 
of the Institute of Inter-American 
A/Tairs, sponsored by Columbia Uni- 
versity and the National Broadcast- 
ing Co. 



Double Baddie 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
Lon Chaney, Jr., plays a dou- 
bleheader as both monster.* In 
•The Wolf Man Meets Franken- 
stein.' which goes to bat at Uni- 
versal this week with Mme. 
Ouspenskaya and Lionel At well 
doing a bit of chilling on their 
own. 

Roy William Neill is dircrior 
of the George Waggner produc- 
tion. 



N.Y. Censor Puts 
OK on Film Biz 
For Patriotism 



KiDiBg 'Em There, Too 

HoUywood, Oct. 13. 

•Murder in Times Square' will be 
Edmund Lowes first starrer under 
his new contract at Columbia, with 
Miirguerite Chapman as femme lead. 

Lew Lander.s directs and Colbert 
Cliirk produces. 



BENNY TO UA AFTER 
i>NE MORE FOR WB 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Jack Benny owes Warners one 
more picture before he hops off as 
an indie producer for United Artists 
release. Understood he will be 
teamed again with Ann Sheridan in 
a comedy as his final chore on the 
Burbank lot. 

Meanwhile, Benny is bussy with 
retakes on 'Meanest Man in the 
World' at 20tK-Fox. which will re- 
qui^ another two weeks. 



Albany. Oct. 13. 
Warm praise for the activities of 
the motion picture industry in be- 
half of the war effort is bracketed 
with stati.stics showing an approxi- 
mate $15,000 Increase in gross and 
net income to the State of New 
York for licenses, permit and sub- 
seals Issued for films, a decrea<:e of 
2M in the number of pictures re- 
viewed, and a drop of 187 in the 
total of eliminations ordered, in the 
report for the year ending June 30. 
1942. by Irwin Esmond, director of 
the division of motion pictures. Es- 
mond submitted it to George D. 
Stoddard. The decline in foreign- 
made films, predicted in reports 
made since the war started, contin- 
ued. The number submitted for re- 
view in the last fiscal year was 153. 
compared to 311 in the previous 
year. Director Esmond noted that 
'revocation of licenses previously is- 
sued in a few instances has been 
ordered in cases where adverti.sin? 
by distributors for the films was 
deemed improper and misleading.' 

Speaking of motion pictures and 
the war, he wrote: 'Such activities 
have included the making of films 
for training purposes, newsreels. 
films intended to encourage and 
build public morale, drives for the 
sale of war bonds, personal serv- 
ice of many actors and actresses in 
furnishing entertainment for the sol- 
diers and men in all branches of 
the service, and what is vitally im- 
portant, keeping a continuous flow 
of entertainment pictures necessary 
in times of stress to relieve strained 
rierves and tired bodies seeking re- 
laxation In the theatres. I doubt if 
any industry has made a greater 
contribution.' 

Esmond listed Income of the Divi- 
sion as $331,466.50, compared to $316.- 
0S5.50 for the previous fiscal year. 
Expenses totaled $68,193.15. as against 
$68,418.03 in 1940-41. Net revenue to 
the State was $263,29335. compared 
to $247,677.47 for the previous 12 
months. The Division reviewed 1.- 
548 Alms, with 7,389 reels, compared 
to 1,702 pictures for the previous 
period. , Only seven pictures were 
rejected. Licenses for 43 were is- 
sued after eliminations had been 
made. Of the S16 eliminations, the 
largest number, 143, was for 'in- 
decency.' 

During the year, eight appeals 
were taken to the Board of Re- 
gents. The board sustained the Di- 
vision in five, and overruled it in 
one case. In two others, pictures 
were revised before the Regents' 
okay was forthcoming. 



No More Indiscrimiiiate 
Dampbig of War Shorts 
Ob if. S. Theatre Screens 



Indiscriminate dumping of war 
shorts on theatre screens, to the 
virtual exclusion of regular shorts, 
has been ended as result of an 
agreement reached last Wednesday 
(7) after several weeks of discus- 
sion by short subject department 
heads working with the War Activi- 
ties Committee. One war short, 
whether government or Hollywood- 
made, will be released each week. 

Short subject heads had protested 
that Office of War Information films 
and the Hollywood-produced 'Amer- 
\ ica Speaks' series, released simulta- 
neously, were keeping other short 
features out of theatres and re- 
jciucsled more orderly distribution. 
I Claimed that their departments were 
being put out of business. 

Among those attending confabs in 
recent weeks were H. M. Richey, 
Metro; Oscar Morgan, Paramount; 
Bernie Kreisler. Universal: Bill 
Clark. 20th-Fox; Max Weisfelt, 
Columbia; Harry Michalson, RKO. 

Paramount is .selling the 'America 
Speaks' shorts at a nominal rental 
of SI per day. Other studios are 
getting usual terms, but turning 
over all profits from the series to 
designated charities. Warners is 
filing on usual basis for shorts and 
has %iot been represented at the 
various meetings. 

Under the new agreement reached. 
WAC subjects are to be released 
the second and fourth week of each 
month. November schedule in- 
cludes 'Everybody's War' (Fox), 
Japanese Relocation' (WAC), 'Keep- 
ing Fit' <U), 'Colleges at War' 
(WAC). 

Office of War Information pro- 
duction, as outlined by Bill Mon- 
tague, associate producer of the film 
unit at the OWI, falls into two cate- 
gories. The trailer type, from 200 
to 400 feet. t>ased on topical situa- 
tions, will be made and distributed 
on advices from Washington as 
needed. These include "Oil Conser- 
vation." TTie Army Needs Special- 
ists,' "Tin Can Salvage,' 'Four Rules 
For Rubber Conservation.' 

New subjects of greater length, 
now in preparation, are "Paratroops,' 
•Community Traffic,' Troop Train,' 
'Nurseries.' 'The Farm,' 'Army 
Chaplains,' 'Schools at War,' 'What 
to Do In an Air Raid,' 'Alaska' and 
'Dover,' recut and synchronized ver- 
sion of the British picture, '21 Miles,' 
with narration by Ed Murrow. 



hsideStim-Rctiires 



'The Battle of Midway,' Commander John Ford's documentary t\\m 
was taken with 'home movie equipment, ordinary 16 milimeter camcra.s' 
no special attachments, ordinary chrotocrome film.' So Second Class Pho.' 
tS^rapher Jack McKenzie, one time assistant cameraman at RKO and Tech- 
nicolor studios, declared in a both interesting and amusing interview with 
Nelson Eddy and Nadine Connor on the Old Gold's show over CBS. Mc- 
Kenzie, who touched off studio laughs with a quiet matter-of-fact, blunt 
style of speech, told Eddy that shooting the Marine epic was different 
from a Hollywood assignment: 'No script, no takes, no temperamental stars 
(emphasis on the latter)'. Eddy inquired, 'You are speaking of someone 
like me?" McKcnzie relorted. 'I never had the good fortune to shoot you.' 

After Ekldy expressed the hope 'shoot' was used only In the technical 
sense, the lensman explained he was stationed at Pearl Harbor when Com- 
mander (former director) Ford asked if he wanted 'to see some action.' 
Soon after the party arrived at Midway an air raid alarm sounded. Mc- 
Kenzie loaded his camera r.nd prepared to take pictures, but 'nothing 
happened . . . after an hour or so the all-clear was sounded ... an un- 
identified plane was later identified as friendly.' 

— Eddy asked, 'They had that (false alarm) at Midway, too?' McKenzie 
replied, as audience laughed, 'Yes.' Several days later, Ford moved to 
the powerhouse, the tallest building on the island. When the next alarm 
sounded, it was the real thing. Accordingly, McKenzie went up to the 
roof to photo the battle. He explained to Miss Connor that the 'jumpi- 
ness' of the picture in spots was due to the jolting of the camera in his 
hands by bomb explosions. McKenzie said he would welcome battle action 
again. Eddy, who urged listeners to see 'Midway Island,' thanked the 
photographer for 'giving us the opportunity of seeing what the headlines 
mean in the terms of the boys themselves.' 



An instance of how a theatre might be affected by circumstances beyond 
its control, in this case the murder of a patron on her way to the ladies' 
room, is the cancellation by a distributor of a high percentage picture 
which was to play the Opera House. New Brunswick, N. J. A week ago a 
porter in the theatre, operated by Max Jelin, independent, wantonly slew 
the woman patron, and for several days the theatre was~closed on police 
orders pending investigation, re-enactment of the crime, etc. 



Locw's Columbia theatre on F street in Washington is one of that com- 
pany's gold mines. Plays second run features, is an economical opera- 
tion, puts at least $100,000 profit annually into the company treasury. 
Columbia used to be a legitimate theatre and has dressing room facilities. 
In shopping around for another theatre in Washington Lee Shubert won- 
dered how the Coliin-.bin was doing. When he heard what a pay nugget 
it was for Locw. he didn't make a bid. Besides being a boxoffice bonanza, 
site is in most profitiible .iron in Washington. It would take more than 
$3,000,000 to swing a deal, if Locw's was receptive. 

Legitimate is also casting envious eyes on Loew's Palace, but same ar- 
gument applies, and more so. Since it was opened in 1918 Palace has 
had less than 20 weeks in the red. Theatre interests regard it as the 
most valuable house, from every angle, in the Loew chain. 



Patriotic messages laid out like theatre ads and inserted in the daily 
ABC theatre listings in Brcioklyn Eagle are causing favorable comment 
in City of Churches. It is amusement advertising manager Martin Dick- 
stein's idea to carry different copy each day. Ads are spotted alphabetic- 
ally as. for example, under G: 'Give 'em both barrels on your job — then 
enjoy yourself at a good .show': or under H, 'How's your morale? Give it 
a lift at a good show'; or, under R. 'Ration on gas and meats and clothes? 
Forget your troubles at one of these shows.' 



Three More Go at Par 

Hollywood. Oct 13. 

Three new pictures go before the 
lenses at Paramount next Monday- 
(19), making a total of six in action 
at the same time. 

Starters next week are 'China.' 
•Salute for Three' and the Techni- 
color musical, 'Dixie.' 



ZOm WOULD BOW TO 
BRITISH EXHlBnORS 



London, Oct, 13... 

20th Century-Fox N. Y. office has 
instructed J. L. Harley. managing 
director of company in Great Brit- 
ain, to settle the exhibitors' fight 
and resume former booking terms 
if Cinematograph Exhibitors Assn. 
gets 400 Movietone (20th-Fox) news- 
reel cancellations withdrawn and 
accepts March of Time bookings 
through 20th-Fox. 

Arthitf Rank figured largely in 
the talks with Harley. Settlement 
will require ratifying by the CEA 
general council meeting Oct. 14. 



Flame of Freedom 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

How the spirit of independence 
still burns in the Hitler-ridden coun- 
tries of Europe is the theme of 'The 
Unconquered People,' a two-reeler 
based on film smuggled out of Nor- 
way, Belgium, Holland, Poland and 
Czecho-Slovakia. 

Picture is being produced by 
Warners in cooperation with the 
War Department. Roger Q. Denny 
is doing the narration and continuity 
under production supervision of 
Gordon Hollingshead. 



Stidio CoBtracts 



HoUywood, Oct. 13. 

John Tyers, St Louis Municipal 
Opera ^inger. signed by Metro. 

EiTord Gage drew a player con 
tract at RKO. 

Marjorie Reynolds' player option 
lifted by Paramount. 

Rita Corday drew stock player 
contract at RKO. 

James Brown's player option 
hoisted by Paramount. 

Bill Kennedy's player option taken 
up by Warners. 

John Twist drew two-year writ- 
ing ticket at Metro. 

Cobina Wright, Jr.'s option hoisted 
by 2t)th-Fox. 

Robert Lowery signed to appear in 
six pictures at Monogram. 

Leonide Moguy signed as director 
of short subjects by Metro. 

Jean Brooks inked player ticket at 
RKO. 

Eddie Kilfeather signed as musi- 
cal director of the Fave Fleischer 
cartoon unit a Columbia. 

Kent Taylor inked player pact at 
20th-Fox. 



Use of clay. models in the animation of film cartoons will save 50% 
in raw film slock, according to Hugh Harmon, producer of leaping inkies 
at Metro. Models of characters to be used in the films will be photo- 
graphed from every possible angle, thereby saving thousands of separate 
drawings by animating artists who have been relying largely on the trial- . 
and-error .system in the use of perspective. Harmon declares the use of 
miniature models, painted and photographed, will mean ^a.st savings 
through the elimination of guesswork and re-drawing. 



Mayor Harry W. Baals of Fort Wayne,- -Ind., has accepted the award ol 
a scroll of honor and a bouquet of carnations to be presented Oct. 13 to 
the memory of Carole Lombard, Fort Wayne-bom screen star, killed in 
an air accident earlier this year. Erwin, Wasey, New York ad agency, 
is making the award during a national network program. The bouquet 
and scroll will be given to the Washington School, where Miss Lombard 
attended as a child. 



Wage freezing does not affect workers earning less than $5,000 a year, 
according to a ruling by the War Labor Board. Union chiefs in Holly- 
wood declare the order has no bearing on the arbitration of the wage de- 
mands by the Screen Office Employees Guild or pay adjustments for other 
film workers whose annual pay is below that figure. When the order was 
first issued, studio attorneys figured it meant that no wage adjustments 
could be made, no matter how large or small. 



Animated films, used to teach the armed forces in technical jobs, can 
travel a mile while vocal instruction is covering one furlong. That is the 
gist of a War Department report to the Hugh Harmon Productions, which 
recently completed a dozen shorts on the subject of artillery technique. 
Students of gimnery, according to the report,' can learn as much in one 
week of animated film training as they can grasp In eight weeks of vocal 
instruction. 

Parking lots in the Hollywood and Los Angeles districts, good ther- 
mometers of show business, report a heavy drop on weekdays but plenty 
of patronage over weekends as a result of the threat of future gas regu- 
lations. Theatres, according to the parking swlt(dmien, are doing between 
50% and 60% of their weekly business on Saturdays and Sundays. Idea is 
that car owners are training to save their gas for days when rationing 
becomes a fact 



Quentin Reynolds' latest, 'Only the Stars Remain,' saga of his Russian 
adventures as Collier's correspondent went for $10,000 to 20th-Fox. It was 
variously reported at $100,000, and one Coast paper even published a 
deadpan 'quote' of $150,000. 

The lOG is a smart buy for Fox, considering that it also gets Reynolds' 
trailer services for any intro to the film. His similar introductory bit for 
Walter Wanger's 'Eagle Squadron' called for a $7,500 fee alone . 



Wall Sreet attitude is that the deal with United Artists made by Para- 
mount for .several western leaves room for Par to expand with recently 
acquired and expensive story properties. Latest estimate on corporation 
earnings is that Par may show as high as $4 per common share this year. 



Warner Bros, asked a reduction of $500,000 in the assessed valuation of 
the Hollywood theatre, N. Y., in a writ of certiorari against the N. Y. 
City Tax Commission in Supreme court WB lists the land and improve- 
ment valuation as $600,000 against the tax commission figure of $1,100,000 
for the years 1942-43. 



Five-day week for producers, writers, secretaries and office work went 
into effect on the Columbia lot with a daily working schedule from 9:15 
a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Only exceptions to the rule are efnployees directly 
connected with pictures in actual work. 



Wednesdaj, October 14, 1942 





PICTURES 






Clearly Defined Studio Needs Make 
Big Story Buys Easier-For Once 





Due to aptitude for certain types 
of production at various studios, 
several important story properties in 
the higher price brackets have re- 
cently been bought without too much 
competitive bidding. It's considered 
a rare occurrence, among story ed- I 
ilor.s. 

Cln.<iing of deal by Metro last week 
for Ben Ames Williams' novel, 'Time 
bf Peace.' at a price in the neighbor- 
hood of $50,000, purchase of Phil 
Stong's novel, 'One Destiny,' the pre- 
vious week by 20th-Fox for less than 
$40,000 and Paramount's buy of "The 
Uninvited,' are considered typical of 
the type of yarn each studio feels it 
can do best. Currently. Warners is 
reported closing for "Night Shift,' 
yarn against defense plant back- 
ground, like 'Kings Row' in its 
broader aspects, at price of approxi- 
mately $25,000. 

20lh-Fox predilection toward the 
Stong property goes back to 'State 
Fair.' which was also made at that 
studio from a yarn by the same au- 
thor. "The Uninvited' ftts into Par- 
amount's flair for ghost themes, while 
Time of Peace' (Metro) is the type 
of story wherein motivation rather 
than action figures strongly. Metro 
was virtually the only sarong bidder 
for 'Peace.' while Warners was vir- 
tually alone on the bidding for 'Night 
Shift.| 

All studios were interested in all 
the properties and ready to buy any 
of the stories at a price, but from 
speciAc viewpoints production de- 
partments were not prepared to pay 
the kind of coin which individual 
needs made possible. 

•Dearth of best-seller fiction for 
fllm purposes this season continues, 
though the lag is taken up to some 
•xtent by non-fiction material. Ben- 
net Cerf last week highlighted this 
situation with comment that the Mac- 
' millan catalog was down to a mere 
ITS pages. 

Not figuring the Book of the Month 
Club or Literary Guild, if a book 
•ella from 50,000 to 100.000, it's con- 
sidered about top.s. 

Coast Story Buys 

Hollywooa. Oct. 13. 

Columbia bought 'The Queen Was 
In the Kitchen,' by Milton Merlin 
tnd Marian Spitzer. 

Frederick Kohner and Lieut. John 
Puston sold 'Concertina' to Colum- 
bia. 

Sidney Skolsky's yarn. 'Once a 
Woman,' was purchased by Colum- 
bia. 

Quentin Reynolds, war core.«pon- 
dent for Colliers, sold his yarn of 
battlefront observations. "Only the 
Stars Are Neutral,' to 20th-Fox. La- 
mar Trotti will produce the pic- 
ture, with Reynolds preparing the 
screenplay. 

RKO purchased 'Tall in the Sad- 
dle,' magazine serial by Gordon Ray 
"oung. 

George Petty, illustrator, sold 
RKO the film rights to a story to be 
ba.sed on the name "Petty Girl.' 

Francis Wickwarc sold his war 
yarn, :Diplonialic Courier,' to 20lh- 
Fox. 

RKO bought 'Mr. and Mrs. Anier- 
Ica.' tale of the defen.-;e indusiiy by 
William Nutt. 

Republic bought 'ProdigaTs Moth- 
er,' college yarn by Ben Ames Wil- 
liams. 

Universal acquired film rights to 
See My Lawyer,' by Richard Mai- 
bauin and Harry Clork for Abbott & 
Costello. It starred Milton Beilc on 
Broadwav. 



Sherman's Civil War Pic 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

'Wherever Green Gra-ss Grows,' a 
Civil war tale carried in the Satev- 
post, is slated as a high-budget out- 
door special on Harry Sherman's 
production program for United Art- 
ists release. 

Story is slated for a December 
start, with J. Benton Cheney doing 
the screenplay. 



Mpls. Indies Allege 
Donble-X on Supposed 
'Boycott' of 'Miniver' 



Minneapolis, Oct. 13. 
Independent exhibitors in one of 
the city's districts who 'boycotted' 
Metro's "Mr.s. Miniver' now are com- 
plaining that they were 'double- 
crossed' ty .some of the boys who 
had promised to line up the other 
sections in the 'strike' and who failed 
to do so. Now, among all the city's 
independents, they're left 'out in the 
cold' without the year's best box- 
office picture while the bulk of the 
Twin City Independents are playing 
it. 

The planned city-wide 'strike,' 
which . failed to materialize, vt'as 
against the 'Miniver' terms. Under 
the sliding scale plan, the picture 
would cost 50% or thereabouts and 
the independents here assert they 
oan"t make a profit on such a split. 
There also was agitation to 'compel' 
M-G to sell the picture flat. 

In the one Minneapolis district 
where the independent ranks held 
firm in the boycott again.st 'Miniver' 
Metro rubbed it in on the boys by 
running large newspaper institu- 
tional display ads emphasizing that 
the picture would be ufTered in only 
one theatre there, a Paramount cir- 
I cuit house. Previously, the company 
1 had made it known that it would not 
j re-submit the fllm to tho.se indepen- 
I dents who had canceled it. Tha\ 



was a bad break in itself for the 
usual procedure is to modify terms 
later. 

The charge is made that some of 
the boys who were most active in 
bringing about the 'boycott' were 
among the first to date the picture, 
although 'everybody' was supposed 
to fall in line and "strike.' It's just 
another case of independents failing 
to 'stick together,' some exhibitors 
assert. 



COMMERCIAL FILM 
SETUP UNDER WPB 



'Moon's' Heavy Set 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
^^'■"sl player cast by 20tli-Fo.x for 
The Moon la Down' is E. J. Ballen- 
tme. in the heavy role he played on 
Mic Now York stage. 

John Sloinbeck's story joes before 
the cameras Nov. 9, w-ith Nuniially 



Washington. Oct. 13. 
An industrial and advertising film 
producers and distributors industry 
commit lee to operate \iiicitr Harold 
C. Hopper, chief of the nioiioii pic- 
ture and photographic section, was 
annoiiiioed last week by the War 
Production Board. 

Tlie comniillce Mienil)or.5 are: J. D. 
.Mex.iiiOer. Alexander Film Co., 
Colorado Spi ings. Colo.: F. O. Cal- 
vin, Calvin Co., Kansa> Ciiy, Mo.; 
Eugene Castle. Castle Films, Inc., 
I New York; L. W. Fox. Audio Pro- 
Ifiiittion Co., Inc.. New York; Jami- 
'son Handy. Jam Handy Co.. Detroit; 
iHusii Jairiie.soi). Janiieson Film Co., 
'Dallas: R. C. McKcon. Ciiravel Films. 
In.-.. N. Y.: Roland Rcod. Culver 
Cil.v; Norman Wild.ng, Wilding Pic- 
ture Produciions, Inc.. Ch'cago, and 
Harold Wendsel. Sound Masters, Inc., 
N. Y. 





From Divers Point* Come 
'Suggestions' That Picture 
Tiieatres Reject Teen-Age 
Evening Patronage As an 
Aid to Curbing Juvenile 
Delinquency 



Trade Challenging Theory of Raw 
Fdm Shortage; Resistance to More 
Cuts Likely As Stakes Abroad Grow 



WARTIME FEVER 



John 



directing 



son producing and Irving Pichcl 



Tall and Final 

Hollywood. Oct. 13 
Alexi- Smith draw.- the co-siarnng 
spot opposite EiTOl Flynn. another 
tall plii.vor. in the adventure pic- 
ture. To \h.e T.risl Mini.' at Winners. 

Film is a Ji-s.-e I,. I.:isl<y produc- 
tion. sl;':e(l for a l:ii(' Oetuhci- start, 
and was m;ide as a sili-nt by Para- 
mounl. 



Indianapolis, Oct. 13. 

Theatres here have been asked by 
Sheriff Al G. Feeney to refuse ad- 
mission to children unaccompanied 
by adults after the first evening 
show and to run slides announcing 
that all imaccompanied children in 
the house must leave at the end of 
the first show. 

Declaring that 'the problem of 
juveniles who remain in neighbor- 
hood movies until near midnight has 
beecome so acute that your help and 
cooperation is sought,' Feeney made 
his recommendations to the War Ac- 
tivities Committee of the local the- 
atres at a meeting Thursday (Oct. 8). 

Theatre men, pointing to the fact 
that they have no way to put the 
kids out legally, are working on an 
educational campaign to get parents 
to lake care of their own children. 
Ken Collins, chairman of the WAC. 
said. Trailers will be run on all 
screen.s asking parents to accompany 
their children to the theatres when- 
ever possible, but to see that they 
get home on time in any case. 

'I realize that the problem with 
you is. how to get children out of 
theatres at a reasonable hour when 
the youngsters are not accompanied 
by adults.' the sheriff told the show- 
men. 'I realize, too. that the child 
who enters a show at 6 and remains 
until the last flicker at midnight 
represents a financial loss to you be- 
cause hundreds of seals are occupied 
through several shows for which you 
get no revenue. 

'Mi!...itit£resi, however, is in the 
moral and not the financial problem, 
for ca.'^e after case of juvenile de- 
linquency has been traced to neigh- 
borhood theatres, becau.se of the 
children's actions after leaving the 
shows at a late hour, or because of 
their conduct while in the theatre. 
Better Supervision 

'Our mutual problem, therefore, is 
twofold. Most important is the job 
of gelling unaccompanied children 
out of the theatres at a reasonable 
hour, especially now that school is 
in session. There is also the matter 
of better supervision while the child 
is entrasted to your care. 

'I suggest that you take two def- 
inite steps to correct the first abuse. 
One is by refusing to sell tickets to 
unaccompanied children after the 
first evening show; second by flash- 
ing an appropr ate slide on the 
.■•ciefn afle:' the (Ir.-t show announc- 
ing that children not aecompanicd 
by adult? must le.ivc. The wordin,-! 
.vhould be appropriate and approved 
by ihe proper enforcement officials. 
Th:s winild lake the heat olT of the- 
atre oun(?r.s and place it on odicial.-; 
who do ;i(,t care as long as results 
arc C'lod. 

'Ti;0 problem of prcvcnlins im- 
proper e'Midiict in shf'ws is compara- 
tively simple and can be handled 
ctVeetivfly by alert ushci.s. I have 
• een lhi!;Es in sonic of your .sluiws 
which have no ri^ht to exist, and 
are not only embarrassing to decent 
V(i;iii>:>lcrf. but a betrayal of the 
trust parents have in you when they 
send lhc:r children to your shows 
with the cxpceliilion that you will 
sec thai they arc looked after prop- 
erly. I have .'Ccn sorre pretty s'ltir 
tl-iiivs h.-ppr:! wiiere .'-iipeivision i.-; 



Metro's liberty Ship' 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

Fred Zinneman draws the direc- 
torial skippers chore on Metro's 
'Liberty Ship,' based on the tale of 
a cargo vessel in wartime. 

Hugo Butler is doing the script, 
to be produced by Robert Sisk. 



WPB Spokesman Hints 
At ilieatre Closings' 
If Conservation Fails 



Pronouncing disappointment with 
methods so far adopted to conserve 
essential materials, especially copper, 
Chris Dunphy, chief of he Amu.se- 
ment Section of the War Production 
Board, last Thursday (8) warned ex- 
hibitors that theatre closings can be 
expected if theatre supplies and 
equipment are dissipated. 'The easy 
ride is over.' Dunphy said. 'The pro- 
duction of new equipment is out tor 
the duration.' 

Addressing members of the Inde- 
pendent Theatre Owners of America 
at the meeting at the Hotel Astor, 
New York. Dunphy lauded theatre 
men for their cooperation with the 
Government in various campaigns. 
'We don't want to dote any thsatres,' 
Dunphy said, 'but you operators are 
the answer to whether theatres will- 
or will not be closed. Therefore you 
can see how important Ihe conserva- 
tion of your present equipment is.' 

Dunphy's stress on the point that 
not one of the IG.OOO theatres in the 
country had been closed through de- 
nial of equipment indicates that this 
is regarded as unusual in Govern- 
ment quarters. 

Dunphy expressed confidence that 
exhibitors would make a good show- 
ing in the current scrap drive, and 
urged operators to turn in the cop- 
per drippings, which he considered 
the most important part of the sal- 
vage campaign. 

Theatre operating department 
heads do not consider various warn- 
ing.s on con.servation issued by WPB 
officials as a threat to continued op- 
eration of their houses. Inclination 
is to welcome such official utterances 
in order to impre^is upon subordi- 
nates the necessity for maintaining 
equipment and conserving supplies. 

Constant pressuring via official 
warnings has already reportedly re- 
sulted in a substantial reduction in 
Ihci-lre operating costs. 



lax. 

"Vcuir problems and mine arc be- 
eoniiii(; ihnre sci .ous bceau.'-e ur iv. - 
•ni; iinir.bcr< of p;irents aie eiKMi-ed 
in war work, and children e'itMi-ie(i 
to the care of neighbors and fi ien-l; 
(Continued on page 18) 



WANT SPECIAL GAS 
RATIONS FOR H'WOOD 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
In making his pilch, as picsidcnt 
: of the Producers As.^'ii. for more 
I generous «as r.-ilioii;n;; tor studio 
! workers. Y. Fra:ik Freeman told the 
! State Serial'? Irtertm Comniiltee on 
j Economic Planning thai the average 
-ludio worker travels 14 m Ic- daily 
I between home and work. 
I Rubber Czar William Jeffcr.- is bc- 
' ine a-ked to civo Californiaiis special 
I consideration, due to the anl.(|uated 
I transportation facili'.ic> and wide 
I population spread. 

To the Mills, Men 

Hollywd,.:!, Oct. 13. 
20ih-F')x made wrilir.;; assi;;n- 
, menis on three pi(.tui>> sl;i'.e(l for 
: t-;i."ly winter .'ih jui 1:1;:. b(-:;i:ining 
i A.tli 'Blind .M;ins Mo,i.-c.' on which 
I R. C. SlierilT is doing the .^erivcn- 



Film industry resistance to further 
curtailment of raw fllm stock is re- 
ported growing as a result of the re- 
ported agreement for unfreezing of 
upwards of $40,000,000 rental coin 
in Great Britain. U. S. distributors 
also expect to have easier access to 
British rentals in the future, thereby 
increasing the stakes and stimulating 
American industry interest to an ex- 
tent which is bound to be reflected 
in further discussions with War Pro- 
duction Board officials. 

In some trade circles belief is that 
the raw stock situation is not grow- 
ing any worse. In addition to the 
British money angle, which will 
favorably affect production financ- 
ing, another factor which the majors 
believe in need of clarification is the 
actual raw stock availability figure. 

Question most frequently asked in 
the trade is whether there is a real 
shortage of raw stock. Before the 
war Eastman was virtually the sole 
major supplier of stock to the in- 
dustry. Dupont never operated at 
capacity in manufacturing fllm, while 
Agfa sold practically no stock because 
of its alleged German afflliation and 
the plant was eventually taken over 
by the U. S. Alien Property Custo- 
dian. Contention is that if the com- 
plete Agfa and Dupont plant capaci- 
ties are used there should be suf- 
flcient fllm to supply the world. 

No Clarification 

War Production board officials 
have never stated that there was an 
'actual shortage of. fllm but contended 
that there was a potential or threat-, 
ened shortage. So far no actual 
figures have been made available 
showing what the Government raw 
stock requirements are or what may 
be the combined plant capacities of 
the major manufacturers. Whether 
som^of these plant capacities have 
been converted to other uses is an- 
other point which has not yet been 
established. 

As result of the uncertainty re- 
garding the raw fllm supply, trade 
execs are Inclined to view the effort 
to reduce fllm production as a means 
of making personnel and other in- 
dustry resources available for film 
production by various Government 
departments. 

With an open market apparently 
being established for American pic- 
tures in England, stimulation of the 
flow of U. S. product is foreseen. 
Government circles, too, are becom- 
ing increasingly aware of the vital 
importance of U. S. pictures as an 
informative medium in England as 
well as in other countries. Industry 
circles, as a result, last week indi- 
cated a more cheerful outlook to- 
wards the raw stock situation though 
no official tendency towards a 
liberalization of slock allocations has 
been noted. 



Rush Jingle Janglers 
As U. S. Service Calls 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
Extra large spurs are being used 
at Columbia to hustle along fhc film- 
ing of four western dramas co-slar- 
i ring Russell Hayden and Bob Wills. 
I Hayden. ;.n experienced flyer, goes 
into the Ferry Command, and Wills 
into the Army as soon as the bucka- 
roo series is finished. 

First of the four sagebrushers is 
'Outlaw Bu.sters.' now in production. 
Others to follow with six weeks are 
Deadline C;Mn';.' 'Oklahoma Outlaws' 
and one still untitled. 



j Tei.int'i fin the serii.' "f ''riiiiiK..--. 
I I';!! • Mi' Flujii ey .\i lli.r ;.i.<l My 
■ l<i;iri Mirhiiel .liii'iby ;.'ifl Leonard 
M >ffM.:iM arc writing 'WdiuCii With 
I Wir.SiS- 



Grey Takes 'Shanty* 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
Hairy fJrey lakes ovei' Ihe pro- 
d.ieiion job on 'Shanty Town.' slated 
ti) .'-liiit ;i: Republic next week 
I Produc.ng chore was originally 
la.viKned to Leonard Fields, who en- 
I li-slcd ill tlic Navy. 



8 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednefiday, October 14, 1942 



SEVEN DAYS LEAVE 

<Mt'SICALt 

l:l<t» •*^i«l*v 'l'.:u U"hrlaii in-mlui-l^m. ill- 

At-liiii. t^ai-H V^i t- r MiittHf. I.ui^lc M:\\\: 
I. • f .'ir IT (i:;W<-;.-l"i'v- 1. 

!■. ---H, <;:..n^ Si: *. Ki-«><Iy .\Unln'* !in«I 

I. - Km*. :i * i.n-b< -in:«. Prt4-i- l.intl Hnv 

.\: <;«.Ii*. Am-ild sufie. nn. 
* VatiMi. Hullih Bdwurds stid liiH 
I or ('.ill* ■;t...ni'i».''' rft'lld ^h'n^■. 
il.lKy. WillKii.i' lliitt-n-. ICiill'li Hi" i> ■■. 
KiDM-n. K-nnfth Knil. t<.iM-:.s. 

; I..-. .^iiln-s .XL HUL'i: IlUli'ii- 

..1. I'. )V.r.: Ir.inl.nrr; i iiiii'l.i. Bi.l-t:! 
■u-^ . JjiTi. . -. ("hiiiitK \Vnh4-r».; ••hm. 
(11 3:i:irj;T': idiltjr. R<«!t-n \Vi^.\ 

Nil V. n in N. Y. ii.-t. S. ti. ywm:n;: 
K7 VIN>. 



I 



.l<.!il.. 
•I . ITV 



.Mi: IV 



l:i ]|.b I: II 



(.": ■. 1' 



. . >J .Mii. 

Hie iliil 

H itM l'<tir> 

MkPV <"<»t«^ 

r:;rTi\ Snrv.i" 

. . ' M. liMll- 

.l>.-i.i l.iii.l H:iy.K 

Willi, r )X>'rA 

«■»!!-•.<■ F.-rtl 

Milt. II >V"nc 

Ilii.l.'v flTk 

. i*h;-r;t Viilor 
. .. .K.n.. i<.-i.;i.-.ly 
....I'vir'.' An'ln- 
. . . . Hhtti- "o!lil:in 
. \ddi*»on R '■li;ir.2H 



This V cior »'i vre-Lucill« Ball 
slTTer i« .T fl'Tijv enterlainme-' 
whose jnorquM; names, some of 
■Vkijom hare' been borrowed from 
other show bi^ fields, indicate potcn- 

Producer-director Tim Wnelan 
seems to have been embarrasjied by 
latent richef wherein the cast is con- 
cerned, but the conglomerate of film, 
radio and \-ar:ety name.* in this 
army-theme comedy has resulted in 
a loose-ends pic that superlative 
editing couldn't clarify. 

There is Harold Peary. 'The Great 
Gilderslecve' of radio, contributing 
the equine latiph that has made him 
rotable on the airlanes. Ginny 
Simms enhances her looks with a 
oommendsWe Frank Loesser Jimmy 
McHugh tune in a specialty. Thei>c 
is not one. but two. n«une orchestras, 
those of Freddy Martin and Les 
Brown. Vatide-nitery has contrib- 
uted Peter Lind Hayes, wTittien into 
the libreOo for some of his clev,-er 
mimicries, and Lynn, Royce . 4: 
Vanya. riotous comedy ballroom trio. 
Latin American singer Mapy Cortes; 
Ralph Edwards' radio show. Truth 
or Conseouencef," and The Court of 
Missing Heirs.' also from radio, are 
other embellishments. Weaving all 
this together was too much to ask 
for, though all of the above are ex- 
cellent in their individual metiers. 

?cf iplitis is too evidenOy the film's 
maior fault Four writers are cred- 
ited with the yarn, and some of the 
dialog is pretty awful. Of the tunes, 
•A Touch of Texas," a rhythm number, 
and "Soft Hearted,' ballad, indicate 
the best commercial possibilities. 

Mature plays a buck private who, 
bv the nature of his grandfather's 
will, must .wed a certain heiress to 
inherit $10e.«00. The gal is Miss 
Ball. The Hunk of Man has the 
titular 'seven days leave' in which 
to make the gaL The complications 
and the film's by-products that bring 
In some of the remote aforemen 
tioned personalities, are too trans- 
parent. 

Mature is still knocking the dames 
dead (that's what the script scz) 
and he's over-acting (which the 
script doesnt say) with his utter 
ances of the inane dialog. Miss Ball 
is el50 out of s(Jrts via the poor 
script, and Uie camera hasn't flat 
tered her, either. 

Marcy McGuire, a newcomer, 
looks like a And. having plenty of 
pcD as one half of a puerile romance 
with Arnold Stang. She also can 
jive a tune for sock results. The lat 
to-'s tliarseterization is that of a 
stereotyred Henry AJdrich in khaki 
Kalm 



JackeL<i. who have been a.^signed to 
a merchant vessel in convoy service. 
The CPO, a, chief gunner's mate, nas 
among those on board a former com- 
missioned officer who. much to hi-s 
dis^easure. i.<; in iRvc with the CPO's 
si, ,er. a nur.^e. 

Kesi.-ning his commission due to 
ill' :nv.'*s;i>:ation in which he can't 
p. ivc his iiinnrc:i;-c. Cc.irgc Mur- 
phy ic-cnii.-'.s a.; ;in ordinary .■^cr.inaii 
an-t i:l;im3'.cly win' O'Brien's ad- 
miral on tt<'ll Ei; til.-; of his fellow 
seamen, who oripin;-.!!.v th Jik h-,'s 
yellow. As a result he is rcinstslcd 
as a lieutenant lor the desired fin- 

The fiirl. O'Brien Msijr. in ii:ve 
with Murphy before he lost his com- 
mission, is Jane Wy2.;. whD. lh:'oii ;h 
unu.'.ua] (■ir?iim«l:-.nc: ?. is on the 
same boat with her b.oUiOr and 
,swee'-c for most of the lreachcr;lu^ 
vov - -e. 

:':r^e Miss Wyatt faiU to -cnd'/r a 
performance of iirilliiincc. msny in 
the cast, in addition 1o C'Brien -nd 
Murphy, do so. OutsLanriin.g is Carl 
EsTDOivl. playing a German-.Amcri- 
c.Tn pr'r'ot who in s no'.ite w?v re- 
sents bcint! called 'Dii'ch ' Othoi-s 
doins excclb'itlv include Jackie 
Cooper, "'ax Br.er and Dc<i Arnaz. 
Eaer. in" dentnllv. Rets flcored early 
by an enemy shell. 

The musical .score, by Ro>- Webb, 
with C. Bakale.'nikoff as cirector. 
zdds to the peneral production i^'iie. 
while the pbotn-n-aohv of Nicholas 
Musuraca rate? loos. battle se- 
quences are esnerially efTcctive. 

Char. 



The Boogie Man Will Get 
You 

Colu:i»l»ln n-lM;.»<* trf C .ilM-i l chirk l>ri,- 
(luclii.n. S'..im lI:i!iN Kiirlnlf. l'i.i,.| {..ni-; 
rt-Mtui-i s .M: xli.. I'..si.|iMi".ni. l,;-irv r.n kH, 
.tcIT 1) 'liiP'.! n .riKil l.y l.>" l^ir.hi,. 
Sf-rorniih'.'.- by IWu-ln HIuiii. ; fl^lMrd liy 
Tjiul Uui4;*.lin Jtnil li..4..«.J im I>v JJ;il 

Vlmbr|.F jin^l Hnltfil It. Hum: linii-r.;. 
HM1T7. Vrcullih: (alitor. Ttli-hnKl F-hhU W 
Hljilto. .V. v.. HUinliH: On. IJ. 42. Kuii- 
linc IliiM'. CO 



Miiatare Renews 

•Seven Days Leave' (RKO) 
(Musical). Victor Mature and 
Lucille Ball in off-key musicaL 

Ifee Navy Coaei n^Mgh' 

(RKO). Action-romance will do 
well at the b.o. 

The BMcie Man WUI Get 
To' <Col). Boris Karloff, Peter 
Lorre, Maxie Rosenbloom in 
whacky whodunit comedy. 

Ibe Great Mr. Hanier (GFD- 
British), Fine biography of the 
composer, but needs a title 
ch.iii^'e fvir b.o. 

'.Mounlighl in Havana' (U) 
iS.ingff*. Minor league filmusical 
fails to reach first base. Filler 
for family duals. 

"Scaiterfcod Sarvives a Mar- 
arr' (RKO). Latest adventures 
of small town philasopher-indus- 
frialist, okay support in duals, 

■Blondie (er Victory' (Col). 
Latest of the series, a crackcr- 
jEck .supporting film for the bet- 
ter duals. 

'Ike Manmrs Tomb' (U). 
Fair chiller for duals. 

"Texas t« Bataaa' (Mono). 
Gosd western in Range Busters 
series. 



Moonlight in Havana 

(SONGS) 
Hollywooii Oct 9, 

Vnlvrmul relcoaa o( Ocfuard W. Barton 
pnKlui.iliin. RiHra Alliin Jancx, Jane FViize«. 
Uiracica by Aiilbosy Mima. OrlK'niil ■cxeen- 
plBV liy OwBr Brodm-y: camera, taurles 
Vu Knger: editor. RuittirU Hclioencsrth: 
aaet. illriM uir, Cberle* UoaM: iIudocs, Kd- 
wiird I'rlnif; inuulf direitor, ('harle* Pr«- 
vln; wiiiKi'. Uiive |.'iunkllii. Al IllUjl.. A., 
on. H, '42. RilnnlTut time. MINS. 

.Iiilinny Normn Alliin Jone« 

illiiilii JmkKon i»ne Ptmece 

I'Bliiy <.1jn-k MarJoiJ* Lord 

lliiriMT Cmoe WUH«m Frawh^J- 

Kdilk DanlTta l'"n Terrj- 

.Miirllnej! .•'(■rk-lo llrin 

Joe Cliijk Bolder 

rhiii'lle Mmrti O'Conmll 

Otuye* Sorlon 

lli.non HatK* OroBJ" 

Jn-ln' .lof^kH iind M\\k 
<:i:|.i. S 



IVof^w^r !;:il:ni:s. 

Dr. Lon-riA 

WnxlP 

^\'lnnte l.;',|.n 

ni L»ji;<Ti 

mrllR Juni^ 

. c.ilbett r.r.i iniitdii . 

nii.-n."3ter 

Sllvin Mii<icjilupl 

.1< hnsnii 



(.iJTtft-r <3ulTX-y jMinMi M^ti'.on 



. n- ri" Ki.i li.ll 

l*i.|<.i. ]»ri* 

.iKii. Uii,u.nl.l-tf>;n 

.li^ r>.nn..ll 

.... UinT rinlc 
..Mi:ilile Kliui'in.. 

Pun n<Hl.l.ie 

. .t>,.«»rce MrKiiy 
. ..KV.ink PokIIh 
.Kildir l.aii|:btun 
.Tr.mk jsnlly 



The Navy Comes Through 

KKO rflt-... .. .v..r. .^U/<u,.' i-riidiu-L.nn. 

FriiLuic*. CI". li'.i. l>oi-ee -Muilihy. Jum- 
^*vnn. jHi-ki- t^,..i,^r. Cnrl Kumond. Max 
Bmi-. Pml Am:;/, Hnd Onlllnn. Dl- 

rerH'.l by .X. C(u*iird Sulherl.nnil. Ra^t^d 
0:1 M'.rr; . "V'^v io I/^um.' Iiy l<«rflcn ChBw; 
AdtiiKHiinn. Ko;.- i'*hnTwlrtr. Aenenn Mac- 
Kenzle, Uiu-I TtuMwIn find .fnbn Tu'lut; fUm 
edflor. .Shnultl K. Beftlej-; rHmcriv, Nichnlns 
)8inui-ii(Mi. S4.v>en<ed In iit.o}walifn Tfmni. 
N. Y., O.i. !i. •4-J. Huiinlns ihiie. 81 HUNH, 

M.illory Put riniien 

,S;in»lB OeorKe Minlihy 

.Myi.i luno Wyiitl 

Juchte ("ufipor 

Kioii:!- Curl Dftmrnin 

1! r::ii..-n' Miiv Baer 

T;-t-li,.i llpsl Arnuz 

(• 1-1. .VI, iiH Riiy. rollliw 

liet. Ilnnnnll 

S .:■ . I I Viiink .letikfl 

.liihn M:uulre 

.1 Kriiiik Fi'iil'in 

>■ 3"'y »"> 

I>'..-:.'i Miirlfn i.timi>nl 

I- Cyril Hmc 



II :■ 
II. -.I:: 
)i nil 

orii '■ 



Reminiscent of 'Arsenic and Old 
Lace.' the legit show.-and with Boris 
KarlolT, of latler's original stage pro- 
duction, heading the cast, this .screw- 
ball comedy generates hearty laughs 
from the same premise as the legiter. 
Inane title is no help but cast names 
definitely are. 'Boogie Man' is a 
scTondar.v screen vehicle shaping up 
as a strong entry to bolster dual 
combos. Elongated title is film's 
biggest handicap but may be partly 
overcome by selling as a wacky 
comedy, which it is. 

The Hal Fimberg-Robert Hunt 
story has been defUy transferred to 
the screen by Paul Gangelin and 
Edwin Blum. Plot concerns an old 
Colonial Inn; a group of obviously 
mitty characters residin.g there: a 
demented professor who would cre- 
ate a 'superman,' and a string of 
corpses kept in cold storage in a 
wine cellar, "niere are the ustial 
secret doors, knives in tbe back and 
an escaped Fascist who threatens 
to bomb the place. 

In less skillful himds. this would 
be merely a string of implausible 
events testing audience credulity. 
But with Boris RartofT. Peter Lorre 
and Maxie Rosenbloom playing the 
principal charac*':jrs with tongue-in- 
cheek fashion, it becones a crazy 
farce. Rosenbloom is tlie final ped- 
dler victim to be placed in the pro- 
fessor''s electrical cabinet in an ef- 
fect to create a Superman. 

KarlofT is the half-crazed profes- 
sor, portrsj-ed for lau^ and sly 
humor, while Lorre is tbe imscru- 
pulous sheriff-doctor who joins hands 
in the superman experiment in hopes 
of realizing a handiiBme profit. En- 
tirely different from most Lorre 
characterizations, but solid. Rosen- 
b}oom is again tbe typical 'Slapsie 
Maxie' who wants to become a 
smart door-to-door peddler. Miss 
Jeff OonQell and Larry Parks are 
the couple wtio buy the Inn, doing 
the best they can with flighty roles. 
Support is headed by Maude Ebume, 
as the rrary housekeeper; George 
McKay, another out inmate, and Don 
Beddoe, all excellent. * 
Lew Landeru' expert dii-ection 
maintains the farcical pace through- 
out. Wear. 



This is an ao'.ionful, exciting naval 
adventure with .strong romantic in- 
terest, plus £.11 the in,?redieiJts that 
.stir war-minded emotions such as 
marching mpn. fU.l-wavin.P,, battles, 
sweat, blood and tears. Every In- 
dication is that it will not only do 
veil at the boxofficc. but abo .sei ve 
as a .still bol.<1e-er of patriotism. 

The .story, originally published In 
the Saturday Evening Post under 
(he title of "Pay to Learn.' is the 
sa.sa of a merchant marine .ship with 
a naval crew abotrd which achieves 
uniisunl sucr-e.-^sea rgainst the enemy 
in the face of tcrril^c handicaps. 
Battle scenes, downing enemy sues 
and planes, are exceptionally well 
staged and, due to their realism, arc 
intensely stirring even though news- 
reel .shots are interlaced. 

Pat O'Brien, idea) for the part he i 
essays, i.s a chief petty officer in . 
charge o( 'a small crew of 'ilue- 1 



Hie Great Mr. Handel 

iTechnipolor) 

(Birnsa-MADC) 

London, Sept. 23. 

C-ii..|;il I'llm L>istril,u(,,in ii-lr::Mi. of 
(MI.W. rr.iiliii Hull. SI. 11!, |.'.li7.iil.,.|li Alliiil. 
Uiirii.l l..iwM>ii. Iiiiii'lfd l.y .\'iirili:in 
\\'.ilki*r. Si-r.-iTl'liiv. I-. du Ciirdi- I'cii li; 
.i iniirii.. tli-riilil r.IliiMl: ii'lOII tiiiinl >. f iief 
;ili(l dlliliii:. \'ii.|<ir M;i.'<*luii-: riiiil«-i:i. 
I'll, lull. Fi n-KO Cn'm'.. .l;i. Ic rmdifr. At 



Ijrircpier Si|iiiir'» I lii-iil |.**, 
iiiii'. KIR .MINS. 

.Ml. lr;iiiil,'l 

Mr> Cllil.i-r 

I.itnl I'lirsti.rlifltl 

.'■"ir (■|iuile> .Miii-nIiiiiii . . . 
Pn-iKiik. I'liii.i. ,.r WiL 

l'liiii<^ii>i 

Mi-..!,'i:l-|.| 

I'lii.vlcH .lonn'.ny 

I- ..1-y 

I';'p;i.in rnilLlii 



l.iiiidi.li. XuniiiiiK 

. .W'ilfi iil I.iiwi.nn 
. . I':M:'.iiI.i III Alliin 
. . . .\li.l iiliii Kwn 
. .Ml. hue 1 Sli.-i'l'.y 

MiiN Kliliy 

H:iy I'..i: i|. 

. ..Miiii'i.' Hi.ri"\ 
. .A. I>: .\l.ill(ii-v\ii 
. l-'i i.ili.i i, k '•in.poi 
. . . . Aii'i|.-w I.'-iKli 



To stultify the genius responsible 
for the incomparable 'Largo' and 



Messiah' with such a billing as 'Tbe 
Great Mr. Handel' is as ridiculous as 
citing 'Romeo and Juliet' by 'the 
Great Mr, Shakeq>eare.' In short, 
this title is bad boxoiTicc, 

Whether, re-titlcd. The Great Mr, 
Handel' will do business in Ameri- 
can picture bouses dt^ends on a 
factor whiclf to date has never, 
seemingly, been satisfactorily settled. 
But there will never be a more con- 
clusive test of public taste than this 
one affords. For here is the glori- 
fication of music without (he trick 
cmbellishtnents of Disney's 'Fan- 
tasia.' Ilie only point open to ques- 
tion is the p^entage of film fans 
to whom classical music appeals. It 
is certain, wherever the Tflessiah' is 
sung, this reverent screen treatment 
of Handel's life story will be ac 
claimed entfausiastieally. 

Obviously and inevitably music is 
the keynote of (and triumphantly 
dominates) the film. As played by 
the London Philharmonic Orchestra 
it is a feast of tonal beauty. Tbe 
production, sedulously correct and 
true to the period, mirrors the Lon 
don of 200 years ago in a series of 
Hogarth-like paintings come to life. 
Costumes and sets sumptuously col- 
orful and, in. these days of clothes 
coupcm, surprisingly extravagant. 
An exceptionally subdued use of 
Technicolor tends to make for a 
feeling of mellow attractive age in 
the case of exteriors, as it also en 
hances the richness of the silks and 
satins worn by both sexes. 

WiUrid Lawson in the title role 
speaks with a pronounced German 
accent but is virile enough to make 
his defiance of tbe Prince of Wales 
and a bishop of the Church of Eng 
land ring true. He tells the latter 
<in Westminster Abbey where he is 
about to rehearse the choir in the 
four anthems he has been com- 
manded to write for the King's coro- 
nation) he is "a better Englishman' 
than the church dignitary. He is an 
Englishman by choice 'and by an 
Act of Parliament' ^vbereas the 
bishop is an Eoglislunan by an acci- 
dent of birth. Tbe incident of his 
outraging the sasceptibilities of His 
Royal Highness is historically au- 
thentic. When the prince makes 
audible remarks about Mrs. Cft^er's 
costumes in her role as prima donaa 
of a new Handel opera, tbe com- 
poser crashes discords on bis spin- 
net and brings down the curtain in 
the middle of her aria. 

As Mrs. Cibber, the diva. Elizabeth 
Allan is a radiant beauty with a 
niagly endless wardrobe of 
entrancing crinoline gowns. Also 
(if it is, in fact, ber own voice) 
here is one of the finds of tbe year. 
If her upper register is inclined to 
be a trifle thin, the cello-like timbre 
of her iBiddle and lower notes has 
the ricfanes and warmth of Madame 
Sembrich's. If it is a case ^ dub- 
bing, the nameless possessor of this 
voice must inevitably come into her 
own in the near future. 

In a long list of distinguished per- 
formanoes there is room for mention 
only of a fine characterization by 
Hay Petrie as Handel's Scottish man- 
servant, and of Morris Harvey as 
Heidegger, a Swiss imnresario wbo 
goes broke by staging Handel's 
operas. 

Performances aside, it is es.sen- 
tlally the music and atmosphere of 
early 18th century London that 
makes this a welcome relief from a 
screen saturated with shots of war 
in the air. on the land, on sea and 
under the sea. If American cash 
customers are not to be taken for a 
ride, however, 'The Great' and "Mr 
must be lifted out of the title. 

For that prince of ilhi.sinnists of 
the '90s. Hermann the Groat, was 
both fitting and good boxofTicc. For 
Handel it is the last word in banality. 



'Moonlight in Havana" is a decid- 
edly lightweight picture that is only 
saved from loUl eclipse by its brev- 
ity and a group of above-average 
tunes delivered in solo and duet by 
Allan Jones and Jane Frazee. It's 
dual supporter for the secondary 
houses. 

Story IS a fragile excu.se on which 
to hang the display of song and 
dance specialties. Jones is a big 
league catcher whose eccentricities 
generate antagonism from fellow 
players. Club is in Havana for 
spring training, and Jones — who can 
sing terrifically only when he has a 
cold— is tabbed by William Frawley 
for his nitery unit, with Frawley 
conveniently getting a Havana book- 
ing so Jones can make a pitch to re- 
join the team. lunocuous horseplay 
is provided in the form' of periodic 
contraction and recovery of Jones 
from colds as he switches decision 
from the ball club to night spot, with 
Miss Frazee and Marjorie Lord 
tangled on the romance end. 

Picture drags in the script line, 
and gets no assistance from director 
Anthony Mann. I^attcr fails to point 
up comeiiy angles attempted along 
the way. and misses entirely with 
drunk antics of Hugh O'Cijnnell r.nd 
Jack Norton, who wander in and out 
of the script aunlessly. Grace & 
Nicco pi-ovide the higlispot of (lie 
picture with a burlesque koockabou'i. 
ballroom dance while Horton Dance 
Group and the Jivin' Jacks & Jills 
are spotted for several song-and- 
dance ensembles- 

Dave Franklin provides six songs 
for delivery by Jones and Miss 
Frazee. Tunes are far alMve aver- 
age, with duel arrangements par- 
ticularly catchy. 'Got Music' is a 
lively number for attention of the 
dance bands, while 'Isn't It Lovely?' 
is best of the others. 

Jones and Miss Frazee are neatly 
recorded on the musical side, but are 
handicapped by both material and 
direction on the .straight narrative. 
Balance of cast — also under wraps — 
includes Frawley, Miss Lord, Don 
T€ri7 and Wade Boteler. Walt. 



Bkmdie for Victory 

Columbia releaa* at Robert Simrk* pro- 
duction, Stara Penny Slnsleiun. Artbur 
Ldlca, Lany Slamu: featniva tiiuuri ISrwin 
Jonutliaa Hula, Danny Mnminert. 
ward Oarvan. Dtrevted br Kmnk it 
SIrnyer. Bcroonplay by Karao DeWnlr anii 
Conole Lm from alory by Fay Kanln- 
baited oa comic atrip created by C^lck 
YooBc: eaincra. Henry Freullcb: nlltor 
Al ClBrit. At foa. Brooltlyn, N. v.. dual' 
week Oct. 0, '42. RunnlnK time, H .MIMi' 



niondle 

Dll£\VOMl 

Ilaby Duniidlni. 

Daluy 

Cookie 

Keni.hel Smllta.. 

.1. (\ UlllierB 

Alvin Fuddle 

.serfjeanl 

Ulaa CTalilier 

Ur. Cmnib 

Mr. Oreon 

Iloiiiiler 



Penny SlnKleion 

■ Arthur L^ke 

I.iiiry Slmma 

Dubiy 

Ulalillr Wbiie 

Stuan Krvkln 

imiinhiin lluie 

D.iiiiiy MiiniMiert 

lidwjird i::irkiin 

Henle Ukmo 

Irvlni; iLn-on 

»Urii;,.,ii <:r,-i>ne 

.(■<i;irle» W:ii:.Mi!ii.iin 



The late.st and possibly bust en- 
trant in the series will wow the 
Blondie fans. Thanks to a crisp pro- 
duction job, 'Blondie for Victory' 
will amuse even those who shudder 
at obvious comedy and a tran.spar- 
cnt plot. 

The script hews to the tried and 
true formula, only this time it hinges 
on civilian defense. Penny Single- 
ton (Blondie) has organized her 
neighbors into the Housewives of 
America. They wear uniforms, do 
all the usual home front stints and, 
in addition, guard the local dam site 
at night. Which is okay except the 
husbands don't like the lack of home 
cooking, etc. 

Not until Dagwood (Arthur Lake) 
fakes an enlistment in the Army 
does Blondie disband the organiza- 
tion: then the women return to keep- 
ing house ond their children under 
control. 

Stuart Erwin is in for a very good 
comedy sequence as the 'lonesomest' 
soldier in town. He was raised by 
three maiden aunts, had eight sis- 
ter.s, and joined the Army to get 
away from women. So all he gets 
is kisses from movie stars, cakes 
from the hou.<iefraus and invites to 
dinner. The character and situations 
arc a wrapup for Erwin's delivery. 

The entire cast, stars, featured and 
bit players, does a hangup job. They 
play the lines for all they're worth, 
give sparkle to many !>n old niece 
of business. Fran. 



Scattergood Survives a 
Murder 

RKO ri.|ea..ie of .lerv.ild T. Brundt iiniil-ji-- 
lion. .SliiiB <;uy KIM»+*; fo»ture»s .lohn 
Archer. M^irunrel Hii}.ef, W«t1:M.r l*N»r<l. 
S|M'n<-ei' rhiirii'ij*, l.'.lly Mulyiin. .Iiihn ^Ill- 
Jan. Ulrf,,n*»d Irt- C^rlnly OBlinnne. Rimeil 
iin "Si-jiUeiiriHiil "PiilneM* stt-i ii'H by Olarmrr 
lludiiiKtnn KelluDd: Bt-reenjiluy. MU-hueJ I,. 
,'!lmTnonH; f-nniern. .iBi-k .Mnrkenrlr; ertllor. 
Hlrluird f^HlicMin. Ti-adi.ntoo»-n in N. Y. 
Oci. iX, -U'. K>li,nil« lliiK-. 4W >]|.N.K. 

.^ciilterci'id niiliiOH <»4jy KiUliec 

T>iinkrr Gnhmn Jiihn Arrtier 

Gall Bnri-biT MjnviirM lUiyea 

W«lly <-.illiiiri WulliK* l-ord 

Pbi-i-llf Slii.n'f.r rhiirlrm 

l*rp. Gi-lroen , .Kily Malvnn 

]Li,',r« lahn Milian 

Pitin <*:ilil\vf.ll Cli'iiri:*' r^iiindler 

Miilhew (Jiii.nllii Pick Rllkni 

l*h<iel,e Que.nlln J-'lorem e Like 

S<.|nia Qiienlln Siir:ili KilvviinlR 

Hipp W4Uie »e»t 

T^cpiily Giwrve Guhl 

l.nte Alli-n K6. WnlW 

Cynlhi.t (Juenlln >liii.f:iir«il Sedilnn 

<.,ydln (^uonlin Kstvuret Mi-Wade 

Tbhdilrup Qurnlin Frank ftplrhrr 

roitiiirr |.;iil'le llfHlBipB 

:ui'rnt::ile Alfred Hall 



Though a little slow in unfoldine 
this latest "Scattergood.' set off 
against a murder mystery back 
ground, picks up steam before the 
first quarter and adds up as okay 
siqiporting fodd^ for the duals. 
Small town .locale, with Guy Kibbee 
in bis usual role of friend, guide and 
philosopher to those in need of help, 
is in the groove for hintei-land audi 
ences in particular. 

In this Stanza Kibbee bestows 
kindness upon new.<ipaper reporters 
as weU as dumb animals, ^ne yam 
deals with a snail town newspaper 
publisher and three big town re- 
portei's. interested in getting the an 
swer to a series of bomtcides. 

Touched off by the seemingly acci- 
dental death of two old spinsters 
who leave a fortune to their pet cat 
suspicion swings from the evil-ap- 
pearing hous^teeper <Eily Malyon) 
to virtually every member of the 
cast. 'Scattergood' helps the news- 
men get an even break on the .story. 

Willie Be.sl. colored comic, is in 
for a few laugh bits; Kibbee dom- 
inates major portions of the footage, 
and juvenile leads, John Archer and 
Margaret Haye.i;, fill the bill nicely 
in the light romantic assignment. 
Miss Hayes needs constant and care- 
ful camera attention, as indicated by 
occasional shots where she doesn't 
photograph too well, in marked con- 
trast to okay appearniice in mnst 
■scenes. Mori. 



THE MUMMY'S TOMB 

Hollywood. Oct. 12. 

fiilvor^il ri.||.;is,. iiT M..|i .I'ivnr pr<,dar- 
tiun. Keuluri'M l^iii t'hjiti,.y, liu-k* Kur.in. 
B!yi» Knox. KIroeletl 1,y Hmwild Yiiuni.-. 
■<-n<llploy. OrlBlTi Jsiy. Uvnry .-^iifhiT; 
irit:Jnul. Nell P. Varolik: 1.11111.1:1. lieorjiii 
lltihliiMin: editor. Milton t'.imilb. I*rtr- 
vlrwed ut fludlo, Ocl. l:;. KannioK 
Uiiir. Dl MINN. 

Kluul> l.<in <"lLi iey 

sti'ldien A. Rimntiii: l>iek Ki,r»n 

Is.lii'l HviiiiK Klyw Knox 

.li.liii fbinulni; I,t1iii 11iilil,:ii-d 

Jane Biinnlnf: .\birv t>irilon 

Mi-y. K\-Mn^ Vin:in,Ji llrijaac 

.Miheiiii-I lu.y Tiiih.in Bey 

Hal«. Hiin.wn Wallace Foril 

.\ndi>lii.| treori(« Zwrti 

;.'4niifr tll« Cl.irk 

IVilii, I'M-jl E. Bamii 



Universal whips up another hor- 
ror-chiller picture here, sequel to 
'Mummy's Hand' of two years ago. 
With no deviation from formula, and 
obviously on low budget picture will 
get by as secondary dualer with 
audiences not too particular on cre- 
dulity. 

Li early half of picture, .story is 
unfolded via dialog flashbacks of 
Dick Foran, now elderly and retired 
archaeologist In setting up modem 
adventures of 'Mummy,' Foran's 
reminiscences are picturizcd from 
extensive footage from 'Mummy's 
Hand,* when revitalized creature is 
dug up in Egypt. Then 'Mummy' 
is brought to the New England town 
to revenge disposing of tomb, result- 
ing in loosened terror, clutching 
hands and several murders. Natives 
finally comer the menace but it's a 
cinch he'll be resurrected when Uni- 
versal can concoct another yart; of 
similar vein. 

Direction grooves to formula of 
the general layout, and docs not 
pause to give players more than 
routine portrayals. Foran .""1 Wal- 
lace Ford are both in clips i the 
previous film, and then 4c .1 in 
new footage as elderly ;■- -Mtists. 
John Hubbard and Elyse Knox team 
for decidedly minor romantic intor- 
est, while Ixm Chaoey is covered 
with regulation hideous makeup. 
Story is bumpy aod cannot stand 
close analysis, but it will pass with 
audiences to which it Ls aimed. 

Wfllf. 



TEXAS TO BATAAN 

(SONGS) 
Monomnm peleaBe of George W. Wi-Wb 
produnlon. Feamres John KInc liBve 
Sbarpe. Mux Tcrhune. Jlurjnrie Mjniiiiof. 
nndd BoKler. Km r>iinrim, KK-olnmlfa 
BaDiin und Frank KlIlB. I)ii.erlei1 by 
Kolieit Tanney. SInry an. I ndmnK'.loii, 
Arthur Hoerl: edlliu-. Hay Curili': i-.ai:-, 
l.ihii KIni:: i.hnliicniphy. K,iliirl ilm.;. 
At .Mew York, N. Y.. dual. Oil. '>. • 
Itunnlng time, 6i NIN8, 



DuBly 

Davy 

Alllil 

Dalian ... 

Tail 

r.apl. Andera. 
(Nnikle 

Hi.h:iWlil 

Kneel 

Mlll.i- 



.Tidin Kmc 

Have ....Ii.iriie 

.Max Ti l liill i' 

..Mail'-ii,. Maiiiii'ii.' 

I'.u'.il lla>iir 

Ki n inin. :in 

K...iH>1ii>li|.|i llauriii 

Pianii 

C.irl M.itbl«" 

. . . .i;uy Kintsfi.rJ 



Another in the Range Busters 
scries and one that compares favor- 
ably with predecessors. With Balaan 
in (he title, some additional boxolTicc 
(Continued on page 16) 



Wednegdajt October 14, 1911 



PICTURE GROSSES 



Tiper'-VaiMk $45,000 Leads Mfld 

On; lake Is.' Big lOG in 4th Wk, 
legs Phis Fix Star PA, Nice 23G 



Chicago, Oct. IS. 

Only strong opening U "Pied Piper' 
at Chicago, with several ace picture 
hits holding over, including 'Min- 
iver.' 'Wake Island,* 'Gay Sisters' 
and 'Somewhere I'll Find You.' 
Combo of Art Jarrett and Shirley 
Ross at Oriental, booked with 'Lucky 
Legs.' Jinx Falkenburg film, is build- 
ing excellent week at the Oriental. 
Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) 

— Mrs. Miniver' (M-G) (13th wk). 
Still grand at $8,000. Last week, 
great $8,800. 

Chicago (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 
'Pied Piper' (20th). With Linda 
Ware, Paramount starlet, and Jack 
Durant. on stage. Good $45,000. Last 
week, 'Crossroads' (M-G), so-so $36,- 
100. 

Garrick (B&K) (000; 3S-55-6S-75) 
—'Crossroads' (M-G) and Tomb- 
stone' (Par). Fair $6,000. Last w«ek, 
'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'When 
Bu.sses Roar' (WB), $6,800. 

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33- 

44- 55 )— 'Lucky Legs' (Col) with Art 
■Janctt and Shirley Ross on stage. 
Nice 523.000. Last week, 'Hi. Neigh- 
bor' (Rep) plus Benny Fields head- 
ing vaude. excellent $21,200. 

Palace (B&K) (2,500; 33-44-66-75)— 
'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'Get Hep 
To Love" (U). Suitable $12,000. Last 
week, 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) 
(6th wk), $12,100. 

Roosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-55-65- 
75)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (4th wk). 
Splendid $10,000. Last week, sock 
$11,900. 

SUte-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55- 
65-75) — Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) (6th wk). In final week, 
swell $11,000. Last week, great $12,- 
600. 

United ArtUts (B&K) (1,700; 35- 

45- 55-75) — 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3d 
wk). Fine $9,000. Last week, sock 
$11,800. 

Woods (Essaness) (1.200; 33-44- 
55-75)— 'Between Us Girls' (U) and 
'Destination Unknown' (U) (3d wk). 
Fell off to $5,000. Last week, splen- 
did $7,100. 

Iceland' Big $15,000 
Denver Topper; 'Wake' 
IIG H.O., 'Dandy' lOG 

Dsnver. Oct. 13. 

'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' roadshow- 
ing at the Broadway, packed the 
house at many shows, and holds. 
'Somewhere I'll Find You" is giving 
the Orpheum a nice second week. 
'Wake Island' also is doing strongly 
at the Dcnham and holds over. 'Ice- 
land,' topping the new bill at the 
Denver, is pacing the city this week. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aladdin (Fox) (1,400: 40-50-60)— 
'Gay Sisters' (WB), after week at 
Denver. Good $5,000. Last week, 
'Orchestra Wives' (20th), fair K500, 
after Denver week. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 75-$1.25) 

— Yankee Doodle' (WB). Big $10,- 
000, and holds. Last week. 'Cross- 
roads' (M-G) and 'Sunday Punch' 
(M-G), after two weeks at Orpheum, 
fair $3,000. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 30-40-50- 
60)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (2d wk). 
Hefty $11,000 and stays for third ses- 
sion. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par), 
great $17,000. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 30-40-50-60) 
—'Iceland' (20th) and 'Berlin Cor- 
respondent* (20th). Great $15,000, 
and leader this week. Last week, 
'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Escape From 
Crime' (WB), big $14,000. 

Orpbeum (RKO) (2.600; 30-35-40- 
50-60 )— 'Somewhere Find You* (M- 
G ) (2d wk ). and 'Spitfire's Elephant' 
(RKO). Fine $13,200 for second 
stanza. Last week. "Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G) and 'Affairs Martha' 
(M-G), big $14,800. 

Paramount (Fox) (2.200; 30-45)— 
Sherlock Holmes Voic^ (U) and 
Give Out Sisters' (U). Big $9,000. 
Last week, 'General Died at Dawn' 
(Par) and 'Spirit Stanford" (Col), 
fine $8,500. 



'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Apache 
Trail' (M-G). Sighting crack $9,000. 
Last week, 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 
'Blondie's Event' (Col), nice $7,500. 

Loew'a (CT) (2300; 3S-S3-67>— 
'HoUday Inn' (Par) (3d wk). Bi« 
$6,000, alter handsome $8,000 last 
week. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 30-40-52)— 
'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'One Born 
Every Minute' (U). Pointing to 
good $4,000. Last week, 'Berlin Cor- 
respondent' (20th) and 'Postman 
Didn't Ring' (20th), good $4,000. 

Orpbeum (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 
'Moon and Sixpence' lUA) (3d wk). 
Good $2,500 ahead, with nifty $3,600 
last week after a teingup opening 
week of $6,800. 



Holiday Helps Mont'l; 
'Hattie' Good $9,000 

Montreal, Oct. 13. 
Three repeats in this holiday week 
Canadian Thanksgiving Day 
puts Capitol, with newcomers 'Pan- 
ama Hattie' and 'Apache Trail* tops 
m town (or socko $9,000. 'Tales of 
Manhattan,* in second week, and 
Holiday Inn,' in third stanza, click- 
twely'^ for W,000 and $6,000, respec- 

Estimates for This Week 
Palace (CTT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
<:,!,l ManhatUn' (20th) (2d wk). 
&ma.sh returns in sight at $8,000, fol- 
lowing wham $10,000 last week. 
Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 



CINCY DULL, BUT 
LEEN'BIG 
$16,000 



Cincinnati, Oct. 13. 

Indian summer, approach of gaso- 
line rationing and football games on 
separate nights by Cincy's two col- 
leges were trade denters for down- 
town houses over the weekend. With 
but two fresh releases, general b.o. 
is tumbling plenty under last week. 

Burg's pacer, by a wide margin, is 
'My Sister Eileen' at the Palace. 
Next best, but down under, is 'A 
Yank at Eton' in the Albee. 
Estlmstcs f«r Thb Week 

Albee (RKO) (3.300; 33-40-50)— 'A 
Yank at Eton' (M-G). Foggy $9,500. 
Last week, 'Iceland' (20th), hotcha 
$13,500. 

Capital (RKO) (2,000; 40-44-50-60) 
—Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (3d 
wk). Winding up engagement with 
fair $5,000. Last week (2d), fairly 
good $7,000. 

Family (RKO) (1.000: 17-28)— 
'Sabotage Squad' (Col) and 'Spirit of 
Stanford' (Col), split with "Secret 
Enemies* (WB) and 'Continental 
Express' (Mono). Normal $2400. 
Same last week for 'Little Tokyo* 
(20th) and 'Mexican Spitfire Ghost' 
(RKO), divided with 'Riders of 
West' (Mono) and 'Baby Face 
Morgan* (PRC). 

Grand (RKO) (1.430: 33-40-50)— 
'Iceland* (20th). Switched from 
Albee for second week. Okay $5,000. 
Ditto last week on 'Desperate 
Journey* (WB) (2d run). 

Keith's (Libson) (1.500: 33-40-50) 
—'Wake Island' (Par). Moveover 
from Palace for second stanza. Nice 
$5,000. Last week. 'Somewhere Find 
You* (M-G) (3d run), alright $4,500. 

Lyrle (RKO) (1.400: 28-33-42)— 
'Between Us Girls' (U). No dice. 
$3,000. tasl week. 'Somewhere Find 
You* (M-C) (3d run), swell KOOO. 

Pabce (RKO) (2.600: 33-40-50)— 
'My Sister Eileen* (Col). Big $16,000. 
Last week. 'Wake Island' (Par), very 
good $12,500. . „, 

Shnbcrt (RKO) (2.100: 25-40-75- 
.<{1 to)— "Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) 
(2d wk). So-so $9,000 after last 
week*s kickoff to an alrieht $14,500, 
with trade picking up in last half. 

Iceland'^Peaks Omaha 
With Rogged $11,500 

Omaha, Oct. 13. 

Grosses continue good with 'Ice 
land' heading the ■ parade— at— the- 
Orpheum. Second week for 'Desper- 
ate Journey" and "Lucky Legs' at the 
Brandeis is okay. 'Wings for Eagle' 
at the Omaha also is strong. 

Estimates for This Week 

Orpheum (Tristalcs) (3.000; 11-30- 
35-50)— Icclnnd" i20th) and "Hap- 
pened in FlBtbu.sh' i20lh). Stout 
$11,500. Last week. Bob Crosby 
band and 'Gentleman After Dark' 
(UA), strong $17,000 at 20-40-55-65. 

Omaha (Tristates) (2.000: 11-30-35- 
50)— 'Wings Eagle' (WB). 'Pacific 
Rendezvous' (M-G). Big $8,300. Last 
week. 'Wake Island' (Par) (2d wk) 
and 'Men of Texas' (U) (1st wk), 
$7,200. 

Brandeis (Mort Singer) (1.500: 11- 
30-44-50)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
and 'Lucky Lck.s' iCol) (2d wk). 
Fine $4,800. Last week. $7,300. 

Town (Goldberg) (1.400: 11-20-30) 
—'Riders of West' (Mono). 'Almost 
Married' (U). 'Sabotage Squad' (Col) 
triple split with 'Outlaws Cherokee 
Trail* (Rep). 'Bombay Clipper' (U) 
and 'Shadows Sage" (Rep). 'Moon- 
light Serenade" (Rep). 'Wolf Man' 
(U), plus stage show Saturday. Good 
$1,100. Last week. 'Boot Hill Band- 
its' (Mono). 'Panther's Claw* (Indie), 
'Mad Monster' i Indie) triple split 
with 'Robbers Range' (RKO), 
'Sleepy Time Gal' <Rep) and 'Lone 
Star Law Man" (Mono). 'Gentlemen 
West Point' (2nth). $1,300. 



First Rons on Broadway 

(Subje ct^ c hange) 

Week of Oct IS 
AilM— Trid* of the Yankees' 
(RKO) (14th week). 
IRwetmatd In 'Variety* Julv IS) 
CmftUt—'A Tank at Eton* 
(M-G). 

(Revtetued (n 'Variety' Aug. 12) 
Criterion- 'The Glass Key* 
(Par) (14). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 2) 
Globe— 'The Devil With Hitler* 
(UA) (17). 

Hollywood — 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy' (WB) (21st week). 
(Reiri«u)cd in 'Variety' June 3) 
Music Hall— 'Tales of Manhat- 
tan' (20th) (4th week). 
(Reuleuied tn-'Varlety' Aug. S) 
Paramount — 'The Major and 
the Minor' (Par) (5th week). 
(Reuieuied in 'Variety' Sept. 2) 
RIalto— 'Sin Town' (U) (17). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety" Aug. 30) 
Rlvoli— 'Wake Island' (Par) 
(7th week). 
(Repiewed In 'Variety' June 3) 
Bray— 'Iceland* (20th) (14). 
(Reviewed in •VtnUtlt 12> 
Strand — 'You Can't Escape 
Forever* (WB) (16). 
(Reuieiued in 'Variety' Aug. 26) 

Week of Oct. 22 
Astor — 'Me and My Gal' (M- 
G) (21). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. B) 
Capitol— 'A Yank at Eton' 
(M-G) (3d week). 

Gtobc— The DevU With Hitler' 
(UA) (2d week). 

Hollywood — 'Now, Voyager* 
(WB). 

(Reuieuied in 'Variety' Aug. 19) 
Muale Hall— 'My Sister Eileen* 
(ColX . 

(Reciewed in 'Variety' Sept. 16) 
Panmeont — The Forest Ran- 
gers' (Par) (21). 
(Revietved in "Vanety* Sept. 3») 
Blvoll— 'Wake Island' (Par) 
(8th week). 

Boxy— 'Iceland* (20th) (2d 
week). 

Strand — 'You Can't Escape 
Forever' (WB) (2d week). 



'PRIDE; $22,000, 
NOT MEETING 

pnr HOPES 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 13. 

Biz is booming all over town, with 
'My Sister Eileen' taking the lead at 
the Harris and shooting for an easy 
h.o. Stage show is the big noise at 
Stanley and will help 'Cairo' to one 
of the best weeks WB deluer has 
had in some time, while "Pride of 
the Yankees,' playing Penn at ad- 
vanced prices, is more than getting 
by although still a little under ex- 
pectations. 

Estimates far Tblt Week 

FaltoB (Shea) (1,700; 30-40-55)— 
'Pardon My Sarong* (U) (3d wk). 
Doing very well in wind-up of first- 
run, enough to insure it at least 
$4,500 for . finish of downtown en- 
gagement. Last week, fine ir7,600. 

Harris (Harris) (2,200; 30-40-55)— 
'Sister EQeen* (Col). Raves for this 
one developing it into a smasheroo. 
Should have no trouble grabbing 
great $16,500. Last week, 'Orchestra 
Wives' (20th), pretty good $9,700. 

Fenn (Loew's-UA/ (3,300:40-55-65) 
—'Pride of Yankees* (RKO). Lou 
Gehrig picture playing at advanced 
prices and will do alright for itself 
at $22,000, but that figure still isn't 
quite up to expectations, considering 
raKpri traia an^ hi i r ni ivan rp ram- 
^aign. Last week, 'Yankee Doodle 
Oandy' (WB), at tt.lO lop, swell 
$30 000 

Ritz' (WB) (800: 30-40-55)— 
'Panama Hattie* (M-G) (3d wk). 
Came here via Penn-Warner-Rilz 
route. Will probably take $2,200. 
just fair. Last week, 'Holiday Inn' 
(Par), third week downtown, okay 
$2,900. 

Senator (Harris) (1.750; 30-40-55) 
-'Orchestra Wives* (20th) (2d wk). 
Shifted here from Harris and doing 
very well. Looks like close to $4,000. 
Last week. 'Talk of Town' (Col), 
after two weeks at Harris, excellent 
$4..'i00. 

SUnley (WB) (3300; 30-44-55-66) 
—'Cairo* (M-G) and Billy Rose*s 
'Mrs Astor's Pet Horse' unit Stage 
show accounting for . outstanding 
coin Around $25,000. best here in 
long time, in the carcls. Last week, 
Ink Spots-Lucky Mlllinder. with 
"Tish' (M-G). finished great and went 
way over original estimate, getting 
$22,000. . 

Warner (WB) (2.000: 75-$1.10)— 
■Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d 
wk). Moved from Penn. but isn't 
making the grade at that stiff scale. 
Won't do more than $10,500, which 
isn't so hot at that price. Last week. 
'Panama Hattie* (M-G), also on 
moveover from Penn. clo.^c to $6,000. 



Holiday Strong Tonic for N.Y. Ms, 
Talk-Martha Raye Higb $32j 



Colcnnbus Day weekend, with 
holiday prices prevailing, nut punch 
into current grosses on Broadway 
and contributed importantly toward 
saving some poorer attractions from 
winding up as disappointers. 

Very large crowds stormed the 
Times S(]uare sector over the three 
days, giving rt a New Year's appear- 
ance. This was especially true on 
Sunday night. That day, nmmally 
not as good as Saturday due to in- 
ability to open untfl noon, was gen- 
erally stronger in view of the heavy 
influx. 

Holdovers made no difference to 
the mobs, notably where houses 
have stage show policies. This also 
benefited the second-run State, which 
is heading for a big week. 

Roxy. only major theatre with a 
new bill over the holiday, probably 
owes much to its stageshow for the 
$48,000 grossed on the week ended 
last night (Tuesday), substantia 
take. Film is "Girl Trouble." which 
was booked in for only one week. 

Music Hall, Strand and Par. all 
with holdovers, are in the power- 
house class. Tales of Manhattan, 
now in its third round at the Hall, 
will hit very strong $9&000. only 
ttffOO behind the prior stanza and 
goes another. . . h 

'Desperate Journey,' which is Ball- 
ing strongly on opening dates 
throughout the country, is currenUy 
in its third sock week- at the Strand 
and pu.shing for fancy V»,WOot 
more. This compares with $45,000 
shown for the prior (2d) we«, 
Horace Heidt is on the Strand stage. 

Whirlwind business continues at 
the Paramount, which aided its 
fourth week last ni^t (Ttoesday) 
with 'BSaJor and BCnor* plus Tew 
Pastor band and Andrews 
getting $58,000, ^who. Pi^ 
holds another sMnester. with Gene 
Krupa replacing the Partiar band and 
Andrews gals today (Wednesd^). 

The bill at the State consists oj 
'Talk of Town' (Col), on second 
run, and a vaude layout beaded by 
Martha Raye. Customers are in 
ah^mdancTand likely that $32,000 
will be topped, excellent 

RiToU remains sttirdy with 'Wake 
Island.' bavins ns^bed $22,500 for 
the sixth week ended last night 
(Tuesday), Film will be held two 
more with "Moon and Sixpence* the 
successor. 

Btt*— **- far This Week 

Alter (Loew>s) (1,140; 55-65-$L10) 
—•Pride of Yankees' (RKO-Gold- 
wyn) (ISth wk). Very steady, 
week (13th) appearing $15,()00 or 
close. Prior canto (12th) was $15,- 
500. Gives way next week to 'For 
Me and My Gal* (M-G), opening 
Oct 21 

Capitol (Loew's) (4,620; 3S-5S-85- 
$1.10-$ia5)— 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) 
(2d-final wk). Fair on holdover at 
better than $20,000, while first week 
slipped a litUe in the stretch to end 
at ^,000. but oke. 'Yank at EtMi* 
(M-G) moves in tomorrow (Thurs- 
day). 

CrHcrlM (Loew's) (1,082: 
55-75-85)— "Glass K«y' (Par) opens 
here today (Wednesday), succeeding 
"Wings and Woman" (RKO), which 
on seven days hit $10,500, suitable. 
Previously. 'Pardon My Sarong' (U), 
on its sixth week, got $11,000. stout. 

Glabe (Brandt) (1,250: 3!i-55-75:85) 
—'Manila (filing' (20th) (3d-flnal 
wk). Winding up well at over $8,000. 
while last week (2d) struck $10,200, 

"'Hollywood (WB) (1,225: 83-$1.10- 
$1.65-$2.20) — 'Dandy* (WB) (20th 
wk). Dropping sharply but still a 
little profit: last week (19th) $9,000. 
Exits Oct. 18. with "Now Voyager* 
( WB ) set to come in at pop scales on 
a continuous basis Oct. 22. 

Palace (RKO) (1.700; 28-35-44-55- 
65-75)— Here We Go Again* (RKO) 
an(il 'fcicane from ■C^^rt>■e'"(WB/. both 
1st run. dualcd. Long time since this 
hou.ie has twinned two first runs, but 
it frequently has one on its bills; 
maybe $13,500. sweet. 'Footlight 
Serenade' <201h) (2d run) and 
'Falcon'-s Brother' (RKO) (1st run), 
only $9,100 for nints^ays, weak. 

Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-85- 
90-$1.10)— Major and Minor' (Par) 
(5th-final wk) and Gene Krupa band 
(1st wk). Picture on its fourth week 
with Tony Psstor and Andrews 
Sisters, concluded last night (Tues- 
day), did very big at $58,000: third 
week was $60,000. Krupa will stick 
(nr two stanzas, on the second with 
'Forest Rangers' (Par) as the film. 

Badio Cltv Mnsic Hall (Rocke- 
fellers) (5 945: 44-55-85-99-$1.65)— 
'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) and 
staeeshow (3d wk). Tall talk at 
$96,000. near to the swank $98,000 
shown for the prior (2d) lap. Holds 
a fourth. 

Rialio (Mayer) (594; 28-44-55)— 
'Boogie Mam Will Get You' (Col). 
Looks only $6..500 or bit over, .slender. 
Last week. 'Eyes of Underworld' (U). 
surprised bv garnering near to $8,000. 
satisfactory. 

Bivoll (Par-UA) (2.092; 35-56-75- 
85-99)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (7th 
wk). Holding up cingerly at $22.- 



500 on the sixth round through last 
riight (Tuesday) and goes 14 addi- 
tional days, with 'Moon and Six- 
pence* (UA) to follow. Last week 
(Sth) was $26,000. 

Boxy (20th) (5,886; 40-55-65-75-85- 
99)— 'Iceland' (20th) and stageshow. 
Opens today (Wednesday) after 
seven days with 'Girl Trouble* 
(20th), which got $48,000. good. Be- 
hind that, on second week of 'Or- 
chestra Wives' (20th). gate showed 
$43,000. strong. 

State (Loew's) (3.450: 39-44-55-75- 
99-$lJt))— Talk of Town' (Col) (2d 
run) and Martha Raye in person. 
Combination spelling big profits at 
$32,000, or better. Last week. 'Some- 
where ni Find You' (M-G) (2d run) 
and Joe E. Lewis. Bonnie Baker, 
others, tode past the $30,000 figure, 
away over average. 

Strand (WB) (2,756: 35-55-75-85- 
99-$1.10)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
and Heidt-Carle (3d-flnal wk). 
Strong b.o. power of picture makes 
it look like a smash holdover (3d) 
week here at $40,000. or over. Last 
week (2d) was $45,000, ordinarily a 
very fine initial stanza at this house. 
"You Can't Escape Forever" (WB), 
Stan Kenton band and Jack Carson 
due Friday (16). 



LmLE BOOMS; 
HENIEFINE 
$11,000 



Louisville, Oct. 13. 

Two deluxe houses on the main 
stem are the only ones with fresh 
product, but balance of the town, is 
doing airigtii with holdovers. Rialto, 
with 'Iceland,' is pulling plenty of 
Son}* Henie fans, while Loew's State 
is getting fairish biz with 'Moon and 
Sixpence.' 

trown was overrun with people over 
the weekend, and the main stem 
looks like New Year's Eve. They've 
all got money to spend and Aim 
bouses are all filled, as are bars and 
night spots. From the human com- 
plexion 4rf Fourth Street on Satur- 
day and Sunday night, the propor- 
tfam is nine men in uniform to one 
civilian. 

Benfro Vallcr Bam Dance, play- 
ing two Saturday night shows at the 
reopened National, turned 'em away 
at Oc top. Hillbilly ^roupe is housed 
there for the winter. Army War 
Show, here for six days at Du Pont 
Uani^ Stadium, has also been pull- 
ing capacity biz, with weather con- 
ditions ideal for an outdoor spec- 
tacle. 



br This Week 
Brewa (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) 
(1.400; lS-S0-4e>— 'Wake Island' 
(Par), and "Blondie Victory' (Col). 
Holding up for strong $3,500 after 
moveover from Rialto. Last week, 
'Tales Blanhattan* (20th), fair $3,000 
on moveover week. 

■eaScky (Switow) (1.250: K'26) 
—This Above All' (20th) and 
'Sweater Girl' (Par). Sturdy $1.- 
900. Last week. 'Mrs. Btiniver' (M- 
G), alright $1JI00. 

Loew's State (Loew's) (3..100: 15- 
30-40) — ^"Moon and Sixpence' (20th) 
and Triendly Enemies' (M-G ). Should 
gamer good $8,000. Last week. 'Yank 
at Eton' (M-G) and 'Atlantic Con- 
voy* (Col), ditto. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1.000: 
15-30-40)— 'Across Pacific' (WB) (2d 
'wKT. Hid:' stanza shaping- fer good-- 
$3,500, after last week's fine $4,500. 

■lalto (Fourth Avenue) (3.400: 15- 
30-40)— Iceland' (20th) and Just OIT 
Broadway' (20th >. Typical Henie 
stuff and doing fine at the wicket. 
Pro.spects are for big $11,000. Last 
weekHWakcJsland' (Par) and .'Blpa- 
die Victory' (Col), swell $12,000. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1.400; 
18-40-60)— 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) 
(2d wk). Started off h.o. stanza 
rather slowly, but sh<)uld pick up; 
Looks to take fine $6,000, after first 
week's bumper $9,000. 



Rex Rides Again 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

Rex Bell, former western star and 
more recently a rancher, returns to 
the screen in 'Beyond the Great 
Divide' at Monogram, where he will 
co-star with Buck Jones and Ray- 
mond Hatton. replacing Col. Tim Mc- 
Coy, who has returned to the Army. 

Picture is one of Monogram's spe- 
cials, produced by Scott R. Dunlap 
and directed by Howard Bretherton. 



10 



redneeday, October 14, 1912 



'SUREHRE'...'AIMING FOR HEFTY GROSSES, 



I 



— 71m Hollywood Hoporfor 




*~Varhty 




CHARLOTTE GREENWOOD 
EDWARD EVEREH NORTON 

FRANK ORTH • JACKIE GLEASON 
IRVING CUMMINGS • WILLIAM LeBARON 

ScrMH Ploy byWtJtw Bullock and Kon Engfund • AdaploHon 
by Joequot Vmiy • Lyrkt and Muik by Moek Oordon and 
Hany Vfonon • Ooncc* Sfogcd by Honnos Pan 



LET'S DO OUR BOND SELLING JOB ON SCRAP 




WcJnesdayt Octolter 14, 194g 



PICTURE GRPSSE8 



11 



fings Plus Basie Great $2S^h 
Fri$co;'Hiisbands'20(l'Wake'l(iG,3d 



San Francisco, Oct 18. 

'Are Husbands Necessaiv,' at iha 
Warfleld, is 'doing a great business 
currently. Holdovers continue their 
siroiig pace in most other houses. 

After breaking all records In re 
cenl years for the Fox, 'Somewhere 
I'll Find You' is heading for socko 
il8.noo for second stanza, 

•Wings and the Woman,' plus 
foiinl Basic's orch. and Louise 
Beavers on the stage, is terrl&c $28, 
500 at the Golden Gate. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 50-65)— 'Some 
where Find -You" (M-G) and 'Escape 
From Crime' (WB) (2d wk). Smash 
$18,000 for second round. Last week 
record-breaking $30,000 at theatre's 
new tilted prices. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 44-55 
751— 'Wings and Woman' (RKO) and 
Count Basic's orch on stage. Adding 
up to great $28,500. Last week, 
'Bambr (RKO) and Ina Ray Hut- 
ton's orch on stage (2d wk), nice 
$18,000. 

Orpheam (Blumenfeld) (2,440; 50- 
651- 'Talk o£ Town' (Col) and 'Spii'it 
Stanford' (Col) (3d wk) Trim $12, 

000. Last week, $16,200, hefty. 
Paramount (F-WC) (2,470; 50-65) 

—'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Priorities 
Parade' (Par) (3d wk). Tilting b.o. 
to $16,000 on third stanza. Last 
week. $19,700, great. 

St. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 50-65) 
— Gav Sisters' (WB) and 'Pierre of 
Plains' (M-G) (2d wk). Hitting $6,- 
tOO for second sesh of moveover. 
Last week, $8,600. 

United ArdsU (UA-Blumenfeld) 
(1.100: 35-40-55)— 'Invisible Agent' 
(U) and 'Give Out. Sisters' (U). 
Combo is jogging along at $9,500 

1, ast week, 'Broadway' (u) and 'Ma- 
dame Spy' (U) (4th wk), |5,100. 

WarAeld (F-WC) (2,650; 50-65)— 
'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) and 
'Lady Gangster' (WB). Climbing to 
sock $20,000. Last week, "Yankee 
Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d wk), strong 
$22,300 nt the road show scale. 



'Sister Eileen' Sock 
$12,500, Seattle's Ace; 
'Wake' 18G for 2 Spots 



Seattle, Oct. 13. 

Stores open Monday evenings until 
10 o'clock has made of Monday, step 
child of show biz, one of the top 
nights of the week here. 'My Sister 
Eileen' is pacing the town with giant 
$12,;)00 and near capacity business 
at the Liberty. 

Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (Hainrick-Evergreen) 
(MO: 40-50-65)— 'Tales Manhattan' 
(20th) (5th wk) and 'Moscow Strikes 
Back' (Indie) (2d wk). From Music 
Hall, wonderful $5,000. Last week, 
socko.. $4,900. 

Fifth Avenue (H-E) (2,340; 40-50 
65)— Wake Island" (Par) and 'Pri- 
orities Parade" (Par). Day-and-date 
with Music HaU. great $11,000. Last 
week. Pride Yankees' (RKO) (3d 
wk) and World at War' (20th), nifty 
$9,200. 

Liberty (J&vH) (1,650; 30-40-65)— 
'Sister Eileen' (Col). Big advance 
campaign pushing this to near-capa- 
city, wham $12,500. Last week, (30- 
40-,'i8t, Talk of Town' (Col) (6th 
^^k), healthy $10,000 in 10 days. 

Masle B«x (H-E) (2.600; 40-50-65) 
— Pride Yankees' (RKO) (4th wk). 
Qreat $5,400. Last week, (30-40-58): 
Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Martha' 
(M-G) (4th wk), $3,700. 

Mnslc Hall (H-E) (2,200; 40-50-65) 
—'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Priorities' 
(Par). Day and date with Fifth Ave. 
Sock $7,000 in six days, making way 
."^i'lSs for Eagle' (WB), Last 



for 



„- — _agl 

week. Moscow Strikes Back' (Indie) 
and Spitfire Ghost' (RKO), $7,800 in 

SIX days. 

Orpheam (H-E) (2,600; 40-50-65)— 
Between Us Girls' (U) and 'Sher- 
Voice' (U). Very big 
$1().500. Last week, "Yankee Doodle' 
<WB) (2d wk) at $1.10 top, sagged 
but oke $9,000. 

..''»'.»?>" (SterUng) (1,350; 40-50- 
"e»o Annapolis' (Col) and 
Call Canyon' (Rep) plus vaude. 
Qood $8 000. Last week, 'Way to 

v^^ll!*'2i ^""^ Timber' (U) plus 
vaude, $8,800. 

P^ramoant (H-E) (3,039; 40-50-65) 
^„ 1??* 'or Eagle' (WB) and 
sTonjbstone' (Par) (2d wk). Nice 

S12 50o'" 

.c"°°^«''«»,(Sterling) (800; 30-45)— 
okliv w'JnV'^*-. Brought' back for 
'Gnv .1^' ''eek (30-40-58), 

• Sisters' (WB) (4th wk), $3,60o! 

ssr'"}*',.'**'**" (SterUng) (800; 25- 
./S'-Jaeltfss MaU' (fi-G) and 

r,?.™. W.OOO. Last week, 'Our Life' 
^"".Married Angel' (M-G) 



(WB) 
i^d run) 



Key City Grosses 

Estimated Total Qrosv 
Thii V^eek $2,372,1M 

(Based on 27 cities, 186 thea- 
tres, c)iie/l|; first ruTW, mcrudtno 
N. Y.) 

Total Gross Same Week 
Last Year $1,723,400 

(flosed oil 24 cities, 169 theotres) 



'HAITIE' m 
WASH. TOPPER 



Washington, Oct. 13. 
Combination of John Boles in 
person and 'Panama Hattie' is push- 
ing the Capitol to top spot this week. 
'Tales of Manhattan' also is socko at 
the Palace. 

Estimates for This Week 
Capitol (Loew) (3,434; 28-39-44- 
66)— 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) with 
John Boles in person. Walloping 
$26,000 assured. Last week, 'Orches- 
tra Wives' (20th) with Jim Barton 
on stage, very good $21,JH)0. 

ColgmbU (Loew) (r,234; 28-44)— 
Friendly Enemies' (UA). Mild 
$4,000. Last week, 'Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G), ie.SOO. 

Earle (WB) (2,210; 28-30-44-66)— 
'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) 
with vaude. Thin $16,000. I^st week, 
'Wake Island" (Par) with vaude, 
sweU $22,008^ 

Keith"s (RKO) (1.800; 40-50-65)— 
Bambi' (RKO) (2d wk). Looks like 
Mod $16,000. Last week, sock 
^20,000. 

Metropolitan (WB) (1,600; 28-44) 
—'Wake Island" (Pari. Corking 
$8,500. Last week, 'A-Hlunting WiU 
Go" (20th), $7,500. 

FaUee (Loew) (2,242; 28-55)— 
Tales of Manhattan" (20th). Dandy 
$18,500. Last week, 'Holidav Inn' 
(Par), on eight-day holdover, 
sizzling $17,000. 

Don Goes for Dip 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Don Terry goes sailing again this 
week at Universal In 'Don Winslow 
of the Coast Guard," another of the 
billowhangers based on the news- 
paper strip. 

Henry MacRae Is producing, with 
two skippers, Ray Tayljr and Lewis 
GoUin?, directins. Mona Barrie 
pl ays the femme lead. 



IfANKEES' BAHING HIGH 
{14,500 IN INDPLS. 



Indianapolis, Oct. 13. 

It's a good week all down the line 
in key spots here. Grosses are above 
par Inspite of perfect Indian sum- 
mer weather, hard on matinees. 
Estimates tor This Week 

Circle (Katz-DoUe) (2,600; 33-44- 
55) — 'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) 
with Claude Thornhill's orch. Band 
is doing well for a newcomer and 
getting some help from the picture; 
good $15,000. Last week. 'Mexican 
Spitflrfe' (RKO) with Dick Judgcns' 
band, strong $16,200. 

Indiana (Katz-DoUe) (3,200: 40-35) 
—'Pride Yankees' (RKO) with 
'World at War" (U.S.). Clicking for 
solid $14,500. Last week. 'Wake Is- 
land' (Par) and 'Live on Danger' 
(Par), swell $10,800 at 28-33-44 scale. 

Keith's (Ind) (1,200; 28-44)— 
'Parachute Nurse' (Col) with vaude. 
Nifty set of six acts is main draw 
for healthy $4,100 in four day.s. ' Last 
week, 'Not Ladies Man' (Col) and 
stage show, average $3,900. 

Loew's (Loew's) (2,450; 28-33-44)— 
'Yank at Eton" (M-G) and 'Enemy 
Agents Meet Queen' (Col). Rooney's 
pull is good for sweet $11,500, sharp 
boost over last week, when 'Tish' 
(M-G) and 'Sabotage Squad" (Col) 
finished with mild $8,700. 

Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1,850; 28-33- 
44)— 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Live 
on Danger" (Par). Combo still good 
for dandy $4,500 on moveover from 
Indiana. Last week, 'Across Pacific' 
(WB) and 'Pierre of Plains" (M-G), 
gleaned $3,500. 



'Journey/ $20j 
Tfleen; 19a Both 
Great in Buffalo 



Buffalo, Oct. 13. 

Heavy biz - is in evidence at all 
fllm houses. 'Desperate Journey," 
twinned 'at the Buffalo is top item. 
'Wake Island,' at Lakes, is also aim- 
ing high. 'My Sister Eileen' is hit- 
ting a fine stride at the Lafayette. 
Estimates for Thb Week 

Buffalo' (Shea) (3,600; 35-55)— 
Desperate Joume/ (WB) and 'Lady 
Gangster' (WB). Shooting for stal- 
wart $20,000. Last week, 'Pied Piper' 
(20th) and Charlie Spivak orch, 
soaring $22,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-56) 
—'Wake Island' (Par). Plenty potent 
$15,000. Last week. Tales of Man- 
hattan' (20th) (2d wk), repeat rub- 
ber, neat $9,500. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 35-55)— 'Girl 
Trouble' (20th) and 'Just Off Broad- 
way' (20th). Will rack up okay $8,- 
900. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' 
(M-G) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G) 



Tank at Eton Bright $31,500, Best 
Newcomer in L.A.; 'Sarong' $21,600 
For 2d Wk.; lake Fme 221/26 in 3d 



Broadway Grosses 



Estimated Total Crosi 

This Week $375,500 

(Based on 13 triea(re.<s) 
Total Gross Same neek 

Last Year $343,200 

(Bnsed on 14 theap-eil 



DANDV TOPS 
K. C. BIG 15G 



Kansas City, Oct. 13. 

'Yankee Doodle Dandy' at the 
Newman is leading the town this 
week with socko business. Midland 
with 'Yank at Eaton' also is big. No 
holdovers this week. All deluxers 
are now getting 50c top, excepting 
the Newman, which is getting $1.10 
for 'Dandy." 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire and Uptown (820 and 2,- 
043; 11-35-50)— 'Between Us Girls" 
(U). Bright $8,500. Last week 'Or- 
chestra Wives' (20th) (2d wk), 
$7,500 after $9,000 initial stanza. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 11-35-50) 
— 'Yank at Eaton' (M-G) and 'Agents 
Meet Ellery Queen" (Col). Lusty 
$11,000. Last week Tish" (M-G) and 
'Calling Dr. Gillespie' (M-G), $10,000. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 11- 
75'-$1.10)— 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' 
(WB). Smash $16,000. Last week 
'Wake Island' (Par) (3d wk), $6,000, 
after nifty $8,500 for second frame, 
and sock $13,000 opening week. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,600; 11-35-50) 
—'Big Street' (RKO) and 'Ships With 
Wings' (UA). -Brisk $9,000. Last 
week 'Gunga Din' (RKO) and 'King 
Kong' (RKO) (reissues), $5,500. 

Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,110; H-35- 
50)~'Call of Canyon' (Rep) and 
vaude headed by Smiley Burnette, 
healthy $10,000. Last week 'Jungle 
Siren' (PRC) and "Lure Islands' 
(Mono) and vaude, mild $7,500. 



Los Angeles. Oct. 13. 
Predominance of holdovers slowed 
biz until blustery weather forced 
many folks to slay home over the 
weekend. Slate and Chinese, boast- 
ing the only new fare, are pro.sper- 
ing with 'Vank at Eton.' Strong 
$31,500 for two houses is likely. 
Estimates fur This Week 

Carthay Circle iF-WC) (1.516: 33- 
44-55-65-7,5) — 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and "Just Off Broadway' 
(20th) (2d wk). Likely for S4,.S00 
after $6,500 initial week. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034: 33- 
44-55-65-75)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) 
and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). 
Rooney ringing the bell at $12,500. 
Last week, 'Somewhere Find You 
(M-G) and 'Just Off Broadway* 
(20th), $14,500. 

Downtown (WB) (1,800; 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
(3d wk). Closing with nice $10,000 
following second stanza's $11,500. 

Four SUr (UA-WC) (900: 33-44- 
55-65-75)— 'Between Us Girls' (U). 
Back to first run-single bill but only 



'Pied Piper' 
We'll <5o" 



(20th) 



(2d wk), showed strength at over 
$9,000. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300; 35-50) 



of Stanford' (Col), 
with fine $19,000. 



Should gallop in 
Last week, 'Par 



don Sarong" (U) (2d wk) and 'Mys- 

... ^ 

•Spy Ship' (WB) and 'Isle Missing 



tery Marie 
$13,000. 
2»th Cental 



lys- 

Roget' (U), rousing 
(Ind) (3,000; 35-55)— 



Men' (Mono). Fair $8,500. Last week, 
'Big Street' (RKO) and "Friendly 
Enemies' (UA), exceUent $11,000, 



NATIONA L BOXOFFIC E SURVEY 

•Eileen,' * Moon-Sixpence,' 'Iceland,' 'Us Girls,' 'Hattie,' 
'Journey' Shape Up As Strongest New Entries 



With exhibitors getting into new season's product, 
it is natural that a number of spot bookings and pre- 
release dates should crop up currently. lliiB Is evi- 
denced by scattered playdates of many newcomers. 
Fresh boxoffice entries showing most promise to date 
are 'My Sister Eileen' (Col), 'Moon and Sixpence' 
(UA). 'Panama Hattie' (M-G), 'Iceland' (20th), 'Maior 
and Minor' (Par). 'Between Us Girls' ( U). 'Deso erate 
Journey' (WB), 'Yank at Eton" (M-G), 'Wings and the 
Wonian' (RKO) and You Can't Escape Forever' CWB), 
last-named showing in only one big key. 

Eileen' is flne $19,000, Buffalo; great $14,000, Provi- 
dence; near capacity. Seattle; strong second week at 
$17,800, Baltimore; smash $16,500, Pittsburgh: $16,000, 
Cincinnati, and big moveover in Minneapolis. 'Six- 
pence' is great $14,000 in Proyidence, good in Louis- 
ville and steady at $15,500 in Balto. 'Hattie' is okay 
$20,000 on its second N. Y, session, a great $26,000 in 
Washington aided by vaude, $13,000 for second Phila- 
delphia sesl\, and $37,000 in two Boston houses. 

Iceland' is topping Omaha, ditto in Denver at $15,000 
and flne $11,000 in Louisville. 'Major-Minor," with a 
stout $58,000 in the N. Y. Paramount helped by band 
policy, is great $25,000 in Detroit and big in Minne- 
apolis. 'Us Girls' is strong in Seattle at $10,500 and 
nice in two K. C. spots. 'Journey' is smash $40,000 
in its third N. Y. stanza, .sturdy $20,000 in Buffalo and 
$19,000 for its third Lo.<! Angeles week in two theatres. 
Yank at Eton' is bright $31,500, two L. A. spots; nice 
in K. C: solid $11,500, Indianapolis: but mild in Cincy. 
"Wings and Woman' is racking up great $28,500 in San 
Francisco helped by a band. 'Escape Forever" Is rated 
okay at $20,000 in Philadelphia, backed by vaude. 

Of secondary importance thus far but new are 'Here 
We Go Again" (RKO) and 'Lucky Legs' (Col). Latter 
is doing nice $20,000 in Chi with vaude. 'Go Again' 
doing a trim $19,500 in Newartt and big $13,500 in 
N. Y. 

'Wake Island' (Par), 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). 



'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) and Tales of Manhattan' 
(20th) continue rolling up bulk of business In a ma- 
jority of spots. 'Wake,' largely boldoy^r and extended 
run, is getting $18,000 in two Seattle -houses, is smash 
$22,000 In St. Louis, $15,000 In Buffalo, $22300 for 
third week in two L. A. theatres, $22,600 in Its sixth 
N. Y. session, big third week in Detroit, great third 
stanza in Frisco, stout for its fourth Chi week, flne on 
' second sesh In Denver and on Boston moveover. 
'Dandy" Is smash $15,000, K. C; oke on second stand, 
Boston; sock $20,000, second Jersey City week; great 
$32,000, Newark; $9,000, 10th N. Y. session, and big in 
Denver. 

'PRIDE', 'TALES', 'TALK' STILL STUBDT 

'Pride," while rated below expectations there, is 
$22,000 in Pittsburgh; $14,500, Indianapolis; big $15,000, 
N. Y., 13th week: $14,000, third Philly week; good De- 
troit moveover. "Tales' is doing superb $96,000 in 
third N. Y. session at the Music HalU $31,000 in De- 
troit, $20,000 on second Boston week and dandy $18,500 
in Wash. 'Talk of Town' (Col) also continues to be 
heard from, with trim third stanza in Frisco, $17,000 
in Newark, $13,500 in J. C. and strong Portland week. 
'Pied Piper' (20th) is topping Boston with $28,000, is 
nice ih Philly and $40,000 in Chi with vaude. 'Holiday 
Inn' (Parj Is doing a strong $17,000, second Philly 
. sesh. 

From 'Variety' correspondents: 'Footlight Serenade' 
(20lh), with band, is doinfi $25,000 in its second Boston 
stanza. 'Flying Tigers' (Hep) is rated zingy $10,500 in 
Philly. 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) is chalking up big 
$21,600 for its second week in two L. A. houses. 'Some- 
where I'll Find You' (M-G) is solid $22,500 in Philly, 
great $11,000 in Portland and smash $18,000 in second 
Frisco session. 'Invisible Agent' (U) is getting $10,000 
in Chi, is nice in Portland and Frisco. 'Are Husbands 
Necessary?' (Par) is doing .lock $20,000 in Frisco. 'Big 
Street' (RKO) is brisk S9.000 in K. C. 



$4,500. Last week, 
and 'A-Haunting 
(5th wk), $1,800. 

Hawaii (G&S) (1,100; 33-44-55-65- 
75)— 'Wings and Woman" (RKO) and 
'Submarine Raider" (Col) (2d wk). 
Sea-air combo gilding to $3,000 on 
holdover from first week's trim 
$4,000. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756: 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
(3d wk). Trim $9,000 after second 
week's $11,000. 

Orphenm (D"town) (2,200; 33-44-. 
55-65)— 'Spy Ship' (WB) and 'Af- 
fairs Martha' (M-G) (2d runs), with 
Erskine Hawkins band on stage. 
Okay $16,000. much better than re- 
cently here. Last week. 'Old Cali- 
fornia' (Rep) and Abe Lyman band, 
thin $12,000. 

PanUges (Pan) (2.812; 33-44-55-63- 
75)— 'Pardon My Sarong* (U) (2d 
wk) 'Highways by Night' (RKO) (1st 
wk). Heading for strong $8,800. 
Last week, 'Sarong' and 'Sherlock 
Holmes Voice' (U), sma-sh $17,000. 

Paramount (F&M) (3,596; -33-44- 
55-65-75) — 'Wake Island' (Par) 
'Youth on Parade' (Rep) (3d wk).. 
Still solid at $14,500. after stout 
$17,500 in second frame. 

Paramoont Hollywood ( F & M ) 
(2,204; 33-44-55-65-75)— 'Wake Island' 
(Par) (3d wk). Moderate $8,000 for 
farewell after neat $10,500 second 
week. 

BKO HIlMrect (RKO) (2,872; 33- 
44-55-65)— 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) 
(2d wk) and 'Highways by Nieht' 
(RKO) (1st wk). Looks like healthy 
$12,800. Last week. 'Sarong" and 
'Sherlock Holmes Voice' (U), rock- 
eted to $20,000. 

Stole (Loew-WC) (2,204: 33-44-55- 
M-75)— "Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 
'Berlin Cotyespoildent '(20th). Breez- 
ing to stout $19,000. Last week, 
'Somewh^e Find You' (M-G) and 
'Just OfT Broadway' (20th), great 
$23,000. 

UA (UA-WC) (2.100; 33-44-55-65) 
—'Somewhere Find You' (M-C) and 
'Just Off Broadway' (20th). $10,000 
and that's Important money, here. 
Last week, 'Iceland' (20th) and 'Lit- 
tle Tokyo" (20th), normal $5,300. 

WUshire 'T-WO (2,296; 33-44-55- 
85)— 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) 
and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th). 
Good $7,000. Last week, 'Iceland' 
(20th) and 'Little Tokyo" (20th), fair- 
ish $5,100. 



'Orchestra Wives,' $13,500, 
Trim in Jersey City 

Jersey City, Oct. 13. 
Downtown flrst-runs very much in 
the blue chips this week with 
"Yankee Doodle Dandy,' in its second 
week at the Stanley, still in front 
and climbing to sock $20,000. 'TalR 
of the Town,' at Loew's, is very ro- 
bust, and the State is enjoying ■ 
trim stanza with 'Orchestra Wives.' 
Estimates for This Week 
Loew's (Loew's) (3.205: 30-35-40- 
55-60)— 'Talk of the Town' (Co\) and 
'Spirit of SUmford' (Col). Getting 
good response and will finish with 
snappy $13,500. Last week, 'Miss 
Annie Rooney' (UA) and 'Friendly 
Enemies' (UA). okay $11,000. 

SUnley (WB) (4.500: 75-$1.10)— 
•Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d 
wk ). Figures for great $20,000, after 
taking monumental $30,000 in get- 
away stanza. 

State (Skouras) (2.200; 30-35-55- 
60-70)— 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 
'Just Off Broadway' (20th). Leaning 
towards trim $13,500. Last wcel^ 
'Footlight Serenade' (20th) and "Ber- 
lin Correspondent' (20th.), ' robust 
$15,000. 



12 



Wedn«fld«y» October 14, 1942 





Wednesdajt October 14, 1942 



PICTUBE GROSSES 13 



Tales,' 31G, Ula jor/ Lana-Gabk, 
mOOO, AD Big, Freshen Healthy Del 



Detroit, Oct 13. 

The loop freshened up here with 
three new bills, all runntnc on the 
atrone side to continue the fine pix 
bii In Detroit Holdovers, too, con- 
tinue on the forte side. 

Fox is out for potent figures with 
Tales of Manhattan' and lIcGuerins 
from Booklyn.' However, strong 
challenges are being put in by the 
Michigan, with 'Major and Minor' 
ind 'Fly by Night,' and the United 
Artists, with 'Somewhere I'll Find 
You' and 'Bom to Sing.' 

Estlnutcs tor This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 50-65)— 
'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (3d wk) 
and 'Call Out Marines' (RKO). 
Former picture moved after two 
big weeks at the Fox and. with a 
freshener, looks for choice $8,500. 
Last week. 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 
'Daring Young Man' (Col), nice $8,- 
000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 50-65) 
—'Tales Manhattan* (20th) and 'Mc- 
Guerins from Brooklyn' (UA). 
Headed for swell $31,000. Last week, 
•Pride Yankee.";' (RKO) (2d wk) and 
'Just Off Broadway' (20th) (1st wk), 
great $24,000 after $37,000 in flrst 
stanza. 

MBdlaon (United Detroit) (1.800; 
50-65)— 'Glass Key* (Par) and 'Mar- 
ried Angel' (M-G). Pair is compos- 
It bill of switch-overs of topi^ers 
from Michigan and United Artists. 
Sound $10,000. Last week, 'Holiday 
Inn' (Par) and 'Road Happiness' 
(Mono), okby $7,500. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000: 
50-65)— 'Major and Minor' (Par) and 
'Fly by Night' (Par). Great $25,000. 
Last week. 'Glass Key' (Par) and 
Sammy Kaye orch on stage, big $38,- 
000. 

l^alms-SUte (United Detroit) (3 
000; 50-65)— 'Wake Island' (Par) and 
Twin Beds' (UA) (3d wk). Still 
flourishing with $12,000 due. Got 
$17,000 last week, and $24,000 in first 
stanza. 

United Artiita (United Detroit) 
(2,000; 50-65) — 'Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G) and 'Born to Sing' 
(M-G). Big $20,000 for Lana Turner- 
Gable starrer. Last week, 'Married 
Angel' (M-G) and 'Cardboard Lover' 
(M-G). (2d wk), strong $10,000 after 
$14,000 in flrst week. 

mkm BIG $11,000 

IN ROBUST MPLS 



Minneapolis, Oct. 13, 
Loop theatres currently are loaded 
with considerable boxofflce ammuni- 
tion. Much of the dynamite is packed 
into The Major and the Minor.' at 
State, Bob Crosbv's orch plu,= 'Lady 
In a Jam,' at OrpTteum, and T.Ty 5s 
ter Eileen,' the last-named a move 
over at Century after a terriflc flrst 
week at State. 

Chief present concern arises from 
dwindling matinee trade. On the 
other hand, night patronage con- 
tinues at the highest level in many 
years. 

Estimate* tor VUs Week 

Aster (Par-Siager) 900; 17-28)— 
^py Ship' (WB) and 'Pierre of 
Plains' (M-G). First-runs in for five 
days and should cop satisfactory 
$1,500. 'I Uve on Danger' (Par) and 

Highways By Night' (RKO), dual 
flrst-runs, open Thursday (15). Last 
week. 'LitUe Tokyo' (20th) and 'Dr. 
Broadway' (Par), split with 'Danger 
In Pacific* (U) and Thundering 
Hoofs' (RKO), all first-runs, good 
$2,800 In nine jays. 
Centary (P-S) (1,600; 30-40-50)— 

Sister Eileen' (Col). This one, 
-moved - here from the State, has 
caught on like a house afire. It's 
still rolling on all cylinders. Big 
♦7.000 in prospect after great $14,500 
at State. 

Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 28-30 
Wmgs and Woman' (RKO). Lack 
•1 4Sf ' ""ro«s hurting this one, only 
♦1,700, bad, seen on five days. Last 
week. 'Smith of Minnesota" (Col), 
eood $4,000. 

.T <P-S) (2,800: 40-44-55)— 

Lady in Jam' (U) and Bob Crosby's 
orch. sUge show well liked, but 
"f?, fnucli boxofflce help, 
otretching toward good $17,000. Last 
week. 'Magnificent Dope' (20th) and 
fenny Merofl*s 'Funzafire' on stage, 
wir $11,000. 
State (P-S) (30-40-50) 



„. - .- ,,„-..„-ov; — ^"Major and 
Mmor' (Par). Highly regarded com- 
wjy zooming toward big $11,000. 
»'ne exploitation campaign helping. 
Jmc S'JUSb.'^'^" 'CoD.ter- 
.p'F'J*?wn (Par) (l.lOO; 30-40 
nok Serenade' (20th). First 

JfSf-Snowing and looking for good 
S4.000 Last week, •Crossroads' 
$36M showing, nic« 

ssScu. fP*f-Steffes) (350; 30-40-50- 
oniT;]^^'"''! ^•nes' (UA). Mixed 
K"-,"* one. which isn't 

by lack of known names, 
La'il ^ to reach mild $2,000. 

wk? TJ^^.' T'*^ P'Per* <»>th> <3d 
WK), satisfactory $2,100 for six days 



ITAKE ISLAND' itOOMS 
BIGATmOOOINST.L 



St Louis, Oct 13. 
'Wake Island,' at the 5,000-seater 
Fox, is the big noise currently, de- 
spite a flve-day stand of the Ring- 
Ung-B & B circus. War fUm will 
lead town by a wide margin. 
Estimates for This Week 
Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)— 
Tish' (M-G) and 'Calling Dr. Gil- 
lespie' (M-G). Should cop neat $15.- 
000. Last week, 'Yank Eton' (M-G) 
and 'Affairs of Martha' (M-G) (2d 
wk), fair $12,500. 

Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 30-40- 
50)— Talk of Town' (Col) and 
Moonlight Masquerade' (Rep), No 
better than $11,500, fair. Last week, 
t;ay Sisters' (WB) and 'World at 
War* (U. S.), mild $10,200. 

Fax (F&M) (5,000; 30-40-50)— 
'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Give Out 
Sisters' (U). Pulling smash $22,000, 
Last week, 'Iceland' (20th) and 'Girl 
Trouble' (20th), sock $20,800. 

Missouri (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50) 
— 'Iceland' (2Uth) and 'Girl Trouble' 
(20th). Moveover from the Fox 
should get $8,000. fine. Last week, 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'In 
visible Agent' (U). neat $6,500. 

St. Louis (F&M) (4.000; 40-50-60) 
—'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) and 
'Mexican Spitfire's Elephant' (RKO) 
(3d wk). Baseball fans, fired by the 
success of the Cardinals, are giving 
this film a swell play. Expected to 
add $8,000 to the $10,000 grabbed 
during second week. It copped $14,- 
000 for initial week. 



'Sarong; $16,000, Nilly 
Fit in Cle?e^ Rooney 
In 'Eton' Nice $13,500 



Cleveland, Oct 13. 

Powerful upswing in biz in the last 
three months continues to surprise 
exhil>s, who are standing knee-deep 
in clover. 

Four Ink Spots and Lucky Mil 
linder's orch are giving 'Girl Trouble' 
a rocket ride to the moon at Palace, 
Hipp is capitalizing Ink Spots per 
sonal here by shoving in 'Pardon My 
Sarong,' for another huge take, 
'Yank at Eton' also going above 
ordinary mark at State. Pitts & 
Stutz reopened their foreign film 
house, the Penn Square, Saturday 
(10) with Russian-made "This Is the 
Enemy.' 

Estimate^ for This Week 

AUen (RKO) (3,000; 35-40-45-55)— 
Talk of Town' (Col) (2d wk). Shoot 
ing oft big guns on shiftover, with 
$10,000 as buU's-eye and a sure-fire 
h.o. in sight Last stanza, 'Eagle 
Squadron' (U) (2d wk), good $6,200. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45- 
55) — 'Pardon My Sarong' (U). One 
of the best Abbott-Costello grossers 
here; $16,000 indicated. Last frame, 
Talk of Town' (Col), nearly $18,000, 
terriflc. 

Lake (Warners) (800; 35-40-45-55) 
—'Eagle Squadron' (WB) (3d wk) 
Flying along at brisk pace, $2,500. 
Last week, 'Gay Sisters^ (WB) (3d 
wk), also nice $2,300. 

Palace (RKO) (3,700; 40-60-70)— 
'Girl Trouble' (20th) plus Lucky 
Millinder's orch and Ink Spots. 
Double-barreled stage show gettini; 
standee trade; will easily get grea: 
$26,000. Last round, 'Pied Piper' 
(20th) plus Will Ostiome's orch and 
Merry Macs on stage, strong $22,000. 

SUte (Loew's) (3,450; 35-40-45-55) 
—'Yank at Eton' (M-G). Rooney 
comedy not as whammo as the Andv 
Hardy series, but nifty at $13.50a 
Last week. 'Wake Island' (Par), ex 
citing $16,000. 

SUIIman (Loew's) (1.872: 35-40- 
45-55)— 'Wake Island' (Par). Marines 
keeping up the barrage on shiftover 
fine $7,500 in view. Last week, 
'Moscow Strikes Back' (Artkino), 
first Rus.<; film stand has ever shown 
fine $3,200. 



55)— "Mrs. Miniver* (M-G). Four 
weeks at Loew's and a run at the 
nabes has just about exhausted this 
pic. Poor $2,000 all house can hope 
for. I,ast week, 'Holiday Inn' (Par) 
and 'Busses Roar' (WB), okay $2,500. 

ParamonnI (Adams-Par) (2,000: 
35-45-55-60-75)— 'Major and Minor' 
(Par) (3d wk) and 'Moscow Strikes 
Back' (Rep) (3d wk). On way to 
$13,500, very bright. Last week, very 
big $16,300. 

Proctor's (RKO) (3,400; 35-44-60- 
70-85)— -Here We Go Again' (RKO) 
and 'Falcon's Brother' (RKO). 
Should wind up with nice $19,500. 
Vaude set for Monday, Tuesday and 
Wednesday nights. Last week, 'Foot- 
light Serenade' (20th) and 'Just Oft 
Broadway' (20th) (2d wk), choice 
$18,200, 

SUte (Loew's) (2,600; 30-40-55-85- 
75)— 'Talk of the Town' (Col) and 
'Spirit of Sanford' (Col). Proving 
hefty tugger and will finish with 
smart $17,000. Last week, 'Miss An- 
nie Rooney' (UA) and 'Friendly Ene- 
mies' (UA), slow $12,000. 



•Dandy,' 32G, in Newark; 
Talk' Very Smart $17,000 

Newark. Oct. 13. 

•Yankee Doodle Dandy.' at the 
Branford. is going great guns at tilted 
price scale and fieures to wind up 
with terriflc $32,000. Also gettinK 
stout returns are 'Talk of the Town." 
at Loew's. and 'Here We Go Again." 
at Proctor's. 

Estimates for This Week 

AdaraB (Adams-Par) (1.950: 25-40- 
65-75-99) — 'Pacific Rendezvous' (M- 
G). Charlie Barnet orch and Smith 
and Dale on stage. Trim $17,500. 
Last week. "This Time for Keeps' 
(M-G) and Billy Rose's 'Mrs. As- 
ter's Pet Horse" stage unit, great 
$18,800. 

Branford (WB) (2.800; 75-$1.10)— 
•Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). Rid- 
ing high, wide and handsome with 
great $32,000 in ."sight. .Last week. 
'Between Us Girls' (Ut and 'Men of 
Texa"!' 'U>. mediocre $13,000. 

Capllo! (WB; (1.200; 20-30-35-44- 



TiPEK' mm. 

BOSTON WINNER 



Army Clips PHy Pix B.O.; Tiper 
Nice $15,000, Lana-Gable Forte 3/^ 



'ORCH WIVES' 111,600 
IN PORT.: 'FIND YOU' IIG 



Boston. Oct. 13. 
All things considered, trade is 
spotty in the Hub this week, not- 
withstanding the holiday. The bills 
consist mostly of holdovers, while 
six legit theatres and Indian sum- 
mer are offering their share of com- 
petition. Profits are still there, 
though. 

'Pied Piper* is the strongest item 
on the marquee, paced for substan- 
tial $23,000 at the Met, while 'Pana- 
ma Hattie' and 'World at War,' at 
two Loew spots, are satisfactory at 
$37,000. 

Estimates tor This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 44-55-65-75- 
85)— 'Footlight Serenade' (20th) (2d 
wk) with new stage bill of Jerry 
Wald orch. Johnny Downs, Sibyl 
Bowan, Harmonica Rascals. Not up 
to this spot's capacity, but pleasing 
enough at $25,000. Last week, same 
film with Stan Kenton orch, Mary 
Brian, Frank Paris and Three 
Stooges, $29,500. 

Esquire (M-P) (1.000; 75-Sl.lO)— 
'Yankee Doodle' (WB). Brought in 
from Paramount and Fenway for a 
second stand at roadshow prices. 
Not fancy at $9,500. 

Fenway (M-P) (1.373; 30-44-60)— 
'Wake Island' (Par) and 'A-Haunt- 
ing We Go' (UA). Good $5,500. Last 
week (75$1.10), 'Yankee Doodle' 
(WB), $12,000. 

MemorUl (RKO) (2,900; 44-55-65- 
73)— 'Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 
•Highway By Night' (RKO) (2d wk). 
No complaints at fine $20,000. Last 
week, $24,000. 

Metropolitan (M-P) (4,367: 30-44- 
55-65-75 )— 'Pied Piper" «20th) and 
'Escape From Crime' (WB). Getting 
neat $23,000. Last week, 'Wake Is- 
land" (ParJ and 'A-Haunting We Go' 
(UA) (2d-wk). $16,500. good. 

Orpheura (Loe«>) i2.900; 44-65-75) 
—'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'World 
at War' (U.S.). Good $21,000. Last 
week. 'Talk Town' (Col) and 'At- 
lantic Convoy' (Col) (2d wk), $18,- 
000. 

Paramount (M-P) (1.800: 33-44-60) 
—'Wake Island' (Par) and 'A-Haunt- 
ing We Go" (UA). Switched here 
from Met for third week on main 
stem. Okay $11,000. I.ist week, (75- 
$1.10), 'Yankee Doodle' (WB), great 
$26,000. 

State (Loew) (3.600; 44-65-75)— 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'World 
at War" (U.S.). Fair to middling at 
$16,000. Last week. 'Talk Town" 
(Col) and 'Atlantic Convoy" (Col), 
$16300 for second frame. 

Translax (Translux) (900: 17-28- 
44-55) — 'Moscow Strikes Back' (Rep) 
and 'Youth on Parade" (Rep). Smash 
here at $6,500. Last week. "Bowery 
at Midnight' (Mono) and 'Phantom 
Killer' (Mono), $4,500. 

'Jonmey' Plus 'Blondie' 
Hot 127,000 in B'klyn 

Brooklyn. Oct. 13. 

Fabian Fox opened strong with 
'Desperate Journey' and 'Blondie for 
Victory.' and Strand's second week 
of 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' will bring 
good results. Fabian Pnramount's 
■jocond stanza of 'Talk of Town' and 
'Spirit Stanford' also doing nicely. 
Estimates for This Week 

Albee iRKO) (.•?,274: 30-50-05)— 
'Here We Go Again' (RKO) and 'Be- 
tween Us Girls" lU). SlufiEish S13.- 
000. Last week. 'FootliKht Serenade' 
(20lh) (2d wk( and 'Falcon's 
Brother' 'RKO>, mild .S12.000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4.023: 30-55-65)— 
'Desperate Journey" (WB) and 
'Blondie for Victory" (Col). Zoom- 
ing upward to $27,000. Last week, 
'Across Pacific' iWB) and 'Moon- 
light Masquerade' iRcp) i2d wk), 
satisfactory $13,000. 

IVIel (Loew's) (3.C18: 30-55-G5)— 
'Pardon My Sarong' (U) and 'One 
Born Every Minute' (U). Fairi.<;h 
$17,000. L.nst week, 'Somewhere 
Find You' (M-G) and 'Pierre of 
Plains' (M-G) i2d wk ), nice $12,000. 

Paramount (Fabian) (4.126: 30-55- 
05) — 'Talk of Town' (.Col) and 



Portland, Ore.. Oct. 13. 

Opening with a bang, 'Somewhere 
I'll Find You* is proving great at the 
small-seater United Artists. Top coin 
for week goes to 'Orchestra Wives," 
at the larger Orpheum. 

'Yankee DoocTle Dandy" was to 
have gone two weeks at Broadway, 
but pulled suddenly when results 
of upped admlsh proved disappoint- 
ing. 

Eslimatca for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (1,900: 40-50- 
65)— 'Invisible Agent' (U) and "Get 
Hep to Love' (U). Nice $7,500. Last 
week, 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 
'Strictly in Groove' (U), replacing 
sudden pull of 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy* (WB), took great $10,000 and 
moved to Msiyfair. 

Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 
500: 40-50-65)— 'Across Pacific' (WB) 
and 'Strictly in Groove' (U). Moved 
from Broadway for second week and 
looks oke $6,000. L«st week, split by 
legit show, 'Sgt York' (WB) and 
'Spirit Stanford' (Col), good $6,500. 

Orpheum (Hamrick-Evergreen ) 
(1,800; 40-50-65)— 'Orchestra Wives' 
(20th) and Tombstone' (Par). Climb- 
ing to big $11,300, best in town. Last 
week, 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'En- 
emy Agents' (Col ) held four days of 
second week, taking hefty $17,200 
for 11 days and moved to Music Box. 

Paramonnt (H-E) (3,000; 40-50-65) 
—Talk of Town' (Col) (2d wk) 'Our 
Russian Front' (Indie) (1st wk). 
Strong $8,400. First week, with 
'Loves Edgar A, Poe' (20th), hearty 
$12,100. 

United Artirta (Parker) (900; 40- 
50-65) — 'Somewhere Find You" 
(M-G). Great $11,000. Last week, 
'Crossroads' (M-G) and 'Friendly 
Enemies' (UA), okay $5,000 in second 
week. 



'Moon,' $15,000, Nice 
In Balto; Tigers,' 
'Eileen' Big 14iG, 2d 



Baltimore, Oct 13. 

Very substantial b.o. action here, 
with considerable trade being gar- 
nered by 'Flying Tigers' at the May- 
fair, which has increased its prices 
beginning with current booking. 
'The Moon and Sixpence' is also bull- 
ish at Loew's Centiu^. 

Estlmatca for This Week 

Centory (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 17- 
28-35-40-55)— 'Moon and Sixpence" 
(UA). Drew good response fro'm 
crix and trade very steady at $15.- 
500. Last week. 'Yank at Eton" (M- 
G). okay $14,200. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240: 
17-28-38-44-55-66) — 'Sister Eileen' 
(Col) (2d wk), plus h.o. of vaude 
layout Holding very strongly at 
$14,500, after mopping up in solid 
style on opening round at $17jBO0. . . 

Kellh'i (Schanberger) (2.406; 17- 
40-55-86)— 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) 
(moveover) (2d wk). Maintaining 
good pace at $9,000 after chalking up 
surprising $12,200 on initial sesh. 
Played three weeks earlier in sea- 
son at Stanley. 

Mayfair (Hicks) (080; 25-50)— 'Fly- 
ing Tigers' (Rep). Getting socko 
response after strong advance sell- 
ing. Upped scale here began this 
week, with house aiming at record 
$8,500 and a cinch h.o. Last week 
(20-40). second of 'Husbands Neces- 
sary' (Par), okay $3,100. 

New (Mechanic) (1,680: 17-28-40- 
55)— Tales Manhattan' (20th) (4th 



wk). Windlng-up-higWy-pFOfltablo- Last week, - 'Bambi 



run to grand tola! of $37,700. re' 
sounding figure for limited seater. 

Stanley (WB) (3,286; 17-28-38-40- 
55)— beyond Blue Horizon' (Par). 
Registering better - than - expected 
S12.000. Last week, third of 'Yankee 
Doodle Dandy' (WB) at $1.10 top, 
brought grand total for run up to 
resounding $61,800. 

Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1.450: 17- 
28-44-55 )-'Yank at Eton" (M-G) 
(moveover). Drawing good $6..500. 
Last week, second of 'Panama Hattie' 
(M-G). brought toUl to okay $10,- 
600 for two sessions played. 



Philadelphia. Oct. 13. 

Film grosses are somewhat down 
after an unbroken run of bullish biz 
for the past six or seven weeks.. 
Rea.<:on advanced for slight dip is 
the large advance sale for 'This la 
the Army.' 

Heaviest grosser among the now 
films this week is 'Somewhere I'll 
Find You.' Also satisfactory are 
'Pied Piper' and 'Flying Tigers.' 
Estimates tor This Week 

Aldlne (WB) (1,303: 33-46-57-G8- 
75)— 'Pied Piper' (20th). Kudos by 
the crix sending Monte WooUey's 
opus to nice $15,000. Last week, 
'(jay Sisters' (WB), bowed out after 
fourth week with good $7,000. 

Arcadia (Sablosky) (600; 33-46-57- 
67)— 'Eagle Squadron' (U) (2d run). 
Fair $3,000. Last week. 'Husbands 
Necessary" (M-G), sour $2,400. 

Boyd (WB) (2,569; 35-46-57-68-73) 
— 'Somewhere Find You" (M-C). 
Gablc-Lana Turner chalking up solid 
$22,500, in addition to fine $3,000 for 
't>onus showing at Earle Sunday. 
Last week, 'Talk of Town' (Col), 
wound up second week with fair 
$11,900. 
$11,800. 

Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-73) 
—'Can't Escape Forever' (WB) with 
Frank Fay, Una Merkel, Bonnie 
Baker, Betty Kean and John Kirby 
orch on stage. Satisfactory $20,000 
for this combo. Last week, 'A- 
Haunting We Go' (20th) backed bj 
Alvino Rey band, solid $26,000. 

Fox (WB) (2,425; 35-46-57-68-73) 
—'Panama Hattie' (M-G) (2d wk). 
Sloughing otf for $13,000, after 
bright $21,000 for initialer. 

Karlton (WB) (1,066; 35-46.-57-68) 
—'Orchestra Wives' (20th) (2d run). 
Plenty tuneful $5,500. Last week, 
'Tales Manhattan' (20th), good $6,000 
for second week of second run. 

Keith's (WB) (2,220; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Gay Sisters' (WB) (2d run). Fifth 
week downtown, but still good for 
neat $5,000. Last week, 'Mrs. Min- 
iver' (M-G) (3d wk) (2d run), ended 
hefty 10-week run downtown with 
fine $5,200. 

Mastbanra (WB) (4.892: 46-57-75) 
—'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (3d wk). 
Slowing up with $14,800 for third 
try at plate. Second inning slightly 
hi.!!her at $18,500. 

Stanley (WB) (2.916; 35-46-57-68- 
75)— 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (2d wk). 
Still plenty tuneful at $17,000. Bow- 
in last week was bullish $22,000. 

Stanton (WB) (1,457; 35-46-57-68) 
—'Flying Tigers' (Rep). Stanton's 
patrons suckers for war pix. This 
one getting zingy $10,500. Last week, 
'Invisible Agent* (U) got $5,500 in 
second week. 



PROV.PIXB.O. 
'EILEEN' FINE $14,000 



Providence. Oct. 13. 
Splurge of high boxofflce grosses 
all through summer has main stem- 
mers forgetting leaner years, w'len 
just half what they now take in was 
considered mighty good. Managers 
are now rearranging 'average biz' in 
their own minds, with the new aver- 
ages climbing In some cases as much 
as 30%. 

Riding high this week are 'My 
Sister Eileen,' at Strand, .'The Moon 
and Sixpence,* at Loew's State, and 
The Pied Piper,' at Majestic. 
Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2.300; 30-40-50)— 
'Big Street' (RKO) and 'Sherlock 
Holmes Terror' (U). Holding own 
according to old standards, but only 
fair under new. Looking for $7,500, 



(RKO) 
(RKO) 



and 
(2d 



On the Dark Side 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
Humphrey Bogart and Ann Sheri- 
dan draw co-starring spots in 'Night 
Shift' a tale of defense workers, at 
Warnci'.s, 

Picture, ba.sed on j novel by Ma- 
retla WolfT. will be produced by 
Benjamin Glazer. 



I 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (2d wk). 
Solid $13,000. Last week, swell $22,- 
000. 

Strand 'WB) (2,950: 75-$1.10)— 
■Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d 
wk). This frame will bring in okay 
$12,000. Last week, first-rate $22,000. 



'Hishways By Night' 
wk ). big $12,000. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1.400; 30-40- 
50)— Tales of ManhatUn' (20lh) (2d 
run). Peppy $4,000. Last week, 
'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Soft 
Shoulders' (20tb) (2d run), nice 
$3,900. 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000: 20-39-50)— 
'Manila Calling' (20th) and Edith 
Rogers Dahl and vaude on .<;ta<;e. 
Fine $7,500. Last week. 'Raid by 
Night' (20th) and vaude, fair $6,000. 

Majestic (Fay) (2.200; 30-40-50)— 
'Pied Piper" (20lh) and 'Gallant 
L,-;dy' (PRC). Nothing to compl.Tin 
about here with grand $12000. La.st 
week. Tales Manhattan' (20th), 
ditto. 

Metropolitan (Indie) (3.200: 30-55) 
—'Smart Alecks' (U) and Jane 
Withers, three Stoo'es and Louis 
Prima orch on stage. Fine $10,000 in 
three-day holiday weekend run. 

State (Loew) (3.200: 30-40-30)— 
'Vf'nn snd Sixpence" 'U) and "AfTairs 
of Martha' (M-G). Nifty $14,000 as- 
sured. Last week. "Yank At Eton* 
I M-C) and 'Pierre of the Plaini" 
(.M-Gi (2d wk), very nice $11,600. 

Strand (Indie) (2.000; 30-40-50)— 
"Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Atlantic 
Convoy' (Rep). Right up among th« 
leaders with great $14,000. Last 
week. 'Holiday Inn' (Par) (2d wk), 
swell $10,000. 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



EXPLOITATION IS 







U. S. Sanctioii Required By Warners 
Before Hiring From 'Essential' Jobs 



All Warner exchanges, which, like 
those of other dlstribs, are losing 
men last to the armed services, have 
been advised by the hoQieoiace that 
in making replacements no one is to 
be taken on who is now working in 
an essential industry unless such a 
person first obtains a 'certificate of 
separation' from the U. S. Employ- 
ment Service. Other industries have 
also adopted a similar practice. 

Not known that any other dis- 
tributor or local exchanges, indies or 
otherwise, have taken such action. 

Women are replacing men in ex- 
changes where they can be Atted into 
vacated jobs but none has taken to 
the road as salesmen, as far as can 
be learned. Quite a number are al- 
ready with various branches. 

J, E. Cashman's New Post 

John Emmett Cashman has been 
appointed head of the RKO playdate 
department, succeeding Mike Poller, 
recently upped to post of assistant 
to general sales manager Bob Moch- 
rie. Frank Mooney succeeds Cash- 
man as head of the sales approval 
department in the home office. 
Clarence McGeary becomes assistant 
to Lou Miller in the western sales 
division. - 

All promotions are from within 
the company. 

Geo. R. Peters Farewelled 

Reading, Pa., Oct. 13. 

The Theatre Managers' Association 
here gave a farewell dinner, with a 
100% attendance, to George R. 
Peters, Washington, who came here 
three years ago to manage Loew's 
Colonial, and who has been as- 
signed to Loew's, Richmond, Va. 

Peters succeeded here by Brock 
Whitlock, of Loew's Columbia, 
Washington, 



Mpls. Sales ShIfU 

Minneapolis, Oct. 13. 

Abbott Schwartz, Republic booker, 
has taken over the P.R.C. exchange 
from Charlie Weiner and latter has 
joined the United Artists sales staff. 

Dick Stehl has resigned from Uni- 
versal sales staff to join Republic, 
replacing Ben Meshbesher, who went 
over to Warner Bros. 

Paramount has added Dick Fox to 
Its sales staff. Henry Mullendore, 
Universal salesman, transferred to 
the Portland, Ore., branch; no suc- 
cessor named here yet. 
. With Kenny Adams resigning to 
lorn U. S. Motion Picture Service out 
of St. Louis, Fred Finnegan has been 
advanced to head booker at RKO. 

Vanconver Hidnlte Fix 

Vancouver, Oct. 13. 

Requests from war workers for 
jwingshift shows and Sunday enter- 
tainment are being heard here, and 
the Strand (FP) has made a start 
with the former by commencing 
Sunday midnighters. Latter have 
been held here before, although not 
specifically for swingshifters. 

If the demand is strong enough, 
they are ready to talk about Sunday 
shows, too. "The personnel director 
of largest shipyard here, Tom Ho- 
warth, describes this city as 'prob- 
ably the loneliest place in the world 
for a stranger' on Sundays, states 
that thousands of soldiers, sailors, 
airmen and war workers favor Sab- 
bath shows. 



Ex-Mayor of Unalaska Tees Off 

Seattle, Oct. 13. 

John W. Fletcher, ex -mayor of 
Unalaska and theatre operator, until 
the civilian population was evacu- 
ated following the Jap attack on 
Dutch Harbor, is assuming his Job 
with Hamrick-Everereen, for which 
he signed some weeks ago. He's as- 
sistant manager at the Orpheum, 
Where Don Geddes is mgr. Fletcher 
succeeds Fred Nilsen, resigned to 
go into war work. 

Fletcher was 'loaned' by Hamrick- 
£vergreen to the Treasury Dept. for 
a bond-selling campaign. Since 
leaving Seattle Aug. 18 he made 35 
oroadcasts, nine transcriptions, and 
<8 personal appearances at rallies, 
outdoor and in auditoriums, telling 
the story of the air attack on Dutch 
Harbor (Unalaska). 
4V, . ^^'^ operating the Cameo 
meatre there for nine years. He 
and his family (wife and three 
}L^lir^^'^'"?? *° leave everything 
"sual 'packing up' in 
the Alaska outpost, a burg of 800 
pop. before the defense boom. After 
bjeak life in isolated Unalaska, 
^it'^her feels 'happy' to live in 
5>eattle. He's bought a home here. 

bammy Siegel fe back to theatre 
5^^?ft?P",*,Ty'^*>l« "rst love, as as- 
hI»^- ^'» VlcGauntlett, adv. mgr. of 
«amrick-Evergreen. Siegel has been 



exploiteer in N. W. for United Art- 
ists the past several years, and be- 
fore that was on the advertising staff 
of John Hamrick theatres prior to 
the merger. 



Bowman's Smoot, Farkersbarf 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 13. 
Bob Bowman named manager of 
WB's Smoot, Parkersburg, W. Va., 
replaces Henry Burger, moved into 
Warner home office here as assistant 
to Jimmy Totman in publicity de- 
partment. Totman's regular aide, 
J. K. Robertson, ailing last several 
months, oh -indefinite leave of ab- 
sence. 

C. C. Kellenbera 20th-Fox sales 
manager here, who has been named 
American Legion commander for 
the 34th Pennsylvania district, which 
includes the Golden Triangle, Hazel- 
wood, Lawrenceville and Schenley 
sections, is retiring as commander 
of the Variety (Club) Post 589. 
Elected to succeed him is Brian Mc- 
Donald, former musical comedy and 
vaude headliner, who for the last 
several years has run an amateur 
hour every Sunday over WJAS for 
a local jewelry concern. 

Alfred L. Criswell, veteran pro- 
jectionist at WB's Enright in East 
Liberty, has been certified as a qual- 
ified war production trainer by the 
training within industry division of 
the WPB and assigned to train war 
production job instructors for the 
duration. 

Melvin Mann, former RKO book- 
ing chiW here who enlisted in the 
Marines several months ago, just 
been transferred from Puerto Rico 
to Trinidad. 



St. Lools' Deals 

St. Louis Oct. 13. 
C. Cox, Charter Oak, Mo., opened 
his new 300-seater in that town. 
Wellston Amus. Co., operator of the 
Wellston, an 800-seater indie in the 
west end, has purchased the house at 
a reported price of $115,000. 

J. C. Kennedy in Harness Afain 

Hamilton, Canada, Oct. 13. 
J. C. Kennedy, former Famous- 
Players manager in Canada, who has 
been out of the industry for some 
years, is back in show business again, 
as assistant manager of the Savoy 
theatre, Hamilton, Ont., an Odeon 
circuit house. Kennedy handled F-P 
houses in Toronto, Ottawa, Peterboro, 
Fort William, Port Arthur and other 
towns. 

He was formerly a press agent with 
William A. Brady's World Film Corp. 
and Selznick Pictures in New York. 



Franklin Heads Goldberg Circuit 

San Francisco, Oct. 13^' 
Harry P. Franklin has taken over 
the direction of the Goldberg circuit 
of six theatres, with title of general 
manager. Franklin is one of the 
executors of the estate of Aaron 
Goldberg, founder and former head 
of the circuit, who died three weeks 
ago. New general manager had been 
with Fox-West Coast ITieatres here 
for years before taking over his 
present duties. 

Tivoli theatre unshuttered Thurs- 
day (8) for third time within four 
months, with Telenews management 
in charge this time. Telenews routed 
'Moscow Strikes Back,' official So- 
viet film released by Republic, Into 
house in belief it had enough pull- 
ing power to overcome public in- 
dnerence to Tivoli. Plans for house 
are indefinite following run of 'Mos- 
cow.' 



Darwin Robinson Named Manager 

Cleveland, Oct. 13. 

Reopening of Warner's remodeled 
Lake boosted Darwin Robinson to 
manager's post there. Job previously 
held by John Peterson, one time 
business manager for Skinnay En- 
nis' orchestra, who was shifted tO' 
the Warner's Sixth Street in Co- 
shocton, O. Peterson replaces Irving 
Soloman, who took over the Ohio in 
Canton when Ben Schwartz went 
into army. Resignation of Phil Sel- 
ler upped John Bidwell to manager- 
ship of chain's Massillon house. 

Warner Bros. Employees Club 
farewelled Marty Freeman, Vita- 
graph booker and prez of organiza- 
tion, when he joined marines last 
week. Murray Fructcr. shipper an- 
gling for an Air Corps appointment, 
also partied at same time. Dave Yel- 
len made shipper at same exchange, 
succeeding Harry Rothlein who 
moved over to 20th-Fox. Allen D. 
Shaw, WB .shorts booker, resigned 
to join Producers Releasing (jorp.. 
after the latter lost Bernie Rubin to 
army. Doug Fleming, p. a. for local 
Warner stands, is being inducted 
Oct. 29. 

Instead of operating the Penn 
(Continued on page 25) 



FLOOD OF TfllVIA 
m PIX EOITORS 



Motion Picture Editors in 
N. Y. Concede Major Stu- 
dios and Distribs Do a 
Good Press Relations Job, 
But Resent Multiple Hand- 
outs 6f Publicity Matter 
and Film Stills As Sheer 
Waste 



POLL OF PAPERS 



Duplication of publicity matter 
and stills to many members of the 
staff of the same paper is causing re- 
sentment by motion picture editors. 
They feel the film companies are 
wasting paper and manpower at a 
time when all of the country's ma- 
terial and labor resources should be 
conserved. 

Otherwise, press departments of 
the major studios and distribs ap- 
pear to be doing a pretty good job. 

That's the opinion arrived at by 
'Variety' fpllowing a survey of 
motion picture editors of New York 
dailies. Number of other 'surveys' 
have been launched by studios and 
indie flackeries in an endeavor to 
make publicity more perfectly fit the 
times. Results so far have been 
pretty indeterminate, which led to 
the 'Variety' soundings in New York. 

It quickly became evident why the 
other surveys left conclusions so far 
up in the air. No two of the editors 
agree on what's good or what's bad 
in the day-to-day press releases 
which swamp their desks. What one 
editor likes, another resents as waste, 
while what the second guy sez is just 
what he needs, the first has no use 
for at all. So what's a poor p.a. 
gonna do? 

Agree on What They Don't Want 

Virtually every one of the editors 
was caustic and critical about hand- 
outs and film press-agentry in gen- 
eral, yet they didn't agree on what 
they didn't like. It appears that the 
drumbeaters, although they are giv- 
ing each editor some things he 
doesn't like, are also giving him 
some things he does. Net result is 
that every editor finds some useful 
stuff — even if it's only a minor per- 
centage — in the run-of-the-mill re- 
leases. Only by studying each paper 
and writing an especially-prepared 
release for each one could the press 
departments, do a better overall job 
than is now accomplished on a mass- 
production basis. 

Only two points on which the eds 
agree are the duplication and the 
fact that releases are rather well 
written, despite the uselessness of 
much of their content. As Irene 
Thirer, of the Post, explained it, the 
stuff Is generally clear and easy to 
read and the superlatives that once 
marked film press agentry are pretty 
much a thing of .the past. 

Waste In duplication— the p.a.s all 
work on the theory that if one staff 
member doesn't use a release an- 
other one might — is well exempli- 
fied at the Post. Press pap from a 
number of companies goes to her, to 
(Continued on page 54) 



JACK FEOLEB A V. F. 

Jack Pegler, head of the film ad- 
vertising department for Lord Si 
Thomas, was last week elected a 
v-p of the agency. 

Pegler will now be assigned to 
other accounts, in addition to pic- 
tures. He has been handling the 
RKO Radio national advertising ac- 
count. 



BKO'S 'SALUTE' TO ALUIINI 

Jack Level, editor of Flash, RKO 
house organ, is putting out a minia- 
ture supplement called 'Salute,' 
which goes to the RKO Radio men 
in the armed forces. 

'Salute' is printed on coated stock, 
about four by five inches in size, 
and tells what branches of the serv- 
ice the RKO guys are stationed 
with. 



Metro s Research Aims to Sense 
New Film Trends Ahead of Time 



if A Also WiU Assome 
Cost of Par Ad Matter 



Paramount costs on stills, advertis- 
ing, publicity matter, etc., laid out 
on pictures recently acquired by 
United Artists for release by latter, 
will be borne by UA. Data In this 
connection is now being assembled 
in accordance with agreement under 
the deal that UA reimburse "Pai on 
these expenditures. 

The first Par print going to UA 
is 'I Married a Witch' which the 
company is anxious to spot In vari- 
ous parts of the country the final 
week this month, to tie In with Hal- 
loween. 

While prints of some of the Harry 
Sherman pictures taken over by UA 
have been available for some time, 
those on 'Out of the Frying Pan' 
and "Crystal Ball' are not In the east 
as yet. These and 'Witch' are the 
three regular program features on 
the UA deal with the Sherman-pro- 
duced pictures. 



MPPDA Press Setup 
Streamlined; DeBra h 



Publicity and public relations set- 
up of the Motion Picture Producers 
& Distributors Assn. In New York 
has been realigned it was revealed 
this week. No drastic changes are 
included, the realignment merely be- 
ing a consolidation. Arthur DeBra, 
long in charge of educational affairs 
and contacts with club and organi- 
zation groups such as Parent-Teach- 
ers, Y.M.C.A. and Chambers of 
Commerce, is made coordinator of 
public relations besides being a 
member of the Public Relations 
Committee. 

Joel Swensen, who moved up to 
Major Kenneth Clark's spot when 
he was commissioned in the U. S. 
Army, continues in charge of 
MPPDA publicity and press contacts. 
Glendon AUvine, remains secretary 
of the PRC, having no other con- 
nection with the Hays office and de- 
voting all his time to public rela- 
tions worW. Roy Norr remains in 
his usual spot with the Hays office, 
handling special relations and spe- 
cial ideas. 

Also this week, the Hays office is 
rearranging several departments to 
simplify operations at the N. Y. 
headquarters. One shift takes the 
foreign department, excepting Carl 
Milliken, acting foreign manager, to 
the same floor as the public rela- 
tions-publicity-ad division. Part of 
the research division also la moved 
to this floor to be near the public 
relations quarters. 



'Commandos' in Several 
Preems From B.C. to D.C. 

'Commandos Strike at Dawn,* Co- 
lumbia feature which was made 
partly at Victoria and Vancouver 
Island, B. C, will be preemed at 
Victoria, early in November, along 
with pre-release showings In Lon- 
don, Ottawa and Washington, D. C. 

'Commandos' includes many ^hots 
of Victoria residents. t>aul Muni 
and Lillian Gish are in the leads. 



'Dogs' Have Their Day 

Chelle Janis, formerly manager of 
Loew's Ziegfeld, N. Y., and now run- 
ning a Claremont, Cal., house for 
the Fox-West Coast circuit, has 
started something new in bond-sell- 
ing through a so-called Wags Home 
Defense Corps. Under the stunt, 
tieing in with tjie forthcoming pre- 
view of Monogram's 'War Dogs,' 
owners of dogs can have their mutts 
decorated as four-star generals or 
private.<>. depending on how much 
is bought in bonds. 

Dogs will be given the Ijjanket 
decorations at the 'War Dogs' pre- 
view. 



The need for long-distance plan- 
ning, coupled with every possible ef- 
fort to make the fewest production 
mistakes in view of the raw stock 
situation and other war curtailments, 
is understood to have prompted 
Metro in retaining the Motion Pic- 
ture R^earch Bureau for the pur- 
pose of making audience analyses. 

Thought is to gauge the public 
taste and changing trends as care- 
fully, and as far in advance, as pos- 
sible so that the wrong stories will 
not.be purchased. Pointed out by a 
Metro exec that with the war it is 
not at all unlikely that audience de- 
mands will vary considerably and 
often. War pictures, for instance, - 
may take a sudden dive as result of 
a surfeited market, while other types 
of product may swing more strongly 
intot public favor. 

In consequence of Its arrange- 
ments with the Motion Picture Re- 
search Bureau, Metro, has set up 
headquarters for the bureau at iU 
homeoffice in New York, with a 
group of trained Investigators as-' 
signed to extensively study and sur- 
vey picture audiences, their prefer- 
ences, etc. Survey will be on a con- 
tinuing basis rather than as a one- 
shot affair, with reports periodically 
made of surveys, as they develop. 

H. M. Richey, in charge of exhibi- 
tor relations for Metro, recently sug- 
gested to his company's officials that * 
a survey of audiences be made. 
Under his recommendation, when 
made, Metro's own people in the 
field would have been used to scan 
public tastes, trends, etc. 



SPG-Par M Over Wage 
Boons to Atty. Diaiiiond 



At a hearing to be held some time 
next week to determine whether 
Screen Publicists Guiid members 
in Paramount ars' entitled to two 
bonuses on which they were skipped, 
the Par defense is expected to b« 
that this bonus was for other em- 
ployees who had not benefited by th« 
10% boost given SPG members. 

At the same time the SPG group, 
at the arbitration hearing coming 
up, will probably contend that Par 
passed out the two quarterly 
bonuses, last one Sept. 25, with a 
view to discouraging unionization 
of office workers by the Screen Of- 
fice & Professional Employees Guild. 

Following hearing to be held, Mil- 
ton Diamond, arbitrator selected by 
both sides, will decide whether SPG 
members in Par should also have 
received the two quarterly bonuses, 
amounting to 10% on the first $100 
of salary and 5% on the second. 
SPG claims that their members 
were discriminated against. Arbiter 
on the case is a member of the law 
Arm of Diamond, Rabin & Mackay. 

Doubted Par will pay any further 
so-called cost-of-living bonuses in 
view of the recent salary freezing 
regulations. 



Bergman's Brochure 

Univcrsal's advertising depart- 
ment in N. Y. is rounding out a 
special brochure on 'Arabian Nights,' 
new Walter Wanger feature In color. 
Maurice Bergman, U's eastern ad- 
publicity director, assembled typical 
scenes from the picture, the idea be- 
ing to use this brochure. as preview 
of available stills for newspapers so 
they will know what sort to pick 
when exploiteers come around in 
advance of the film. 

It is going to newspaper editors 
and also exhibitors. 



BAMBEBGEB BACK AT BKO 

Leon J. Bamberger, who served 
for about eight months as executive 
secretary of the now-defunct United 
Motion Picture Industry organiza- 
tion, !<; back at RKO home office In 
his old post as sales promotion man- 
ager. 

He had been given a leave of ab- 
sence to serve in the uMPI position. 



16 



picnniES 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



FILM BOOKING CHART 



(For <n/ormat<on o; theatra and film exchange bookeri VAKimr present* 
a complete chart of feature releases o1 all the American distrtbutinc com- 
panies /or tlie current quarterly period Date ot reviews as given in 

Vabietv and the running (ime of prints art included.) 
Key to Type Abbreviations: M — Melodrniiia; C — Comedy; CD — Comedy- 
Crania; W— Western; D — Drama; RD— Romantic Drama: MU— Musical 
Figures herewith indicate dale o) VARieTV's review and running time. 



WEEK OF RELEASE— «/«/it 



Blondie For Victory (Col) 10/14 
Crossroads (M-G) 6/Z4 
Smart Alecks (Mono) 9/9 
Klondyke Faiy (Mono) 7/lS 
CaU of the Canyon (Bcp) 8/l» 
It Happened In Flatbasb (20th) 
Pardon My Sarong (U) 8/5 



6 3 



C 72 p. Sinilccon-B. Lake 

RD i* w. Powell-U. Laman 

C M R. Pryor-M. Rosenbloom 

W SD B. Lowe-L. Falibanki 

W 71 G. Aotry-S. Burnett 

CD SO L. Nolan-C. Landls 

C Hi Abott & CosUUo 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 8/13/42 



Bad Men ot the HUli (Col) W 

Mn. Miniver (M-O) 5/13 D 133 

BillblUy BUtckrelf (Mono) S/IS C C3 

Timber (U) 8/12 C S» 

Vhe Old Homestead (Bcp) 8/26 C 68 



C. Starrett-L. Walten ' 
G. Garson-W. Pldfcon 
B. Duncan-E. Kennedy 
L. CarrUlo-A. Divine 
Weaver Bros. 



WEEK OF BELEASE «/2«/4Z 



Talk ot the Town (Col) (T/29 CD 118 

Borden ot the West (Mono) W 

Are Husbands Necessary (Par) C«)7 CD 

PrlorlUes on Parade (Par) 7/29 MU 

Bambl (BKO) S/2T CO 

The Pled Piper (Z«th) T/S D 

Ebadows of the Sage (Bep) W 



C. Grant-J. Arthur 
B. Jones-T. McCoy 
R. MUland-B. Fields 
A. MUler— f. Johnson 
7t (Disney Cartoony 
84 M. WooUcy-B. McDoweU 
Three Mesqneteers 



80 
79 



WEEK OF RELEASE— ■/27/4t 



One ThrllUnc Nlfht (Mono) 7/1 
CalUnt Dr. GlDespto (M-G) 8/17 
Loves of Bdfmr Allaa Po« (28th) 



M «9 J. Beal-W. McKay 
M IM L. Barrymore-P. Oom 
7/8 M C7 J. 8heppard-L. DameU 



WEEK OF BELEASE 8/3/4* 

Ventence of the West (Col) 



BaboUie Squad (Col) 8/5 
Arizona Stafecoach (Mono) 
The BIc Street (BKO) 8/5 
Orchestra Wives (20th) 8/12 
Across the Pacific (WB) 8/19 



W B. EUlott-Tes Bitter 

M B. Bcnnctt-K. Barrti 

W Ranee Busters 

CD 88 H. Fonda-L. BaU 

MU 97 G. Mont(omary-A. BntheiTd 

M U H. Bofart-H. Amr 



BELEASE 9/U/a 



WEEK OF 

Spirit of Stanford (Col) 10/7 CD 7?" 

Isle of BUsslnc Men (Mono) M 87 

Tonlh on Parade (Bcp) W 

Snnsct Serenade (Bcp) 9/9 W 58 

BelU of CapMrano (Bep) 9/18 W 73 

Mexican SpHllre's Elephant (BKO) 8/5 C u 

Berlin Correspondent (20th) 8/12 M 7e 

Give Oat SIsteri (U) 9/2 MU 65 



P. Albert-M. Chapman 

H. Howard-G. Boland 

I. Bnbbaid-M. ODrlscoU 
B. Bo(ers-e. Parrlsh 

G. Autiy-S. Bonctt 
L. Velei-L. Errol 
V. GUmore-D. Andrews 
Andrews Sisters 



WEEK OF RELEASE 9/17/42 



■Inc ot the Stallions (Mono) W 

Somewhere in Find Ton (H-O) 8/5 RD 107 

Wings and the Woman (BKO) 9/l« M 92 

Carefnl, Soft Bhonlder (Mth) 8/U M 70 

Halfway to Shanghai (0> 9/9 M 61 

One of Onr Aircraft b Mining (U) M 



Tbnndercload-D. O'Brien 
C. Gable-L. Turner 
A. Neegle-B. Newton 
y. Bnice-4. EBUaon 
c Rervey-K. Taylor 
G. Tearle-E. Postman 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 9/24/4S 



My Sister Bileca (Col) 9/U CD 

Police BuUeU (Mono) H 

Bandit Banger (BKO) W 

Just OK Broadway (28lh) 8/12) CD 

Sin Town (U) 8/30 M 

Desperate Joomey (WB) 8/19 D 



97 R. BusseU-B. Aherno 
J. Marah-J. Archer 
T. Holt-C. Edwards 
08 L. Nolan-Bf. Weaver 
71 c. Bennett-B. Crawford 
187 B. Flynn-R. Began 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 19/1/42 



Lucky Legs (Col) MU 

Phantom Killer (Mono) M 

Highways by Night (BKO) M 

Iceland (20th) 1/12 MU 

Get Hep to Love (U) 8/30 MV 

Moon and Sixpence (U) D 
Moscow Strikes Back (Artklno) 8/19 



J. Falkenbnrg-K. Harris 
D. Pnrcell-J. Woodbury 

83 R. Carlson-J. Randolph 

79 S. Henle-J. Payne 

79 G. Jean-J. Fraxec 

G. Sanders-H. Marshall 

15 (Documentary) 



WEEK OF RELEASE 18/8/42 



Daring Tonng Man (Col) C 

Foreign Agent (Mono) M 

Here We Go. Again (RKO) 8/20 C 75 

CIrl Trouble (29th) 9/23 CD 81 

DestlnaUon Unknown (U) 10/7 M S3 

Tou Cant Escape Forever (WB) 8/26 CD 77 

Flying Tigers (Bep) 9/23 M 98 



J. E. Brown-M. Chapman 
J. Sheldon-G. Storm 
E. Bergen-Mc(>ce A Molly 
D. Amcche-J. Bennett 
1. Hervey-W. Oargan 
g; Brent-B. Marshall 
J. Wayne-A. Lee 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 18/15/42 



Smith of Minnesota (Col) 
Texas To Bataan (Mono) 
Manila Calling (28th) 
Secret Enemies (WB) 8/19 
Moonlight In Havana (U) 



CD B. Sralth-A. Judge 

10/14 M 55 If^. Sharp-Terhnne 

M L. Nobn-C. Landls 

M 98 C. Stevens-F. Emerson 
M A. Jones-J. Fraaee 



WEEK OF RELEASE— 10/22/42 



Boogie Man Will Get Ton (Col) 10/14- CD 

Criminal Investigator (Mono) M 

OntUws ot Pine Ridge (Rep) W 

Man In The Trunk (20th) M 

Nightmare (U) M 

Undercover Man (UA) W 



B. Kartoir-P. Lorre 

R. Lowery-J. WUey 

D. Barry-L. Merrick 

I.. Robert-C. Holmes 

B. Barrymore-B'. Donlevy 

B. Boyd-A. Clyde 



WEEK OF BELEASE— 10/29/42 



Stand By AU Networks (Col) M 

X Marks The Spot (Bep) M 

Tales of Manhattan (20th) 8/5 CD 117 

Forever Tours (U) MU 

I Married A Witch (UA) CD 

New. Voyager (WB) 8/19 D 117 



J. Bcal-F. Rice 

D. O'Flynn-U. Parrlsh 

(all star cast) 

D. Durbln-E. O'Brien 

F. March-V. Lake 

B. Davls-P. Henreld 



NIgbt In New Orleans (Par) 5/6 M 75 

Once Upon a Thursday (M-G) 5 20 M 6« 
Yankee Doodle Dandy (WB) 6/3 MU IZ5 

Holiday Inn (Par) 6/17 MU 101 

Tombstone (Par) 6/17 W 75 

I Live In Danger (Par) 6/17 M 
Apache TraU (M-G) 0/24 W 
United We Stand (20th) 7/1 
The Tonng Mr. Pttt (20th) 7/1 M 
PoeUlght Serenade (20th) 7/8 MU 
The Pride of the Yankees (RKO) 7/15 D 
Flying Fortress (WB) 7/15 M 
War Against Mrs. Hadley (M-G) 8 5 D 
Journey Into Fear (BKO) 8/5 M 
Cairo (M-G) 8/12 MU 
Wake Island (Par) 8/12 D 
A Tank at Eton (M-G) 8/12 CD 
Wildcat (Par) 9/2 CD 
The Glass Key (Par) 9/2 M 
The Major and the Minor (Par) 9/t CD 
Between Us Girls' (U) 9/2 CD 
Eyes in the. Night (M-G) 9/9 D 
Me And Mv G»I (M-O) 9/9 Mt. 
White Cargo (M-G) 9/16 D 
The Omaha Trail (M-G) 9/16 W 
SorlngUme In the Bockles (20th) 9 26 MU 
The Hard Way (WB) 9/2« •> 

The Hidden Hapd (WB) 9/28 M 

George Washington Slept Here (WB) S 26 M 
The Forest Bangers (PaO 9/M „ „*I 
Henry Aldrich. Editor (Par) 9/30 CD 
The Falconi Brother (RKO) 9/30 M 
Street of Chance (Par) 9/30 M 
Road to Morocco (Par) 10/7 CD 
Tou Were Never Lovelier (Col) 10 '7 MU 
Mrs. Wiggs of Cabbage Patch 'Par) 1« 7 M 
The Navy Comes Through (RKO) iO'i*^*' 
Seven Day* Leave (BKO) 10/14 WJ" 
EcaUergood Survives Murde- (Col) 10/14 ( D 



71 
6C 
OC 

118 

81 
128 

no 

85 
6)1 

101 
87 
88 
70 
85 

lOB 

88 
80 

>04 
89 
61 
90 

)nH 
67 



Current Short Releases 

(PRINTS IN EXCHANGES) 

(Compiled by Besa Short) 

'Japoteors' (Par, 9 mins.).— 
Superman color cartoon. 

•The Hep Cat' (WB, 7 mins.)— 
Looneytune color cartoon comedy. 

■Heddik Hopper's Hollywood 
No. 6' I Par, 9 mins. >.— Covers 
Picktair party for servicemen. 

Two for the Money' (RKO. 18 
mins.).— Edgar Kennedy comedy. 

'Salvage' iRKO. 7 mins.).— 
OWI fllm unit production on sal- 
vage drive. 

'Information Please No. 11' 
(RKO. 11 mills.)— Russel Crouse 
guester. 

■Inside Fighting China' (UA, 
20 mins.)— World in Action 
thriller. 

'The Good Job' (M-G, 11 mins.) 
William Saroyan monolog intros 
simple tale about people being 
grand persons. 

'Johnny Long's Band' (RKO, 
9'4 mins.)— Band short with Bea 
Wain. 

'Trotting Kings' (Col, 9 -mins.) — 
Sports subject on trotting horses. 

'Sports I. Q.' (Par), 10 mins.) — 
Sports quiz by Ted Husing. 

■The Olympic Champ' (RKO, 7 
mins). Walt Di.-sney Cartoon 
comedy with Goofy. 



7,000 From Fix in Service 



Continued from page 4 
and home 



Film Reviews 

Continued from page 8 



TEXAS TO BATAAN 



pull may accrue, since it's suggested 
that the Busters trio has gone into 
the war. Actually, they don t, though 
they get a taste of it through being 
assigned to accompany a shipload of 
cattle sold by their ranch boss to the 
Army for delivery in the Philip- 
pines. 

Story concerns a spy plot which 
involves a Jap ranch cook, posing as 
a Filipino, and a westerner of ap- 
parently good standing in the com- 
munity. 

Two songs of saddle-leather flavor, 
both by John King* (one of the Range 
Busters), are spotted convenimtly 
and sung by King. They are 'Me and 
My Pony' and 'Goodbye Old Paint' 
An old one of the plains, sung by 
King and his Busters pals, Dave 
Sharpe and Max Terhune, is thrown 
in. The girl, Marjorie Manning, is 
mostly decorative, and okay on that 
count. Char. 



Soinmon 10 Branch Mgrs. 
In Cleye. Banko Probe 



RKO theatres, studios 
office staffs have been depleted by 
some 700 men. Universal, by last 
records, has given 282 employees to 
national service, Columbia around 
150, United Artists, 45, while hun- 
dreds of others from Republic. Mono- 
gram and other independents and 
those formerly freelancing in either 
production or distribution branches 
of the industry make up the balance 
so far called. 

Loew's reports three casualties so 
far. Two Universal men have been 
lost while 20th-Fox had one casualty, 
Ernest Hubal, formerly a Roxy usher, 
a seaman with the U. S. Navy, who 
died at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7. 

Warners has four gals in uniforms, 
two WAACS and two WAVES. RKO 
has two femmes in service, one 
WAAC and one WAVE. Among 
most prominent Warnerites in the 
service are Col. J. L. Warner and 
his son, Jr., John Huston, Robert 
Lord, Norman Krasna, William 
Keighley. Major Anatole Litvak, 
Wayne Morris, Ronald Reagan, Major 
Hal Wallis, Owen Crump, Roland 
Drew, Frank A. CahiU, Herbert An- 
derson and Edwin Gilbert. 

Among those from Loew's are 
Clark Gable, Tony Martin, Robert 
Montgomery, James Stewart, Lewis 
Stone, Lew Ayres, Dan Dally, Jr. 
Sidney Plermont, Gottfried Rhein- 
hardt, John Lee Mahin, John Meehan, 
Jr., Nick Nayfack, Robert PitUrd 
Jerry Shumacher, Granville Sco 
field. Jeff York, Douglas McPhail. 
Ray McDonald, Richard Ney. 

Among those from 20th are Col. 
Dflfryl F. Zanuck, John Ford, Irving 
Cummings, Jr., Tyrone Power, Henry 
Fonda, Victor Mature, Milton Sperl- 
ing, William Powers, John Edmond- 
son, John Healy, James Victory, Wil- 
liam Bush. 



Clifford J. Phillips, Clarence Perry, 
Peter J. Samerjan, A. D. Burke, 
Robert D, Larson, James H. Gould, 
Arthur W. Say and Edward Walker. 

In addition, James K. Brock went 
from Metro into the Army Air force, 
J. R. Drlnkall from the same studio 
into the Navy and Wade Smith from 
RKO into the Army Air Force. 



Fihn Indnstry's Scrap 
Drive Tees Off This Wk. 



Film industry's participation in the 
national scrap salvage drive offi- 
cially begins tomorrow (15). though 
theatre operators have been coop- 
erating with the newspaper publish- 
ers' campaign from the beginning of 
the month. 

Special trailers, scrap matinees 
and other exploitation plans have 
already been planted throughout the 
country. Approximately 15.000 the- 
atres, as in the Septemt>er war bond 
drive, are active In the salvage drive. 



PIU'o Cooperative Drive 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 13. 

More than 50 theatres In Pitts- 
burgh metropolitan area, circuit and 
indie houses alike, cooperating in 
the scrap drive by holding simul- 
taneous Saturday morning (17) 
shows for kids at which admission 
will be five pounds of scrap. 

Theatre owners, in presenting their 
proposition to newspapers, specified 
that they wanted no publicity at all 
and as proof of their good faith 
publicity releases didn't mention 
whether It was a Warner, Harris or 
privately-operated theatre. 



TOO 'INDEPENDENT'? 



TBADESBOWN AND FOR FUTUBB BELEASE 



D. Lamoar-R. Denning 
M. Hont-R. Carlson 
J. Cagney-J. Leslie 

B. Crosby-F. Astalre 
R. Dix-K. Taylor 

C. Morrls-J. Parker. 
L. Nolan-D. Reed ' 
(Documentary) 

R. Donat-R. Morley 
J. Paync-B. Grable 
G. Coopcr-T. Wright 
R. Crccn*-C. Lehman 
P.. Amold-P. Balnter 
J. Cotton -D. Del Rio 
J. MacDonald- R. Tonng 
B. Donlevy-R. Preston 
M. Rooncy-E. Gwenn 
R. Arlen-A. Judge 
B. Donlevy-V. Lake 

G. Rogers-R. MiUand 

D. Barrymore-C. Cnmmlngs 

E. Amold-A. Harding 
J. Carland-G. Murphy 

H. I^marr-W. PIdgeon 
J. Craig-P. Blake 

B. Grable-J. Payne 

I. Luplno-D. Morgan 

C. Stcvcna-E. Eraser 
1. Bcnny-A. Sheridan 

F. MacMurray-P. Goddard 
J. Lydon-C. Smith 

G. Sanders-T. Conway 
B. Meredlth-C. Trevor 
B. Crosby-B. Hope 

F. Astalre-R. Hayworth 

F. Bainter-C. Lr.e 

P. O'Brien-C. Murphy 
V. Mature-L. B.ir. 

G. HH>hct-f. Archer 



Cleveland, Oct. 13. 
Managers of 10 Cleveland fllm ex- 
changes were subpoenaed by the 
Lorain County grand jury to appear 
today (14) in an investigation of 
bank nights promoted by three 
Amster Bros, theatres in nearby 
Elyria, O. Those summoned to tes- 
tify are B. G. Krantz, local branch 
manager of RKO; I. J. Smertz, of 
20th-century; James V. Frew, Uni- 
versal; James Handel, Paramount; 
Lester Zucker, Columbia; F. E. 
Schultz, Monogram; S. P. Gorell, Re- 
public; Jack Sogg. Metro; Charles 
Rich, Warners, and Sol Frifield. 

M. H. Grcenwcld, general super-, 
visor of the Capitol, Rivoli and 
Dreamland, has been held by the 
jury on a charge of promoting and 
advertising schemes of chance by 
cor.ducting bankos. He was formerly 
a salesman for RKO, who helped to 
organize the chain for the Amsters. 

Since Pearl Harbor, bank nights 
and giveaway stunts have a1ny>st 
died a natural death in local Cuya- 
hoga County, in which Cleveland is 
located. Martin Printz's Alhambra, 
one of the first to inaugurate banko 
here, dropped it last week. It doesn't 
pay any more, was the reason given, 
particularly since Cleveland defense 
workers aie making so much dough 
that such cash giveaways are no 
longer a boxoffice inducement. 

Six years ago, when the city's 
police prosecutor threatened to ar- 
rest any exhibitor running any form 
of lottery, there were about 30 
houses which dcfled the John Laws 
by continuing their prize games. To- 
day there arc less than six theatres 
featuring banko here, the others 
voluntarily abandoning it because of 
prosperity and changing theatrical 
tastes. 



So They'll Fake It 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Difficulty of wartime travel with 
a big location troupe prompted 20th- 
Fox to drop the idea of Aiming 'Tam- 
pico' south of the border. 

Henry Hathaway, director, can- 
celed his .scouting trip to the Mexi- 
can oil fields and will hunt sites 
nearer Hdllywood. 



113 Technicians to Amy in One Day 

Hollywood, Oct 13. 

Film industry's largest one-day 
contribution to Uncle Sam^s skilled 
manpower consisted of 113 tech 
nicians, of whom 110 were in 
ducted as a body into the First Sig- 
nal Laboratory, Signal Corps, at Fort 
MacArthur, and three more entered 
other branches of war service. Every 
major studio in Hollyw(}od was rep' 
resented with trained artisans, Metro 
leading with 27, Paramount second 
with 18 and Columbia third with 17. 
Enlistments were: 

Metro— Carl H. Schillinger. J. E. 
Rousseau, Arthur J. Zander, Cecil A. 
De Lano, Kenneth L. Thiem, Gene 
Ruggerio, William P. Allen, Howard 
H. Roberts, James Barton, Norman 
J. Lindley, Milford G. Cline, Robert 
McNeal, Charles J. Meehan, Peter J 
Simonini, Marvin Sa^elli, Robert C. 
Overbeck, Robert W, Stevenson, 
Edward A. Fagan, Bruce Bledsoe, 
Robert M. Maier, George P. Mar- 
keley, Adolph C. Rabel, Harvey W. 
Brotemarkle, Mark W. Wood, Rickey 
S. Daniels and James Gossin. 

Paramount — John C. Caldwell, 
Roger B. HoUenbeck, John C. Ham- 
meU, Malcolm C. Bulloch, William 
M. Harris, Louis F. Herrin, Wilfred 
E. Snyder, Leonard A. Wood. Edmond 
P. Kohn, Ellsworth C. Hall, Joseph 
P. Lientz, Charles J. Sellars, William 
A. Abbott, Arthur Holcomb, Clarence 
Saunders, Roy V. Livingstone, Wil- 
liam Andrew and Richard Ford. 

Columbia — Alvern Swanson, Frank 

G. Carson, Jose M. Corral, Vernon 
Walther, Beldon R. Katleman, Ed- 
mund W. Kimber, Arthur Seid, Mau- 
rice J. Max, Leo Chakov, Henry L. 
DeMond, Frank P. Keller, Jr., Clifton 
Carpenter, Robert Henderson, Har- 
vey Martin, Selmer Jacobson, Rich- 
ard Cahoon and Don Starling. 

Universal — Dan Landres, Otto 
Ludwig, Marshall B. Pollock, Wil- 
iam M. Asher, Herbert Leiker, Julius 

H. Weil, Melvin S. Service, Oram K. 
Wetzel, Frank H. Wilkinson, Ralph 
E. Butler and Wallace F. Haynes. 

Warners— Roland D. Vaughn, Mel- 
chier A. MIkkelsen, Elmer L. Whiles, 
Elmer Haglund, William Halberg. 
William Robertson and Samuel F. 
Ford. 

Technicolor — Charles F. Magee, 
WilUam W. Claridge, Ralph E. 
Walker, Guy N. Stafford. Max M. Ep 
stein, Anson H. Stevenson and Den 
nis J. O'Rourke. 

Republic — Alexander H. Horwitz, 
Robert M. Leeds, Paul Grancell and 
Jerome S. Young. 

Disney— David Rose. Cyrus Young 
Lee E. Blair and John E. Harbaugh 

20th-Fox-^ohn B. Woelz, Harold 
Q. Church and C. E. Wingate Smith. 

Consolidated Laboratory — Jo.seph 
Levine, 

Independent — Verne E. Malson. 



Insurgent NW Indie* So 
Major Dbtrlba 



Charge 



Minneapolis, Oct 13. 

Independent exhibitors, in the ter- 
ritory are complaining that distribu- 
tors have become "more high handed 
than ever* and have adopted 'a take- 
it-or-leave-it' attitude, actually acting 
as though they were doing the thea- 
tre-owner a favor when they sell 
him product The branch manager 
and salesmen's 'independent attitude' 
has exhibitors up in arms. 

Some of the branch managers ad- 
mit they're 'laying down the law' to 
'certain exhibitors who have gotten 
away with murder,' but who now 
must pay a 'fair' price for what they 
buy. They deny, however, that they 
generally have become 'harder- 
boiled.' 

Leading exhibitors here says there 
undoubtedly are instances where ex- 
hibitors have 'underpaid,' but the 
distributors' claims that anybody ever 
has 'stolen* pictures are called ridicu- 
lous. And, assert the exhibitor lead- 
ers, the number of exhibitors who 
have and still pay much more than 
the traffic will bear is predominantly 
in the majority. 

Most of the branch managers deny 
that the territory's independent ex- 
hibitors are resisting present new- 
<;eason terms and refusing to buy. 
They claim very satisfactory busi- 
ness. W. C. Gehring, 20th-Fox west- 
ern sales manager, asserted his com- 
pany's sales in this territory are run- 
ning 'far ahead of last year.' 

Twin City independents have been 
hot and bothered over rumors that 
Fox, for the first time in recent 
years, would demand percentage for 
certain pictures in later groups in 
the Minneapolis and St Paul area. 
Gehring pointed out that the initial 
groups contain no percentage pic- 
tures. Sales policies for subsequent 
blocks will be formulated when the 
proper time arrives and with due 
consideration of ell the circum- 
stances, he said. 'Well cross our 
bridges one at a time when we come 
to them,' declared Gehring. 



DISNEY'S HOBALE CASTOONS 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Walt Disney is winding up four 
war morale cartoons for RKO re- 
lease, one of them humorously In- 
structive and the other three dealing 
with Nazi psychology In a satirical 
way. 

First is 'Emotion and Reason.' a 
semi-comic warning against fifth 
column activities. The others are 
'Education for Death,' 'Der Fuehrer's 
Face.' and 'Chicken Little,' ridicul- 
ing the Hitlerian dream of conquest 
by war, politics and espionage. 



Wednesdajt October 14, 1942 



ADVERTISEMEMT IT 



IT't ALWAYS 
rAIRWEATHIR 
WHIN 0900 
t H O W M I N 
AND OOOD 
IHbWS OiT 
TOOITHiRI 



THE 




EXTRA 

PlAYINOTIMEIt 
TMI ORDH OP 
THI DAY WITH 
PARAMOUNT 
P ROD U CTI 



Vol. 1 



Mews and Gossip About the Production and DistribuHon of the Bost Shows In Townl 



No. 30 





^^^^^ 




1\ I 



Btrnttin' Betty Hntton bestows an Annie Oakley bOM or the willing 
lUner of Eddie Bracken, dnrlnc a 'Kisses (or Charity' aale In Fara- 
•lonnt's fortheomlnr Technicolor musical, 'Happy do Lnoky.' Sneak 
preview of the picture at the N. T. Parauount last week reaped loud 
laughter thronghont and closed to loud and long applause. 



Six New Openings Show Hlfake Still 
Topping 'Inn/ 'La. Purchase/ 'Draft' 



SKED TOP PIX FOR 
DIG BIZ W'KENDS 



Exhibs to Celebrate Thanks- 
giving in 'Morocco,' Xmas 
at 'Palm Beach/ With 
Other Gilt-Edgers Planned 
for Future — Happy Holi- 
days a Lead Pipe Cinch 
-foc-Para Xiutomers 



DATE 'EM EARLY I 



Paramounl's stirring opic of 
Pacific heroism, 'Wake Island,' con- 
tinued last week to make boxoffice 
hiotory from coast to coast. In 
nearly two score dates, 'Wake' has 
rolled up more business than all 
three of that trio o( Par record- 
smashers, 'Holiday Inn,' 'Louisiana 
Purchase' and 'Caught in the Draft.' 

Six new openings last we^ told 
the same story. 'Wake' topped all 
three of the films cited for Its first 
three days at the Capitol, Worces- 
ter; opening day at the Rialto, 
Joliel; first three day's at the 
Brockton, Brockton, Mass.; opening 
" y at the Paramount, Middletown, 
first two days at the Great 
lakes, Buffalo, and opening day at 
the Paramount, Peekskill. 

In a seventh opening at the 
Alabama theatre, Birmingham, 
*Wake' ran neck-and-neck with the 
tr'o. 'Wake' is beating one or two 
of the three In virtually every spot. 



Satevepost Ties In 
For Exploitation of 
'Hedda Hopper' Short 

Saturday Evening Post of Oct. 
17 will take a full-page, two-color 
house ad to boost Par's new 'Hedda 
Hopper's Hollywood' short (No. 6) 
— at the same time offering free 
one-sheets, ad mats and peg for 
local tieups to exhibitors. 

Basis of the cooperation is the 
fa.ct that No. 8 'features a picturing 
of the Post's 'Traveling Fashion 
Show' which moves from town to 
town, setting up campaigns with 
key department stores. Show ex- 
hibits fashions based on past Post 
cover pictures. For the Hopper 
short. Hollywood film stars mod- 
eled the fashions in the course of 
a party at Pickfair, home of Mary 
Pickford and Buddy Rogers. Party 
was for Allied Navies Relief. 



%ow Your Metal-Get In the Scrap! 



Coasl-lo-coasI, theatre men are helping tie the can to the Axis by 
■•aging weekly or even twice-weekly 'Scrap Matinees,' throughout 
the month of October. If you haven't Joined the scrap scrappers 
y<t, get In now — there's a |blg Press Book available to help yon! 



If You're a Paramount Showman, 
You're the Happiest Man in Town, 
these days — particularly on holiday 
weekends. 

The Paramount Company, through 
experience during the past few sea- 
sons, has learned the undeniable fact 
that there's no better time to send 
but a reaping machine than dur- 
ing the harvest season. Holiday 
weekends have always meant bo- 
nanza biz In the Industry.' There's 
a big cake to cut every time one 
of those red letter days rolls around, 
and major companies have always 
fought for hefty slices. 

Par licked the platter clean last 
Xmas-New Years ■ with 'Louisiana 
Purchase,' and took this year's La- 
bor Day by storm, grabbing all the 
holiday coin with 'Holiday Inn.' A 
quick check-back on major company 
skeds will show that Par had a mop- 
per-upper for every festive date. 

This year, gentle readers, the 
story is going to be the same — only 
more so. 

Ever since Bob, Bing and Dotty 
j hit the 'Road to Singapore,' hijack- 
ing all the cash along that thorough- 
fare, and followed Up by looting ad- 
ditional travelers along the 'Road to 
Zanzibar,' exhibitors have been bit- 
ing their nails waiting for the next 
■Road' show. 

Paramount'g delivering it — for 
Thanksgiving. And every trade re- 
viewer has joined the hallelujah 
chorus, proclaiming 'Road to Mo- 
rocco' the biggest, best, funniest, 
wackiest and most boxoffice-packed 
'Road' show of 'em all. Only way 
you could avoid taking tha town 
with this one would be to padlock 
the doors. 

For Armistice Day this year. Par- 
amount showmen will be pocketing 
plenty of Jingle-Jangle with the 
Technicolor super, 'The Forest 
Rangers,' released November 6. 

Meanwhile, Paramount home office 
execs have been working over thair 
Christmas Gift list early. Three dif- 
ferent pix have been tentatively 
considered for this year's big Christ- 
mas-New Year's parcel. Today it's 
officially set — Paramount showmen 
will get their sock full this year with 
the biggest and most riotous Preston 
Sturges picture of them all— 'The 
Palm Beach Story.' 

'The Palm Beach Story' was writ- 
ten and directed by Sturges, and has 
been filmed with Preston's biggest 
cast — and budget. Claudette Colbert 
and Joel McCrea co-star, with Mary 
Astor and Rudy Vallee heading the 
support. The entire so-called 'Sturges 
Stock Company' — that score of zany 
comedians who first appeared as sec- 
ondary characters in 'The Great Mc- 
Ginty' — reappear here. 

In 'TheJ'a\m Beach Story,' Sturges 
has really let himself go to the limit. 
It's pure laugh-riot— from the dou- 
ble-time montage of the opening. 



The Evidence Is Piling Up-Par s 
IWa jor and Minor Is Major Grosser 
For All Bookers-Even the Minors 



Henry Gets Hot 



Paramount's comedy-romance The Major and the Minor,' now wind- 
ing up a smash fourth week at the N. Y. Paramount and heading iAto 
its fifth stanza, is stacking up coast-to-coast as one of the healthiest 
B.O. entrants of the year. 

The Ginger Ro|ers-Ray Milland starrer had Ave new openings last 
week in theatres from which Par H.O. gathers figures — and in every 
one of the five, 'Major and Minor' topped two of last season's biggest 
-hits — 3rhe Fleet's In' and 'My Favorlte_Blonde' — by hefty margin. 
The Paramount, St. Paul, reported grosses '44% above"Tleefs- In' 

and 40% above 'Blonde' for its first 
^ three days. 

Palace, Dallas, ' grossed 44% 
above 'Fleet' %lso, and 30% above 
'Blonde' for first three days. 

Malco, Memphis, took 60% more 
from 'Major' in its first four days 
than it did with 'Fleet.' Margin 
over 'Blonde' was 56%. 

Michigan, Detroit, showed 'Major* 
outgrossing 'Fleet' by 31% and 
'Blonde' by 5% for the first three 
days. State, Minneajlolis, had 
'Major' 23% over 'Fleet' and 20% 
over 'Blonde' for first three. 

Meanwhile, the New York Para- 
mount's fourth week closed with 
grosses 80% of the all-time record 
gross rolled up by 'Holiday Inn,' and 
with the gross for five days almost 
equaling the full fourth week's 
gross for 'My Favorite Blonde.' 

Similar picture came from the 
Newark Paramount, where 'Major* 
will close a third week tomorrow 
with biz still in the phenom class. 
First three days of the third week 
rolled up a gross that was 75% of 
the opening three days. 'Major* 
beat both 'Blonde' and 'Fleet' by a 
solid margin for its first Newark 
week, but third week can't be com- 
pared with these films because both 
played Newark spot only a week. 



Next Henry Aldrich pic from 
Paramount will be set to music, 
according to a West Coast flash. 
Pic is titled "Henry Aldrich 
Plays Second Fiddle,' and will 
co-star the youngster who made 
such a splash in 'Major and the 
Minor,' Diana Lynn. Diana will 
be right in the groove for this 
spot; she's an expert concert 
pianist, having played before 
audiences since the age of 
eight. As Dolly Loehr (her 
name before a studio re-chris- 
tening), she had a musical role 
In 'Magic in Music,' and later 
made a p.a. tour through key 
cities to N. Y. 



right through to the wacky double- 
wedding fadeout. Vallee emerges 
as a top comedian in this picture; 
he's cast as 'J. D. Hackensacker III, 
the richest man in America' — and 
he comes through with one of the 
year's drollest characterizations. 

Sturges has followed the formula 
he had Joel McCrea's bosses enun- 
ciate in "Sullivan's Travels.' He's 
given "The Palm Beach Story' an 
endless succession of laughs; a 
mile-a-minute action pace; a heap- 
ing helping of not-too-serious ro- 
mance — 'and a little s — x!' 



FAR STUDIO WORKERS 
Have scraped together 45 
tons of metal scrap off the 
Paramount lot and location 
ranch, according to Coast 
advices. How're you doln'? 




'Prelt}r eusptciouB, if you ask me| those guys wiU go 
to any length to ballyhoo a show!" 



IS PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 14, 19-12 



N. Y. Operators Turn Down 
Settlement Offer From RKO, Loew s 



TotemkiV With Sound 



Offer ot $125,000 from Loew's and 
RKO, in settlemenl ot the $3,750,000 
suit recently (lied against tlic.«c com- 
panies by Local 306. MovinR Picture 
Machine Operator.i. New York, to 
cover cuts that were not restored as 
well as losses sustained by extortion 
tactics ot George E. Browne and 
Willie BiofI, has been turned down. 

Action on the settlement which 
Loow's and RKO were willinR to 
ninke wa< taken at a midnight meet- 
ing of the membership during the 
past week. when, according to re- 
ports, only four members out of 820 
who suffered the 1932 depression cuts 
and never got them b.-^ck. voted in 
favor of accepting the RKO-Loew's 
offer. 

While it is possible there may be 
re-negotiation on a settlement, moro 
strongly believed that the suit will 
now go to trial. 

In addition to the lo.sses Local 306 
feels it sustained through payment of 
money to the Browne-Bioff pair, the 
suit covers the 10% reduction in pay 
voluntarily taken by 306 in 1932 
when times were tfad. Agreement 
was that, when improvement in busi- 
ness was shown, these cuts would be 
restored. They never were. 



SOSNA WINS APPEAL 
^S-MAJGR MTWBJ 



St. Louis. Oct. 13. 
Louis Sosna. Mexico. Mo., exhib 
who has been battling the distribs 
for more than a year, copped a vic- 
tory in his appeal to (Ke New York 
AAA which last week ordered 20th- 
Fox. RKO and Paramount to offer 
3osna screen fodder at a price and 
run that is not inconsistent with 
Section 6 of the Consent Decree. 
Sosna began beeAng a long time ago 
after he and a brother erected a 
new house ui Mexico with the as- 
surance, he* testiSed. that flickers 
would be available. 

After the house was opened, 
Sosna charged, he was denied film 
and the distribs discriminated in 
favor ot two other houses in Mexico 
that are owned and operated by the 
Frisina Circuit. Execs of local flim 
exchanges charged that Sosna vio- 
lated agreements by a ijolicy of 5c 
and 10c Saturday matinees for kid- 
dies and they found it unnrofltable 
to sell him flickers under those con- 
ditions. 

Sosna's defen.se against these 
charges was that it was the policy 
of the opposish houses that forced 
him into the low admish scale. The 
local arbitrator ruled against Sosna. 
who immediately took his beef to 
the N. Y. tribunal. Sosna's first beef 
was withdrawn but later reinstated 
after attempts to iron out the dif- 
ferences, without a tribunal hear- 
ing, wore washed out. 



Six More for Nigh 

liujlywood. Cel. 13. 

William Nigh, who recently di- 
rected two pictures, for Producers 
Releasing Corp., has been .•:igne<l to 
pilot six more, (lr.<:t of which, still 
untitled, goes before the lenses early 
in November. 

Nigh's two pictures fini.shcd lately 
on the PRC program wore The 
Liidy from Chungking' and 'Cily of 
Silent Men." 



William Sekely, European (llm 
producer, has organized Potemkin 
! Productions, Inc.. lo make an Eng- 
I li.sh language version ot the Artkino 
, oldie. 'Potemkin.' Pic was original- 
ly released as a silent and will be 
rei.ssued with sound dubbed in. Big 
problem is slowing down the film to 
get the sound onto the prints. 

Arlkiho, Inc.. U. S. distrib tor 
Soviet pics, originally • released 
•Potemkin.' and has an interest in the 
new venture. 



Mo. Exhib Wins 
AAA Reversal 
Vs. 4 Majors 



RKO, 20th-Fox. and Paramount 
have been ordered to offer their 
product on some run to the Sosna 
in Mexico, Mo., by the Appeals 
Board of the American Arbitration 
Assn.. on reversal of a local arbi- 
trator's flndings in St. Louis. Lat- 
ter had ruled the.se distribs had not 
withheld their pictures, thus dis- 



Stndio nhstrators In 
Amreement on New Scale 



missing the complaint, 

Ca<:e was brought by Louis M. 
Sosna. who charged that these com- 
panies as well as Warner Bros., had 
refused him film service. In the lo- 
cal decision, from which appeal was 
taken with respect to the other com- 
panies, the arbiter had found that 
WB did not offer its films. Appeals 
Board, in consequence, affirmed the 
ruling so far a.s WB is concerned. 

In directing a verdict in favor of 
Sosna, the AAA ordered RKO. 20th. 
Par and WB to offer their pictures 
for exhibition in the Sosna theatre 
on 'a run upon terms and conditions 
which are calculated to defeat the 
purpose of Section VI of the decree.' 



HISTORIC G.OJI. IN CHI 
NOW GRINDING HLMS 



City Among Defendants 
In B-K, Loew's Suit For 
Chi Theatre Damages 



Chicago. Oct. 13. 

United Artists theatre, first-rim 
Loop house owned jointly by Bala- 
ban & Katz and Loew's, is suing for 
$30,000 alleged damages to its build- 
ing at Ban?!pl£b. and Dearborn 

.streets, as a result cf subway con- 
struction. 

Defendants are City of Chicago, 
the Healey Subway Construction Co.. 
and Casey 4: Emmett, contractors. 



Pay Control Jams H'wood 



Contlnoed from page 1 



contracts coming up for renewal, in- 
dustry toppers are at a loss how to 
conduct their affairs, pending fur- 
ther word from Washington. The 
problem is regarded as less acute 
for (he distribution than the produc- 
tion phases of the busines.s since the 



Eyssell's Coast Prowl 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Gus Eyssell. managing director of 
the Radio City Music Hall, in New 
York City, is making the studio 
rounds for a line on product avail- 
able for R. C. booking around the 
holidays. 

This is his- first-Coast, jaunt.. slivce. 
he quit Paramount theatre oianage- 
ment 15 years back. Heads back 
for New York on Monday. 



Late Pix Menace 

Contlnoed from page 



3 



SAG Still Mulling 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

After struggling with the prob- 
lem ot a $25,000 annual income 
ceiling far into the night on Mon- 
day (12). directors of the Screen 
Actors Guild decided to hold in 
abeyance any decisions on sala- 
ries, options, etc., until a 'more 
lucid interpretation is arrived at 
A .<ipecial meeting was called 
when actors besieged the Guild 
on how to proceed on contract& 

In substance they were told, 
for lime IrelhiK^ta-make the best 
deals they can. 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

Studio Illustrators reached a com- 
promise agreement with producers 
on a new wage .scale of $2.50 an hour 
and lime and a half after 40 hours. 
On'er. retroactive to July 1. 194'2. will 
be submitted lo a vote ot the Guild 
member,<.hip. 

Minor details ol the new contract 
will be ironed out this week by Pat 
Casey, producer labor contact: Ed 
Mu.ssa. business representative of the 
union, iind Herbert SorrcU. pre.sident 
of the Conference of Studio Unions. 



Readying Texas A.&M. Pic 



College Station, Tcxa.s. Oct. 13. 

Actual shooting ot the film. °We 
Have Never Been Licked.' will start 
here within the next several days at 
Texas A & M College. , The picture, 
which will be produced b.y Walter 
Wanger for Universal release, deals 
with A & M college's contributions, 
particularly in the war effort, in the 
training of officers. Cast is yet un- 
announced. 

Jack Rawlins, who will direct. 
Tvill spend several weeks in re- 
search on the school and its tradi- 
tions. He plans to live in the dormi- 
tory with the students and take part 
In the various activities. 



Chicago. Oct. 13 
Chicago's theatrical rralto l.s 
dwindling rapidly, with conversion 
to grind films last week of the Grand 
Opera House, once llag.«hip of the 
Sliubert legit hou.ses here. 

More and more houses have disap- 
peared from the local scene as legit 
playhouses. The Olympic, the Gar- 
rick. Wood and United Artists all are 
now converted into cinema palace.i:. 
Only a few thc.ntres are left in this 
city where a stage attraction nmy 
be shown. 

Erkmger is one of the.sc remaining 
strongholds of the spoken drama. 
Ti-'en there arc the twin Harris and 
Si-lwyn theatres, ihe Blackslone. 
Great Northern and Sludebaker. 

Wi'ihin the memory of most mature 
Ihcal iCKoor.. is the sniukling occasion 
<)■' the ni-lht of M:iy 10. 1926. when, 
ftllowint; (-omplulc rcniotioling. 
George .M. Cohan reopened ihe 
Grand Opera House as The Fnur 
Cohans.' dedicating the the.itio to llic 
memory ot his mother. f;ithcr. sislcr 
Jo.sephine and Georne M. himself. 

Not long after. Ihe Foi;r Coh;ins 
became the FniiikCohaivs Giand. then 
the Shubert Grand, and then just the 
Grand Theatre. History of this Umd- 
mcrk goes b.ick quite w piece. In 
1860. Bryan.. Hall wa.s built there In 
IB70. it was called Hooley's Op^ra 
House. Ten years later il was titled 
the Coliseum. In 18B0. John A. Ham- 
lin rebuilt it and named it the Grand 
Opera House, In 1912. Cohan and 
S: m H. Harris Ica-^ed the hou.se. call- 
ir'u it Cohan's Grand. In 1926. alter 
pi.ictically rebuilding it. Ihe theatre 
became The Four Cohans. 

Finally, when Ihc Shuberls giive 
np their lca.se several years ago. Ihc 
house reverted to the Hamlin cslale 
It was continued as a thcali-e for oe- 
c.xsional musical coinedie.s and play.s 
until recently, when the Troy The- 
atre Co. made it into a picture hou.se. 

Skirting the Town 

Hollywood. Oct. 13. 

Sidney Salkow. who recently fin- 
ished directing 'City Without Men' 
at Columbia, draws the pilot chore 
on 'Blitzkrieg' on the same lot. 

Filming starts next month, with 
B. P. Schulbcrg as producer. 



until parents return home f;om 
work, often use your shows as .m 
alibi to cover up less wholesome ac- 
tivities. However, if you have j 
standard time for closing, the favor- 
ite excuse for late hours. "I've been 
to the movie.' will no longer fool 
gullible parents. 

'Unfortunately, you are being 
blamed by parents for the tardy re- 
turn of children who congregate in 
candy and soft drink stores after 
late shows and waste money play- 
ing pinball machines. Notice is be- 
ing given all such places that permit- 
ting children to loiter in such places 
at unreasonable hours is clearly a 
case of contributing to the delin- 
quency of minors.' ' 

Fceney concluded with the remark 
that 'no threats have been made' 
because he knew he could count on 
the help of showmen in solving the 
problems of their communities. 



Frisco. Puts Juvenile 

Vice Onus on Theatres 

San Franci.sco. Oct. 13. 

Motion picture theatres were men- 
tioned as source of one phase of 
juvenile delinquency in widespread 
juvenile vice probe going on here. 
At first meeting of Mayor Ro.'si's 
juvenile vice committee. Juvenile 
Court Judge Thomas M. Foley said 
one problem is children pliiy hookey 
from school lo attend shows, and go 
lo midnight shows, in viobtion ot 
the juvenile curfew. 

Theatres were urged to Impose 
slriiufcnl sctf-rcgulation regarding 
juT'enilei, 

1« P.M. Corfew 

Elyria. O.. Oct. 13. 
To eurlail increasing juvenile de- 
linquency. Cily Councils , at Elyria 
and Lorain have been asked to pass 
euftew ordinances requiring all chil- 
dren under 16 years of age lo be in 
their homes at 10 p.m. unless, accom- 
panied by adults. 

Toledo's Qui Vive 

Toledo. Oct. 13. 
Teen-age girls f under 18) and boys 
are being sent home after 9 p.m. if 
found wandering downtown without 
escorts or obvious destinations. This 
action was inaugurated by police 
after some parents complained that 
their daughters were out until morn- 

I ing in the company of sailors and 
marines. II was found that many 
young girls. 14 lo 18. made it a prac- 
tice to go downtown evenings lo 
strike up acquaintances with stroll- 
ing uniformed men. 

'The uniform glamorizes the wear- 
ers, and the girls forget lo go home.' 
said Margaret Slater, Tread of the 
women's bureau of the police depart- 

Imcnt 



former don't have nearly as many 
royalty and option agreements. At 
that, Uie decree affects Aim produc- 
tion perhaps more deeply than any 
other industry due to the propor- 
tionately greater number of high- 
salaried employees. 

Standing to lose most under the 
decree are the Guilds — writers, direc- 
tors, actors. Here the upset in 
hitherto normal earnings is most 
pronounced, yet all have evinced a 
■desire to cooperate with studios 'to- 
the fullest extent. 

Option Prablem 

One of the chief problems at the 
moment. In this respect, is what stu- 
dios are to do as options come up for 
renewal. Anxious lo fulfill their ob- 
ligations under the law, yet unwill- 
ing to antagonize personnel, studios 
for the moment have no alternative 
but to wait and see what the effect 
of the law will be. They will then 
t>e able to reconcile their actions to 
meet legal requirements. 

Ostensibly the wage and salary 
made allowing for appeals. Vnder 
various interpretations of the freeze 
it appears to some attorneys that, 
for the first time in history, the in- 
dividual has lost the right to make a4 
contract. It also appears as It. for 
the first time, social legislation 
works in favor of the employer in- 
stead of the employee. 

Another problem posed for studios 
is the $25,000 net salary income ceil- 
fvce/.e means decreased cost of stu- 
dio operations, but none is sure; and 
studios do not seek lo uvoid con- 
tractual obligations calling for 
.salary incrca.scs unless this is dc- 

i Icrmined by the law. 

To some picture attorneys it seems 
unthinkable that the Government 
would attempt to legalize the rating 
of various employees. Possibility is 
foreseen thai a blanket freeze order 
will be issued with some provision 
ing. Studios fail lo understand how 
Ihoy are to know when the net in- 
come of freelancers exceeds the 
limit: what various outside engage- 
ments bring in: amount ot insurance 
carried, and so on. 

General impression among indus- 
try rcpresenlativcs is that the union 
workers' problem is less acute than 
that of the Guild's, with their high 
salaried talent, becau.se the former 
are mostly under the $5,000 wage 

I ceiling and increa.ses can be granted 

! to many without violation of the 

I law. 

I High-powered attorneys represent- 
! ing the major studios. Hollywood 
I guildsjnd various unions ariived in 
Ihe east Monday U2) seeking clarifi- 
cation of the wage stabilization 
decree, last week passed by Con- 
' gress. in an effort lo quell the un- 
rest, due lo uncertainly over earn- 
ings, which is impairing efficiency in 
! production. 

[ Studios are concerned first aboul 
I means of holdini; onto Iheir talent 
: rosters under the freeze, and 
'. whether lop salaried players, diree- 
: tors and writers would continue to 
' be available for the same number of 
i pictures as previously. Further de- 
pletion of important per.sonnel. with 
ranks already thinned by Ihe draft, 
would creine, further difTicullics. 

In addition, of course, there is 
the personal salary factor involving 
^ all studio heads in the upper income 
I brackets and the possibility that 
I some high-priced talent will experi- 



ence hardship in raising the coin 
if they are obliged to pay at the 
current rate of taxation for the first 
six months of this year. 

Question of Law 

There appears to be some question 
whether the new law supersedes 
existing contracts that may have 
terms inconsistent with the freeze 
order. Definite ruling is being sought 
on whether Congress can enact a 
statute retroactively applicable lo 
the union agreements or individual 
contracts between talent and the 
employing corporations. 

Both union counsel and studio at- 
torneys have so far steered clear of 
any definite opinion, pending clari- 
fication from the Wax Labor Board 
or Economic Stabilization director 
James Bytnes. 

Among those in the group arriving 
from Hollywood were Charles 
Francis Coe, v.p. and chief counsel 
for the Motion Picture Producers & 
Dlstributors-of-Amerlc8,-Pred- Beet" - 
son, Mendel Silberberg, Maurice 
Benjamin, AI Wright and George 
Wasson. They huddled with eastern 
ccfnpany attorneys prior to contact- 
ing Washington sources. 



Frisco s 50-75c 
Upped Scales; 
amfs 




Six 
have 



San Francisco, Oct. 13. 
ot the seven first runs here . 
now tilted their prices, one 
after the other, and the net result 
is more money in the b.o.. and a 
negligible number of complaints. 

Fox West Coast Theatres used the 
Paramount as a guinea pig on the 
hiked scale before installing it gen- 
erally in the other three houses, and 
got not one complaint at this thea- 
tre. A small number of kicks have 
come in from the other houses. 

Top now for pix only first runs 
is 65c, replacing the old 55c ceil- 
ing. 

The Golden Gate, vaude-pix the- 
atre, upped its top from 65c to 75e. 

Blumenfeld circuit jumped the 
Orpheiun admish, but kept the price 
at its other first-run hou.se, United 
Artists, at the 55c level. 

General admission to picture only 
ho'ises with the upped prices is 50 
cents dui'ing the day. 

Theatre operators here allribule 
patrons' uncomplaining acceptance 
o.' new prices to belief they had been 
expecting theatre rates to rise wilh 
oilier prices. 



4 Get Jail Sentences 
In Monti Ticket Fraud 



Montreal, Oct .13. 

Four of the five theatre employees 
who embezzled $3JKI0 from the St. 
Denis theatre, owned and operated 
by France-Film Co., by reselling 
u.sed theatre tickets, were senlenced 
here Thursday (8). 

Leopold Lalumiere. manager ot the 
theatre at the lime ot hi.s arrest, was 
given six months at hard laboi-. 
BWnche Lamourcux and Mar;;uei ile 
Lagarde received four months in 
prison and Hector Lairjoureux was 
given two monlh.s. A fifth accuyed 
will be sentenced later. They were 
charged wilh having kept used 
tickets and reselling them from A u.?. 
1 1941, until June 15. 1942. when Ihe 
fraud wa.s discovered. 



5G Denver Theatre Fire ; 
Patrons Leave Quietly 

Denver. Oct. 1.1. 
A fire thought to have started 
from sparks from stage cicelrieal 
equipment did $5,000 damage to 
drapes, curtain, screen and other 
stage equipment at the Aladdin. 

With aboul 200 in the house when 
the blaze .started in a corner of the 
.'creen, patrons at first thought il 
was a pari ot the short. 'A Hunter's 
Paradise.' Manager Virgil Odell, 
{seeing the blaze, went lo the .stage 
and asked all to leave, and the hou.se 
was emptied without injury to any. 
Don PBcc, usher, was burned on un 
ear from flying sparks. The liou.se 
reopened the next evcnini;. 



fo HOUSE REVIEWS 



ROXY, N. Y. 



Pniil Winrfidl, Nadine Gae. 
foiiiriii; Wotider, Moderiiaires U'ifh 
AInrioii Hiitlon & Te.v Beneke. Al 
poiifllitie co;idii('liii0 Hmise Orch, 
'Cirl Trouble,' revieu-ed in 'Variety,' 
Sept. 23. 42. 



Roxy is coiuluctiiit! an experiment 
thi.s wei'k with Al Doiuiluie as Kucst 
tiindiictor of the remilin- house band. 
Piii pose of Ihe niovc is rallior vague, 
but it s connected in .some wa.v with 
the Roxy's contemplated idea of go- 
iii|< into a name band policy, due to 
pel underway somctin-c in Decem- 
hfi- if a worthy outlil can be booked 
by then. So far the house hasn't been 
able to buy a top band, becaii.se the 
majority are either contracted or 
ct.mmiltcd to the Strand and Para- 
nount. opposition houses. It had a 
<I< al on with Tommy Tucker to oljen 
farly in December, but it fell 
tliioufih. 

Buving Icadeis alone to guest con- 
duct the house bunch is a good idea 
insofar as it adds a b o. name to the 
marquee. But it adds nothuig to 
the entertainment value of the show, 
end the same problems of gettmg 
In addi 



ing badly off in this town. Recs. 

CAPITOL, WASH. 



Wn.vhiiiflloii. Oct. 8. 
John Boles. Helciie Deiiisoii. Bob 
Evans, Rnndnll Sisters. Rhyilim 
Rockets, Sam Jack Knit/iiia>i°s House 
Orch. Art Broum; 'Pniinnin Hntlic' 
(M-G). 



name leaders are present 
lion the guestee must have a fairly 

thououghly.knojjflsrifie of show con- ^ ^^^^ ^ _ _ 

ducting, which isn't always gu*r?"^ "matinee Friday. aftcrn'obTr-trailc "be 

teed. In Donahue's case the idea ■ - •• ~ " - 

works out. He's a fine musician, 
knows what it's all about, and he 
turns in a very capable job, both as 
ccpductor and m.c. 

But even Donahue cannot make a 
pi lular groove band out of a pit out- 
fi;. Composed of four trumpets, 
three trombones, five sax. three vio- 
lins, four rhyti m (two pianosV the 
pi oup is laid out on the Roxy's mas- 
sive stage and the routining of the 
show is somewhat similar in pattern 
to the way things go at the Para- 
mount and Strand with their Dor- 
sevs. Kayes, etc. Between acts the 
oijlfit offers arrangements of 'Bugle 
Call Rag' and Brahms' 'Lullaby. 
There the similarity ends, however. 
This is strictly a pit band, with show 
arrangements, and it's accustomed to 
show tempo. That an attempt is 
being made to popularize it is evi- 
dent in the fact that Billy May, 
trumpeter with Glenn Miller, is in 
its brass section. It it is possible to 
stcure a string of name guest con- 
ductors, or if Donahue is to stay per- 
manently, it may be a good idea to 
round up a bunch of musicians well 
versed in pop stuff or make over the 
present band's book to fit the times. 

Running approximately 50 min- 
utes, the show Donahue conducts is 
fair. Tommy Wonder opens with a 
smart session of trick dancing, then 
follows with an unusual and enter- 
taining item in which he 'works with 
a life-like (from rear pews), full size 
rtplica of Ann Sheridan, doing two 
routines with it that go over solidly. 
Later he dances with Nadine Gae in 
a Berlin medley that's nicely pre- 
sen ted. 

Miss Gae takes part in a finale 
Item that's a dud until the Roxyettes 
come on to lift things. Line is on 
just that once and their absence is 
noticeable. Paul Winchell, ventro, 
goes over midway with ease. Cross- 
fire with the dummy evokes con- 
stant giggles and the performer has 
a novel approach to vocal imper- 
sc nations of Charles Boyer and 
Lionel Barrymore. He thus tells his 
smart-aleck dummy, 'I can make a 
living without you.' 

Modemaires, with Marion Hutton 
end Tex Beneke, all ex-Glenn Miller 
singers, are doing a neat job in their 
first solo appearance in New York. 
Miss Hutton, a fine stage personality, 
sells herself and the group with ease. 
They start off with 'Gal in Kala- 
mazoo, which Is ruined by the In- 
ability of the house band to set up a 
tempo, then Jimmy Blair, who re- 
placed Chuck Goldstein, baritone- 
solos 'Serenade )ji Blue' with vocal 
background. He's fair. 'Juke Box 
Saturday Night' and 'Strip Polka' 
follow, latter done very well, and 
'Keep Smiling,' from a side mike, 
eases the show Into the finale bit 
with the line and Kiss Gae. Beneke 
uses his tenor sax as background, 
too. 

Biz fair. Wood. 



Wednesday, October 14, 1912 



four girl singers with the band 
essay some harmony. It's a comedy 
number, "Five by Five." which also 
anllsta the voices and antics of 
Crosby and a trio of his musicians. 

George Church and Marion Hale, 
an attractive, F>ersonable couple, tap 
tp the tune of 'Be Careful, It's My 
Heart.' featuring some neat spins. A 
Spanish waltz tap is out of the ordi- 
nary. Bob Haggart, the band's bass 
player, goes to town with an unusual 
solo. 'Whistler's Mother-in-Law.' 

Clever pantomime and comedy 
business are eflectivcly injected into 
the balancing act of Emmctt Oldlield 
and Frank Rooney. They (jet seri- 
ous to perform some really remark- 
able stunts requiring exceptional 
muscular control. 

Keeping up a running lire of amus- 
ing gags and stories while juggling 
his hat and. later, four balls. Billy 
Rayes. En.ijlish comedian, wins good 
launh and applause returns. His im- 
pressions as to how Greta Garbo. 
Sally Rand and Kate Smith would 
Juggle the balls are amusinu. He 
also keeps three rubber spheres 
bouncing while doing a tap dance, 
imitates a man trying to thread a 
needle and winds up with the 
familiar takeoff of a young woman 
arising with a hangover, dressing 
and making up. A military medley 
is a stirring finisher for the band. 
Jl light house for the ppening 



How those middle-aged gals go for 
John Boles, House was full of the 
singer's fans at first show today (8), 
and they got plenty. 

Baritone Boles has loosened up and 
is generous with encores. (3pens 
with medley of surefire hits from 
musical comedy, winding up with 
'Old Man River.' Then 'Chattanooga 
Choo Choo,' with gestures, and 
finally the song with which he YAs 
been identified here. 'Waitin' At the 
Gate for Katie.' Rhythm Rockets 
come in on final chorus, after singer 
has donned comedy getup. As he 
exits backstage, does a prattfall over 
fence and turns it into audience 
howl. Boles can pitch nothing but 
strikes in this house, which he calls 
'Coming Home.' 

Rhythm Rockets open show with 
a well rehearsed balloon dance in- 
troducing Helene Denison, who does 
her twirls and toe work with a big 
ger balloon. Classy combination. 

Bob Evans has some bright patter 
with his ventriloquial dummy and 
makes much of his singing. The 
'Yo' all' talk of the Randall sisters 
goes over as much as their crooning 
of hillbilly numbers. 

Sam Jack Kaufman went through 
his library and came up with sure- 
fire composers for his medley over- 
ture, vocaled well by Lynn Allison 
Art Brown at the console got this 
audience in lively mood with a neat 
organlog. Arke. 

Casino de Paree, N. O. 

('Broadway on Parade') 

New Orleons, Oct. 8. 
Tommy (Moe) Raft, Aline Thomp- 
son, HarUind Dixon, Shannon It Mein, 
Hoffman & Kay, Helen Shaw, Steve 
Mills & Johnny Cook, Eleanor Sheri- 
dan, Line (12), House Orch^ 



ORPHEUM, MPLS. 



Minneapolis, Oct. 10. 
Bob Crosby's Orch (16) with 
O'Connell Sisters (4), Church & Hale, 
Emtnett Old/Ield & Co. (2;, Billy 
Rayes; 'Lady in a Jam' (U). 

Bob Crosby's orcHestra Is built 
along conventional lines and most 
of its musical dispensations hew 
closely to accustomed formulas, but 
there's a novelty contribution tossed 
in here and there to give some spice 
to the proceedings. Supporting acts 
stack up well enough, too. "The re- 
sult is a satisfactory money's worth. 

With six brass, five sax and four 
rhythm, the band gives out with 
enough volume to satisfy the jive 
element, with occasional excursions 
into the sweeter music. Crosby 
fronts the band, emcees the. show and 
does some Warbling. 

'King Porter's Stomp' is a hot and 
noisy band starter with brief bits 
of soloing by Yank Lawson, Eddie 
MiUer and Mattie Matlock on the 
trumpet, sax and clarinet, . respec- 
tively. Then the leader croons 
*White Christmas,' after which the 



"Musical comedy,' combined with 
vaudeville, has established itself 
firmly here, judging by crowds pack 
ing house to see 'Broadway on 
Parade,' second presentation of 
newly opened spot. Current offer- 
ing is big Improvement over initial 
one. Low admish prices of 30 and 
S6c make the hour-long girl musical 
a good buy. 

* Several new acts have been 
brought in, as well as new sets. Con- 
siderable rehearsal has pepped up 
the new show considerably. 

Tommy (Moe) Raft, principal 
comedian, repeats his comedy hit of 
the previous week, and the reap 
pearance of Aline Thompson, looker 
with swell pipes, helps considerably. 

Much ' of the credit for the new 
show is due Eddie Lynch, the direc 
tor, for staging some nifty dance 
numbers. The chorus work is much 
improved and the 'ponies' come in 
for plenty of palm pounding for 
their terping. 

The vet Harland Dixon drew three 
encores at show caught for his soft 
shoe routines. Shannon and Mein, 
tap dancing team, also held over, 
again click solidly, as do Hoffman 
and Kay, who got nice hand for their 
tumbling routines. 

Helen Shaw, a home towner, Is 
given a featured spot as a singing 
•find and handles herself OK. She's 
a brunet looker and possesses a neat 
voice, but has plenty to learn about 
microphone and stage presence. 

Comedians Steve Mills and Johnny 
Cook get their share of the bravos, 
and Eleanor Sheridan^ redhead who 
was to be the' star stripper, kept her 
clothes on and the audience didn't 
ask 'how come.' Customers were 
more interested in the antics of the 
funsters than in the gal's peeling. 

Liuz. 



STATE, N. Y. 

Martlin Raye. Busier Shorer u-ilh 
Olii'e (Kid George, 3 Wiiiler Sisters, 
Wnlly Broiun, Rubfc Zuerliiig House 
Orch; 'Tu/k of the Toirn' (Col). 

Acceptable, but hardly sock enter- 
tainment is ofTeicd-in-this stngeshow 
headed by Martha Raye. However, 
with the click 'Talk of the Town' 
feature on the screen, the bill should 
garner satisfactory business. 

Miss Raye has the closing spot, 
combining her rauious brand of 
clowninu with a slu,i!.uinK delivery 
of .songs. She was becomingly 
tOKged in blue at the show cau.ijht. 
biit with a poofy-looking (lat hat 
which she used lor comic business. 
Film and legit comedienne continues 
to break up her song numbers with 
slapstick antics. The effect is 
laughable, though lacking variation. 
Songs include 'Great Day Coming 
Manana.' 'Mr. I'aganini' and 'Five 
O'clock Whi.stlc.' 

Opening act is the Three Winter 
Sisters, click acrobatic dance and 
balancing turn. Trio are okay look- 
ers. cfTectively costumed, with a fast, 
showmanly routine. They're ob- 
viously good for pre.'cntation houses 
and should be sock for hitcries. 

Buster Shaver, with Olive and 
George, midgets, are on second and 
score-as always with theii-dance .ynd 
comedy act. 

Wally Brown Is m.c. and has a 
fairly lengthy comedy monolog .spot. 
He's a funny guy with a distinctive 
manner of handling lines, "but lessens 
the effect occasionally by giggling at 
his own stuff. 

Entire show is on and ofT in 4G 
minutes. Attendance was moderate 
at show caught. Hobc. 

CIRCLE, INDPLS. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 10. 
Claude Thornhill Orch, Snowflakes 
(4). Lillian Lane, Buddy Stewart. 
Martha Wayne, Art Malvin, Ray & 
Trent, Virginia Austin, Sunny Rice; 
'Are Husbands Necessary?' (Par). 

The big parade of stage bands here 
brings Claude Thornhill to town for 
the first time with a show designed 
to please the music fans who like to 
sit stiU. In place of the feverish ex- 
citement set aflame by the jive out- 
fits, he stirs up a twilight mood with 
a special brand of tuneware featur- 
ing his piano with a set of French 
horns backing it up. With this com- 
bination, he gets a mellow tone that 
particularly enhances his sock ar- 
rangements. Thornhill has no time 
for nonsense and collegiate hijinks, 
so the show, subdued in tempo and 
mood most of the way, appeals most 
strongly to the older crowd. 

Festivities begin on a rousing brass 
note with a jamming of 'Buster's 
Last Stand.' one of the band's origi- 
nal numbers. Each of the key men 
fakes a break while Thornhill s 
piano sparkles. He then goes into a 
medley of 'Where or When,' 'Yours 
Is My Heart Alone' and 'I Don't 
Know Why,' with a very youthful 
quartet, the Snowfiakes, harmoniz- 
ing nicely on the vocal. Lillian 
Lane, the featured vocalist, puts a 
lot of heart appeal Into 'Just As 
Though You Were Here' and "Be 
Careful, It's My Heart,' after which 
the band goes to town on 'Stealin 
Apples.' 

Martha Wayne and Buddy Stew- 
art, a cute couple, make a nifty vocal 
duet of 'Knock Me a Kiss' and score 
again with 'You Took Advantage of 
Me.' 'Ehe band then comes back with 
'Autumn Nocturne,' one of its best 
numbers and most representative of 
its style. For a finale, the quartet 
rejoins the band in a session on 
'Jingle, Jangle.' A stronger cliniax 
could help the show, as it just fades 
away at the finish. 

There are three outside acts with 
the band, Virginia Austin, the pup- 
peteer; Sunny Rice, dancer, and Ray 
and Trent, who give the show most 
of what it needs. Their comedy an- 
tics and new twists to old acrobatic 
routines got them the biggest hand 
of the program. Miss Rice puts 
plenty personality into her clever 
taps. Miss Austin has a novel and 
complicated puppet setup in which 
one of the dolls on strings pulls the 
strings on another which, in turn, 
works a third. It's a good trick. 

Corb. 



STAR, BROOKLYN 



Bobby Morris, Chamuiyne, Bemie 
Miller, George F. Reynolds, Renard 
& Rudy, Ralph Broum, Velita, Line 
(8), Showgirls (6); Shorts. 

Current strong array Is largely re- 
sponsible for the revue-vaude policy 
starting to catch on after three 
rather tough weeks. Bobby Morris, 
who carries the full comedy burden, 
is in his third stanza while Char- 
mayne, blonde dansapator, is click- 
ing in her second week. Both soHd 
with audiences here. 

Work of Charmayne represents a 
solid improvement for this former 
stripper-dancer. She's In two skita 
and already has developed a nice 
sense of timing in reading lines. 
Charmayne also is on for her 
familiar dance at the close, being 
done with good taste and minimum 
of nudity. There's no stripping to it. 

Otherwise, the show runs along on 



about the same pattern as in previ- 
ous weeks. The management, which 
has been leaning overboard to avoid 
any semblance of nudity, is permit- 
ting more fla.'ihes of epidermis— 
about in line with ' the amount of 
cuticle on display in Broadway musi- 
cals. Stripping still is out and upper 
portions of the (emme anatomy are 
always shielded by bras. 

Velita, former dancer from night- 
clubs, is doing two modified dance 
routines, working under wraps to all 
intents, and consequently- handi- 
capped. She's a dark-haired looker 
of possibilities. 

Renard and Rudy (New Acts) of- 
fer neat hand-to-hand balancing. 
Ralph Brown, colored tapster who's 
played here before, Moes in for a 
prolonged session, but its war- 
ranted, because of il^ audience re- 
ception. Nod McGurn is producing, 
and follows in usual groove for this 
liouse. 

Biz fair first show Friday I9). 

Wear. 



STATE, HARTFORD 



ffarljford. Oct. 9. 
Alvi»o Rcj; Oifh u-ith Ki7ip Sis- 
ters (4). Skeeis Herfurt. Dick Mor- 
gan. Lane Bros. (2). Winik & Mae. 
Sam Kaplan Pit Band; 'X Mnrks' (he 
Spot' (Rep).- 



Alvino Rey orch is making its 
third appearance at this house inside 
of three months. 

Two acts plus the band complete 
the divertissement and make for 
neatly paced entertainment. Show 
runs one hour. Band consists of four 
trumpet, three trombone, live sax 
and four rhythm (five with Rey's 
electric guitar). 

Activities olT to a fast getaway 
with a swingy tune. Band, built up 
around Rry. his guitar and the 
vocalling King Sisters, keeps in that 
mooil almost throughout. Gives the 
customers a varied assortment of 
swing and bounce numbers, all of 
the sock variety. 

I^aestro splits his time between 
batoning and soloing on his guitar. 
He as well as the band are strong in 
musicianship with King Sisters sell- 
ing splendi(lly with their harmoniz- 
ing. 

Lane Bros, give out with their 
standard hoke and rope skipping 
from varied positions. Registered 
strong. Other turn, Winik and Mae, 
mixed dance duo. sell solidly. Skeets 
Herfurt and Dick Morgan, both of 
the band, got guffaws with the nov- 
elty 'Strip Polka.' 

Biz bff at afternoon show caught 
today (Friday). Eck. 



TOWER, K. C. 



Kansas City. Oct. 9. 
Smiley Burnctte, The Antaleks (5), 
Gates &- Carroll, Freddie Stntt, 
Joleen Harris, Tower Orch unth Don 
Tiff, Mike Carle It Marilyn BaUinger; 
'Call of the Canyon' (Rep). 



With frog-voiced smiley Burnette 
In person heading the sUge show, 
and topping the supporting cast 
with Gene Autry in 'Call of the 
Canyon (Rep), Tower is heatling 
toward a nifty gross this week. Top 
has been upped to 50c for the week, 
and longer-than-usual vaude bill 
should please customers who like 
dual flickers and get only the one. 

Opening the proceedings. Tower 
Orch plays an arrangement by Don 
Tiff of 'Cow Cow Boogie,' with Mike 
Carle trumpeting and Marilyn BaU- 
inger taking the vocal and doing 
right by it. Orch then segues into 
incidental music as off-stage m.c. 
introduces The Five Antaleks, perch 
acrobats now in vaude after a tour 
with the RingUng big top. Tempo of 
act is fast and quintet moves through 
routine of stunts with precision. 

Deuce spot this week goes to Gates 
and Carroll, hoofers who do most of 
their stepping on a novel bureau- 
drawer type of stairs. Tlie best stunt 
of the turn is the Russian-style work 
of the man up and down steps. 

Freddie StrItt, who has been 
doubling as m.c, then comes on for 
an extremely informal combination 
of singing, hoofing, patter and 
comedy magic. From a chorus of 
'Waiting for the Robert E. Lee,' he 
goes into some fast gagging and then 
into several tricks kidding present- 
day mystics. Stritt still uses .his 
familiar change of headgear with 
everv entrance. He has added some 
poundage since his long stint as m.c. 
in town several years ago, but it is 
not imbecoming. 

Joleen Harris Is the 'Discovery 
Night' winner this week, and she 
presents an acrobatics routine which 
is not bad when her youthful age 
is considered. 

Closing spot goes to Burnette, who 
with two unbilled assistants presents 
a combination of Hollywood side- 
lights, gags, guitar and 'squeeze box' 
playing, plus comedy business. Burn- 
ette wears the same battered hat and 
other get-up familiar to screen fans. 
At show caught, he got his biggest 
hand on his accordion playing of 
'Wonderful One.' He had to beg off 
before he could continue his rou- 
tine. Two assistants support him 
nicely in a couple of mountain tunes. 

Combo of Burnette on the stage 
and Autry on the screen drew 
standees opening night. Earl. 



CENTRAL, N. Y. 

Hollywood Co-Eds (3), Ray & H«r- 
risoii, Charles Carrer, Joe Wuna 
Looney Lewis, Harry tHatchelliue) 
Hams, Chick Hunter, Joan Cnrroll 
house line (12), showgirls (5) Mur' 
ray Auster house orch (7); ih'oris. 

The gaudy front with the heavy 
.stre-ss on 'girl show' promises bur- 
lesque. but what's inside is much 
worse. 

Actually, this ia a hyorid of both ' 
burlesque and vaudeville, with the 
worst features of both exceptinc 
strippers. Not even a production job 
can soften the impact of so much 
that's mediocre, or unnecessarily 
dirty, or both. One of the most 
pointed question marks is how any 
hooker tan find so little variety in 
variety acts, and where doe.s he find 
at least a couple of acts that arc so 
poor? 

This 800-seater is operating on the 
cheapest possible .stage budttt 
There's no doubt that few of the 
actors are getting even as much as 
the stagehands. 

Best test of the policy is in the 
audience. Opening night (Thursd.iy i 
the great majority of the patrons 
were men, a number in uniform and 
they acted as though they wcic 
strictly waiting for the stripper<; 
The ilrippers don't show up. biit 
there s one dirty bedroom scene in 
which blonde Joan Carroll, in black 
negligee gives the peasanU a peak 
at a well-developed chassis. 

About the dirtiest bit in the .show 
though, is in the vaude act of Ray 
and Harrison, a big woman and a 
male partner of lesser .size. Her 
propensity for grabbing him by the 
.'eat of the pants, with siicli tech- 
nique as to lift him up on his toei 
IT strictly burlesque stufT of the low- 
ca order. Their act a.s a whole is 
mediocre; the woman's comedy bal- 
let, a la Fanny Brice's 'Dying Swan ' 
is about the only half-way funny 
piece of busine.s.s. 

Looney Lewis, the burley comic 
IS a holdover from last week's (thea- 
tres first) show. He doe.s a good 
job in the bedroom skit, but other- 
wise falls Dieltv Hat. Harry (Hatchet- 
face) Harri.s is a newcomer, some- 
thing of a Willie Howard without 
laughs, but Miss Carroll, a^ former 
stripper, and Chick Hunter, the 
straight men. are other holdoverj: 

Two vaude acts in the show are of 
the better class. One i.s Charles 
t-arrer, a fine juggler, who scores 
fai'ly; while the other is Joe Wong, 
the Chinese tenor, who was quite a 
novelty .some .vear.s ago and .ttill can 
deliver a song in neat fashion. 
Hollywood Co-Ed.s. three girls, con- 
tribute a fair .session of acrobatics 
and hoofing on, miniature .stairs 

Production entails 12 chorines, five 
showgirls, some rented scenery and 
costumes. The. scenery is pretty 
poor, especially one red ancl green- 
striped traveler, while the en.semblc 
numbers are elementary. 

Biz fair at the night admission of 
Scho. 

KEITH'S, INDPLS. 



fndianapolts, Oct. 10. 
Laff, Town, Laff' with Maxine, 
Stevens Bros. (4) & Big Boy, Joey 
Ross It Gladys Bennett. Bob Brom- 
ley, Chester Dolphin & Co. (2) ,-NobIe 
Troupe (3); 'Parachute Nurse' (Col). 

The new vaudeville here is a tasty 
dish, with plenty of good acts and 
enough variety to spice it up. It's a 
ereat show for the family trade, 
probably the best of the season to 
date, featuring two strong novelty 
turns and comedy all on the clean 
side. 

The juves are especially keen for 
Uie animal act, Stevens Bros, and 
Big Boy, the latter a huge bear that 
hkes to wrassle in a friendly way. 
Bruin does a rhythm dance and 
tackles like a pro, Ti^ht at the ankles. 
His keeper then invites the kids 
(plants) up from the audience to 
ride on the animal's back. When he 
sits down, they slide off. Some fun. 
Then a trio of comics comes down 
the aisles to try their luck at the 
gunt and groan stuff with-Big Boy. 
One of them finally loses his pants, 
and it's a curtain on a belly laugh. 

The glamour is dished out by Max- 
ine. the first of that name with the 
Phil Spitalny band, who gives out 
with .the throat in a fancy solo act 
With a voice that goes all the way 
down to the basement, she thrushes 
Shrine of St. Cecilia.' 'I Said No,' 
Amapola" (in French) and 'Three 
Little Sisters' pleasantly. The gal 
has humor as well as charm and 
looks like a million. Bob Bromley's 
puppet routine also goes over big 
with young and old. Cleverer than 
most, he has a good line of gags to 
eo with his amusing dolls. First 
there's the old we; horse of opera 
who rends a bit offWagner asunder, 
with vocal effects off a concealed rec- 
ord; then a miniature Bill Robinson 
beating out sharp taps and finally 
the long-haired professor who waxes 
both hot and classical at a tiny piano. 

Chester Dolphin's juggling got a 
rousing hand. For one of his fea- 
tures he stands on his hands and 
whirls five hoops at one and the 
same time. But his best is the 
comedy drunk routine in which he 
balances a bottle on his head, stands 
on his hands, picks up a cockt^iit 
(Continued on page 22) 



Wednesday. October 14. 1942 U^RlEfV 21 




WHY BEAT AROUND THE BUSH! 

Here are the FACTST 



Judy Garland in 
Tor Me and My Gal' 
with George Murphy, 
Gene Kelly, Marta 
Eggerth, Ren Blue. 
Screen Play by Rich- 
ard Sherman, Fred 
Finklehoffe and Sid 
Silvers • Original 
Story by Howard Em- 
mett Rogers • Directed 
by Busby Berkeley 
Produred by Arthur 
Freed r-/tM«ti'af:0eId~ 
mine -Mayer Picture. 



FILM DAILY- OCT. 2, 1942 



Editorial 



New Faces 

• • • Wietrohmt *em 

s^B If GHJSBTU B. BAm 

METRO admittedly doesn't need to b« 
told by this sIdclinM cemmontator 
that it hai a box office honey in its 
nostalgic bitter-sweet saga of vaudeville. 
"For Me and My (Sal," for the Judy Gar- 
lend starrer generally has received the ac- 
colade from experieneed trade reviewers 
and from picture-wise showmen who caught 
it at the screenings. 

It's a safe bet, too. that the judgment 
so rendered wiH be substantiated by tlie 
extended playing time and the heavy grosses 
that will come along in due eourse. On 
merit, it rates a long stay on the Main 
Stem here .... and it will mop up as 
well in the smallest of the country's junc- 
tions. 

TAKING the ball from that point, a cou- 
ple of remarks upon what Metro has 
done In "For Me and My Gal" may rate 
space and exhib. cogitation. For instance, 
you hear a lot these days from theater 
operators ^out that need (it's perennial) 
for new faces on the screen. 

Okay, in "For Me and My Gaf Metro 
gives the nod to a quartet— Gene Kelly, 
snapped up by Metro on the basis of his 
Broadway performance in "Leave It to Me"; 
Richard Quine, who made his pie bow in 
"B^es on Broadway" after stage and radio 



experience; Marta Eggerth, from the Con- 
tinental and English screen via the Broad- 
way musical, "Higher and Higher," and 
Keenan Wynn of the stage Wynns, making 
his first screen appearance. 

For the record, it might be interpolated 
that "For Me and My Gal" was a valuable 
story property, packing a hefty dramatic 
and romantic wallop. So it took producer 
courage to, among-other- things, toss the 
male lead to a stage show dancer. But 
that courage happened to have been under- 
written by what assays as producer sensi- 
tivity, a faculty firmly entrenched in Culver 
City. And, per schedule, the results are 
exceedingly happy. 

|/ELLY clicks emphatically, and not as a 
dancer alone. He has personality. He can 
act. And he is photogenic. Given the 
right roles, the proper build-up (and you 
can count on Metro to see to both), and 
he's definitely "in." 

Quine and Wynn have lesser opportuni- 
ties, but they'll b» heard from. Which 
applies equally as well ' to Miss Egfterth 
who possesses that certain something. Shc*t 
as luscious an import as ever has come from 
Hungary. 

So don't worry too much about new star 
material. Metro has four candidates In 
this picture alone .... and, take Hie stu- 
dios' word for it, there are 36 more in 
Culver City. 

P.S. Judy, Garland tops her past per- 
formances in this one. And Busby Berkeley 
rates five or six~lows a la the old Palace 
for his direction. 




and it's going to be the Astor's pet picture! 
''FOR ME AND MY GAL"-OCT. 21st-ASTOR THEATRE 

(Naturally the World Premiere is at the world'famed show'shop!) 



S2 HOUSE REVIEWS 



WcdMsday, October 14, 1942 



KEITH'S, INDPLS. 

(Continued from page 20) 

viib bis teetfa, -walks on bis 
.^nds. ge*s badt on his feet and 
cirains &e glass without distarbing 
tbe )3onae. Tl«e NsUke TroKpe ol ex- 
pait synmasts. two boys and « giil, 
opernnes -on paraBd bars. fV>r &eiT 
iopptir-. -one cS libe bo>-s mates a tuB 
lnK& (flip, oatc3iir% his shoidder s on 
the pBndite3s ss he oomes down. 
lires JroHoe it up *or laushs by stop- 
piT^ <SB iDto space, etc. 

iraie caaeds afle ol UJe show is 
E tme ng H b epea ^ Ross and Bennett in 
tbeir versatile i«mnaT>e <S singing, 
(InacingE! «Dd igses. They're a cute 
ooirAnsatioB mi Boss has a nnty 
eocoiJtirjc 'daooing style In h is so ft 
Bhoe oomber. TThey wind op wiOi a 
medley ol pegmtsr ^aaes and SfJ* 
warm sendoff. Bromley m£S vte 
Bhovc aroeTJt^ay. 

Biz ^1 the lopening w«snt as gooa 
as <a sood show deserves. Ta« 

ORIENTAL, CHI 



Philadelphia, Oct. ID. 
Franfc Fay. Una Merlcel, Bonnie 
Bafcer. Bettv Kean, Clarence GosktO, 
John Kirbi/ Orch («): Borle House 
Bond t20); 'You Cont Escape Por- 

COCT." 



CbioBgo, OeL 9. 
Art JSerrcW Ordh <1-*). Shiriev 
Riois. P« JJ^Birorw. -to* 
Tom mtypgam., Jeri ^SttTJwron; TjucJci; 
Lieps' ■{<Col'). 

Sts^ ^w aa tbe Oriental this, 
vwdk is esNsditent, ^(lath Aal jfaw etfs 
nmsioaa .^Kr^aJtion delivering B; 
soflh peirS««niiiinoe. Suriey Bo ss rfso - 
goes ower 9Aft and Pat ShsiiiiiTiE 
roQses «nd>eDee to agspilense with bis 
concentrated insanity. 

Jarrelt exudes a warmth and 
friendliness that reaches over the 
footlights. As for Miss Ross, radio 
and motion picture singer, she has 
looks, 'Charm and sings niftily. _ 

Band gelts '^wn the runway with a 
fine arrat^ement ■of "Tidi Fiy,' fol- 
lowed by b«aid,"s Jnale vocrfKst, 
Tommy Morgan, in a couple of pops. 
Barney Koppitch, pianist, spiritedly 
tickles the ivories through 'Tea for 
Two' and "We're In the Money." 

Jcri Sullivan, warbler featured 
•with Jarrett in his long Blackhawk 
run, is a looker who can sing. She 
does the conventional pops. The 
audience liked her. 

Jack. Jean and Judy, two gals and 
e boy, are a standard vaudeville 
ti>"ibling act. and clickp. 

Miss Ross features favorites from 
h • pictures. She gives out wifli 
Tsnks for the Memory,' Two 
S'cepy People,' 'The Lady's In Love 
With You' and others. She got Jag 
Br-^Iause. 

M e n n i n g * 9 impersonation ol 
C-.mrlcs Laughton in 'The Hunch- 
back of Notre Dame,' his pathetic 
plea for four bows 'to impress the 
management' all got hearty laughs. 
An expert performer. 

Jarrett does several popular melo- 
dies in his high, sweet tenor. He's 
suave, and is a smooth, entertaining 
vocalist. Conclusion, 'This Is tbe 
Army.' ducted with Jeri Sullivan, is 
a nice bit of harmony. 

Biz good. Loop. 



APOLLO, N. Y. 



Eorl Hincs OtcH (17) luith Dfaie- 
line Greene, Billy Eckstein; Patter- 
son & Jackson, 4 Queens, Jijnmi; 
Smiili, Viuian Harris & Tim Moore 
'inside the Law' (Indie). 



a knee-high piano. He danoes on 
large hisged keys, in that way strik- 
ing notes recognizable as "St. Louis 
Blues.' 'Stardust,' etc. 

Vivian Bairis and Tim Moore, 
bouae comic and straight, come up 
with a piece this w«ek that's un- 
usually pleasing to this type of audi- 
enoe. ui it Moore is a henpecked 
budiBod who strives to turn the 
tables. 

Biz okay. Wood. 



EARLE, PHILLY 



Very little co-ordination about this 
^ow, indicating a lack of prepan- 
tion by the heaoLiners. Ccnsequenfly, 
de^te redmSliag by the manage- 
ment of routines; order Of appear- 
ances, etc.. it doesnt tpiite add up. 

Frank Fay''s humor apparently 
doesnt click with Wully's peasantry 
de^te his unmistaicatale desire to 
please. Only br^t spot in his 
oSierwise colorless routine is his dis- 
seetieai of papular songs. 'When 
cau^t he tot* apart Tea for Twa' 
acoempanied by Clarence Ga^ill at 
tbe piapo; it was good for a few 
bdlylaugfas. 

Una Merkel suffers from the oom- 
plainl common to many Holly - 
woodites who make in-person «p- 
pearances— lack of material. The 
day is long past wlien tbe customers 
ai« satisfied to see cinema cbaraoters 
just come on with some meaningless 
chatter just because they're from the 
glamour capital. 

After a meaningless monolog. Miss 
Merkel returns for an encore and 
some clowning with Fay, who em- 
cees. 

Bright spots in the bill are fur- 
nished by Bonnie Baker. Betty Ksean 
and John Kirby's six-piece swing 
ensemble. 

Miss Baker is making her first ap- 
pearance here since starting as a sin- 
gle act after Orrin Tucker dismantled 
his band prior to joining the Navy. 
Baby-voiced gal still has plenty of 
appeal and she had to sing six num- 
bers before the down-fronters 
would let her call it quits. 

Miss Kean, a tall, svelte blonde, 
clicks with her comedy terping plus 
a tricky vocal with something called 
'Vitamin U.r She's a neat addition to 
«ny bill. 

Jtftin Eiiby's boys really put zmg 
into the proceedings. They take 
over trom the Earle pit cre*v, v/hich 
aacompanies tbe preceding acts, and 
really give out with some old-fash 
ioned gutbucket rhythm. 

House almost capacity-flUed when 
CBQ^t (Saturday dinner show) 



RKa BOSTON 

Boston, Oct. 11. 
JCTTV Waia Orch; Joh-rmy Downs, 
SyM BouM>n, florrofe Miwneritch 
Harmonica Rascals; 'FootliBht Sere- 
Tuute' <20th). 



EARLE, WASH. 



Washifiirton, Oct 9. 
WcQv West, tliriam LavtUe, Her- 
zoffs. Roxvenes, Helene Fnye, Jee 
LomboTdi's House Oroh 'Are Htit- 
bonds KeoesMry?' (Par). 

A little show with plenty of pro- 
dueticm. 

Koxyiettcs come on for a short 
number in which they say, lyrically, 
ISiey've been ashed to beeooie acro- 
bats. This introduces tbe Herzogs, 
pi«sumatdy from the dancing line, 
lor a trick entrance. After some 
nifty bar worit, two girls ask if any 
is the audience would like to be- 
come an acrobat. Up comes tiie 
plant for some exoeuent comedy 
stuff on the 'flying trapeze. 

Miriam Lavdle on for some fancy 
body twists and i^ile toe work. 
Short session but it rang 6ie bell. 
W^Oy West gets out of tbe groove 
wifit his imitations. Best is a take- 
off of dead pan Charlie Butterwor&i, 
but his budget also indudes Major 
Sowes, Donald Duck and 'fte 'Good 
WiB Hour.' 'With 30 oameo impres- 
sions this imitator had ^em winging, 
could have stayed longer. » 

Bdene Faye is in a deep south 
9c<titing for some s^lful bowing with 
a tuneful violin. ReaQy an artist, 
Qtou^ for vaudeville nnmbers like' 
'Yoa'TC AJways In My Heart* are 
closer to Ibe heart of ■Qte pUlte. JFoe 
Lombardi's overture is ttmeily. 'with 
hits trom This Is the Army' and 
George M. Cohan's old-timers. 

Short Aow, beaotiSaQy presented, 
for whicli Harry Anger takes « bow. 

Arhe. 



Stars B Mist far O verseas 



CHICAGO, CHI 



Chiraeo, Oct. 9. 
Jack Durant. Lmda Ware, Tip, Tap 
& Toe, Lime Tno, Chicago Theatre 
Ballet; 'Pied ?>iper' C20th). 



As colored stage shows go at this 
Harlem spot this 75-80 minute pres- 
entation is -dkay. There's nothing 
particularly outstEmding about it 
from a downtown point of view, but 
when caught the aadience pnesent 
grt a bang oot of almost everything. 

Saia nines' band of lour trumpets, 
three tronAnmes, Ave sax, four 
rhythm, rated among the beitter ctf 
the name ocOoPed baEds, does a satis-' 
factory job. Tram the opening gun. 
which is a wild bit of arranging and 
play4i% bogtm by Mines' phos-: 
(ihoresoent-t^oved hands on a dai4c- 
erred stage, the «utflt is blacked out 
only once, during a sketch. Majority 
of the things the band plays are 
jump arrangement^— guaranteed to 
create response in an audience su<3i 
as this. They're wild, hot things full 
of individual solos, played without 
prrlicular distinction with one ex- 
ec-lion, that a fine writing of Idaho.' 

"and shows the flexibility it dis- 
pl. ycd on its last date here, however. 
In rn arrangement of 'Manhattan 
Ssrenade,' spotlighting Hines' ^ne 
pianoing. and tasty backgrounds 
fcr Madeline Green's well done ''He's 
My Guy.' She also handles the 
rhythmic 'Five By Five.' Billy Ec*- 
stcin. the 'Neuro Bob Eberle.' who 
Sim.': well, but doesn't sell, hit the 
j?rkpot with this audience, too, with 
Trke Me.' 'Just As Though You 
Wrre Here' and 'Skylark.' 

Patterson and Jackson, rotund 
d;;ncing comic.-;. .<;corc easily with tap 
routines and comedy chatter. It's 
Bti ictly stuff for this type of house. 
Pci'luips the .TCl's strongest point is 
th? extraordinarily true imitation of 
Billy Kenny's (Inkspots) falsetto 
tcii'iring, which closes. 

Jimmy Smith, given a buildup by 
Hines. oilers an unusual turn. He 
has a xylophone built in the shape of 



As band shows are the rule here 
'this season with a succession of 
mostly unknown combinations, the 
Wald band, new to this spot, ranks 
with the loudest and best. It registers 
stoutly. The bill hasn't the drawing 
punch of some recent memorables 
here and there's the added handicap 
of playing against a heldover Aim,, 
tiut the show ranks well above aver- ' 
age for etU-arotmd entertainment. 
Business is building. 

The Wald layout Is hep all the 
way but weak on the spectacular 
stage manner. Orch shines in its hot 
ensemble stuff particularly, with 
smart arrangements, salty harmonies 
and off-beat attadts requiring pleu^ 
■of precision. Its bot-dicjks i>ays aren t 
sensational in theaftre ^urronndings, 
but Anita Boyer, warbling know- 
'mgly, clicks. 

Outfit does best with a couple cif 
tunes that have consideisble jam 
distinction. They are given with too 
much fortissimo, though, which dis- 
torts their cleverness. The band 
steers away from clowning -or 
mugging while Wald himself, very 
seitf -effacing, fools around <m the 
clarinet, playing some neat, if also 
over-loud, choruses. 

l^e_Harmonica Bascals. old stand- 
bys, throw their weight around with 
more horseplay than music, gagging 
up one another's .«olos, but, as al- 
ways, take a healthy slice of the 
audience enthusiasm. Sybil Bowan, 
a staunch performer in any com- 
'pnny, reaps tbe plaudits with a set 
of tasty mimicries langinc from a 
Swedish diva to Gracic Fields and 
whamming with a killer on a woe- 
begone volunteer nurse. A little loo 
trite for the audience, however, is 
her takeoff of a passe film star look- 
inij for work. 

Johnny Downs, from HoUyw.iod. 
does a neat job in the top billing. 
He has plenty of looks and Der.son- 
alit.v. and nlthouiih his .sinpinn and 
hooflnR aren't of heaviest caliber, he 
recrister.s. He has a subtle and clever 
t';-"? t.-) indicate his H-A status when 
he hauls out a hanky nholo of his 
daughter. Got a big hand all around. 

Ette. 



Show In conjunction with "Pied 
Piper" (20th), is not outstanding 
though plenty entertaining. 

Chicago theatre ballet gets off with 
Russian number, half the girls at- 
tired in black and silver Cossack cos- 
tumes, tbe other half in oimson and 
gold. It's colorful but the routine is 
conventional, highlighted somewhat 
by a spirited accordion solo by Van 
Dany. Tip, Tap and Toe are still 
tapping on a huge, elevated drum, 
and still whammo. 

Jack Durant, veteran musioad 
comedy and vaude entertainer, has 
a good aB-around act — a little turn 
bling, some somersaulting, a couple 
of imitations and a bit of clowning. 

Limla Ware, doubling between the 
Chioago and the Chez Paree, has 
grown from featured moppet per- 
former of Paramount into a stream 
lined blonde looker with excellent 
delivery. She sings pops •well, but 
her best <drtty is a love song sung to 
a sailor apparently picked at random 
from the audience, culminating in a 
hugTand-jdss scene that roused the 
audience to warm applause. 

Tbe ILime IMo is a continental 
type novelty act. Two actors carry 
trunk on stage, 'open -it to wveal 
doable-ijoiirted entertainer janmied 
into it. They flop him aTl over Sta£e 
and he Teacts in fashion, loose- 
jointed and mechanical. Over big. 

There's a nice train setting for 
ICalamazoo,' danced by the ballet 
Jt's a minted nmrlber, competentlly 
routined and colorful, with the girls 
executing some nice patterns to con 
elude show. 

Biz good. Loop. 



ADAMS, NEWARK 



Neujork. Oct. 9, 
Ouirtie Bqt^ Orch (M) with 
UHa Bradiey, Huck Andretus, Cliff 
Leemon % HouMtrd noOhee, Xmg 4 
Arlina, .Smith & Dale, Frances Faye; 
'Pacific Rendezuoiii' (M-G). 



Adams is back to the swing genre 
this week -with Charlie Barnet's 
strident crew. Orch easily walks off 
with tbe honors, if any, <<h being the 
loudest «onfl>o ever to plsiy this 
swing-conscious house. It's an caco- 
phony, and all poteift hepcat bait. 

Band'f eight brasses dominate vir- 
tually every number, with the sases 
coming in, on occasion, to vary the 
monotony. The rhythm is very 
much in the background, with the 
exception of t'le crack bass slapping 
of Chubby Jackson, 

Bamet has an Interesting and 
novel opening number, with the 
band playing behind a scrim and a 
battery of opalescont lights from the 
flies pioking out the individiul per- 
formers. Number is very long and 
comprises 'Simimer Time,' 'Just 
Plain Lonesome,' and 'Can't Believe 
That You're in Love With Me.' 

Band cuts loose with 'Smiles.' with 
Barnet's tenor sar.ing featureil. and 
then Nita Bradley, crew's new vocal- 
ist, comes on to sing 'Wonder When 
My Baby's Coming Home.' and 
'Idaho.' Gal is suttry-looking and 
has fine pipes. ^ 

Barnet's male vocalist. Huck An 
drews, has blonde 'wavy hair, a 
good-looking mug and very little 
else to recommend him as a soloist. 
Sings 'Be Careful. It's My Heart' and 
■Just As Though You Were Here' in 
a wooden, listless voice, not helped 



for a much needed rest Bob Bbfos 
substituted. Result -was a hypo to 
BAA. and « renewed public ister- 
est in Burns, «^ese radio siBaiy has 
since zoomed upwai'ds. 
No QaMto 
The theory of flying to I x mdmi tor 
a couple of days and htiag bade next 
Sunday to pick tq) wbCK tbe show 
left off is rldiodous, ler tiie main 
reasons of not being able to preserve 
secrecy or flying sdiedules. Die 
theory of shortwaving oemmercial 
shows with Benny or Fred AUen, 
from London or Australia, isnt 
feasible because of tmoertain atmos- 
{Aeric conditions. It must anlymean 
a complete hiatus for a number of 
weeks. 

TKe following a^habctized raster 
of acceptances for overseas enter- 
tainment may well become toe show 
business honor rdfX at 4^ war, ^- 
Ihoogh many ha^>e yet 'to be beard 
from. It will be noted 'Qiat the mas- 
culine ba'tting overage is now tdcay, 
because it became an open secret 
that when Lastfogel was assembliES 
13ie Jolson lineup be had diffioolty 
filling in. This 'was due, in part, to 
commitments elsewhere, but the ■ex- 
pressions of willingness to fly any- 
where to entertain U. S. forces 
come predominantly from the 
femmes. 

Jinx Falkenburg. prior to making 
her current trek to the Canal Zone 
with the Ritz Brothers, came east on 
24 hours' notice, leaving some Mich- 
igan whistle-stop to make clipper 
connections. Merle Oberon dittoed 
when joining the Jolson entourage, 
as did Patricia Moristm, although 
McHugh and Jenkins were pressed 
into service on 24 hours' notice. 

The acceptances for the future in- 
cludes: 

Abbott and Coslello. Walter Abel. 
Larry Adler, Frank Albertson, Don 
Ameche, Desi Amaz. Jean" Arthur, 
Mary Astor. Gene Austin. 

Fay Bainter, Belle Baker, Bonnie 
Baker, Lucille Ball. Binnie Barnes, 
Ann Barrett, Donald Barry, James 
Barton, Douglas Beattie, Jack Benny 
(with radio troupe). Sen Bemie 
(with radio troupe), Gloria Blondell, 
Joan Blondell, John fioles, Ray Bol- 
ger. Victor Borge, Connee Boswell, 
Eddie- Bra(Aen, PhyBis '.B,rooks, Hoe 
E. Brown. Edgar Buchanan, James 
Bui^e, Charlie Butterworth. 

Joseph Calleia, Judy Canova, Ed- 
die Cantor. Ben Carter, Chick 
Chandler, Bicardo Cortez, James 
Craig, Broderick Crawford, Cross 
and Dunn. 

Linda Darnell, Jane Darwell, Lo- 
raine Day, The DeMarcos, Morlene 



Dietritii, Ibirton Downey, Ellen 

Drew, fihcie Ounbar, Jack Durant. 

Oessna DiaWn, Renee de Marco. 
CliS Edwards, Leon ErroL 
Benny Fields, Graeie Fields. Su< 

anna Foster, Fay Francis, Jans 

Ftaman. 

HfginaM Gardiner, John Garfield 
•mSSam Gargan, itaryarie Gateson' 
KBy Gilbert, Geoi«e Givot, Lucile 
Oason, Bnss^ Gtoason, Paulette 
GeddH<d, Betty Grable, Edmund 
Oweiifi. - 

Alan Hale, Jack Haley. Jon Hall, 
Sir Oednc Hardwidce, Bob Hawk, 
Bidiard Haydea, Paxil. Semeid. Irene 
Hervey, Sarriet Hilliard, Waller 
Boston, EildeBBrde, The Hartmans, 
Mary Sealy. 
Geoi^ JesseL AUmi Jones. 
Stan Kavana^ Danny Kaye. Eve- 
lyn Keycs, Fnz^ Szii^t. 

Bert Lafar, Arfibur Lake, Carole 
Jjmdifi, Sosemaiy Lane, J^rofessor 
Tamhnrti, Jeiry Lester, ^m Levene, 
Joe E. Lewis, Gene Lockhart, Peter 
Lerre, Wm. P. Ltrndigan. 

Fred MacMurray, Mai:ione Main, 
Jane Manners, H ei b e r l Marshall, 
Jade M«r«!h«in. Maiy Martin, 
Ci^cdio Marx, Haipo Marx. Bobby 
May, Merry Macs, Mitzi Mayfair, 
Adc>^die Menjou, fieO^ Merivale, 
Jadde MUes, Mantan Moreland, 
Fraidc Moisan, Alan Mowbray, Paul 
J'uni, Ona Munsonr-Dean Murphy, 
George Murphy, t.en Murray, Wynn 
M rray, Clarence Muse.. 

Cliff Nazarro, Ozzie Nelson, Lloyd 
Molan. 

Vinginia O'Brien, Una O'Connor, 
Martha OTtaascoU. Bennis O'Keefe, 
Winter OlCeefe, Maria Ouspcnskaya, 

Jack Pearl, Hal Peary (Great Gil- 
dersleeve'). Pick and Pat, Dick 
Powell. 

Anthony Quinn. 

Cieorgc Raft, Rags Ragland. Luise 
Rainer, Ginger Rogers, Roy Rogers, 
Cesar Romero, Martha Raye, Bev- 
erly Roberts. Dr. Rockwell. 

Fred Sanborn. Harry Seymour, 
John Shepperd. Dinah Shore, Martha 
Scott, Randolph Scott, Willie Shore, 
Herb Shriner, Ethel Shutta, Phil 
Silvers. Sims and Bailey, Red Skel- 
ton, Mary Small, Gladys Swarth- 
out, Gale Sondergaard, K. T. Stev- 
ens. Rise Stevens. 

Alec Templelon, Franchot Tone, 
Arthur Tracy. 

Gus 'Van, Benay 'Venuta, Romo 
Vincent. 

Gloria Warren. John Wayne, 'Vir- 
ginia Weidler, Bert Wheeler and 
Hank Ladd, Richard Whorf, Warren 
William, Marie Wilson, Barry Wood. 

Blanche Yurka. 

Vera Zorina. 



much by Barnet's fiuleral-paced 
music. 

Unbilled, but easily the outstand- 
ing member of the crew, is Chubby 
Jackson, an ace bass «lIQ^per and a 
guy with a swell sense of comedy. 
Does a lot of mugging and the crowd 
loves e\'ery minute of it. His bass 
solo is the outstanding nimiber in 
the show. Barnet's intro of Jacteun 
isn't as funny as it might be, and 
that gag about difiicating fte next 
number to his mother-in-law CI Wor- 
ship the Ground That's 'Oomlng to 
You') ought to be laid to rest, but 
permanently. It's bad showman- 
aliip. 

Harry King and Arlina's plain and 
fancy hoofology came in for warm 
re^onse, gal's abbreviated costume 
getting i lot of ooh's and ah's from 
the balcony wolves. 

Smith and Dale's venerable Dr. 
Cronkhite skit seems like an ana- 
chronism in this jive house. Ciags 
are very much dated, but the timing 
is perfect and the finesse is atil! 
pretty neat. Art sold very well. 
Wouldn't do any harm, though, to 
eliminate that awkward tap dance 
^ish and also 'Smith and Bale's sole 
concession to the times, a corny 
chorus of 'Jingle, Jangle.' 

Frances Faye, on last, is intro- 
duced as 'the 1942 streamlined ver- 
sion of Frances Faye.' She'5 all of 
that, and then .some. Gal has drappe(l 
62 pounds and is positively svelte 
and running over with pap. Warbles 
'Abraham' and then, with a fine 
.lense of dietary humor, 'All That 
Meat and No Potatoes.' Crowd 
caught on, and went for it big. She's 
cleaned up all her numbecs and 
"^•led them for family house listen- 
ing. All in all, she's 100% improved. 

Jona. 



EMBASSY, N. Y. 

(NEWSREELS) 



Several wSll-photographed and as- 
.oembled clips highlight the current 
.ihow here. Due to the length of 
numerous items, filler material, gen- 
erally of an unimpoitant or news- 
less nature, is in the minority. 

The fir.<rt pictures of President 
Roosevelt's 8.000-mile trip acro.ss the 
country Ijikes the lead. Journey was 
covered by Par, with camera laying 



focus on the President and others at 
various points stopped. 

Following this up is an excellent 
compilation of shots (Par) dealing 
with a fleet of convoy ships, billed 
as exclusive. Par shows a convoy 
pulling out. Official permission was 
obtained for the clip's relea.se, ac- 
cording to a caption. 

An excellent contribution is made 
by News of the Day (Metro) dealing 
with Russia and picturing ruins of 
the war there, troops in action, etc. 
In another piece of newsreel mate- 
ria], Fox-Movietone ably portrays 
results of precision bombing over 
France, showing military targets be- 
fore they were struck and, in close- 
up, after terrific damage w?s done. 
Clip is effectively put together. 

Alaskan highway under construc- 
tion, importation of Mexican and 
Canadian labor for farm work, land- 
ing of British troops in Madagascar, 
homecoming of a hero from the Pa- 
cific war theatre, new tanks in Eng- 
land and miscellaneous bits not 
bearing on war, round out. This in- 
cludes some sports stuff, including 
final Yankees-Cards game and sev- 
eral football tussles. 

Pasty-faced speakers at the W. C. 
T. U. conveirticm, tirading against 
the rattlesnakes that IwSn in nicely- 
labeled grog bottles, draw a lot of 
laughs and, when this show was 
caught also hisses. 

A Mardh of Time release. 'The 
FS.I. Front,' has been added to the 
layout. Clinr. 



Ft iiy Shsw to Uk Web 



Variety radio program, written, 
directed and produced by Army men 
will bow on the Blue network in a 
couple of weeks from Fort Jny, 
(Governors I.sland) N. Y. Titled 
'Salute from Fort Jay' the .show will 
occupy an evening half ho\ir .'ind 
while majority of the talent will be 
cyllcd from the ranks, occa.'ionol 
guests frotrf show biz will be u-ci\. 
Until the post puts together its o^'-n 
dance band various name oiK:heslras 
will supply music. 

Program will originate from Jay's 
thcatrt, which has a 1,000 capacity. 



WednesAiy, October 14» 194t 



23 







"FM IN rr r 




They^re all in the Scrap and 

READY FOR YOUR 
SCRAP MATINEEI 

God bless America! Isn't it thrilling to see 
The folks on the march! You can't beat that spirit! 
Those folks are your patrons, Mr. Exhibitor! 
They know that their war machmes 
Need scrap metal and scrap rubber. 
They know that without scrap — 
The scrap's over! No time to lose! 
America needs you NOW! 
Use the two-fisted press book! 
Every Scrap Matinee puts steel 
Through the Axis heart ! 
Every Scrap Matinee tells Uncle Sam 
To tell the boys over there that 
We're all in the Scrap together! 

sponsored hy the War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry 'tyo* Bmadwaj, 
New York City (Room 408). GetthefOm "SALVAGE" /rom your nearest RKO Bahangfi 







24 



Wednesday, Oelobrr I t, 19^2 






I Produced by froderfc mm»», 



We<lncB<lay, October 1^ 



Theatres— Exchanges 



Sauarc, foreign film house on which 
he l)olds the lease, K. J. Stutz Is 
placing all front office operations In 
the hands of Selig Pitt, who assisted 
him last season. Hotise reopens Sat- 
urday (10) with This Is the Enemy.' 
Stutz i,-! doubling in brass by super- 
vising Circle, at request of Norman 
Ek, who. wants to locate on West 
Coast. 

. When Harry Sigman gets meas- 
ured for khaki tomorrow, Don Cam- 
eron from New York will become 
assistant and treasurer at RKO Pal- 
ace. Harry Rossman is the new house 
jhaiiager since Ken Means joined 
U S. maritime service. 

Mr:;. Marie Sens, Loew's State 
Cashier, appointed as Stillman's first 
lemme assistant to fill William Hal- 
kovic's old post. Latter joined Sears- 
Roebuck branch here. Loew's also 
took Gertrude Emerick off its switch- 
board to become assistant at the 
Granada, under Arnold Rogers. 

Paul Bader, from Pittsburgh, is 
taking over and reopening the Rex, 
which has been renovated. John 
Kalafat is rounding up a clambake 
for Variety Club members this 
week. 

Name Maritime Bond Sale Leaders 

St. John, N. B., Oct 13. 
, A veteran of exhibiting and a ditto 
of distributing have been named to 
direct the new war bond campaign 
(or the picture biz In the maritime 
provinces. A. J. Mason, long owner- 
manager of the Capitol 'at Springhill, 
N. S., and a leading indie exhibitor, 
1$ chairman for Nova Scotia and 
Prince Edward Island. R. G. March, 
Ipng manager of the St. John ex- 
change for 20th-Fox, is chairman for 
Mew Brunswick. 

• There appears to be no hurry by 
RKO to an the managerial vacancy 
here. L. Plottel went to Toronto, to 
ioiii Empire-Universal. H. Miller, a 
salesman out of the Montreal RKO 
exchange, is doing special dilty out 
of the St. John branch and covering 
me maritime provinces and New- 
foundland. After about three months 
out of St. John, he will return to the 
Montreal exchange, and work 
Quebec province. H. McArthur, of- 
fice manager and booker at St. John, 
Is acting manager. He's a veteran 
of Aim distribution In the marltimes, 



ConUnaed from past II i 

with Perrin 



Phllly JoUlngs 

Philadelphia, Oct. 13. 
The Warner Club's annual Hallo 
ween parly will be held Oct. 30, with 
all proceeds to go toward making up 
Qhristmas packages for Warnefites 
m the service. 

. Bill Yearsley resigned as manager 
of the Stanley-Warner Circle to go 
Wfisl for his health. The spot was 
lied by Bill Lafferty, who trans 
fried from the Liberty, Tacony. 
Ither managerial changes Included: 
rorman Bailey, Nixon to Liberty; 
lob Nissenson, Park to Nixon, and 
ai'ney Cohen, former assistant man- 
ager of the Victoria, to Park. 

Pvt. Harold Brason, former man- 
ager of the Diamond and Lundley, 
«Riw In Australia. 

: William F. Rodgers, general sales 
manager of Metro, was guest speaker 
at luncheon of film division of Allied 
■Jewish Appeal last week. 

Vusiline^Philly last week were Neil 
Agnew. Paramount sales head, and 
Hairy Goldberg, Warner advertising 
chief. ^ 
•Allied Theatre Owners of Eastern 
Pennsylvania met with coal region 
jxhlbs at the Necho Allen Hotel, 
Pottsville. last Wednesday (7). 

. Vine Street air raid wardens are 
looking for a new post. Their old 
headquarters has been leased for an 
Indie exchange. 

- Harold Seidenberg, former man- 
ager of the Earle, is in California 
dtsert-training with an armored 
division. He's Been tapped for of- 
ficer's training. 



larg* 



half oi St% fUi 
the Indidha theatre,' 
property, stands. 

Max Page, form»' Columbia book- 
er, managing th« Koyal at DanviUa, 
Ind., for William Rosenthal. 

Kalfalot Bros, acquired the Ar- 
cade, Gas City, Ind. 

The Ritz, local nabe, robbed of $50 
by a stickup man with a revolver 
Oct. 3. 

Donald Finlayson, former assistant 
art director at the Pasadena Play- 
house, now is art and technical ai- 
rector at Civic theatre here. 

Marshall Foreman replaces Frank 
Flynn as manager at the Esquire, 
and Ed Adair follows George Lewis 
in s4me capacity at the Emerson. 
Flynn and Lewis have gone into de- 
fense work. 



Nova Scotia Exhibs Elect 

Halifax, N. S., Oct. 13. 
At ils annual meeting, the Allied 
Exhibitois Assn. of Nova Scotia re- 
elected W. H. Cuzner, of Sydney 
Mines, to the presidency; M. E. 
Walker, of Halifax, to the vice- 
presidency: T. J. Courtney, of Hali- 
fax, as secretary-treasurer. R. S. 
Roddick, of Halifax, was chosen as 
chairman of the working committee. 



PICTURES 



25 



ThoM Unsung Scribes 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Hollywood Victory Committee 
disclosed that 24 screen writers, 
hitherto unapplauded (or their 
patriotic work, played a major 
part In the success of the biUion- 
doUar ^ar bond drive, 'Stars 
Over America.' 

Silent workers in the cam- 
paign were Robert Andrews, 
Martin Berkeley, Hal Fimberg, 
Jan Fortune, Paul Franklin, 
Sheridan Gibney, Howard Green, 
Kdmund Hartipann, Ben Hecht, 
Sam Hellman, Nunnally John- 
son, Charles Lederer, John Lee 
Mahin, Arthur Phillips. Don 
Quinn, Samson Raphaelson, 
Harry Ruskin, Maxwell Shane, 
Ray Singer, Paul Gerard 
Smith. George Seaton, Matt 
Coales Webster and Arthur^ 
Wimperis. 



Cemented Insteps Keep Alive Memories 
Of Pic Stars Who Flickered and Faded 



SaU' Lake's Femme Mer. 
Salt Lake City, Oct. 13. 
Tracy Barham, v.p. and general 
manager of Intermountain Theatres, 
has appointed 21 -year-old Lela Mad- 
sen as manager of Intermoiintain's 
Studio here. Miss Madsen worked 
her way up from an usherette. She's 
replacing Marvin Bloom, now in 
Medical Training Base, Camp Joseph 
T. Robinson, Ark. 



Jean Sandy to Passaic 

Jean Sandy, new p.a. at the Cen 
tral theatre, Passaic, replacing Ed- 
die Katz. She's from WPAT, Pat 
erson. 



F-WC Will Operate 

War Workers House 



San Diego, Gal., Oct. 18. 
Contracts to lease and operate the 
first new theatre to be con^ructed 
in this territory under War ProduC' 
tion Board restrictions were signed 
by Fox-West Goast. Deal was made 
through a sub-contract with the 
Land Improvement <|p. for the cir- 
cuit to take over a 9Sb-seater to be 
built in the new war workers' hous- 
ing subdivision at Linda Vista, a 
suburb. 

Contractors, with Army approval, 
will construct and egu^ the house 
and tiirn it over to F-W€ on a ii- 
year lease. 



Fred Kent May 
Top Fla. Circuit 
If Rogers^Quits 



Fred Kent, general coimsel for. the 
All-Florida circuit and holding a 
small interest in it, may take charge 
of operations as general manager, it 
is reported. Kent's shift to that post 
is contingent upon ^he retirement of 
Frank Rogers, a veteran of AU-Flor 
ida (formerly the E. J. Spark<; cir- 
cuit). It's understood Rogers would 
like to step out. 

The circuit, numbering close to 100 
theatres, all of them in Florida, Is 
90% owned by Paramount. Kent, 
long associated with Sparks and also 
active on legal matters for other cir 
cuits, has a portion of the remaining 
10%. He is a nephew of former Gov. 
Cone of Florida, who himself also 
represented Sparks on legal matters 
prior to occupying the chief exec's 
job a few years ago. 



Warners Club's Officers 

Chicago, Oct. 13. 

Warner Club of Chicago, offspring 
of the Warner Theatres, operating as 
a social and philanthropic org., held 
one of its infrequent meetingj, and 
elected new officers. Inducted were 
Irving Ltpnick, pres.; William O'Con- 
nell, vice-pres.; Richard Beck, 
"'ea.s,, and Eleanor Berger, sec. 

Board of governors for club in- 
clude I. H, Barron, welfare; James 
D. Summers and Gertrude Birn, 
membership; James E. Coston, con- 
tributions and loans. 

Warners has purchased a 50% in- 
terest m the Riverside Theatre, MU- 
\vaukee, from Standard Theatres. 

Howe operates as a four-day 
^■aude and picture theatre. 



Ind pis. Exhibs Meet 26th 

, Indianapolis, Oct. 13. 

Associated Theatre Owners of In- 
fl'ana hold fall meeting here Oct. 
Ru.hv^?^' "3"old, president, of 
Kushv.iic. cut powwow from two 
">•>•- to one on account of war. 
and .employees gave a 'hello 

Wa.hi^ at the Hotel 

Washm«ion for J. H. Stevens, local 
' d A 'n t° Chicago Office, 

Om,nM J^y'o'-. who came in from 
ymaiin this week to replace him 

fiirlp Tbonire Co closed a deal 



Eagen's NLRB Move 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Elwyn J. Eagen, former regional 
director of National Labj)r Relations 
Board in Seattle and Kansas City, 
has been shifted to Los Angeles to 
succeed William R. Walsh, who re- 
signed to become labor contact at 
Metro. 

Robert Davies, who has been fill- 
ing the Lo/ Angeles post since Walsh 
left, has been aj>pointed regional di- 
rector for Seattle. 



Peelers Preferred 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 
Monogram is layi.ng more stress on 
burlesque names than on orchestra 
names, with the signing of Ann 
Corio for the top role in 'Sarong 
Girl,' her third picture part after 
playing two for Producers Releasing 
Corp. 

Recently Monogram made a film 
called 'Lure of the Islands,' with 
Margie Hart of the hurley shows. 

TRY LABOR CASE 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Art Babbitt's complaint of unfair 
labor practice against the Walt Dis- 
ney studio was reopened before C. 
W. Whittemore. trial examiner for 
the National Labor delations Board. 

Complainant charges he was dis- 
charged as a cartoon animator be- 
cause of his union activities. Com- 
pany declares Babbitt was dropped 
along with 97 other, employees for 
reasons of economy and the union 
never filed a protest over his re- 
lea.<;e. 



TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, Oct. :13. 

"Secret Mission' is release tag on 
'Project 47' at 20th-Fox. 

'The Smoothest Gal in Town at 
Paramount became 'Incendiary 
Blonde.' 

"Dead Maji's Trail.' at IVipnogram, 
shifted to 'T\vo-Fi<lcri Jiislice" 



Film Salesman Killed 
In Shooting: Accident 

Kansas City, Oct. 13. 

Joseph W. Maguire, 36, film sales- 
man who had travelled out of ex- 
changes in Kansas City and Wichita 
11 years, was killed by the accidental 
discharge of a rifle Oot. B while pre- 
paring to return to his home In 
Wichita from a deer hunt near Gun- 
nison, eolo. He was e.xpecting to 
enter the Army Air dorps about 
Oct 16. 

Survived by widow. 



By DAVIS J. WALSH 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

'Lives of great men all remind us; 
(tya, ta da, ta ta, ta DA!) And, de- 
parting, leave behind us ' 

Quite so— footprints in the fore- 
court of Grauman's Chinese theatre, 
which promenade not infrequently, 
seem made of wax Instead of con- 
crete, at least insofar as the endur- 
ing quality of the footprinlers' pro- 
fessional prestige is concerned. Any- 
how, the pedic impressions remain, 
but what of the people who- make 
them? 

Ill some cases, this seems one of 
those questions that's more readily 
answeied by asking another: What 
becomes of old razor blades? 

Fi\e fresh sets — feet, not blades — 
went into the 'soup' on the sidewalk 
last week, the enamored subjects be 
ing Edward G. Robinson, Charles 
Laughton, Rita Hayworth, Henry 
Fonda and CharleS Boyer. They 
foi-med a sort, of mass-submersion 
group, the largest ever to be in- 
stepped here; and they brought the 
heel-and-toe to.tal for. IS years up to 
75 prints, duly and scrupulously 
etched into the concrete and left for 
posterity — also for the awed gaze of 
gaping rustics. 

Fortysix of the 75 are still active 
on picture lots, if not on picture 
marquees, which is not bad, con' 
sidering. the current death rate — 
professional and actual. And not 
really good, considering that the list 
includes a number of 'recentlies' y/ho 
by elapsed time, are bbimd to be 
up there ID the chips. In fact, the 
Grauman records- definitely prove 
that footprinting in tba forecourt Is 
largely a modern antlo, the figures 
showing that, whereas only 18 prints 
appeared in the first seven ye^ars at 
the theatre, there were 57 made in 
its last eight years — an Increase <^ 
more than 200% over the first half 
of the theatre's history'. 

Incidentally, Hiere are • number 
of surprising omissions, Inolujing 



Extra Calls Drop Off 



Hollywood, Oot. 13. 
.:ptGmber calls for atmosphere 
players were only 17,000, a drop of 
1,500 below August, which had been 
the skimpiest month for extras 
since July, 1940. Compared with 
September of last year, it was $70,- 
000 in wages and 7,000 in placements 
below par. 

Average daily placements for last 
month were only 379, according to 
Central Casting Corp., meaning an 
average of one and one-quarter days 
V ork per extra. 



Inkers Hold Pomerance 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

William Pomerance, former chief 
field examiner for the National La- 
bor Relations Board, was re-elected 
business representative of the Screen 
Cartoonists Guild for one year tafm. 

Cal Dalton and Allen Matuzio 
were nominated to run for Itib pres- 
idency of SOQ In the November 
election to succeed Jack Lander, 
now in the Army. 



WB'S WASSEN DOUGLAS 

Minneapolis, Oct. 13. 

Wairen Douglas, local actor, whose 
real name is Wandberg is en route 
to Hollywood with a Warner eon- 
tract, scheduled to make his ini- 
tial screen appearance in 'Adven- 
ture in Iraq.' 

Douglas started his professional 
career playing the title role in 'The 
Drunkard' for an extended run in a 
Minneapolis hotel several years ago. 
He has appeared in 'Separate Rooms' 
in New York and "Tobacco Road' 
on tour and has done radio work In 
New York and California. 



Charles Chaplin, whom Sid Grau- 
man expects to 'get' at his leisure, 
and the late Will Rogers, whom he 
always expected to get. 'The rest of 
the record is revealing. 

It reads, in fact, like a page D'oin 
the bard's lament, 'Where are t^ 
snow of yesterday? Melt, and gone, 
etc, etc. Of the first 12 names on 
the list, only that of Joan Crawford 
is now known to the incandescents 
outside the theatre lobbies of the 
land. Some of the others may even 
consider themselves fortunate • if 
they're' 'known only to a lot of old 
gafTers whose memories are fertile. 

Anyhow, the first Imprintee was 
Norma Talmadge— on May 18, 1927 
while the theatre was being built. 
She had a formidable vogue then, 
but later lost it and ultimately 
passed from view. William S. Hart 
came along next and has been out of 
pictures a long time. Colleen Moore 
has married for the third time and 
hasn't made a picture in years. Tom 
Mix is dead. 

Mary Pickford is active only as a 
owner-member of United Artists; 
Pola Negri hasn't been heard of in 
eons; Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., is dead, 
Sid Grauman has been made per- 
manent spademan by his class and 
Marlon Davies is far, far away (so to 
speak.). 

Bebe Daniels is in London; Harold 
Lloyd was a producer, and just now 
isn't; Janet Gaynor is inactive, to put 
It mildly; Raoul Walsh is a front- 
rank director; Joan Crawford is still 
on top; Ann Harding Is jiist trying a 
comebaek; Wallace Beery is still 
with us and so is Eddie Cantor, very 
much so. 

But Maria Dressier is dead, the 
Marx Bros, are broken up, to go 
their diverse ways; Jeanette Mac- 
Donald is on tour, having left Metro: 
Maurice Chevalier is piddling around 
with the Nazis; Diana Wyn^ard re- 
cently tried something called "The 
Prime Minister' in which the prim- 
ipg missed fire; and Jean Harlow Is 
dead. 



New York Theatres 



BEO. FKlitAT, OOT, U 
QearM Brent • Brands M«.rshfl1l 

IN PBRSON 

Special t 

Fsattat.Rlelns Comedr Star 
Ja5k GARi^fJ 

STRAND 

Get In tbe Serapt B'mr * t7(b It. 



80NJA JOHM JAqK 

HKNIK • PAVNK • OAKIi 

"ICELAND" 

WItb Buinroy Kajre and Hb Orctk 

HOXY 



mh Week ! 



MICHAEL TODD'S 

Star and Garter 

BOBBY GYPSY ROSE 
CLARK LFl 




HATS OFF TO A HAPn BIT I 

Mickey Rooney 
"A YANK AT ITON" 

An M-a-M FIctur* 



PALACE 



B V. AV & 
4711. Si 



— WO«r-D I'KE.HIERE— 

INHERE WE GO AGAIN"! 

"ESCAPE FROM CRIME" 



'BRILLIANT— A HIT'— AnderMi), Jiurq.-Aa'. 

50g $1 & $1.50?!i"x* 

a<(, Nlfhti Only sat, i< tiM Plui Tu 

Sulili llcnlo & Arliiut If. WllU pnHft 
A KXW tirSICAL ICETRATAOAKZA 

STARS ON ICE 

CENTER THEATriE, RedullHtr C<lltW 

CO. S-S474 
Aiuerlca'N Only Ie« Theatre 

6>gi., iScl. Sun, »t*0 MtXt. Wtt.,itt. u« SM. 
•II Orden PnmrUy FIIM— Ma, Mm. fwf. 



\tUSIC HALL 

HELD OTEB 

"TALES OF 
MANHAHAN" 

Speoiaeular Stage Productiona 



LOEW'S 

LMt TlniH Wj 

flllANT ARfHllR 
1 COLMAN 




Stvto Tliun„ Oct. IS 
fm N.V. •Imlni 

in B-a-H Hit 
"Ktm IN TBE 
MOHT" 
Edww« ARNqi,D 
Ana HARDING 

b Penon 
iliia Sum 
Rtntt OaMvu 




PAR/Hf/[OUNT 



BUY WAR BONDS AT THIS THEATRE 
AS saLorr to i'Olb fffiOfs 



•AMUM. aOLDWYH PRnENT* 

GAftY COOPER in 
THE PRIDE OF 
THE YANKEES 



rriH LIfa of L«i fitkrlf) 
RKO-ftu" ' 
vmv/ P«ful 

Mldnlilil Chmrt P(rt. 



"•IjUtftf T.hrtuih RKO-ftiile PMutm, Im. 

ASTOR ^ "V pm."!«' i*/.'"* viHit. 



■ur WA^ ioNoa and stamps 



86 



RADIO 



'ADVERTISERS WOULD BE RADIO LORDS 
IF EXCLUSIVE AFFILIATIONS ARE OUT 



So Declares NBC's Cahill as Two Major Networks 
Attack FCC 'Usurpation' Before Federal Court — 
Court Reserves Judgment 



The legal right of the Federal 
Communications Commission to reg- 
ulate chain broadcasting is now be- 
ing mulled by a special statutory 
court oi three federal judges. After 
counsel for NBC and Columbia had 
last Thursday (8) assaUed the com- 
mission as seeking to extend its pow- 
er and suppress competition by 
means of a 'manufactured set of 
questionable principles,' the court 
reserved decision. The judges con- 
sist of Learned Hand, Henry W. 
Goddard and John Bright. 

The brunt of the legal attack for 
the networks was carried by John 
T. Cahill, representing NBC and lor- 
n U. S. district attorney in New 
York. Cahill described the FCC as 
attempting to administer th« anti- 
trust laws, assert powers which the 
congress had never Intended to give 
It and to bring chaos to the broad- 
casting industry by abolishing the 
practice of option time. The elimi- 
nation of options, he argued, would 
create a monopolistic super-network 
since advertisers would then be free 
to pick out the largest stations from 
each network end form their own 
hookup. 

Charles R. Denny, the FCC's gen- 
eral counsel, held that the commis- 
sion was within its jurisdiction on 
the option time question and that It 
felt that the elimination of options 
would have the effect of Increasing 
competition. Denny asked that the 
networks' application for an injunc- 
tion be dismissed. 



WAR FACTORS 
CUT BASEBALL 
LISTENING 



Kenyon&Eckhart Hasn't 
Yet Selected Successor 
To Major Joe Stanffer 

Kenyon St Eckhart agency has not 
es yet appointed a sucessor to Joe 
Stauffer, who recently quit as head 
of the radio department to take a 
teaching post at West Point with 
the commission of Major. His agency 
duties have meanwhile been split 
up among the members of the de 
partment, 

Robert Wolfe has charge of talent 
and production, with Cynthia Drew 
es his aide on production. Hilda 
Lucey has the time buying assign 
ment. 



JOHN C ROBERTS, KXOK, 
A UEUT. COMMANDER 



St. Louis, Oct. 13 

John C. Roberts, general manager 
of KXOK, has received his commis 
sion as lieut. commander in the U. S. 
Navy Air Corps and will go Into 
active service. Roberts served es a 
naval flying officer in Panama dur- 
ing World War I. 

His brother, Elzey Roberts, Is 
president of the Star-Times which 
<>wns the station. 

Robert Sampson, national sales 
manager of KWK, has captaincy in 
the U. S, Army at Camp Hood, 
Texas. He's a West Point graduate. 

Fred Foster, a gabber at KWK, 
has resigned to begin training at the 
University of Arizona as an ensign 
In the U. S. Naval Reserve. Milton 
Vandeventer of KMOX-has Joined 
the Navy air force and is the 24th 
member of that studio who is In the 
armed forces. 



One Night of Laughs 

Radio's erratic tendency from 
year to year to crowd one par- 
ticular evening of the week !• 
again evidenced in the Tuesday 
situation. This is loaded with 
high-powered comedy programs 
to the detriment of Wednesday, 
Thursday and Friday by oon- 
trast. Tuesday night shows now 
Include: 

Burns and Allen. 

Bob Hope. 

'Duffy's Tavern.' 

'Fibber McQee and Molly' 

'Can You Top This?' 

fiX Jolson. 

Red Skelton. 



After the Co-operative Analysis of 
Broadcasting had announced that the 
broadcasts of the 1942 World Series 
had struck an average listening rat- 
ing of 80.1%, the liutual Network 
last week advanced what it de- 
sorlbed as two extenuating alroum- 
stancu tor the drop-oft from the 
1641 World Series rating, which was 
32.8%. Mutual pointed out that (1) 
work In war planta and kindred ac- 
tivities had reduced the number ot 
daytime stay-at-homes and (2) aU 
baseball listening had been oft the 
past season by 16%. 

In 1940 the Cincinnati Reds- 
Detroit Tigers games drew an a\^er- 
age rating of 26.2%, and the series 
of the year previous (1939), N. Y. 
Yankees vs. Reds, averaged 21.3. 



DONALD FLAMM'S 60% 



In 



WPAT, PaiersoD— He'a 
With Branch ot OWI 



Now 



Donald Flamm, former owner of 
WMCA, New York, has bought a 
half interest In station WPAT, Pet- 
erson, N. J. He has already installed 
his brothers, Milton and Sidney 
Flamm, as national sales manager 
and commercial director, resi>ective- 
ly. He also Intends opening a New 
York studio for the station and to 
operate it along the lines he fol- 
lowed at WMCA. 

Half ownership was purchased by 
Flamm from Rex Shepp, general 
manager of WIRE, Indianapolis, and 
Frank Falukner, CBS chief engineer 
in Chicago, each of whom owned 
a 25% Interest. Lieutenant Com- 
mander James Cosman retains his 
half Interest in the station and re- 
mains prez. 

Flamm dr" currently in the pub- 
lications division of the 6flice ot 
War Information. He also operates 
a bowling alley In Brooklyn. 

Flamm Is chairman of the board; 
Cosman (now on duty In Washing- 
ton), president; Sidney Flamm, v.p. 
and commercial director; Else (Mrs. 
Jam^s) Cosman, sec.-treas., and also 
biz manager. J. Jasper remains di- 
rector ot the station. 

Since the question ot control is not 
Involved, the FCC's OK was un- 
necessary. 



Mo»t«f 



y«aneiJ»y» .October 14> 1942 



A contest kt Mmit *m.- 

Jiloyeea ttow tt Mrvloa was 
taged by WOAR last week un- 
der tne auspioM of Morry Con- 
don. Rear view ploturea of the 
legs ol all ftrlj at the studio 
were placed In the monthly pam- 

Shlet sent to WQARitei now In 
le armed services, and the boys 
were asked to Identify them. 

Winners received carton ot 
olgarettes. Losers also won a 
oarton ot olgs. 



Celanese Show From Frisco 
Temporarily; Merola On 
Baton Vice Sebastian 



'BOOKS ARE bullets; 
SAYS BENNEn CERF 



Authors of current books about 
the war are interviewed by Bennett 
Cerf on 'Books Are Bullets,' new 
series at 5-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays on 
WQXR, New York. Cerf Is prez of 
Random House publishing. 

Albert E. Kohn and Michael Say- 
ers, authors of 'Sabotage,' guested 
on last Wednesday's (7) premiere 
broadcast; William L. White, author 
of 'They Were Expendable,' appears 
today (Wednesday), and Hendrik 
Willem van Loon, Pearl Buck and 
Cecil Brown will be on subsequent 
stanzas. 'Books Are Bullets' Is a 
sustalner. 



Afternoon Disc Jockey 
To Oppose Soap Operas 

Cleveland, Oct. 13. 

WCLE has started an afternoon 
Platter Parade to capture listeners 
for two and one-half' hours from 
prevalent soap operas. 

Disc jockey is Lew Henry, base- 
ball broadcaster. 



JOHN ROYAL 
REPORTS ON 
ENGLAND 



KYSEREXPLiUNS 
HIS RADIO 
PLANS 



'Great Moments ot Music,' the Cel- 
anese show Wednesday nights on 
CBS, originates in San Francisco for 
three broadcasta, starting tonight 
(Wednesday). Reason is the pres 
ence ot. Jan Pierce, Robert Weede 
and Jean Tennyson, the program's 
leads, for engagements with the San 
Francisco Opera. 'Great Moments' 
will be back in New York for Its 
Nov. 4 broadcast 

Making the trip with the singers 
are Joe Hill, Young & Rubicam di- 
rector of the series; Frank Fagan, 
agency contact; Larry Elliott, an- 
nouncer, and Roger Lyons, narrator. 
George Sebastian, regular conductor, 
didn't go, being replaced for the 
three broadcasts by Gaetano Merola, 
batoner of the San Francisco Opera. 
During Hill's absence, Dave Levy, 
director of 'We, the People,' for Y. ii 
R., will also handle Hill's other show, 
'Manhattan at Midnight,' Wednesday 
nights on the Blue for Cummer 
producta. 

Tom Harrington, Y. & R. radio 
head, already on the Coast for the 
Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Burns and 
Allen, and Tommy RIggs seasonal 
premieres, will be in San Francisco 
for tonight's Celanese broadcast. 



VICK'S ADDED BUDGET 

Goes to Indiana, Tennessee, Missis- 
sippi, Georgia 



John Royal, NBC's vice-president 
for international affairs, reported 
last Friday (6) some of his impres- 
sions of his recent tour-week trip to 
England. The setting tor his report 
was a luncheon In a private suite 
at the St. Regis Hotel, with John 
McKay, NBC press chief, as chair- 
man. About 46 members of the press 
and various NBC sections were 
present. 

Royal strongly stressed that our 
troops especially want n'ews from 
home and American-type entertain- 
ment and agreed that on the whole 
lack of proper equipment for re- 
ceiving and amplifying such broad- 
casts had so far prevented satis- 
factory results. He felt that the Army 
and the 6Wl were doing what they 
can to change this condition. The 
British were promising to help too, 
but had not yet accomplished much. 

In response to a question from a 
reporter Royal agreed that Jack 
Benny and Bob Hope were so popu- 
lar as heard over the BBC domestic 
waves that the contrast with English 
programs was embarrassing to BBC 
and that further Importations on wax 
of Yankee .revues was unlikely be- 
cause ot the possible repercussions. 
(The London Evening Star has been 
very sarcastic on this subject re 
cently — ED.) 

Newspapermen largely kept the 
questions to political rather than 
radio matters. The attitude of the 
English toward American Negro 
troops was especially sought. In gen 
eral the Negro troops were behaving 
in an exemplary way and no diffi- 
culties of a serious nature have yet 
come up. However, never before 
have Englishmen seen Negroes in the 
mass, and social problems are devel 
oping- 

Royal stated the English are frankly 
puzzled by the reasons of Ameri- 
can official; in creating an army of 
10,000,00. English observers did not 
see the need and thought that it 
would handicap other more pressing 
American contributions to the war. 

London was full of sandbags, said 
Royal, but the worst ones came in 
the forms of bills for fjining or 
drinking in such places as the Savoy. 
*_ 

EYEREH GRADY NOW 
R&R'S EXEC YEEPEE 



Clarifying the activities of' the ra- 
dio oommittee (formerly called the 
Committee of 26) recently tormeii 
with okay of Office, ot War Infer- 
matlon, Kay Kyser, chairman, sound- 
ed a plea tor all radio artists to 
continue their support of the war 
effort 

The oommittee selected by Office 
ot War Information, Advertising 
Council and network executives ha^ 
no Intention of attempting to exert 
an arbitrary authority over the 
radio Industry In any way,' Kyser 
declared. 'It is designed to act as 
a spearhead In advancing the war 
effort via radio and it volunteers its 
services, which are to advise, di- 
rect and plan radio material which 
will add to the quality ot entertain- 
ment on all shows and will not In- 
terfere with the maintenance ot the 
medium as it Is, Moreover, it Is also 
hoped, and it Is very vital, that this 
activity not be confined to members 
of the oommittee. A meeting soon 
will be called which will include all 
artists ot the radio industry and we 
win urge them to give their valuable 
assistance. 

Tt Is hoped the committee wil} 
soon expand into a clearing house 
for the ideas of- everyone in the in- 
dustry, since the committee itself I9 
only a working unit organized to 
start the ball rolling and to keep 
radio ingenuity and enthusiasm at a 
fighting piteh so that the war effort 
can be given the most powerful post 
powerful 



sible aid by the most 
medium at our disposal 



Soil-Off, Paint Geanser, Likely To 
Develop Into Big Radio Account 



Soil-Off, a paint cleanser, which 
now occupies a couple weekly spota 
on the CBS Pacific Network, may 
before the current year is out de- 
velop into a national spot account 
of major proportions. Negotiations 
ere now on for Philco distributors to 
take over the handling ot the prod- 
uct in 37 states, in which event radio 
would figure as the No. 1 advertis- 
ing medium. So fcr the distribution 
ot the cleanser has been confined to 



11 western states. The five ingre- 
dients of the product are non-pri- 
ority. 

The chemical was compounded by 
a Los Angeles housewife, Mrs. 
Bernhard Nyman, several years ago. 
She and her husband started the 
mixing and bottling of the liquid in 
a backyard shack. The couple now 
operate from a large plant in the 
same city. They are at present in 
New York on the distribution deal. 



VIck has appropriated an addi- 
tional sum tor spot broadcasting this 
season. The extra is to be applied 
solely tor the plugging of Vaporub in 
Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and 
Georgia. This campaign Is to run of 
13 weeks, starting Oct. 19, at the rate 
of 15 one-minute recorded announce- 
ments a week. Morse International Is 
the agency. 

The account had previously placed 
heavy orders throughout the country 
for campaigns combining blurbs on 
Vatronol and Vaporub. 



Niles Tranunefl's Checkop 

Niles Trammell, NBC prez, has en- 
tered the hospital for checking up 
on the after-affects of the intestinal 
operation that he underwent last 
winter. He will be there for another 
week. 

Trammell has been in good shape, 
going fishing and even playing golf, 
and the job left for the medics was 
the patehing up of the open in- 
cision. 



Everett J. Grady, who has had 
much to do with the creation ot 
some of the colorful spot announce- 
ments blurbs turned out by Ruth- 
rauff Si Ryan, has been named exec- 
utive vice president of the agency. 

He has been with the agency 23 
years, serving In turn as copy di- 
rector, chairman of the plan board 
and a member of the board of di- 
rectors. 



Philco Boys Rex Stout 
Debniddng the Axis' 
Show on CBS Web 

Philco assumes the sponsorship ot 
the Rex Stout series 'Debunking the 
Axis' ('Our Secret Weapon — Truth') 
this Friday (16) in the 7:15-7:30 p.m, 
period on Columbia. The program 
has been on sustaining for several 
weeks. 

With this sale the network bB| 
completely disposed of the 7;I^-'nw 
strip across the board. LocHjij^ed^ 
Vega recently bought the Friday 
niche for Orson Welles. 

A weekly fee of $1,200 for StoiU \m 
being divided by him 50-9i wltn 
Freedom House. 



BOB EMERY PACES 
'HARRIGAN' FOR BLUE 



Bob Emery, who has been subbing 
as director of the 'Superman' serial 
on WOR^Mutual during the lllnes« 
of George Lowther, has been given 

permanent direction o' the '(fop 
Harrlgan' serial on the Blue ti^ 
work, starting Monday (10). M 
continues to produce and m.o. u\e 
'Rainbow House' kids program Sat- 
urday mornings on WOR, ffew 
York, and via shortwave to Eng- 
land. 

Emery is also co-m.c. of 'Go Qet 
It' tor Kreuger beer Wednesday 
nights locally on WOR. 



Bill Downs is now reporting from 
London over CBS. 



'Ra£o F^hts the War' Scripts 
Will Form Writers Guild Anthology 



An anthology ot radio scripts 
about the war is to be published 
soon by the Radio Writers Guild. 
According to a letter to its members, 
as well as to advertising agencies, 
producers and radio executives ot 
various Government agencies, the 
collection will be titled 'Radio Fighta 
the War.' 

No anthologists or editors will re- 
ceive credit In the collection, all 
credit going only to authors, adver- 
tisers and broadcasters. Scripts of 



any length are eligible, and those by 
non-members will be considered 
equally with ones by Guild memj 
bers. It's possible that because of 
the different conditions and' limita- 
tions governing the two fields ot 
radio authorship that different classi- 
fications may be set up for commer- 
cial and sustaining shows. - But that, 
as well as the membership of the 
judges who will select the scripts to 
be Included in the .colleection, is still 
unsettled. 



Wedacaday, Octo|eif 14, 1942 



RADIO 



27 






See Deal Between Trade Groups 



American Broadcasters Assn. Holds 
N.A.B. Issue Is Clearer 



Back Until 



Decision ot the temporary board of 
-directors ot the newly founded 
American Broadcasters Associa- 
tion to call off the general meet- 
ing planned for Nov. 7 and to refrain 
. from member solicitation has caused 
much speculation in the trade, It is 
believed in some broadcaster .quar- 
ters that a reapproachment between 
the organizers of the ABA and the 
National Association of Broadcasters 
Is on the way, and the realliance will 
be preceded by a reorganization of 
the'N.A.B., possibly with the network 
eliminated from membership. The 
N.A.B. directors are slated to meet 
In Chicago tomorrow (Wednesday). 

The temporary board of the ABA 
met in New York last Thursday (8) 
and elected two of fleers to serve 
pending the first general member- 
ship meeting. They were John Shep- 
ard, 3d, president, and Walter J. 
Damm, secretary and treasurer. The 
statement issued hy the ABA group 
following the meeting declared. In 
part: 

'In view of tuggestions from 
several prominent K.A.B. mem- 
bers that ABA withhold the em- 
ployment of executive personnel 
and active a'oltcitation of addi- 
tional members, those present 
agreed that the best Interests of 
unity and harmonv in the broad- 
casting industry would be served 
by acceding to these suggestion;. 
Under the circumstances it was 
decided to make no plans for a 
general meeting this time, such 
as was orginally planned for the 
first week in November.' 
The group associated with Shepard 
formerly functioned as the Broad- 
casters Victory Council. Shepard 
and his assocates have argued that 
the N.A.B. has failed to 'live up to 
its potentiality as a force behind 
American radio geared to wartime 
conditions,' and that there was need 
ot an outside group which could 
'turn its full attention and energies 
toward wholehearted cooperation 
with the war effort.' 



HAWAII'S RADIO 
REPORTED AS 
VIGOROUS 



Bert Prager Radio Head 
Of Donahue S( Coe Agcy. 

Bert Prager, talent buyer of Ben- 
ton & Bowles, becomes radio direc- 
tor ot the Donahue & Coe agency, 
effective Monday (19). Latter firm 
expects to increase its radio activity, 
particularly for its film accounts, in- 
cluding Metro, United Artists, Sam- 
uel Goldwyn and Republic. Other 
D. 8e C. accounts using radio include 
Angostura bitters, Scholl Manufac- 
turing and Atlantic beer. 

For the present, spot campaigns 
will probably be used for the film 
accounts. 



PHILIP MORRIS 
DENIES FTC 
CHARGES 





National sales reps for Hawaii 
stations report that the spot busi- 
ness coming from the mainland this 
fall Is slightly better than It was In 
1B41. ALSO that uetwork adver- 
tisers, regardless of the limited ex- 
tent of their distribution on the 
islands, are continuing to include 
Hawaiian outlets in their hookups. 

The San Francisco branch ot the 
OHce of War Information Is helping 
the Hawaiian stations maintain a 
high and intensive quality of pro- 
graming by not only transcribing 
•Other network shows, but by ship- 
ping the discs to the Islands. The 
night-time schedules of these sta- 
tions, the reps further report, are 
now 30 tightly crowded with locally 
sponsored news programs and net- 
''vorks shows, either live or recorded, 
that there is no room for the sale of 
minute announcements. 



SAM PIERCE DIRECTING 
GRACIE FIELDS' RADIO 



Hollywood. Oct. 13. 
Sam Pierce has been set by Ruth- 
Mufl tc Ryan to produce the new 
Grade Fields series for Pall Mall 
C'ggies which started Monday (12) 
from N. Y. It shifts here in six 
Weeks. 

He is former Coast radio head for 
Lennen & Mitchell. 



Washington, Oct. 13. 

Philip Morris & Co. has offered a 
general denial to the Federal Trade 
Commission's complaint charging the 
tobacco manufacturer with misrep- 
resentation and false advertising In 
radio broadcasts and other media. 
The answer stated that the com- 
plaint did not correctly state the 
substance of some of the advertis- 
ing claims, but the manufacturer did 
at the same time advance specific 
refutations for the commission's 
various allegations. Hearings on the 
case will be held in due course. 

The major points made by Philip 
Morris were: 

1. That its claim that Philip Mor- 
ris cigarets cause no nose or throat 
irritation and are useful in counter- 
acting harmful affects of cigaret 
smoking was borne out by experi- 
ments made possible through its own 
grant and that in ome instances the 
results of the experiments were re- 
ported to Philp Morris. 

2. That it had in part supported 
it:: offer to send upon request re- 
prints of all papers showing the 
influence of^ hygro.scopic (tissues sen- 
sitive to moisture) agents on irrita- 
tion from cigaret smoke by furnish- 
ing them to the medicinal, dental 
and allied professions. 

3. That no intent to misrepresent 
the fact that Dunhill cigarets were 
made in England and not in the 
United States could be read in the 
brand's stress in its advertising ot 
the 'Alfred Dunhill, Ltd.' insignia 
and mention of 'ripe Turkish tobac- 
cos.' 

4. That in 1936 representatives of 
the Philip Morris Co. conferred with 
officials of the FTC concerning cur- 
rent advertising of the company 
relative to the irritating effect of to- 
bacco and the commission at the 
lime gave the company no notice 
that there was any basis for a com- 
plaint. Also that much of the com- 
pany's advertising since then has 
been based on the same sort of sci- 
entiflc research. 



AL ROSS AT WOR 



Succeeds Tom Moore As Commercial 
Program Manager 



Al Ross, from the agency field. Is 
new commercial program manager 
ot WOR, New York, succeeding 
Thomas Moore, who Joined the 
Army. 

He was formerly with Lord tc 
Thomas, J. Walter 'Thompson, Geyer, 
Cornell & Newell and headed his 
own agency. For the last year he 
has been a freelance writer. 



Baukhage's Tex. Sponsor 

San Antonio. Oct. 13. 
Parke Laboralories of San Antonio 
(Grandma Medicines) will sponsor 
I locally) thiec quarter hour broad- 
casts per week of Baukhage, Blue 
network news analyst on KABC. 



RULE IN WAY 



Army's Public Relations 
Branch Anxious for Big 
Radio Comedy Programs 
to Be Transported to Gar- 
rison Areas — Entertain- 
ments Would Be Recorded 
and Flown to U.S. By 
Bomber for Regular Air- 
ing 



DX UNRELIABLE 



Hollywood, Oct. 12. 

Lt. Col. Ed Kirby of the War De- 
partment Bureau ot Public Relations 
will attempt to induce the Federal 
Communications Commission, the 
radio sponsors and agencies in- 
volved and the radio networks to 
provide the necessary change ot 
rules and suspension of policies to 
permit big radio comedy programs 
to be transported bodily to overseas 
garrison areas. As the plan has 
been told here by Col. Kirby the 
comedy shows would do four con- 
secutive broadcasts from United 
States Army bases. 

This proposal comes into imme- 
diate collision with technical diffi- 
culties, mostly shortwave, and with 
the long-standing network rule that 
no program will be broadcast over 
a hook-up ot stations off a tran- 
scription. Only via the latter 
method, it is thought, could a re- 
liable quality program be guaran- 
teed the domestic American radio 
audience for any origination beyond 
the oceans. The recording of a pro- 
gram in a garrison area and its 
transportation to the United States 
by bomber could take care of the 
time element well enough, but it's 
in direct opposition to existing poli- 
cies of the leading networks. CBS 
is said to have rejected specific pro- 
posals of the same nature from 
Wrigley and NBC is almost certain 
to feel just as strongly. 

The Army is said to strongly back 
Kirby 's proposal «t originating name 
comedy shows intact and believes it 
might aid morale. Kirby has been 
in Hollywood conferring with Nat 
Wolff of the OWI and others. 



OLD GOLD 'tfS' 
ON 2ND SHOW 



Old Gold may obligate itself for 
a second network session if it can 
find (1) a program or personality 
that has already done well nation- 
ally and (2) a worthwhile network 
spot. 

The account Is set with Nelson 
Eddy until the middle of January. 



Jack Irish of WHK. Cleveland, 
announcing staff, declared 4F by his 
draft tKiard. 



Many Former Radio Industry Folks 
Now With OWI s Overseas Branch 



Joan Geddes' Promotion 
At Compton Agrency, N. Y. 

Joan Geddes, formerly secretary 
to John McMillin, vice-president and 
director of the Compton agency, has 
been named publicity supervisor, suc- 
ceeding Isabel Olmstead, who joined 
the agency's copy department. 

Miss Geddes is a daughter of de- 
signer Norman Bel Geddes. 



DON FRANCISCO 
NOTGOINGTO 
MUTUAL 



Don Francisco stated to 'Variety' 
in a telephone conversation from 
Washington yesterday (13) that he 
was not considering taking a newly 
created post of paid president of the 
Mutual Network and that he pro- 
posed to stick to his present connec- 
tion, the Office of Inter-American 
Affairs, for the duration. Opening of 
a meeting of Mutual's board of direc- 
tors at the Ambassador hotel, N. Y., 
yesterday had been preceded by the 
report that Francisco had agreed to 
accept the network presidency. 

The board. It was reported, had 
gathered to consider still other 
changes in the administrative setup. 
The directors are slated to leave to- 
morrow (Thursday) for their respec- 
tive homes. 



Kaufman's DepL Store 
Sponsors 'Conunandos^ 
Setup for Kid Zealots 



San Antonio, Oct. 13. 
, Kaufman's Department Store, new- 
comer to local radio, is sponsoring a 
half-hour morning show aimed at 
the juve listeners. Broadcast-; are 
titled 'Junior Commandos,' and origi- 
nate from Gunter Hotel. Entrance 
to the Commandos is tree, but kids 
ar: eligible for promotion if they 
sell a certain amount ot defense 
stamps or bonds each week. Spe- 
cial ranks and honors can be re- 
ceived by bringing In scrap metal 
or other items vital to national de- 
fense. 

Jack Uitchell directs the activi- 
ties of the programs which contain 
special quiz sessions for the audi- 
ence, as well as novelty acts from 
the kids. 



Bill Moshler, publicity director of 
KIRO, Seattle, has been appointed 
chairman of the stale committee on 
radio publicity for Farmers' Bond 
Month (Oct). 



Radio Seeks Prenuum Pay Exemption 
As 36S-Days-a-Year Operation 



Washington, Oot. 13. 

Wage and hpur committee of the 
National Association of Broadcast- 
ers Is asking the Labor Departjnent 
to exempt the broadcasting industry 
from President Roosevelt's executive 
order on premium pay. 

At a recent meeting In Washing- 
ton the committee found that the 
only substantial effect the order 
would have on the broadcasting in- 
dustry would be to require those 
stations not now paying lime and 



one-half tor holiday work to do so. 
Since the broadcasting industry nor- 
mally operates on a 365-day-year 
and a seven-day-week, the effect of 
the order would be directly contraiy 
to one of the broad purposes of the 
order— to combat Inflation. That is 
the view ot the wage and hour com- 
mittee. 

The committee is agreed that the 
indu.stry is covered by the order, 
which was effective Oct. 1, and that 
it is applicable to 'work related to 
the prosecution of the war.' 



The Overseas Branch of the Offtcs 
of War Information is now occupying 
nearly all ot one building at the cor- 
ner of Broadway and 57th Street, in 
New York, with spill-over depart- 
ments across the street. The very 
considerable size of the organiaation 
that has been built up to handle news 
and entertainment via shortwave is 
borne out by the fact that 1.B06 
shows are broadcast weekly. Or, 
stated another way, 455 hours of 
radio. 

Multl-llngual staff of the Overseas 
Branch has grown to accommodate 
22 different languages. French, Ger- 
man, Italian, En^ish and Swedish 
predominate. 

The staff of the OWI is naturally 
recruited from many soAirces, but fa- 
miliar faces and names out of com- 
mercial broadcasting are readily 
noted. These Include such person- 
ages (not forgetting Elmer Davis 
himself) as: 

Loola Cuwun Murry Broph^ 

Paul Stewart Joaef- MaralH 

RotertNewmaa Jiick Crutcher 
Connis Bnut Btglla Blumenih&I 

John UooBeman Kleanor S)<erne 
Jerry Rosa John Peyser 

Pete. Lyona Sidney Slon 

Leonard Carlton Illtchell Grayaoa 
.Inhn Lagemann t,«wls Olttler 

DouRltia Schneider Harold McGee 
John Dnud Werner 3IIchel 

lien Wilbur Eugene Paitoraoa 

Bcrnin London Edd Johnson 

I'aul Ailama John flulllvan 

J.'inpt McGrory Nick Ray 

Ixirlng Andrews FranclH Dobo 

Miiclclln Marrow William Tyler 
Paul LoulH Robert Wenbaa 

Friink Gould Alice DanncnbMV 

Koy de Groot 



Flo MileS) Regina Morgan 
Handle Treasury Phigs 
For Writers War Board 



Florence Miles and Regina Mor- 
gan of Ruthrauff & Ryan are work- 
ing with the Writers War Board on 
preparation of the bond plugs tor 
the Mutual network Treasury half 
hour Saturday nights. This is the 
series which Is being cooperatively 
produced by the Radio Directors 
Guild and the Writers War Board 
with Bill Rainey acting as supervisor 
for the Treasury. 

Many of the bond plugs will be 
personally read on air by members 
of the Writers Board. .First was la.<!t 
Saturday (10) by Chairman Rex 
Stout. 



KFEL, DENVER. TALKS 
WITH I6EW RESUME 



Denver, Oct. 13. 

KFEL snd the International 
Brotherhood ot Electrical Wcrkers, 
which has authority over that sta- 
tion's technical staff, will resume 
discussions tomorrow (Wednesday) 
over wage differences and thereby 
probably avert a threatened strike. 
Union lias asked for an increase of 
wa.-jcs from 33 "i to iO'/i, over the 
level set when the contract now in 
effect was si-^natured a year ago. 
That ajirecment was for two years. 

The station has advised the union 
that any increase in pay must first 
be approved by the War Labor 
Board in accordance with the wage 
ceiling, which, however, provides for 
boosts in accordanc. with the rise in 
the cost of living. The union has 
taken a vote authorizing a strike in 
pvent negotiations fail. Some of tha 
technical help threaten to leave town 
for war plant work if the increases 
aren't satisfactory. 



BiU Henry's War Job 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

NBC lost one of its commentators 
last week when Bill Henry, L. A. 
Times columnist, shoved off for ths 
Paciflc theatre of war as correspon- 
dent for his sheet. 

His program for Dentyne, 'By th« 
Way,' will be retained with guest 
commentators. 



28 



Wednesdaj, October 14, 1942 



FRED F. FINKELHOFFE presents M 

AT THE BROADHIJRST T|||j 




The success of "SHOWTIME" is a tribute to the resourcefulness and bi 
craft by years of honest effort, walk onto the stage, look you in the eye 
applause for them — nor too much success — and — ^to Paul Small, who, so whi 
grateful. If you're looking for Paul Small, adjourn to a place where talent 
Emmet R. Callahan, a fine gentleman, without whose integrity and attention ^ 



VtdncBday,. October 14; 1942 



29 



m YORK'S BIGGEST SMASH HIT 



T I M E " 

iTKE^ NEW YORK, WITH 



EUa 



Logan 




^lleano 




»ance of each of its individual artists. These great people, schooled in their 
f'd leave a part of themselves in your heart. There'll never be too much 
heartedly and efficiently lent his casting genius to this enterprise, I am ever 
assembled— and— particularly, I want to thank 
i entire project would not have been possible. 




80 



RADIO 



Wednesday, October 14, 19-i2 



Michael Strange on CBS Tlatform' 
Raps Sponsorship of War News 



A strong attack on sales copy 
mixed with 'news of war disastei' 
was made by Michael Strange, the 
writer, during a discussion of "Are 
the People Still Complacent?" via 
CBS' The People's Platform Saturday 
night (10). Miss Strange objected to 
newscasts on which commercial 
products are plugged, insisting that 
they are out of place. Listeners, 
particularly those who have sons and 
relatives in the service, want to hear 
the news but they can not do so 
without giving ea to sales talks, 
declared Miss Strange. At one point 
in the colloquy, in which Chairman 
Lyman Bryson .-'id Lawrence Spi- 
vak. editor of American Mercury, 
joined, Miss Strange seemed to use 
the word 'brazen' In referring to ad- 
vertisements on news programs. 'A 
difierent technique has got to come 
in.' it was said. 

Miss Strange told Bryson, 'I am 
objecting to catastrophe' being m;ide 
a subject on which advertising is 
directly or indirectly hinged. When 
Bryson inquired whether the same 
point could not be raised as to news- 
papers. Miss Strange replied in the 
negative. She said that one could 
read the news of war, etc., and pay 
no attention to advertising along- 
side of it, but this was physically 
Impossible in newscasts. Bryson 
interjected that sponsors of news- 
casts had no part in editing the 
news. However, he did not appear 
to bring up the point or at least, to 
emphasize it that the networks and 
many local stations have rigid rules 
as to when and where sales spieling 
is permitted on news since the 
U. S. A. entered the war. Most of 
them confine it to before and after 
spots. They forbid interruptions 
and copy keyed or teeing off on war 
developments. Miss Strange in- 
dicated her belief the public 
still was too much 'business as 
usual.' Spivak, who earlier had 
•tated advertising was impor- 
tant to the financial success of 
a magazine and that he would like 



Gadstone Murray Staff 
To Toronto; Bushnell 
With War Info Board 



Toronto, Oct. 13. 

Now program director, Gladstone 
Murray, will move hLs department's 
headquarters from Ottawa to To- 
ronto around the flr.'st week in No- 
vember. He recently relinquislied 
the post of general manager of the 
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. to Dr. 
James S. Thomson, president of the 
University of Saskatchewan. 

Murray will now be responsible 
for the development and coordina- 
tion of programs for the CBC and all 
private Canadian stations. In the 
past, the CBC program supervision 
was under the direction of Ernest 
L, Bu.'ihnell. who has now been 
loaned to the newly-created Wartime 
Information Board. 



WFIL Pre-Trains Men 
For Naval Code Work 

Philadelphia, Oct. I3. 

The first ten graduates from the 
WFIL code school received diplomas 
l,-.-.t week and were sent to the Naval 
Training Station at Newport. The 
school, staffed by WFIL technicians, 
trains young meti in radio engineer- 
ing and transmission, and has the 
sponsorship of the U. S. Navy. 

Louis Littlejohn, acting chief 
engineer of WFIL, is director of the 
school, which expects to turn out 15 
to 20 young men trained in radio 
for active Navy duty every three 
weeks. 



to get more of It for the Mercury, 
challenged the latter assumption. No 
one in business — not even 'ours — 
we are morale builders and should 
feel the impact less than others' — 
can forget for a minute that a great 
war is being fought 



OLD RUMORS REVIVED 

Concrcssmaii Cooples Pickard and 
CBS In Qnli of Fly 

Washington. Oct. 13. 

The matter of charges aRain.<;t 'a 
former member' of the Federal Com- 
munications Commission wa.s 
brought up on the floor of the House 
Thursday (8) by Richard B. Wiggles- 
worth of M.1.S ochusetts. who said 
that if there is any truth in them 
'they certainly increase the volume 
of smoke around Ihe activities of the 
Commission and alTord further ju.sti- 
flcation for a thorou5h-goit..f: inves- 
tigation. ... I think the Commission 
owes it to il.solf. to Congress, and 
to the public to clear the situation 
up at the earliest possible moment.' 

The former member of the FCC 
referred to is Sam Pickard. Diir- 
nK the hcarinss on the supplement.Tl 
nation.nl defense appropriation bill 
the Ma.ssachu.'setts representative 
questioned Chairman James L. Fly 
of the Commission at some lensth 
about the eharges ai\d then on the 
floor on Thursday he brought up 
the charges asain and commented on 
them further. 

The Congressman said he undcr- 
.stood the record would show that 
John R. Farnhnm, who was ap- 
pointed a special counsel under the 
Commission to examine into the 
charges, reported that from several 
independent sources charges have 
been to the Commission that an ex- 
Commissioner while a member of 
the Commission, had accepted favors 
from the Columbia network which 
included financial emoluments in re- 
turn for favorable official treatment 
on his part. 

Wigglesworth said that when he 
asked Chairman Fly about this the 
FCC chairman replied: 'Well, rather 
than a charge I think that was just 
a rumor.' 



Arthur Force With O.W.I. 

Arthur Force has been appointed 
radio news editor of the radio news 
section of the news bureau In the 
Office of War Information. Force's 
section will serve as the liaison 
agency (or raViio news press associa- 
tions, newscasters and commenta- 
tors. 

Force was formerly night news 
editor for NBC in New York. 



ScM SupL Raps Soap Operas 



Drake University Holds Radio Conference 
Says It's Sex's Own AfFair 



-W 



omen 



Censorship Bans Use 
Of Actual Names Who 
Bid for War Bonds 



Cleveland, Oct. 13. 

WGAR was stopped from broad- 
casting the names of War Bonds 
bidders at the Music Hall 'Victory 
Auction' last week by the Office of 
Cen.sorship on grounds that foreign 
agents might use the information to 
their own benefit. 

The station, first to feel the cen- 
sorship whip here in many moons, 
was permitted, however, to broad- 
cast the amount of bids. 



Guy Hickok's Quickie' 
Trip to Dominicans 

Guy Hickok, of the radio division 
of the Office of Coordinator of Inter- 
American Affairs, flew down to the 
Dominicftn Republic last week to su- 
pervise Columbus Day airings from 
there. Number of special shows 
originated from the island, which 
Columbus is supposed to have 
touched on one of his trips west. 

Hickok is former chief of NBC's 
shortwave section and before that 
was for many years a roving corre- 
spondent abroad (or the Brooklyn 
Eagle. 



Marie Hoidahan Off KQW 



San Francisco. Oct. 13. 

Marie Houlahan lost her job as 
Columbia Broadcasting Systcm- 
KQW publicity director here as re- 
sult of new CBS policy of originat- 
ing all ballyhoo for this region in 
Hollywood. 

KQW, which had shared cost of 
the publicity office with CBS on a 
SO-SO basis, turned lis blurb writing 
over to Anne Director, sales pro- 
motion manager, for the present. 



Des Moines, Oct. 13. 

Blame (or some o( the 'maladjust. 
mcnts' o( the home were laid to 
radio 'scrap , operas' by N. B. Mc- 
Combs, superintendent of public 
schools in Des Moines during a panel 
at a radio coti(erence held on the 
Drake University campus last week. 

Superintendent McCombs, who said 
he 'found much on the plus side for 
radio' took issue with a woman mcms 
bcr of the panel who said she felt 
it was the 'wonen's own concern" to 
choose their radio programs,' and 
that 'if some women like to get all 
upset over the troubles of imaginary 
radio characters — let them.' 

Ofher members of the panel in- 
cluded Dr. H. Clay Harsbarger of the 
University of Iowa; Prof. W. I. Grif- 
fith of Iowa State college, director 
of radio station WOI; many women 
representing various civic clubs and 
groups, and Mrs. Dorothy Lewis of 
the National Association of Broad- 
casters. Edwin G. Barrett, confer- 
ence chairman and head of the Urake 
U. radio school, was moderator for 
the panel. The subject was 'The 
Layman's Place In Radio.' 



B&K TRAINING SEVEN 
GIRLS FOR TELEVISION 



Chicago, Oct. 13. 

Balaban 81 Katz Television Sta- 
tion W9XBK has hired seven girls 
with radio backgrounds and is train- 
ing them to replace its engineering 
staff, which has joined armed forces 
virtually in a body. 

Girls will handle turnstiles, micro- 
phones, audio and vidio boards and, 
in addition, learn to operate mobile 
trucks going out to get man-in- 
strcet interviews for visual broad- 
cast. 

New fall television program starts 
about Nov, 1 and consists of about 
hour's television broadcast nightly. 



« latest Gill Survey says die KMOX country journai, 
attracts more early mortiiag listeners, both inside and out- 
side St. Louis, than all other St. Louis stations combined. 

Twenty-three advertisers, since the first of the year, 
have made use of this fact to sell bread, soap, shoe polish, 
furniture, clothing, feed, resorts, drugs and jewelry. 

Early Birds interested in converting pennies of 

advertising cost into dollars of sal«s will write (or 

t 

wire) KMOX (or their nearest Radio Sales 
office) Ibr availabilities of announcemei^ or live or 
fifteen minute program strips on the country journal. 





fro. 



"7. 



''''St. 



00 



""ti 



Sues, 




THE VOICE OF ST. LOUIS • 50,00 0 WATTSl 



V/cdiiesday, October 14, 194S 



RADIO 



31 




f 





NtEDS CHECKING 



James L. Fly AdmiU to Con- 
gressional Committee Our 
Immigrant Radio Program 
Situation Has Never Been 
Adequately Policed — FBI 
Overburdened Because of 
War 



SPY USE FEARED 



Washington, Oct, 13. 

A committee of the House of 
Representatives last week heard 
James L. Fly, chairman of the Fed- 
eral Communications Commission, 
cite 'startling reports' of espionage 
via radio as a reason for Congress 
voting additional funds for policing 
the airwaves. Fly put Into the rec- 
ord hints that unknown persons op- 
erating through radio programs may 
have used price mentions, purpose- 
ful grammatical errors and other 
'code' to signal submarines or enemy 
agents generally. Fly's remarks 
were the first official revelations of 
rumors that were rife last winter 
and spring and concerning which 
dozens of persons in the broadcast- 
ing trade have been interviewed by 
d-men of various classes. 

Fly said that the FCC plans to 
undertake a large scale and inten- 
sive investigation Into the personnel 
of international broadcast stations 
and domestic foreign language sta- 
tions. He said it was essential in the 
furtherance of this country's anti- 
Axis propaganda efforts that a thor- 
ough inquiry be made into the per- 
sonnel of these broadcasters 'in or- 
der to head ofl any possible enemy 
activity or half-hearted cooperation 
in this vital field.' 

The importance of a complete 
check on"" the personnel of interna- 
tional broadcast stations seemed 
clear, the FCC chairman said. 

'I regret.' he asserted, 'that neither 
of these jobs has been done with any 
degree of thoroughness. The assist- 
ance of the Federal Bureau of In- 
vestigation has been sought for the 
conduct of these Investigations but 
the Commission has been Informed 
that, because of the already heavy 
burden upon the Bureau's person- 
nel. It will be unable to assume these 
additional tasks.' 

In addition to the investigation 
Into the foreign language station 
personnel, the chairman said the 
Commission felt compelled to ex- 
pand its own activities in the for- 
eign language broadcast field for Its 
own regulatory purposes and aa a 
service to the Office of War Infor- 
mation. 

'Foreign language broadcasting, 
Bince the outbreak of the war, has 
assumed vital Importance to civilian 
morale and national security,' Chair- 
man Fly stated. 'Supervision of this 
field has, however, remained on a 



• WRITER 

• DIRECTOR 

• PRODUCER 

FRITZ 
BLOCKI 



"HOOPER HAPPY 
AND CR08LEY 
CONFIRMED" 



NEW 
YORK 
CITY 



APOLOGIES TO RUPPERT 

in ""^Jrtaket tried to Mil me a eof- 
."JP"' ""d *»>•» I he»lt»»«l, he 
jalil, "Vou conldn't aak for b belter 
fltr JAMES MADISON, jtac writer. 
« nlM) nublliili s OACl SHEET; «1. 
i'"^ Orand Central Annex, 

(Watch Jot a new gag «very uieek) 



sporadic and a more or less hit-or- 
miss basis. The time is overdue for 
an organized and scientific approach 
to the program service problem to 
provide a rational basis for guiding 
the monitoring and analysis work of 
the Commission which Is of vital in- 
terest to various war agencies. 
Time Brokers 
The planned activity in this field 
will make available for the Pst 
time complete data on all foreign 
language program service in terms 
of communities, types of stations, 
types of programs, the languages in 
which programs are broadcast, re- 
lations of time brokers to programs 
in various areas, coverage, the tend- 
ency to eliminate or expand foreign 
language service, the degree of dele- 
gation of control of stations, ade- 
quacy of service to the needs of the 
area, extent of monitoring by li- 
censes and so forth.' 



Male Meow 



Discussing one of 'the new 
radio series with a friend, Good- 
man Ace said: 

'I heard his repeat' 

•Oh,' said the friend, 'I heard 
the first broadcast.' 

'So did I. It was a repeat of 
his last year's program.' 



Early Maxwell on WMC 

Memphis, Oct. 13. 

Early Maxwell, veteran promo- 
tions editor and sports writer for 
the Commercial Appeal, returned to 
the radio over WMC the past week 
with a IS-minute program of grid 
prognostications labeled 'Maxwell's 
Sportscast.' 

Takes a spot at 6:30 o'clock each 
Friday night. 



M Your Teacher on WGAR Seeks 
To Show Humor of School Statf 



Irving Gross From Texas 
To Petry's Chi Branch 

Chicago, Oct. 13. 

Irving Gross, with WFAA, Dallas, 
for eight years and for the past two 
years commercial manager of WFAA- 
WBAP and KGKO, Dallas and Fort 
Worth, has been placed in charge of 
sales promotion for Chicago office of 
Edward Petry & Co. 

Buell Herman, formerly with the 
Katz Co. and previously with NBC 
sales, has also joined Petry ales 
force. 



Cleveland, Oct. 13. 
Commercial station WGAR is now 
broadcasting 'Ask Your Teacher' In 
a tie-up with the Board of Educa- 
tion's own radio director, William fi. 
Levenson, who operates a high fre« 
quency educational station her*, 
WBOE. 

Students send in questions through 
the week and faculty members an- 
swer them on Saturdays. It's not 
designed to show-up teachers, but 
rather to bring out their humanness, 
sense of humor and knowledge ot 
the world outside the classroom. 




to 





Na. 3 OF « 
ISIIES-NHXT 
tHE MEN WHO 

MOVE YOUR 
MERCHAIIDISI 
THINK ABOUT 

WARTIME 
XDVERTISINe 



Those who are In ihe business oi mer- 
chandising food produclg find it h^rd to 
understand why some manufacturers feel 
they should discontinue all of their 
advertising simply because the war has 
brought about shortages in some lines of 
merchandise. 

"If the principles of advertising in nor- 
mal times are sound, then war does not 
affect these principles. Thus they are 
sound in abnormal times, such as war. 

"Of course the future Is uncertain . . . 
for all of us. But the safest bet that any 
manufacturer can make is that he will be 
in business after the war is over. There- 
fore, he should by all means continue to 
advertise, to protect his Investment in 



good will, built up at great cost in money 
and hard work. 

"This will save sales that otherwise might 
be lost altogether ... for as long as 
nationally advertised merchandise is 
available, consumers prefer it to un- 
known brands. 

"And it will also help the dealer keep the 
soul and body of his business together. 
If he doesn't get this help, manufacturers 
may as well figure on an uphill job when 
they start producing consumer goods in 
abundance again. The experience of 
advertisers in the last war proved that 
the cost of continuing on a reasonable 
basis is only a small fraction of what it 
will take to 'beat back'," 



WLW 



32 



RADIO REVIEWS 



Vcdiic»d«y, October 14, 1912 



AI. JOI.SON 

Cast: Carol Bruce, Alan Reed, Park- 
yakarkns, Elaine Arden, Fred 
t'ltal, Ray Block orchestra 

Writers: Eddie I'orinan, Pal C. Flick 

Dircrtiir: Carlo Pe Angelo 

30 Mills. 

< OI.C.,\TK TOOTHPOWDER 

Tiir^diiv. K::i0-8:55 p. m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

iS'lrrriiinii-Marquette) 

I'lOnucre last Tuesday night (6) of 
A! JolsOMs new series for Colgate 
liiDihpowdcr was unusually ragged. 
Willi pioiiiibO of considerable ini- 
pioveiiicnl. but plenty of difdcultics 
to be sjlved. Jolson's singing is 
the backbone of the show, but the 
coniecl.v will need ample doctoring. 
Rou.i!linc.-;s of the opener was actually 
admitted by the star, who signed oft 
with a hope that subsequent broad- 
Cii.-^ls will be better. 

\ basic trouble with the debut 
seonicd to be uncertainty about the 
show's pattern. The comedy lines 
and songs weren't blended into a 
smooth routine. Consequently, the 

E log ram jumped abruptly from one 
It to another without sufficient con- 
tinuity. It sounded almost as if the 
script had been revised right up to 
air time, with not enough time to 
rehearse the final form. There was 
also enough ballyhoo about Jolson's 
recent camp-show appearances to do 
fur the next 13 broadcasts, at least. 

From a programming standpoint, 
the program stumbled even before it 
was actually on the air. In one of 
the least fortunate moves of the cur- 
rent radio season, Colgate chose to 
precede the show with a blatant pre- 
hitch-hike commercial for Palmolive 
soap, which the ordinary listener 
niiglit easily have mistaken for part 
of the Jolson stanza. 

Having thus slapped the prospec- 
tive dialers across the face, the reg- 
ular program then opened with Jol- 
son's 'April Showers' themer, the 
star vocaling a couple of lines. Ob- 
vously jittery at that point, Jolson 
raced through a short comedy mono- 
log, erroneously identified the prod- 
uct as Colgate's toothpaste, instead 
of toothpowder, and finally got his 
studio audience warmed up with 
gags about the Yanks In London, in- 
cluding a line about how Merle Obe- 
ron gave her girdle to the scrap rub- 
ber drive and is now 'bulging for 
Britain.' 

He then hit one of the high spots 
of the show with a terrifically sold 
vocal on 'Yankee Doodle Blues,' with 
Ray Block's orchestra turning in a 
nifty accompaniment. Colgate fol- 
lowed that with the first of two long, 
revolting commercials about how its 
toothpowder cures unpleasant breath 
Jolson managed to pick Up the show 
immediately afterward with a ludi- 
crous gag about having the audience 
stand in silence for 30 seconds for 
all those who bet on the Yanks in 
tlie World Series.' Then the star, 
Parkyakarkas, John Brown and 
Elaine Arden (as a new character 
called Shakeyakarkus) barged 
through a confused comedy bit based 
upon Jolson's recent camp show ap- 
pearances in Alaska. The Greek 
femme vis-a-vis to Parky was a 
missout, and Miss Arden Is now off 
the show. Songstress Carol Bruce 
failed to score with her single vocal 
spot. The star wound up with a 
mawdlinly sentimental vocal of 'My 
Buddy.' Uobe. 



GRACIE FIELDS 
' With Hurry Sosnlk Orrhestra 
' SonK. Sturv 
i ^ MIns. 
I PALI. M.AI.I. 
I NiBhtlv. !»:!)■> p.m. 
I WJZ-Bliir. New York 

The British siiifiiM.t; comedienne is 
niiinin;: bcUvcoii the laindrops of 
Pall Mall sales copy when she hur- 
1 iis ill a couple of songs, just enough 
to whet the appetite of the listener. 
.Tnd tells a gag in gorgeous dialed, 
again a leasri-. To say that she and 
Harry Sosiiik's music- crosvd a iol 
of sparklinj,' enterlaiiiincnt into small 
space is to ronder only an exact ac- 
counting, iiiit it must be added that 
the fivo-miniile commercial progiam 
comes dangerously close to. if it does 
not plunge into, the area of ques- 
tionable public practice. It mocks 
the basic excuse for advertising on 
the air. namely that it is a privilege 
earned by sponsorship of diversion. 

Contracted to five minute.s. and with 
two or more product spiels included, 
the idea becomes one that reveals 
advertising agency shrewdness as a 
buyer but it raises doubts as to ihe 
Blue's perspective and integrity as 
a seller. If this were an ordinary 
business deal, not involving public 
policy, then it might not be any- 
body's business. However, radio is 
implicitly everybody's business and 
many surely will be inclined to snifT 
at the rampant commercialism that 
uses a star o( Gracie Fields' stand- 
ing for no more than the thinnest 
layer of sugarcoating on advertising. 

Pall Mall's cunning is many-sidod. 
Its sponsorship of a British come- 
dienne, its emphasis that the pro- 
gram is going to England by short- 
wave. Miss Fields' reference to the 
folks over there, all heighten the 
idea, without saying it. that Pall 
Mall is an English cigaret. 

But getting back to the versatile 
comedienne: she obviously belongs 
in radio as elsewhere on sheer ar- 
tistic stature. Her personality is as 
many-hued and as sunny as the Sus- 
sex Downs. The arrangements using 
male voices and Sosnik's instrumen- 
tation all were rich, lively and en- 
gaging. But the commercials neces- 
sarily had to break In on the mood 
intrusively. 

Is five minutes In the public inter- 
est, convenience and necessity? 

Land. 



JAMES W. GERARD 
Commentary 
16 Mins.— Lo«aI 
Sunday, 5:30 p.m. 
WINS, New York 

First of a series of talks by Presi- 
dent 'Woodrow Wilson's Ambassador 
to Germany. Gerard talked on po- 
litical economy, the right of private 
ownership and tne fallacy of the 
common conception of the alleged 
'capitalistic system.' He pointed out 
that if taxes take most of the gains 
without compensating for the capital 
invested there would eventually be 
no incentive to Invest In worthy 
enterprises with a siibsequent dis- 
persal of Initiative. 

Gerard also explained in easily 
understandable terms how inflation 
threatened the savings of the thrifty 
and the industrious. 

Llstenable uia interesting on the 
whole, Gerard's name on me pro- 
gram implijs, lU^Y^''' B connota- 
tion for k tyfie of xSXj^ (International 
ans^irs) which did not materialize. 

■ Mori. 



■DUFFY'S TAVERN' 

Cast: Ed Gardner, £.'tlrley Booth, 
Eddie Green, Charles Cantor, Tiny 
KufTner, Peter Van Steeden 

Writers: Parke Levy, Mao BenoH, 
Abe Burrows 

Director: Sam Fuller 

30 Mins. 

BRISTOL-MYERS 
Tuesday, 8:30 p. m. 
WJZ-Blue, New York 

(Youiip & Riiliicniii) 
This 'Greenpernt' epic of dcsedc- 
molo^y resumed last Tuesday its fa- 
miliar formula of conspicuous igno- 
rance. As before. Archie (Ed Gard- 
ner) .struggles with the aggravations 
111 conducting a drinking dive with 
prcleiitions to class that never quite 
comes off. His unhappy conversa- 
tions with his boss. DulTy, occur over 
the telephone. The great DufTy 
never appears. Just his daughter, 
Miss Duffy, the would-be singer and 
wjuld-be-date played by Shirley 
Booth (the former Mrs. Gardner). 

The Negro p6rter and the neigh- 
borhood boob are other characters 
of the tavern setting. The comic 
grief, consternation and na^ve aspi- 
rations of the bartender-manager 
and the cross-play of characters 
add up to flrst-rate diversion in 
which the writers and directors do 
well by the several performers and 
vice versa. 

For the commercials: 'When vou 
need a liniment — remember Minut- 
rub— when you need a laxative, re- 
member, Sal Hepatica.' Tiny Ruff- 
ner is back .on bigtimc radio to read 
the copy. If the Bristol-Myers copy 
continues as inoffensive as on the 
rust broadcast there will be no 
complaints. Lniid. 



'STARS FROM THE BLUE' 

Cast: Josephine Houston, Wilbur 

Evans, Milton Cross, Joseph Sto- 

pak orch. 
Writer: Len Finger 
Director: William Marshall 
30 MIns. 
Sustaining 
Sunday, 7 p. m. 
WJZ-Blne, New York 

Simplicity, taste, skill and talent 
are the qualities that make this Sun- 
day night sustainer on the Blue net- 
work a st^dout semi-pop musical 
ofTering. Nothing pretentious or 
elaborate here; just lovely melodies 
beguilingly presented by genuine 
artists. The result is distinctly 
pleasant listening. 

As heard Sunday night (11), Jose- 
phine Houston sang 'Be Careful, It's 
My Heart' and a lullaby version of 
'Caprice Viennois' in her warm, rich, 
lilting soprano; Wilbur Evans sang 
a colorful ballad, followed by Noel 
Coward's 'Mad Dogs and English- 
men,' and then they dueled a Jerome 
Kern medley from 'Show Boat.' The 
contrast between Evans' two solos 
demonstrated his remarkable combi- 
nation of vocal strength, depth, flex- 
ibility and clear enunciation. Joseph 
Stopak batoned the orchestra in one 
number, a striking Morton Gould 
pavanne. 

Len Finger's light, gently hurrior- 
ous continuity was too subtle for 
Milton Cross sure-treading deliv- 
ery. 'Stars from the Blue' has bru- 
tal competitioiT from Jack Benny on 
NBC, and the Rex Stout and Lou 
Holtz programs on' CBS, but it 
should draw a loyal, if limited, audi- 
ence of its own. in a more favorable 
spot, it should '>e a prospect for 
sponsorship. Hobe. 



gUBNS ANP AlXlM^.. ^ 
•St: Paul Whitcnua, BUI Qaiwu, 
Jimmy Casta, Six Aita and • MIm 
Writers: Frank Galea, Keith Fowler. 
Willie Bnriif, Harvey Helm, Paul 
Henning 
Director: Hendrik Boeraem 
30 MIns. 
SWAN SOAP 
Tuesday, 9 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(Youiio & Rubicam) 
Gracie Allen and George Burns 
continue to move with the times. 
The result is an offering that is as 
refreshing as it is pleasant. Their 
progressiveness had made itself 
notably manifest last season when 
they converted the pattern from the 
slam-bang type of olio crossfire to 
humor of full-stage dimensions. The 
sketches contain plot, an ingratiating 
brand of whimsy, sUavely diffused 
hokum and overall good radio 
sense. The distaff side of the team 
is pictured as much of a zany than 
ever, but the characterization has 
been augmented with some easily 
recocnizable facets of feminine im- 
petuosity and fantasy, all of which 
adds to the stature and appeal of 
this particular Dulcy. 

Take for instance, the program 
which brought the pair back last 
Tuesday (6) for their second .•sea- 
son as salesfolk for Swan Soap 
(Lever Bros.). The wife, an in- 
curable romanticist, is suddenly af- 
flicted with the idea that she and 
her husband ought to try to relive 
the events of their courtship. The 
husband, a worldly but indulgent 
fellow, enters into the make-believe 
with much reluctance. The adven- 
ture, as compounded by the Burnses 
and their crew of writers, crackled 
with plenty of satiating humor. The 
story even allowed for the inclusion 
of the mimic-created Herman, the 
Duck. The mimic's bit made a cork- 
ing passage and Bill Godwin abetted 
expertly in the part of George 
Burns' old rival. 

The musical interludes, though 
brief, were fitted in patly. Paul 
Whileman gave with his usual full- 
bodied concepts of dance rhythm 
and Six Hits and a Miss did up a vocal 
refrain in shipshape manner. 

The plug for Swan was woven into 
the dialog in a capsule form that 
was easy to take. Odec. 



'THE O'NEILLS' 

Cast: Louise Barclay, James Tansey, 
Nick Dawson, Betty Garde, Jane 
West, Jack Rubin, Janice Gilbert, 
Betty Winkler, Chester Stratton, 
Craig McDonnell, William Meaker 

Writers: David Victor, Herbert Lit- 
tle, Jr. 

Director: Chick Vincent 

IS Mins. 

ROYAL PUDDING 
Dally, 10:15 a.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

^.Bates^ 

Formerly spSnsored by Procter & 
Gamble, the' veteran 'O'Neills' serial 
was brought back to the air last 
week by Standard Brands to plug its 
Royal Puddings. 

(Current story sequence deals with 
a war plant which has just been 
given a Government order for a new, 
secret instrument, presumably a 
bombsight, for U. S. planes. Danny, 
the plant manager, would like to 
promote a Miss Tobin to be foreman 
on this assignment, but she is in- 
explicably reluctant to accept any 



«EMOBT LANE' 

tfastl Col. Jim Healey, Annette Mc- 

Cnlloiifh, Gene Graves and Edw 

Bloe'o Strings 
SI Mins,— Local 
PUDSON COAL CO. 
Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. 
WGT, Schenectady 

(Leiolitoii & Nelson) 

Most of these broadcasters are 
WGY standbys. However, it's the 
first time they have been united on 
one program. News commentator- 
philosopher Healey has been woven 
into strands of a predominantly 
musical show. He is spotted before 
the halfway for n rapid-rirc review 
of week's news. Later he offers his 
familiar, popular philosophy and po- 
etry. Apparently, aim of program 
builders is to reach or please several 
types of listeners. 

Mixture of diver.se entertainment 
ingredients is not entirely smooth, 
although production and direction 
probably attain almost as mu:h 
-evenness as is possible. Healey does 
not quite fit into 'Memory Lane' 
mood, despite attempts by verbal 
a'nd musical bridges to mortice his 
blocks. A veteran miker, he natu- 
rally handles the periods competent- 
ly. In telescoping week's highlights 
into five-minute summary, Albany 
newspaper columnist drops the fire- 
side chat for a slightly staccato style. 
Poetry-philosophy on opener dealing 
with feats of handlcss youth and a 
sightless lad at Stalingrad battle 
rang the bell. 

Miss McCullough. billed as pos- 
sessing a 'blue velvet voice," sings 
favorite ballads with skill and finish 
if not great pace. Seems a mistake 
to have emcee Graves (from WSNY) 
warble immediately after her — twice 
on bow-in shot— because he is even 
more definitely a crooner. Music by 
string group should space the pair's 
songs. 

Rice, who violined on WGY's first 
broadcast in 1922. leads a combina- 
tion that plays cohesively and slick- 
ly, although 'body' is at times lack- 
ing. Advertising is in good taste 
though not perhaps memory-sticking 
except as to brand name. Sneak 
technique, with Miss McCullough 
singing, used once. Finale needs re- 
arranging. Jaco. 



advancement. Indication is that 
there'll be one of those long, typi- 
cally-serial situations between Danny 
and her. It's all acceptable daytime 
drama, competently written, If with- 
out any particular depth or distinc- 
tion. 

McDonnell's commercials are too 
long and in accepted straightaway 
manner of daytime copy, but are 
deftly worded and delivered against 
William Meader's expressive organ 
background. The show is skillfully 
directed by Chick Vincent. 

Not the least Interesting aspect of 
the current 'O'Neills' is its produc- 
tion setup. The show is an Ed Wolf 
Associates package and is being pre- 
sented by what amounts to the Ed 
Wolf stock company. It was formerly 
written by Jane west, but she is 
now a member of the cast, with Da- 
vid Victor and Herbert Little, Jr., 
collaborating on the script. All three, 
plus actor James Tansey, reportedly 
have a financial interest in the pro- 
gram. In addition, the cast includes 
Janice Gilbert, Wolf's daughter, and 
Jack Rubin, a member of the Wolf 
office. Hobe. 



Here's a Qi3iz 
tfiat's a W^^^ 

for the smart tlin«*>«y 
radio advertiser 



er 



or 



„dfacl-*"ll.»«'''*''° ' 



won 




1. THIS HAPPY SIUTCH RIPRISINTSi 

(a) a famous WOR personality 

(b) a Mene commemorating Oct. 19th ' 

(c) a seaboard state 

(d) person whose name begins with "M" 




S. THIS NUMCRAl STANDS FORi 

(a) months Russia has been at war 

(b) age of WOR commentator 

(c) important new radio market 

(d) key people every show should 
reach 



if42 



THIS TREND lINi INDICATESi 

(a) rise in WOR news listening 

(b) startling fact about a power-full 
station ^ 

(c) the Connecticut birth rate 

(d) radio exec's fever chart 




4. THIS MAN ISt 

(a) training to be an Army tailor 

(b) demonstrating a startling radio 
success 

(c) rehearsing for new WOR show 

(d) repairing a defense casualty 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



RADIO REVIEWS 



33 



ABBOTT and COSTELLO 

Casl: Veronicm Lake, Connie Balnea, 

Ken Nlles, Leith Stevens Orcbeatra 
Writers: Don Prindic, Jobn Grant 
Diredors: Martin Goscb, Howard 

Harris 
30 Mlns. 
CAMEL 

Thjrsdays, 7:3« p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New Vork 

(Estv) 

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello have 
achieved one of show business' most 
remarkable ascents from compara- 
tive obscurity to national fame and 
fortune in three entertainment 
media, radio. Alms and theatres. 
From the period of their first initial 
breaks via Ted Collins on the Kate 
Smith program to their present posi- 
tion as Universal Pictures' comedy 
Eockeroos and now as Camel radio 
stars there have elapsed all told only 
a couple of years. It seems probable 
that this new radio series will 
further assure their following arid 
success. 

The pair have developed a rowdy 
kind of slapstick which writers Don 
Prindle and John Grant, and pro- 
ducers Howard Harris and Marty 
"C!osch~hBve;— m--thl»-4nslemee;— ex. 



ploiled for entertainment that is 
loud, corny, vivid in mental pic- 
tures, simple in meaning and dis- 
armingly good-natured. Above all 
the figure of Lou Costello is that of 
an incorrigibly naughty fat boy with 
lusty lungs and a constant boiling 
point. Yet underneath he is a kind- 
hearled numbskull. He manages to 
be boisterous without being, a boor, 
a long-reacher< after laughs but not 
an awkward muscle-strainer. Less, 
evident, but not less skillful, is the 
art of Bud Abbott, the straightman, 
who is the perfect containing vessel 
for the seltzer-like upsurges of the 
volatile chubby fellow. 

There was not a trace of highbrow 
anywhere in this program. And yet 
Abbott and Costello were not all 
roar and bellow. There was change 
of pace and characterization in 
broad strokes. It was all mirth- 
inducing, but not, definitely not, 
subtle. To fill in the waits between 
routines there was the beguilement 
of Connie Haines, a girl singer of 
pronounced vocal ability and amia- 
bility. Lustrous orchestra support 
came from Leith Stevens. Ken Niles, 
the announcer, was worked into the 
script brightly. 

Veronica Lake, she with the 
blonde curtain over half her face, 
was on the program, borrowed from 
Paramount to spoof with Lou 
Costello. Or a gag, a loan and a 
hank of hair. Land. 



BOB BURNS 
Cast: ffllly Arat 
Writer: XiMunead Seett 
Director: Don Clark 
Comedy, Musia 
S« MiDs. 
LIF£BU0T 
Wednesday, 9 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(Ruthroulf & Ryan) 
Of the three roles that Bob Burns 
essays he clicked best as monolo-' 
gist. His efforts as Mr. Fix-it and 
philosopher were of a mediocre 
quality. These gave his program a 
wobbly structure. He opened and 
closed with over-the-footlight gag- 
ging, which department of his per- 
formance has been uniformly good. 
As another 'Dr. Christian' but with 
hillbilly dialect and a characteriza- 
tion which the programs refers to as 
a 'modern-day Arkansaw Traveler' 
the results were .spotty. The format 
which he returned with last Wednes- 
day (7) was the same he used last 
season on the same network for 
Campbell Soup. 

The 'Arkansas Traveler' sketch 
which Burns included in his intro- 
ductory stanza for Lever Bros, did 
not have much imagination, wit or 
pitch. It was about as colorful in 
its human Interest as an a.k. nodding 
yvay~ t ir liis u l idii ii i a Uni o n Leoguc 
Club window. The narrative, often, 
used before, dealt with a rich man's 
family who were reformed out of 
their profligate ways by the shock of 
hearing that the old man had gone 
broke. What had been intended as 
gag, with the father's complicity, 
turns out to be the fact: he's really 
broke. Burns played the Mr. Fix- 
it and philosopher in this spiceless 
charade. 

Burns did spread the laughs when, 
first, he cracked about his efforts to 



'THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN' 
Cast: Everett Sloane, Babcrt Dryden, 
Ed Latimer, Carl Eastman, Dean 
Carlton, Jobnny Kane, Cbcster 
Stratton, George TIplady, lUfer 
DcKoven, James MeCalllon 
Writer: Banald MacDoBgall 
Director: William N. Kobson 
3« Mlns. 
Sustaining 

Wednesday, 10:30 p .ni. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

Latest of Columbia's war sustain- 
ers succeeds another, 'The 22d Let- 
ter,' in the 10:30-11 o'clock spot 
Wednesday nights. It's a collabora- 
tion of the same pair, Ranald Mac- 
Dougall as writer and William N. 
Robson as producer-director. Its aim 
is to tell the story of the men who 
use the weapons U. S. industry is 
turning out. 

Initial broadcast Wednesday night 
(7) was somewhat similar to Mac- 
Dougall's click 'This Is War' script 
last spring about , the U. S. bomber 
sortie in the Pacific. Perhaps partly 
as a consequence, it was an engross- 
ing show, alive with atmosphere and 
crammed with action. It was expert- 
ly produced, with excellent sound 
effects and a number of vibrant per- 
formances. 

Presented as a message from a 
rookie machine gunner with an 
Army bombing force in the Pacific, 
the program told the sfory of how 
Bathtub' Charlie (so called because 
his post was in the bathtub-like nose 
of the plane) came through coolly in 
his first battle with Jap flyers. The 
script and production were notable 
for several effective devices, such as 
the banter of bomber crews against 
the background of pre-flight in- 
structions from the commanding of- 
ficers, the musical punctuation and 
•"f descriptive battle sound effects. 

The Man Behind the Gun' is one 
jnore and a worthwhile addition, to 
'he long, varied list of programs 
about and contributing to the war 
Hobe. 



You Can Lall 

If You Want to— 
BUT . . . 

A friend of mine just Bot a 
letter from his draft board. It 
*aa nothin' serious. They Just 
"joved, and wanted to notify him 
of their change of address. 

HERB SHRINER 

(IT'S rOSSIBI.R) 

CAMEL CARAVAN 
WM. MORRIS A«Y. 



enlist in the Air Corps and experi- 
ences in the last war and, later on, 
lapsed in his recital about the folks 
at Van Buren, such as Aunt Pudgy 
(in her latest efforts as a fire warden 
auxiliary) and Uncle Fudd. Even a 
lad whom he introduced as his 
'Cousin Herford' got an explosive 
outburst from the studio audience 
when the stooge suddenly revealed 
that he has spent so much, time 
among calves that he sounds like 
one. The epilog was good Bob 
Burns. For music there was Burns' 
bazooka and Billy Arzt's melodious 
bridges. 

The sales plug revamped the oft- 
told tale of the boy who lost the 
girl — B.O. Odec. 

■LIGHTS OUT' 

Casl: Arch Oboler, Wally Maher, 
Gloria Blondell, Ed Max, Bob La- 
Mond 

Writer-Director: Arch Oboler 
30 Mlns. 

IRONIZED YEAST 
Tuesday, 8 p. m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(Ruthrauff & Ryan) 
'Lights Out' is Arch Oboler's sec- 
ond commercial series this first was 
■Everyman's Theatre' on NBC for 
Procter & Gamble for 26 weeks dur- 
10 1 0 -4 1). — It i s a ls o his first nn 



Columbia. Ironized Yeast is the 
sponsor, having' dropped 'Board of 
Missing Heirs' to bankroll it. Pack- 
age price for 'Lights Out' is $1,325 
a week, Oboler getting by at that 
figure by being his own m.c, con- 
fining himself to small casts and cov- 
ering the absence of any music by 
elaborate sound effects. 

Whether Oboler can get and keep 
an audience under those conditions 
remains to be seen. His initial 
broadcast Tuesday night (6) was 



War Messages As Part of Plot 



Something very like a tour de force in sheer plotting was achieved 
last Thur.sday (8) by the 'Easy Aces' program for Anacin, when the 
script incorporated legitimate references to and plugs for the follow- 
ing government-requested niessages: 

V Homes. 

War Bonds. 

Scrap salvage. 

Tire conservation. 

First Aid. 

Rumor squelching. 

This was all worked in and worked out by having Jane plot to force 
her unfriendly neighbor to award her a V-Home slicker by bringing 
the woman into the house before witnesses and proving, in a series of 
exaggerated Jane-like interpretations, that she had complied with 
everything Uncle Sam wanted citizens to do. 

This is a provocative example of how to integrate war mes.sage stuff 
into the script. The only flaw in the example from the standpoint of 
emulation is that very few radio writers have the ingenuity and plot 
resourcefulness of Goodman Ace. 



clearly aimed for commercial ap- 
peal, being a pulp-mag type of psy- 
chological chiller. It was pure story- 
telling, with eerie atmosphere and 
grizzly, supernatural climax. 



Yarn aoout i gl'aKpifig divuicee 
eloping with a rat-like draft-dodger 
maintained interest, on the whole, 
although somewhat loosely written. 
Gloria Blondell's playing of the di- 
vorcee was potent, particularly her 
hysteria scenes. Wally Maher was 
acceptable as her vicious companion. 

Oboler's m.c. by-play with an- 
nouncer Bob LaMond was 'cute.' 
There were two major commercials, 
the flrst following abruptly on a big 
emotional .scene and the closer mak- 



ing a money-back guarantee for the 
product. 

'Lights Out' was originally an NBC 
sustainer out of Chicago, with Obo- 
ler following Wyllis Cooper as au- 
JhoXi, Hobe. 

Al Cbrlaty Upped at KCKN 

Kansas City, Oct. 13. 

Al Christy has been upped to post 
of program director of KCKN liere, 
replacing John C. Drake, who re- 
signed to go to the Cowles stations 
in Dea Moines. 

Ekldie Clarke, announcer, becomea 
assistant program director in charg* 
of night-time operations. 



Schaefer adds 
extra period 

And now in I lie b4>rr firld, one of tlie 
moei conipelilivf in New York, WE.^F 
lias proved iuelf a ciiccefiiful salesman. 
Yes, its barrage of high-ranking network 
programs is one of the reasons. But ils 
specially-designed, well-produced local 
shows also help make ^'EAF New 
York's most popular station. Ask us for 
facts on these shows. One of ihein is 
l^robably designed to do just ihe job for 
you that the "Schaefer Revue" is doing 
for Schaefer. Could be. Call Spot Sales 
about it. 




CCHMITZ: 



GREGORY: 




SCHMITZ: 



GREGORY: 



I ol A Schmilz, Admlinnf Dirfflorof the F&M 
Si hnrfrr Bmi iiig Co..congtfiliilnltsS. D. Gregory, 
Jf 'EAF Monri/irr, on ilif uniion's ihowing as he 
giin htm ih' ivnirail /or onmhtr qiintltr hour 



c h««fer-s one hundredth 
T"^^ s and, let »e 

best m its^ ^ - 
la deserves a lot of 
:;:rfort; sales- rise. too. 

Those are really kind «ords. Mr^ 
Su. And we appreciate th 
just as we appreciate the excellent 
prograoiing job you and Batten, 
Barton. Durstine and Osborn are doing 
with your "Schaefer Revue" two nights 
a week. That helps WEAF too. 
you know. 

"ell, Schaefer is going out for 
even greater sales, so here's a 
contract for another quarter hour. 
That Mkes us a three-a-week advlr 
;«r - Mondays. Tuesdayl r 
"^Onesdays. 7:30 to 7:45 p y. 

^^^^^ push. 




50,000 WATTS • 660 KILOCYCLES • NBC NETWORK 



34 



insnk Stuff-Radio 



Jack Pearl's return tonight (Wednesday) on S3 Mutual stations for Cresta 
Blanca wine will be with Cliff Halt as straight and BiTy K. Wells as 
gaggcr. The program will be .doscy watched in the vintner trade for its 
success might lead other American wines to radio advertise. Heretofore 
vintners have confined their radio ballyhoo mostly to spot announcements 
cuch as Chateau Mar.tin, et al. 

The present experiment is unusual in that the show is 45 minutes in 
length. It is being supported by a considerable publicity and newsprint 
cam;)aign by the William Weintraub agency, New York. Arthur Daly, 
of the latter, will direct the broadcasts. Morton Gould's music. Brad 
Rej-nolds and Jean Merrill provide support and Frank Gallop handles 
corrunercials. 

Pearl was third in the C. A. B. ratings of 1932 with Eddie Cantor and 
Ed Wynn ahead of him. 



One of the most intensive radio jobs being done by a government agency 
Is that of Jack Runyon's office of Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs 
in Hollywood. In the past 12 weeks his department has either shortwaved 
or recorded 88 programs for the Latin American republics. Most ot the 
shows have been dominated by film stars, who are in high favor with the 
Latins. On a recent shortwaver, Linda Darnell and Ray Mil land meraor- 
ized Spanish so they could perform a dramatic playlet for the South 
Americans in their native language. Department has tjeen staffed with 
radio reps from most of the S. A. coimtries and an increased output of 
good-will programs has been mapped by Runyon for the ensuing three 
months. 



Simon Goldman, manager of WJTN. Jamestown. N. Y.. had the last 
word in an exchange of comment between itself and the Springfield (Mass.) 
Daily News in which the latter wondered out loud if WJTN was one of 
those stations thai employ no live musical talent. Goldman wrote: 

'In the year 1941, w'jTN hired one /ulltime sta^ musician and three part- 
time musicians, /or a total payment in round figures of $3,800. The itear 
1942 to date, tee are carrying one faUtime staff mustciaa plus five porttinie 
muyiriniis'. and our payments VTill run substantially orer thot of 1941.* 

Orrin T. Dimlap, former radio editor of the N. Y. Times and now man- 
ager of the Information Department al RCA. is the latest to write a book 
on television. Harpers has just issued ($2.50) his 'The Future of Television,' 
'4.000 Years of Television.' Latter is of CBS. 

TelcvL<:ion threatens to develop a considerable bookshelf before it is well 
started in life, Lenox Lohr being among several other authors on the 
subject in last two years. 



Henry Fisk Carlton, president of the Radio Writers' Guild, and member 
of the War Writers' Board, has become a major in the specialist corps of 
the U. S. Army and will work on aviation safety at Winston-Salon. N. C. 
He was a flyer in the last war. Carlton was given a surprise party last 
week on the eve of his departure, his colleagues of the Writers' War Board 
gathering at the home of Margaret Leech (Mrs. Ralph Pulitzer). 



Margaret Cuthbert, NBC director of women's activities and children's 
programs, is the author of 'Children and Radio,' which has just been 
published as Vol. 8 in the 'Childcraff series issued by Quarrie Corp., 
Chicago. 

The book stresses the value ot good radio in the character development 
of children. 



Three vacancies on the Board of Gov^nors of the Canadian Broadcast- 
ing Corporation will occur Nov. 1, Terms of Rene Morin, chairman, and 
Rev J. T. Thomson, new salaried general manager elect, expire then and 
Mrs. Nellie McClung, because of ill-health, has resigned. 

Morin will be reappointed with new appointments made to replace the 
other two. 



Rev. Frederick K. Stamm, one ot the earliest and most frequent of the' 
Protestant clergymen broadcasting on NBC through the Federal Council 
(Frank Goodman ), has resigned his pastwate of the Clinton Avenue Com- 
munity Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., to devote all his time to radio and writ- 
ing. 



"IT TAKES 
A LOT OF 
THINGS," 




muses Suzy our Sleno, "fo win 
public favor. And WSAI has 
all the things it takes to attract 
EXTRA LISTENERS for your 
program , . . EXTRA SALES for 
your product. Give your prod- 
ucl the advantage of our close 
dealer relations, our soles pro- 
motion specialists, our sound 
and aggressive salesmanship 
— our unique merchandising." 

IT SELLS FASTER IF IT'S 

■ U[|:iS(| 'V-' ^--^mm^ 

CINCINNATI'S OWN STATION 

H»C t BlUI NETWOIIKS • S.OOO Wolll Day and NIghl • B«pr*itn>*4 by Spot Sol», Im. 



WSAI'S SALES AIDS 

1. Street car and S. Taiicob Covert 
but cordi. 6. Downtown Win* 

A *. dow Displayi 

3. Neon Signt ' 

7. Houte-organ 

' 8. M«et the Spon- 

4. Newipoper Adi tor" Breodcoit 




Earter Egg* 



Easter U six months awar. bat 
the Menken agency has slreadj 
begim to inciuire for availabilities 
on the six minute aunouace- 
ments it buys each year for Fred 
Fear & Co. The product is dye 
for easter eggs. 

The agency would like to spot 
the blurbs in or around kid or 
women's programs. 



COOPERATIVES 
FILE RAP ON 
NBC CBS 



Mirmeapolis, Oct. 13. 

The Midland Co-operative, part of 
the Co-operative League of America, 
has joined the latter organization, in 
aiing a complaint with the Federal 
Communications Commission against 
NBC and CBS because of the net- 
works' refusal to take a recorded 
series from the league for their man- 
aged and operated stations. A sioii- 
lar complaint will be filed by Mid- 
land with the anti-trust division of 
the U. S. department of justice. 

NBC's reason for rejecting the 
series was that it sought to solicit 
members, while CBS stated that the 
recordings contained controversial 
matter. The local co-operative's 
complaint holds that the broadcasts' 
ntended purpose was to explain the 
workings of such organisations and 
that the league is entitled to buy 
radio time the same as any other 
business. Also that failure to lift 
the ban would set. a dangerous 
precedent against cooperatives' 
rights. 



WPDQ,Jad[sonfilb,Sns 
Network, Boflpt Wtt A 
Fulton Lewis 



VERNON Mckenzie on kiro 

ForBCfly aa Airfaer to British In- 
formation Services 



Seattle, Oct. 13. 
Vernon McKenzie^former director 
ot the University of Washington 
School of Journalism, and recently 
American Adviser to the British In- 
formation Services in London and 
New York, has been signed by 
KIRO, local Columbia outlet, to do 
a weekly commentary on world 
events. 

Airs Sunday a. m., and is spon- 
sored by the Bon Marcfae department 
ore fop an indefinite run. 



WSNVs New Aide 

Schenectady, Oct. 13. 

WSNY has named Rosemary Cramb 
director of educational programs 
and coordinator of its public service 
programs. Miss Cramb was one of 
the original employees of WGY 
(1922) and had been with WKBW 
WHEN, Buffalo, several years. 

Her work will include the direc- 
tion of workshop groups. 

Peter Grant, WLW, Cincinnati, 
newscaster, who entered the Army 
last spring under bis real name, 
Melvin A, Maginn. was home on 
leave last week after being moved 
up as a second lieutenant in the 
Quartermaster Corps at Fort War- 
ren, Wyoming. 



Jacksonville, Oct. 13. 

WPDQ, Jacksonville's newest wid 
fourth radio station, official^ took 
the air Friday night (»). Present at 
dedication ^\'as Fulton L«wia. Jr, 
Washington news analyst and radio 
commentator for Mutual. Lewis 
gave his regular Mutual newscast 
and later in the evening spoke to 
1,200 invited guests of WPDQ in a 
special broadcast from the Roose- 
velt hotel here. His subject was 
'Are We Winning the Warr 

The station has the greatest pow9 
in the local field, broadcasting on 
S.OOO watts both night and day. It 
operates on 1.270 kilocycles. It will 
operate, at least for the present, and 
possibly one full year, without any 
network affiliation. The other three 
stations in the local field are WJAX. 
municipally-owned and operated, the 
NBC Bed outlet here: WMBR. the 
Columbia outlet, and WJHP. owned 
and operated by the Jacksonville 
Journal and using Blue and Mutual 
network programs. 

The station is operated by a cor- 
poration of which James R. Stock- 
ton, real estate developer, is presi- 
dent: Ernest D. Black and E. G. 
McKenzie. both of Macon, Ga.. are 
vice presidents: and Robert R. Fea- 
gin. is secretary-treasurer and gen- 
eral manager. The station person- 
nel includes Cy Newman, program 
director: Marjorie WiUis. director of 
women's affairs: Frank Taylor. Jr.. 
business martager. and James R. 
Donovan, chief engineer. 



DENNY, 30. SUCCEEDS 
TELfORD TAYLOR, FCC 

Washington. Oct. 13. 
The Federal Communications Com- 
mission has appointed Charles R. 
Denny. Jr.. as general counsel of the 
Commission to succeed Telford Tay- 
lor, who has been commisisoned a 
major in the Army. 

Denny is a native of Baltimore and 
has been with the Commission since 
Febriiury. He is 30 years old. 



RALPH AMMON TO WLS 



Farm Station Acquires Wisconsin 
AgricuHnre Dept. Head 



Chicago, Oct. 13. 

Ralph E. Ammon. director of Wis- 
cousin Dept. of Agriculture since 
Feb. 1938. and for past 13 years di- 
rector of Wisconsin State Fair, has 
been appointed to staff of Prairie 
Farmer Station WLS. 

Although his duties are not yet de- 
fined. Ammon will work directly 
with publisher, Burridge D. Butler, 
starting Nov. 1. 

Entire executive personnel of WLS 
attended dinner given in Ammon's 
honor at the Union League Club. 



VIck Takes Herschell Hart 

Detroit, Oct. 13. 

Herschell Hart's 10-year-old 'Gos- 
sip of the Stars' via WWJ, held for 
the last six year^i by the Star Car- 
pet Cleaning Co., was dropped by 
that Arm because of the chemicals 
scarcity. 

New sponsor is Vick's. 



15000 WAHSI 

MT MO NlOir 



In the 
Salt Lake Market 

This Exclusive NBC Oudel 
Consistently Gets the Big Tune-iu 

KDYL 



itu iiKi crrv 



UTAH'S ^ 
OMLT 
HBO 
Blaltaa . 



2ND SAUE FOR 
WJZM 1^1 '42 



Memphis,. OcL IX 
Sold only last June, Radio station 
WJZM at ClarksviUe, TMn, is again 
about to swap owners. Roland 
Hughes, business man from Jones- 
boro. Ark., who bought the station 
from W. D. (Pete) Hudson, Tennes- 
see state commissioner of public 
utilities, early in the Summer, is 
about to peddle it. 

Hughes has applied to FCC for 
permission to sell WJZM to WiK 
liam Kleeman. mayor of ClarksviUe. 
Price is said to be from $23,000 to 
$30,000. 
Station is a 250-watter. 



ANSWERS 

to WOR'Quiz 
on page 32 

Im The happy gardener sym- 
bolites New Jersey. "The Gar- 
den Stale." New Jersey » one 
o( seven great Eastern states 
whose most densely- populated 
and valuable trading terri- 
tories are domiaaBtly coveted 
by WOR. New Jecsey, in fact, 
contains 6 great cities with 
moie than 100.060 people each. 
Every one of these cities is a 
vital. *'°^''>B war woifc center. 

2. This line indicates WOR's 
consistent trend upward in sta- 
tion audience during the past 
5 years. WOR, as a matter of 
fact, 18 the only major New 
York station which has shown 
this coBsiMeat growth year 
after year tor 5 years. WOR's 
tola] audieMe, by the way, b 
-at the moment -10 to 15% 
greater than it was at this pe- 
riod in 1941. 

3* The numeral 63 stands lor 
the total nomber of great Army 
camps and Naval bases in thn 
area covered by WOR. Tboagh 
specific totals are a military 
secret, it can be more than 
merely assumed that thesa 
camps and bases are occupied 
by hnndieds of thousands of 
soldiers who are avid radio 
listeners. For further facts re- 
garding hours of listening; 
programs preferred, and other 
highly valuable data on this 
excellent new market, write, 
wire or phone (PE 64600) 
WOR. at 1440 Broadway, in 
New York. 

4* The man at work IS dem- 
onstrating a startling WOR 
success etwy. It involves the' 
great sales of a tape called 
"Press-On", a synthetic war 
product, tised for mending hb- 
ric, etc. Using only the WOR 
program "Pegeen Prefers", the 
makers oi "Press-On" jumped 
this product's sales 100% 
throughout the entire WOR 
Guaranteed area. Though very 
adequately distributed. WOR 
persuaded 43 department 
■tores to sell "Press-On" by 
sending hundreds of people in 
to ask for it. WOR also boomed 
the sales of "Press-On" in Al- 
bany, Philadelphia, Boston, 
etc.; created enormous de- 
mand in war work cities. 



Wednesday, October 14^ 1942 



35 



FrwD tk (Vmhclbn Centres 



lis JSEW YORK CRT , . . 

The Rkvio Turn: is Discussnn:; John RoyaVs report of his trip to London 
— Gregory RatolTs ticKciWB dialect cm 'Informatton, Please'— The new vice 
presidents nt CBS— Wftcther the -WiTonic rebels' totU finally get control of 
N. A. B.— Mtftwol's. and tJw traded, ^rst big wine-sponsored shojo— Abbott 
A Costello't starter— Hotr dn^ft stotus seews to excuse osfcing uny man how 
old he IS — the comediz-crotDded Tuesday nights this season. 

Dr. Wei Tao-Ming, new Chinese ambassador, makes his first mike talk 
since appointment tomorrow (IS). Stiorv will originate in Chinese Em- 
bHssy in Washington, D. C, be carried by AUantic Coast network, be 
heard locally over WNEW. 

•Valiant Lady' ripped off a chapter of lurid Oriental stuff Friday (9) 
on CBS, and incidentally hinted that Dr. Hargrove may not really be 

heroine Joan Scott s hubby Legit-fllin actress Jill Esmond and legiter 

Brenda Forbes joined Radio Hegistry list Bob Walker recently male 

lead of -Mandie's Diaa-y,' added to Ijarenzo Jones' cast and also dickering 
with Metro on a film deal. His wife, Jennifer Jones, is under contract 
to David Selznick ... .Giles O'Connor, CSS television announcer, joined 

Coast Guard Earl James, WABC technician, joined the Army. .'. .WHN 

new.<oaster Sid Walton named the station's news editor. 'Stella* Dallas ' 
by Helen Walpole, on NBC, and <Our Gal Sunday,' by Ruth Borden, on 
CBS. are. the first of the fecial 'benrft' serials presented by the Office 
ot War tnfonnation to phjg war themes. BpHi started Monday (12). 

Fred Finklehoffe and Ella Logan guests tomorrow ^l^lu^sday) on Dick 
Gilbert's show on WHN for their first radio appearance since their mar- 

riafie Roger Wayne, assistant music dirertor of WLIB, flunked his Army 

physical and was classified 4-F WOS-Mut«al tossing a party at the 

New Amsterdam roof tonight after tiie premiere of the Jack Pearl show 

for Cresta Blanca wine Philip Morris Tlayhouse' adaptation of They 

All Kissed the Bride," with Paulette GoddBi<d last Friday night (9) ■was 

a punkola Phil tjreenstone, W1.IB engineer, leaves Oct. 23 for service 

with the Army Air Force Those Good Old Days' returned to the Blue 

network, with CjTil Armbrister directing Red tape delay of Lindsay 

(Continued on page 96) 



KciStowiianlitoNavy 

Philadelphia, Oct 13. 

Kenneth W. Stowman, for 15 years 
with WCAU, has received a commis- 
sion as lieutenant in the U. S. Navy 
and leaves Oct. 22 for Fort Schuyler, 
N. Y., for an indoctrination period. 
Stowman joined the station in 1927 
after resisning his job as radio editor 
of the Evening Bulletin. 

He has held the post of public 
relations director since that time as 
well as that of traffic manager, di- 
rector of the F-i/S. station; manager 
of WCAB (WCAU's short-waver, 
now discontinued); head of the news 
bureau, and manager of the Penn- 
sylx'ania Network <a chain of 19 sta- 
tions used mainly for election cam- 
paign broadcasts). 

Stowman's public relations work 
has been taken over by Henry T. 
Murdock, former drama and film 
editor of the Evening Ledger. New 
traffic manager of the station is Jo- 
seph Van Haute. 



Leo Filzpatrick 
One of OWl's 
Area AAmm 



Detroit. Oct. 13. 

Leo J. Fitzpatrick, vice-president 
and general manager of WJR, has 
been named as one of the regional 
consultants to the Radio Bureau of 
War Information. 

The appointment by W. B. Lewis 
pirts Fitrpatrick in charge ot the 
Eighth Di.";trict which compriies an 
even 50 station.'! in Michigan and 
Indiana. 



Bob Hndsam -in Denver 

Denver, Oct. IS. 

The new regional consultant lor 
the Office of War Information is 
Robert B. Hudson, director of the 
Rocky Mountain Radio Council. He 
has close contncts with all stations 
in Wyoming and Colorado. 

Although non-commercial, tlie 
Council, ot which he is director, rep- 
re.sents commercial radio in many 
matters. 



■erb fiette}- for Kc-w Toi% 

Hei'bert Pettey. managing director 
of Loew-owned WHN. New "York, is 
the regional consultant lor the New 
York area under the new OWI plan. 

Carl Haverlin. lormer stations re- 
lations man for Broadcast Music. 
Inc.. meantime will coordinate OWI 
in this field. 



On rrvm tanas to ASCAP Under 



"New World Music,' weekly half- 
hour series with Frank Bla(jk and 
tl* NBC synyjhony. offering a study 
of the development of music in the 
westejT) heroispticre Irom ttie time 
of the IncBS. started Saturday (10) 
on WEAF-NBC. After the initial 
bioadcast it will be heard regularly 
HJ0-J2 p. m.. Thursday nights. 

Bi-uce Kamman, NBC assistant 
ju-ortjietion director in charge of mu- 
sical shows, directs it 




WTAG 



WORCESTER 

When Ton toy •Hin»--mnr AN XVDRNCt 



WWJ Writer BiU Qarke 
Sells a Hersholt Script 

Detr oit, Oct. 13. 

New scripter at WWJ, BiTl Clarke, 
won a $200 award for a script called 
'Light a Fallen Star' for the Jean 
HeE^dt Dr. Christian' series. 

darky, who freelanced before 
ioinii^ WJS^ writiDg staff, sold 
stories to ^Srand Central Station' 
and Tjncoln Hi^way' to woi% his 
way In. 



Atlantic Gty Has Lots (rf SdUiers 
Ad Broadcasts By and For 'Em 



Atlantic City, Oct. 13. 

Atlantic Citj'"s two radio broad- 
casting stations, WFPG and WBAB, 
provide four separate balf-faour sol- 
dier talemt shows weekly, plus an 
additional full-bour military music 
program every other Sunday. All 
are sustaining spots, emanating from 
Atlantic City's Convention Hall, 
which is under Army operation for 
the war's duration. 

Although the khaki mikings are 
presently broadcast only locally, ef- 
forts by the station management are 
underway to release to Philadel- 
phia's WIP. Military clearance, how- 
ever, has yet to be secured. 

Another weekly <juarter-bour fea- 
turetle deeply imbued with military 
color hits the ether over WBAB 
from Heinz Pier every Sunday from 
7:15 to 7:30 p. m. That is the Serv- 
icemen's Community Sing, entirely 
separated trom Army sponsorship, at 
which air trainees and Coast Guartls- 
men congregate for songfest under 
the direction ot Lois Miller, noted 
singing-organist. 

The four SO-misute ^vts e» all 
supervised by authorities at Base 
Training Center No. 7, Amy Air 
Forces T^edmical Trainii^ Com- 
mand, with liie ciiAiiyonic pQe^ 



bombardiers, navagators and ground 
crewsmen themselves supplying the 
stuff. The split-up is: 

WFrc 

Tuesdays, 7 to 7 JO p. m. Jeep 
Jamboree, a variety show prepared 
by Sgt. William H. Sener. of Chi- 
cago, former radio production man- 
ager for the Radio Council of the 
Chicago niblic Schix>ls. Talent con- 
tributions are from amoi^ the host 
of professional entertainers now do- 
ing regular Army duties. Thursdays^ 
7 to 7-JO p. m. Air Forces Extra, 
very much the same thing, but un- 
der the different name. There's 
never a paucity of performers. Sun- 
days (every other), 3 to 4 p. m. Com- 
bined mnsie of air post's military 
bands, plus solo and ensemble vocal- 
izing and instrumental combinations. 
WBAB 

Wednesdays, 7J0 to A p. m. Organ 
music, as play«d by talented organ- 
masters, now in military service 
with the air forces, on the three- 
manual instrument within the main 
ballroom «t Convention t*».ii Fri- 
days, 730 to € p. m. Squadron 
S'tow. A guest talent program 
turoed cwr to sidiriduid stjuadrons 
for preseotatiioES by their tnembecs, 
A varicaty sgwt 




Ametkan patriots shdl-out for shells . . . 
repeat and repeat agato. Dollars aad 
dimes for bonds and stunps m a boil- 
k^, nisiimg torrent. But it isn't enough, 
h^s sever enough. Insatiable Maa calis 
for BMMie, and still more, and more on 
top of tbat. 

'What pike -victory} No lover of free- 
dom tjoestions tlie cost. But tbe tempo 
of bend-buying must be stepped-up on- 
dl it rea<iies a sustained hum, like a 
dynamo. 

Westioghouse Radio Stations have 
tbrowa tbe full weight of tbeir sales- 
power behind the bond drive. Not 
merely a routine mendoa over the air, 
but a driving, continuing, two-fisted 
campaign to sell bonds. Not merely 
pledges to buy, but cash on the line. 



WOWO in Fort Wayne, KDKA in 
Pktsbut^ WBZ in Boston, and KYW 
in Pliiladrfptlia, each in its own wmf, 

have carried the bond camptugn to the 
people, in personal contact. Thmugh 
sidewalk booths. Through entertainment 
caravans which canvass the widespread 
terrkories served by Wcsdnghouse sta* 
tioos. HiiKNigh planned bond-tallies in 
cooperation -wixli local banks. The re- 
sults have exceeded oar hopes, thanks 
to the responsiveness of an aroused 
public. 

Westittghouse has a profound convic- 
tion that time is shoot . . . that it's dolhus 
now or defeat later. We are detecmined 
to help wherever we can in the only 
thii^ that matters today, the winning 
of the war. 



TESnN6]liniSI! BABIO STATHNS lOG 

WOWO • WGL • WeZ • WIZA • KYW • KOKA 




86 



RADIO 



Wednesdaj, October 14, 1942 



Station Just Doesn't Bother 



KXKX, 1,000-Watter, Suspends— Formerly Called 
W9XBY and KITE— Didn't Seek FCC Renewal 



•fi- 



Kansas Cily, Oct. 13.- 
After 10 yoai's of broadcasting, 
KXKX. 1,000-wall station which re- 
cently moved into new studios in 
the Hold Continental here, suspend- 
ed operations la.st week (8). The 
Federal Conimunicalions Commis- 
eion did not renew the license of 
KXKX at a recent hearing, no rep- 
resenlative of the .station having ap- 
peared in il!i behalf. 

'■'irst broadcasting in 1932 under 



the designation W9XBY the station 
soon afterward chanued it.s call let- 
ters to KXBY, and in 1938 peti- 
tioned the FCC for another change 
to KITE under which it operated un- 
til the final sliifl to KXKX a few 
months ago. 

The station has had a checkered 
career, its course through the last 
te:i years having been marked by 
frequent changes in management 
and personnel. 



Heartbreak on WBBM; 
Good Cry in Prima Beer 
Uses Johnnie Neblett 



Chicago, Oct. 13. 

'So The Story Goes,' with Johnnie 
Neblett in talcs of men whose lives 
were allercd by seemingly insignifi- 
cant events, debut.> this week over 
WBBM, three a week, 10:15 p.m. Pro- 
gram was formerly on WIND, as 
'Heartbeats Behind The Headlines." 

Prima-Bismarck Brewing is spon- 
sor. Deal set through Newby, Peron 
& Flitcraft of Chicago. 



Home for a Star . . . 

can be had for a Song 




At The 
"Gateway to Westchester" 

Only once in a blue moon does an opportunity like this come along. 
The property, just over the New York City line, is one of the most beauti- 
ful in Westchester County. Magnificent stone dwelling on an acre plot with 
innumeraBle shade trees, ornamental shrubs, greenhouse, swimming pool, 
outdoor patio — all enclosed with stone wall insuring privacy. No expense 
has been spared in the construction of this unusual home. It is thoroughly 
modern and recently redecorated, can be bought on terms at a small 
fraction of its value. 



64 



UNUSUAL" IS the word for it! 



HOUSE 

Constructed entiicly of specially 
selected field stone. Red tile roof, 
ornamental iron work, sieel case- 
ment windows. This beautiful 
home welcomes you with the 
Warmth and grandeur of Old 
Sp:iin. 

<.KOl.M) FLOOR 

Fill l ance foye-. powder and coat 
I'jorn, wood-beamed dining room 
villi fireplace, solarium, butler's 
paniiy and kitchen , with latest 
model Chambers G. Range and 
Servcl Refi i^icrator. Laundry 
V illi ga.'; dryer. 2 servants rooms 
and bathroom. 

SKCOND FLOOR 

Circular stairca.ve leading to anlc- 
room with (ircplace. Main living 
room 32x24 feet with gabled 
wood-beamed ceiling two stories 



high and balcony exit from third 
floor, large fireplace, solid ma- 
hogany floor. 'Two bedrooms, 
each with bathroom and glass en- 
closed shower. Sewing room. 
Master suite consisting of study, 
large bedroom with fireplace, 
bathroom with glass enclosed 
shower. 

THIRD FLOOR 

Three bedrooms. 1 bathroom, 1 
glass enclosed shower stall, art- 
ist's studio with skylight and fire- 
place. 

SKP.XR VTE BUILDING 

Adjacent to the main building is 
a three-story fieldstone structure. 
This contains a playroom with 
Hi eplace. bar room equipped with 
a complete mahogany bar in- 
cluding hot .md cold running 
water, beer tap. Frigidaire, etc., 
toilet, 2 car garage and stable. 



HE.4TING and PLUMBING 

Ray Oil Bur.ier using low cost 
medium grade oil and providing 
hot water. Vapor vacuum system. 
Brass plumbing. 

GROUNDS 

Spacious grounds of approxi- 
mately 1 acre, with shade trees, 
plants and shrubs. A large green- 
liouse to keep you supplied with 
ftowers the year round. Outdoor 
patio with built in charcoal fire- 
place, tea house and a swimming 
pool for the entertainment of your 
guests or for your own relaxation. 

TERiMS 

Original cost in excess of $150,000. 
Can be bought for $35,000. Or 
completely furnished $50,000 
(house is presently occupied by 
the owner). Terms arranged. For 
an inspection or a brochure with 
interior and .•xterior views, ap- 
ply to 



Thomas Burke. 



3i>l Soulli Broadway, Yonknrs, N. Y. 
Sun. and Ev«>j)., Mrs. Clarke 



Yonkers S-SOOO 
Yonkvrs 3-0729 



From the Production Centres 



Continued from page U , 



MacHarric's Clipper passage to England prevented him from taking the 
plane that crashed lost week in Newfoundland. 

'LeI'.s Fight.' Riahard McDonagh's daily show on WEAF, moves from 
morning to night spot. It's also heard via script on numerou.i local sta- 
tions.... Ted Schneider, WHN night manager, goes into the Navy Nov. 2 
with an ensign's commission ... .Adrienne Ames now does IS shows a 

week on WHN WQXR will require the purchase of a $100 War Bond 

for admission to its Artur Schnabel piano recital series Sunday afternoons 
....Bob Emery's son. Leonard Enery, is now a sergeant navigator in 
the Royal Canadian Air Force. 



I!\ HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Radio writers are moving around, mostly into the service, and those 
who have been connected with top comedy shows are being closely 
watched lest they nibble on some of the templing bait that has been put 

uul. Dirk Mack, producer of the Sealtest show, lost three in one week 

Paul Henning to the Burns and Allen show and the others to the Army. 
Replacements are Hank Carson, Sid Zelinka and Ray Singer. .. .Jimmy 
Saphier to New York on a radio deal.... Bob Hope and Ann Sothern team 
up Oct. 19 on Lux Radio Theatre in "My Favorite Blonde". .. .Harry Maiz- 
lish in from New York and out again next week.... Bill Thomas, head 
Hack for Yoimg & Rubicam, around for the takeolT of several shows ... 
Les Mawhinney, years ago publicity head at KHJ, is back at the Don Lea 
station on the news staff. For the past few years he has been news editor 
at KOY, Phoenix. .. .Andy Love, head of literary rights department at 
NBC. has been made a producer. .. .Collier Young, new to radio, named 
consultant to Nat Wolff's OWI radio division. .. .Fred Becker, Blue net- 
work salesman, advanced to national spot sales manager on the Coast.... 
Frank Graham, many of whose 'thousand voices' have been used on CBS, 
spieling the commercials on the Tommy Riggs show. .. .Lawrence Mc- 
Dowell, new prez of Southern California Broadcasters Ass'n, named the 
following to his executive committee: Van Newkirk, Don Lee, chairman; 
John Swallow, NBC: D. W. Thornburgh. CBS, and Ken Tinkham, KMTR 
....Mother and father role on Fred Runyon's 'Today at the Duncans' for 
Sunkist, vice Hedda Hopper, will be played by Frank Nelson and Mary 
Lansing, who are husband and wife. Dix Davis plays the mischievous kid. 
New series kicks off Nov. 2 over CBS ... That big guy shadowing that 
little guy around is Bill Moore of the William Rsly cucncy running u\- 
terference for his new boss, Tom Luckcnbill. 



IN CHICAGO . . . 



Getting closer to cradle. Quiz Kid.s this week feature youngest brain- 
wonder since program began, Joe Krupperman, aged 6....Nikki Kaye, 
radio writer for W. E. Long Agency. hos;>italizcd with appendix 
trouble. .. .Fred Howard of 'Ma Perkins" show has had song 'I Want to 
Ride Herd in the Sky' accepted by Cole Music Co.... Marion J. Cooper of 
Chi's NBC continuity dept. resigning to await stork. .. .John Hodiak of 
'Bachelor's Children" and "Lone Journey' to M-G-M under contract.... 
Two Blue network engineers join Navy, Arthur R. Johnson to Philadelphia 
Navy Yard as Lieut., A. Lloyd Hackin to Corpus Christi as Lieut. Senior 
Grade ... H. R. Baukrage. Blue network commentator, in for visit, broad- 
cast his news program from here. WIND now airing Jimmy Dorsey, 
Harry James, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Tucker over its niglitly air- 
lanes. .. .Ruth Shaheen, conductor of 'Celebrity Reporter' on WJJD has 
been awarded honorary membership in Chicago's Own Naval 
Squadron. .. .Consolidated Drug Trade Products, through Benson Ac Dall, 
Inc., Chi., has renewed one-hour participation in "Suppertime Frolic' over 
WJJD for 52 weeks. 

Hal SalTord, WLS program director, granted leave of absence to take 
over vacancy at KO'V', Phoenix, left by Jack Reilly, who becomes cap-' 
tain in Army. Al Boyd. WLS production mgr., replaces SafTord on WLS 
job.... Ben Bernie to Maxwell Field, Ala., to entertain at graduation of 
Army Air Force cadets. .. Elliott Henry, formerly with Howard C. 
Mayer's office, become.s publicity director for WLS.... Three new men in 
NBC's production dept. are Wheeler Wadsworth. tran.scriptions; Al Morey, 
music, and Homer R. Heck, dramatic. .. .Betty Burlingham joins WLS 
c.ontinuity dept., coming here from New York's Young & Rubicam agency 

Frank V. Webb, sales mgr. WOWO, Fort Wayne, a Chi visitor 

Bill Vance, formerly in WLS production dept., now a.ssigned exclusively 
to write Nat'l Barn Dance scripts. 




KING TRENDLE BROAD^CASTING CORP. • Dclioil 

NaMonal ■(•pf«Mnlallv<>: Paul H. Raymtt ConpanY 



, Michigaa 



Wednesday, October 14, 1948 



37 



San Francisco Co. Opens 
To Selloat 'Aida'; Roman Stars 



San Francisco, Oct. 13. 

Local opera season opened auspi- 
ciously Frklay <9) with a perform- 
ance of 'Aida" before a sold -out 
hoase. The performance was gen- 
erally an excellent one. . The 
staging of Armando Agnini was 
perhaps the best aspect of the 
performance. The abckstage fa- 
cilities available here allowed stage 
director a chance for spectacle. In- 
dividual star of the opening per- 
formance was Stella Roman as 
'Aida.' who received an ovation after 
a beautifully sung 'O patria Mia,' 
topped by a brilliant high 'C The 
soprano was in excellent voice 
throughout, with her piano phrases 
especially in the concluding 'O terra 
addio,' being of a seat lifting caliber. 
Frederick Jagel sang his customary 
dependable Rhadames. always sure 
of himself, with his big powerful 
tones booming over the orchestra. 
His Nile scene with the succession of 
•A's and 'B' flats was especially good. 

Robert Weede, vocally and drama- 
tically also was a standout all even- 
ing with the Sua padre' being sung 
with a ringing intensity, and the duet 
'Ciel. Mio padre." with Roman bring- 
ing down the house. Well costumed, 
and actinfi with a tlery vigor, he was 
a .standout amonK Kood principals. 
Bruna Castagna acted with her cus- 
tomary authority and her top tones 
went exceptionally well, but some 
of the lower notes were brittle and 
hard. Ezio Pinza was a tower of 
strength as the High Priest, and Lor- 
enzo Alvary a sonorous King, whose 
excellent acting dominated his 
scenes. Thelma Votipka and Paul 
Walti did well in supporting roles, 
and Gaetano Mcrola led a fine 
sounding orchestra with vigor and 
authority. 

kalian-American Anifience 
Bays Bonds at Recital; 
Tuminia Scores Heavily 

An unofficial prelude to the Metro- 
politan Opera .season was presented 
Monday tl2), when the Met orchestra 
and a number of artists of varying 
nationalities under Wilfred Pelletier 
sang in a Columbus Day raUy for 
the sale of war bonds, at which time 
an Italian-American audience pledged 
$576,900 in bonds. 

In the long and varied program, 
which included Mayor LaGuardia of 
N. Y. and Governor Herbert Lehman, 
as speakers, three of the principal 
artists were outstanding. Two were 
veterans of the house, they being 
Giovanni Martinelli and Bruno 
Landi, but the surprise package of 
the afternoon was Josephine Tu- 
minia, youthful coloratura, who was 
engaged as a possible successor to 
Lily Pons. This artist sang the "Una 
voce' from 'Barber of Seville* bril 
liantly. 

Others heard among the women 
included the Hisses Jepson, Tltor- 
boTg, Olheim, • Novotna and Dlanel, 
and the men included Moscona, Mar- 
tini, Kent end Sved. 



Baflet Reviews 



University of Minnesote 
Sets Seven Redtak 

Minneapolis, Oct U 
The University of Minnesota will 
present seven attractions on its 1942- 
43 concert schedule. 

Artists to appear will be Rise 
Stevens, Nov. 10; Vladimir Horowitz, 
Dec. 2; Richard Crooks, Jan. IX; 
Carmen Amaya. Feb. 8; Salvatare 
Baccaloni and Co., Feb. 24; Albert 
Morini, March 9 and Vronsky and 
BabiD, AprU 7. 

CUBAN CONCERTS SET 



Um StCTCBs, nUa Saraia. Uw Gmln 
Are ladaded 



Havana, Oct. 18 
The Pro-Arte Society here will 
present seven attractions on its 1942 
43 concert schedule. All months are 
set except for the visit of Rise Ste 
vens, which will probably be in Feb 
ruary. 

Artists to appear will be Vronsky 
and Babin In November, the Britt 
Sextet in January, Bidu Sayao in 
February. LauriU Melchior In 
U^ch, Igor Gorin in Bfarch and 
Arnaldo Estrella In April. 



BAIXET THEAntE 
Smsn mt BalM 

Oct «-tl 

Metrapolitan Opera H«ace. N. T., 

Booked for dose to $300,000 worUi 
of dates on 125 i^ay dates tSie new 
yoTrthful. Hurok-owned Ballet Thea- 
tre is cument ait the Met., N. Y. in 
ti>e opening n^M bill Swan Latae.' 
Liconide Mas&Liae's 'AJ^co' amd 
'Princess Aurora' were presentjed. 
Tbe first- ^named taallet opened the 
season and was not too well danoed 
except for some superb worit by the 
four cygnets whose precision and 
esculent team coordinatiork won 
them an ovation. Irina Baronova. as 
Uie Queen of the Swans, strueglled 
ftuitlesEly against the listkessness cif 
her partners. 

Aleko.' the new worii, roceining 
its world piremiere. is a guizzibng 
ballet. Based on a poem by Pudi^in 
with miLsic. by Tschaikowsky. jl pur- 
jorts to tell the tale of a city boy in 
ove with a gypsy maid and the 
eventual murder of boUi the rnaid 
and her lov^er by the city dTi-eQer 
after the latter goes insaoe wivb 
jeaknisy. The entire mood of tlhe 
ballet is fantasy and somehow the 
music of MousEorgsky or Straviniiky 
would have seemed more iipprcajji- 
ate. A continual succession of shill- 
ing deverishes are on the -stage, tmtfl 
midst a background of .scenery which 
jseems to have little herring" on the 
original subject, the entire ballet 
takes on the atmo.sphere ot a three 
ring circuf. Subsenjuent perform- 
ances may lead to othei- -oondltisians. 
but presently it appeajs there is 
enough material for two or three 
ballets crammed into one. Alien 
Markova as the gyp.sy. Hugh Laing 
as her lover, and Anthony Tudor as 
her father ■w,<ere standout with 
George.' SUbine as the crty Vjver 
being little moie tSian adequjrte in 
his presentation of Inve. jealousy, 
nsanity, murder and remor.-c. 

The opening night was concluded 
with 'Princess Aurora' in which t!u 
entire company t>ecame aJive. i»eBd(-cl 
by Irina Markova and Anton Dolir. 
and presented the work in t!j>-'i;>p 
fa.shion. 

Wednesday f7). the BHiW pne- 
sented two additional ballets. TiUar 
of Fire.' danced magnrficently by 
Alica Markova and n-ith tremendous' 
zeal by tbe bailanoe -of fhe soprporting i 
east. Tbe same danoer appeared in 
the short but effective IPas Oe 
Quatre.' which with 'Swan Lake' I 
and 'Princess .Aurora' rounded out' 
tbe bilL 

Thursday (8) the Ballet presented 
a tribute to Michel Folkine. dancer 
and ctioreographer. w*>o died last! 
August, by preserating ^vereion -of 
Stravinsky's 'Petroucliiica.' which i.s: 
a mastet^Meoe in its pmesentattOD -of; 
color and abandon. This baiUet .and' 
Les Sylphides' and Sluebeand' ^ 
rounded out a bill which for sheei-: 
exhuberance and technical per- 
fection was tbe best -of She preseiTta- 
taoDs to date. The eampany, (having 
rapidly dispensed winb an euilp' 
letfaerjiy, was imovJog at tcip -npeed 
tlhmnjfhout. with all isdivjdciajilj' no 
good as to make rt almost iiopoasihle 
to single out soloists for bows. 

Friday (9), the company slumped 
c«isiderably in its initial preseola- 
tion of a IiIexicBn ballat, '^>on| 
linga,* by Massise. The BsHket 
probably was crsat«d as a ^stune <ff 
good will after tte oaofaoy -apent 
-Qie summer Id Mexico as a guesl lof 
tbe country. Its musical hackgroimdl 
almost completely ruins it tor some- 1 
one (unnamed), has orchestrated six 
10 pieces by Sylvestre Revueltas 
aZl in a -dun medermi«tac Tcin, «nd 
ttae resall is a hedge podge etciry of 
two lovers pkittiRg againgt each 
qflie r for the hand 43f a rjtii sium's 
datighter in an undanceable suc- 
cession oT discords. The company 
tried hard in the .K«^.inn^g ^ruil iAtao 
gave itp. Tbe first preseataticai af 
A'nUKmy Tudor's 'Lilac Garden,^ weU 
danced and played, and 'BHuebeard' 
completed the -proceedings. 

Saturday afternoon (IsO) 'I^eter and 
the Wolf,' "PetrouchlLa' and 'Slav- 
onkia' were presented, Saturday 
evening (10), 'Swan TJaVe,' 'Aleko' 
and 'Princess Aurora' were given, 
and Sunday evening (11 ) tbe oom- 
pany ended its first weefc with 
Tillar of Fire,' 'Alekio' and 'Don 
Domingo.' 

The gross for seven performances 
was $33,900/ 

Bidlel Wame te MKnrte Cai^o 
The older of Hurok's ballet com- 
panies, the Ballet Russe de Monte 
Carlo, took o\<er Memday (12), end 
performed with freshness and vigor. 
A new 1^ and a new vitality to 
the productions waj; evident from the 
-cpeniBg of the curtain. Fiixt of the 
ballets presented vAf the 'Chopin 
Concerts' superbly played by pi- 
anist Kdmund Horn and the orche;-- 
tra under Gregor Fittelberg. The 
esprit de corps was so -evident thai 
none -of the soloists could be singled 
out for individual praise for all 



Maestro Bcmwanser 



Pittsburgh. Oct. 13 
William E. Benswanger, presi- 
lieat of the Pirates, Pitteburgh's 
baseball entry in tbe National 
League, has i»een selected as one 
of the new season's conductors 
for the local WPA Sj-mphony 
-oroheslra for a broadcast o\'er 
WWSW and its FM component, 
W47P. 

Benswanger is no dilettante 
but an earnest student of music. 
For last several j-ear.s he has 
WTiHien the program -notes f-or 
the Pittsburgh Symphony or- 
chestra, and has on .se\<eral oc- 
casions directed chamber groups 
at pj'jA'ate soirees. Cayloi' Yost, 
of Pittsburgh Musical Institute, 
first suggested Benswanger as a 
gue<^ conductor, and baseball 
man, who first demurred, finally 
gave in. 



UNTONOm 
MONYOPSM 



Reorganize Dsiroit Symphony WiArat 
Snooty Badiers Who Walked Out 



Town Hall Forum Sets 
10 Monday Dates in K.C. 

Kansas City. Oct. 13. 

The Town Hall forum here will 
present a total of 10 Monday night 
programs in the Music Hall of the 
Municipal. Auditorium during the 
1942-1943 season, with the first at- 
traction set for Oct. 19. 

Those scheduled for this fall are: 
Eve Curie, author, Oct. 19; Will 
Durant. historian and philcsopher, 
Nov. 2; nka Cha.se, actress and 
writer, Nov. 16, and Leland .9lowe, 
foreign correspondent, Dec. 7.-Pro- 
grams for 1943 will include; Dorothy 
San(is, impersonator. Jan. U; Henry 
Scott, pianist and humorist, Jan. 25; 
'Romance of Old Mexico,' Feb. 8; 
John Mason Brown, critic, Feb. 22; 
Major Alexander P. DeSeversky, air 
pioneer and author, March B, and 
Henry C. Wolfe, analyst, March 22. 



Union City, N. J., Oct. 13. 

The first municipally sponsored 
opera in this community was given 
her« Wednesday (7) under Thomas 
Martin, Met c(anductor. Opera was 
Traviata' -with Vivian Delia ChieSa, 
Bruno Landi and Alfredo (Zhighi in 
the leading roles. 

The opera sold -out tbe house com- 
pletely with all l.'BOO seats filled 
plus 200 standees at a S8 top. As 
a result of the success of tbe experi- 
ment it is planned to give a spring 
season of two or three operas in late 
April and early May. 



BAllETASSGaAIBCO. 
FILES AUANY 



Albany, Oct. 13. 

Ballet .^asociiaies Co.. Inc.. has 
b(ien chartered to conduct a theatri- 
cal business in New York. Dvrec- 
tors are: John D. Barrett. Jr., Kew 
VorJt City; Morris jCinney and J. 
Alden Xalbot, Butler, N. £. Cohen, 
Cole. Weiss & Wharton, New Vcrk, 
u'ere filiiig jrtonn^ys. 

Ballet Asssiciates, Inc., had previ- 
ously heen disaohred. 



U.S. Air Faroe Takes Over 
devdaniTs RaBs 

ClCTOland, Oct. 13. 
The Air Service Command of the 
Army Air Forces took crver the 
Cleveland Public Hall last wedk and 
planned to indude the Stadium, 
while the Navy prepared to move 
in and take oiner the city's E. -Sth 
Street Pier. 

Taking the Poblic Hall left up In 
the air plans for some conventions, 
and the next spring's Metropolitan 
Opera season. Possibility exists Met 
will perform in Musae HaQ, which 
has smaller seating capacity. That 
would mean higher scaling of prices. 

Conventions will- not be seriously 
affected, Dooordrng to hall commis- 
sioner Herbert Bndcman, who said 
hotels carry bufic of that 'bosiness. 
Be .declared Stadium would still be 
atvailafole for scheduled foothell 
games. 



BALLET RUSSE 
MONTREAL HIT 

FOR mm 



Montreal. Oct. 13. 

Five nights and two matinees of 
the Ballet Biisse de Monte Ca^lo, 
Oct. 6-«). at the 1.585-.'>eater His Ma- 
jesty's, grossed $25,000 sealed at 
$3.30 top. Theatre sold to capacity 
every night and matinee and there 
wer-e 106 to 125 ijtandecF at the night 
sbDv.s with clcse «n 200 standees 
Saturday. Business was .sell-out in 
advance of cvzry performance. 

Refusal of visas by the Washing- 
lon immiga'alion ofliioe affected 23 
meajbers 4^ the company originaiDy 
but nine of these were released in 
time for 1h? Toronto opening. Tthe 
remcinin," 14 included Oanaova,51a- 
ven^a, FrasUyn, Igor TondKvitch. 
Alezan(der Gondovitch. 'Vladiiair 
Kostesko. Nicola Beresofl and Kas- 
mir Kokitch and their absanoe ne- 
oessitated caaoelUrtion «f tbe Toronto 
DSpresentation at the Boyal JUex- 
aadra where an advanee sale <JS 
$30000 was returned to pur-chasen;. 
Belease of the M came in time to 
permit the or>e night stand in Ot- 
tawa and tbe seven performances 
here. 

Armand Vincent. Montreal im- 
presario both for the Ballet Russe 
and the Don Cossacks, was also spon- 
sor of Soldiers' Night at the Forum 
here Sstorday <H)) 4or wliitdi he 
lent the eervjoes of b^Ul these or- 
ganizations and at which Anna 
Neagle and Grace Moore made per- 
sonal appearances. 



DeUoit, Oct. 13. 
Paying back the Detroit Sym- 
phony Society for abandoning it, the 
Detroit Symphon. Orchestra is 
changing its name. It will drop out 
the Symphony part which identified 
it with the wealthy sponsors who 
tossed the ensemble to the war dogs 
after Sam, the Bargain Man, bought 
in and, hereafter v-ill simply be 
known as Tite Detroit Orchestra. 

Group of 74 musicians, under their 
resident condoctor, Victor Kolar, 
will be kept intact by Sam's Chit- 
Rate, Inc. for Qie series of 21 Sun- 
day broadcasts over WWJ. The 
store also has engaged Russell Mc- 
Laughlin, music critic of the Detroit 
News, to provide the introductions. 

Broadcasts will be staged for larg* 
audiences in the huge Masonic Audi- 
torium here with an idea of build- 
ing iv> new public support even if 
tbe former snooty crowd, reported 
burned up by Sara's taking over the 
air time foraierly sponsored by the 
Ford Motor Co., no longer will make 
lip the orchestra deficits. L<etters to 
the pie.ss here have been bitter on 
tbe abandonment ot the orchestra by 
society and indicate thai a new or- 
ganization may spring up. 

Sam's will use the orchestra on a 
strict non-commercial basis, in ksfp- 
ing with its radio policy, and will 
devote the hsur's program to plug- 
ging war bonds. 



(Moffi (^pen Casts 



Chicago. Oct. 13. 

Second peilormanoe -of tbe Chi- 
cago Opera season wUl be 'Rigolette,' 
given W-edn»day, Nov. 11 with Joae- 
phine Antornp, Anna Kaskas, Jan 
Kiepura. John Chains Thomas and 
Nicolas Moscona. Season opens with 
'Lakmre.' Monday (-S ) with LHy Pons, 
Anna Kadkas, Saoiil Jobin and Alex- 
ander Kipnis. 

Season wil include an 'Otello' with 
Lauritz Melchior, Grace Moore and 
Lawrence Tibbett, with the first 
named pair making their first appear- 
ances as Otello and Desdemona re- 
.spectivcly in Chicago. 



were a team that made for a fine 
opening. The company continued 
its excellent work in the «econd 
ballet, the 'Snow Maiden' with the 
oi'cheKtra again playing well under 
Fittelberg. and the oirtstanding so 
loi.st bcinx Igor Youskevitch. Open 
ing night concluded with "Gaite 
Parisienne.' Gross was $3,700. 

Eddv- 



Met Pafomance Phis 
Tcsduiii: f«r 

tiotte Lehmann. wtm .spent most of 
her time teaching in California this 
winter, will do the same in N. Y. 
during the fall, interspersing her in- 
structions with seven appearances at 
the Met. Jan. 5. 8 and 18, Feb. 4, 12, 
1« and 27. 

The .soprano will open her fall 
tour with a recital at Buffalo, Dec. 1. 
and will give a Town Hall recital 
Dec. 6. She also will be heard in N. Y. 
with tbe New Friends of Music. Jan. 
24; at Columbia Unrversity. Feb. 13, 
and with Bruno Waller at Town 
Hall. March )4. 



km Arbor's Season 



Ann Arbor. Mich.. Oct. 13. 

Tbe University Musical Society of 
the University of Michigan will pre- 
sent 10 concerts this sea!«m. oncning 
with the Jar(jfT Don Cossack Chorus 
on Oct. 20. Season tickets sell from 
$6.60 to $13.20. while single tickets 
are priced from $1.10 to $2.75. 

Other arti.sts to appear will be 
Gladys Swarlhout. Oct. 29; Clevc^ 
land Symphony. Nov. 6; Albert 
Spalding. Nov. 19: Arthur Schnabel, 
Dec. S; Boston Symphony. Dec. 9: 
Josef Hoftrtann. Jan. 18: Jascba 
Heifetz, Feb. 16; Detroit Symphony 
March 

In. 



S^Sai4itia Fust Of 
S^nsliaiaes Ok Ftr 
- Cam ^ms Concerts 



With the Philadelphia Symphony 
Orcb, bctoned by E^(>ae Ormandy 
leading the way with a culfo conoert 
at Fort Dix, CSO-Csmp Shows, Inc.; 
has received commitments Trom six 
additional sympbanic aggregations 
for gratis coooods at Arny poets and 
JUs^sO bases. 

The outfits are. in addition to the 
afoBemenlionad Philadelphia graup, 
the IBew York FhiBis'maDic-Sym- 
phony with Bniao Walleis and pos- 
sibly some guest conductors, Minne- 
apolis Symphony with Doaitri Mitro- 
P3ulcs, SI. liouts Sym p hony with 
Vladimir Golschmana, Los Angeles 
Symphony with Leopold Stokowskl 
and Nelson Eddy, Cleveland Sym- 
phony with Artur Rodzlnsky and 
the csiociaaali Symphony with 
Eugene Goossens. 

The sympboas groups will limit 
tbeir appearances to camps around 
their home towns, due to the traa- 
sportation problems posed by the 
sizable aggregatiaaE, with Camp 
Sbows clearing traoisiortation and 
pillared to llnaitne amc althongb 
Ibe Ffailaddpfaia Society ftnannnrt its 
:-eoent io\iney and the other gnuipa 
will possibly do likewise. 

C. C. Cappel, hpariing coBcert 
division at C^mp Shows, arranged 
foi tbe anpor-anees at the recent 
conclave of oooceit manager^ in Cin- 
cinnati. 



Clevelaad Symphony Sets 

Detroit Toledo Dates 

Cleveland, Oct. 13. 

Carl J. Vosbur^ manager of tbe 
Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, an- 
DOtmoed orchestaa voidd taioe over 
two of 9ie canoelled engagesneBte of 
the Philadelphia Symphony, which' 
called off its tour because 'jumps' 
between cities were long and orches- 
tra had to use Pullman sleepers. 

Although Cleveland had bids from 
at least 12 cities, Detroit and Toledo 
were selected and will be visited 
early in November. 



I^iontreal Symphony Date 

Montreal, Oct, 13. 
The Montreal Symphony will pre- 
•tent 10 concerts in the coming season 
with five 80k>ist£. The orchestra win 
be conducted by Desire Defaux. 

Soloists will be Misdia Elman, Oct 
20; Rudolf Serkin. Nov. 17; Andre 

._. ,,.lMathsea 'Canadian pianist), Jan. 23; 

2, and Nelson Eddy, March ' Alexander Biailowsky. Sfarcfa 23 and 

1 Gregor Piatigorsky, Feb. Zt. 



38 ORGRiBSTIlA GROSSES 



WgjpeBday, October 14, 1942 



MilliDder-Ink Spots Fine $%l)00 
h Qeve.; Pastor s N. Y. 4th Great 
$58,000, Bamet OK I71/2G, Newark 



(Estimates Jot Tliis Week) 

Charlie Barnet, Newark (Adams: 
1.950; 25-40-65-75-99)— With 'Pacific 
Rendezvous' (M-G) plus Smith and 
Dale and Frances Faye on stage bill. 
GctlinR trim $17,500. band accoimt- 
Ir.ii for bulk of the gross. 

Bub Cro.sby.. Minneapolis (Or- 
plH'iini: 2.800; 40-44-55)— With 'Lad.v 
in a Jam' (U) on screen and three 
ads. Makinfi a Rood impression 
anti heading for big $17,000. Crosby 
iiiinio pulling* 'em in. 

Heidi-Carle. New York (Strand; 
2.750; 35-55-75-85-99-$1.10) — With 
Frankic Carle on stage, 'Desperate 
Journc.v' (WB) on screen (Sd-Anal 
\vk 1. BlowolT semester (3d) looks a 
soik $40,000 or better, majority o( 
this lake being credited to picture, 
which is doing big in other parts of 
the country and earning holdovers. 

Lnoky Mllllnder, Cleveland (Pal- 
ace; 3.700; 40-60-70)— With Ink Spots 
and 'Girl Trouble" (20th). Ink Spots 
the inajor draw and accounting foi- 
gi cat $26,000. 

Tonv Pastor, New York (Para- 
mount; 3,664; 35-55-85-99-$1.10)— 
With Andrews bisters on stage, 'Ma- 
jor and Minor' (Par) on screen (4th 
wk). Wound up great fourth week 
at $58,000, only $2,000 behind the 
prior seven days' gross ot $60,000, 
in both cases huge profits. Pastor 
band and Andrews Sisters replaced 
today (Wedne.sday) by Gene Krupar 
for Hflh week of picture. 

Claude Thornhili, Indianapolis 
(Circle; 2,600; 33-44-55)— With 'Are 
Husbands Necessary?' (Par). Band 
makes its bow here with likely $15,- 
COO, okay for a newcomer. Picture 
holding up its end of the biz. 

Jerry Wald, Boston (RKO Boston; 
8.200; 44-65-75-85)— With 'Footllght 
Serenade' (20th) and vaude. Hold- 
over of fllm is keeping the gross 
down from the customary take, but 
not too disappointing at $25,000. 



Band Bookings 



BAND SABOTAGE 
VIA DRAFT IN 
MEMPHIS 



Ton.v Pastor, Oct. 18. County Cen- 
1. 1 . While Plain.s. N. Y.; 20. Arcadia 
B. New York: 21-22, Poll T.. Water- 
bury, Conn.; 23-25, Metropolitan T., 
Providence, R. I.; 26-28, Plymouth 
T.. Worcester, Ma.'s.: 29. week. 
Adams T., Newark; Nov. 6, week. 
Palace T., Akron-Youngstown, O.; 
13. week. Colonial T.. Dayton. O.; 
20-22, Palace T.. Fort Wayne; 25-28, 
Paramount T.. Evansville,' Ind.; 30, 
Orio T,. Lima. O.; Dec. 1-3, Pal- 
a( T., Columbus; 4. Palace T., 
Cl;vcland; II, week. Stanley T., 
Pittsburgh; 18. week, Earle T.. Phil- 
adelphia. 

Tedd.v Powell, Oct. 27, Elks C, 
Malone. N. Y.; 28. JelTersonian C, 
Kessena. N. Y.: 29. High School, 
Walertown. N. Y.; 30, Armory, Buf-. 
falo. N. Y.; 31. Sports Arena, Rochcs- 
U , N. Y.: Nov. 2, Palais Royale, 
Toronto: 3: Summer Gardens, Kitch- 
ener. Oiil.; 4, Arena. London, Ont.; 

5, Burlinglon Pier. Hamilton, Ont.; 

6. Slatler. H.. Detroit; 7, Castle 
Farms, Cincinnati. 

Blue Barron, Oct. 16-19, Temple 
T.. Rochester, N. Y.; 20, Maryland 
T., Cumberland. Md.: 21, Columbia 
T.. Sharon. Pa.;. 22. Slate T.. Union- 
town. Pa.; 23. week. Stanley T., 
Pittsburgh; 30. Penn State. State 
College. Pa.; 31. Armory, Wilming- 
ton. Del.; Nov. 1, Shubert T., New 
Haveo. 

Van Alexander, Oct. 20. National 
T., Richmond. Va.; 21. Roanoke T., 
Roanoke, Va.: 22. Beckley T.. Beck- 
le •, W. Va.; 23-24, VPI, Blacksburg, 
Va. 

Bob Crosby, Oct. 23, week. Chi- 
cago T.. Chicago: 30, week, Michi- 
gan T., Detroit: Nov. 6, week. Pal- 
ace T.. Cleveland; 13, week, Shea's 
Buffalo. 

Dick Jurgens,. Oct. ,30-Nov. 26, 
Aragon B., Chicago. 

Ersklne Hawkins, Oct. 31. Com- 
munity Hall, Yakima, Wash.: Nov. 
4, Rondevu B., Salt Lake City; 8, 
Dreamland B., Omaha. 

Ina Bay Hutton, Oct. 26, Aud., 
Rapid City, S. D.; 28. Hutchinson T.. 
Hutchinson. Kans.; 29. Salina T., Sa- 
lina, Kans.: 30, week. Tower T., Kan- 
sas City; Nov. 14-15. Orpheum T., 
Springfield. III.; 16. Palace T.. South 
Bend, Ind.: 17. Orpheum T., Madison, 
Wis.: 18. Riallo T.. Joilet. III.; 19. 
Lincoln T.. Decatur, 111.; 25-31, Earle 
T.. Philadelphia. 



Memphis, Oct. 13. 

Ravage.s of the draft had the 
Claridge in an uproar the past week 
over the booking of an orchestra for 
Its. Ballnese Room. 

With the Ray Herbeck band due to 
clc.-ic its tour-week stay Thur.sday 
(151. management had booked the 
Ralph Barlow crch to open Friday 
night, a first Memphis booking for 
the Barlow boys. The date was can- 
celled when eight Barlows were 
gr.ibbed by armed forces. 

Successful in getting the Joe 
Srnders' troupe to replace, the hotel 
wa.s informed subsequently that he 
also was calling off all dates be- 
ca •«:c of losses to conscription. 

Spot finally dated Al Kavelin outAt 
and is keeping fingers crossed until 
Frid.ny. 



MARTIN, BASIE BANDS 
FOR REFS HITPARADE' 



Hollywood^ Oct. 13. 

Republic signed two name bands. 
Freddy Martin's and Count Basie's. 
to play in 'Hit Parade of 1943.' 

Filming starts Oct. 24, with Albert 
Rogell directing. 



Nitery, Ballroom Bands 
On 6-Day Week in L.A. 

Los Angeles. Ocl. 13. 

Night club and . ballroom bands 
have been put on six-day week by 
Local 47 beginning Nov. 1. Among 
spots hit is Palladium, with many 
others already shut Monday night on 
account of. light biz. 

Idea is to spread work. 
4 olhre5'el 



No Brewster Staff Hop 

Brewster Aeronautical Co., tx>ng 
Island City, N. Y., builders of war 
materials, has cancelled a scheduled 
company dance al the Manhattan 
Center, N. Y., and will pay oflt all 
four bands and the operators of the 
Center. Reason:! given for the can- 
cellation of Ihe hop were that the 
factory is slightly behind schedule in 
its construction work and that it 
couldn't make work shifts coincide 
so that enough employees couid at- 
tend without disturbing production. 

Xavier Cugat and Johnny Long 
orchestras had been contracted for 
the date, along with two relief 
bands, the Original Dixieland Jazz 
Band and Mitchell Schuster. 



„, . Cover* Total 

IVmUi Fast CoTer* 

Uand Hotel PIttTod Week Ob Date 

Les Brown Astor (1,000; 7Sc-$l) 4 2,775 14,150 ' 

24 700 15,400 

1 1,975 3,550 

39 1,700 53,775 

.Lincoln (225; $1.50-$2) 1 1,500 2,200 

Bonny Goodman*. New Yorker (400; 75c-$l.50) 0 tl,525 1,525 

Bob Allen Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$1.50) 1 1,900 2,600 

Guy Lombardo ..Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.50) 0 tl.lOO 1,100 

Emil Coleman' ...Waldorf (550; $1-$1.50) 0 tl.OOO 1,000 

* Asterisks indicate a supporting t'oor show, although Ihe band is the 
major drau\ f 8 days, t i days. 



Danny Friendly Joins 

Joe Glaser Bookery 

Danny Friendly has been added to 
the slafl of Joe Glaser's band man- 
agement agency in New York. He 
will handle theatre bookings for 
Cl.nser's various properties, taking 
over those duties from Jack Davies 
with whom Glaser recently made a 
deal for the same purpose. Davies, 
however, worked independent of 
Glaser's office. 

Friendly is known in thd trade, 
having been connected with several 
booking offices. 



Gene Knipa Drums 
Up Big $1800 At 
Brookline C C. 



(Estimates) 

Count Basic, San Fr.incisco (Gold- 
en Gate; 2.850: 44-55-75)— With 
'Wings and Ihe Woman' (RKO). plus 
Louise Beavers on the stage. Draw- 
ing socko $28,500. with Basie's orch 
the principal draw. 

Xavier Cugal (Shubert T.. New 
Haven. Conn.. Oct. 11). Cugat and 
vaude headed by Emile Boreo. 
lopped new season's biz to date 
with 5.000 customers at 75c top. 

Ersklne Hawkins, Los Angeles 
(Orpheum: 2.290: 33-44-.S5-65)— Wilh 
'Spy Ship' (WBi and 'AfTair.s of 
Martha' (MG) (2d runs), on screen. 
Getting weak $14,000. 

Stan Kenton-Guy Ormandy (Ray- 
mor-Playmor B., Boston, Oct. 9-10). 
Kenton date here couldn't be adver- 
tised because he's booked for local 
theatre next week. Nevertheless, he 
and Guy Ormandy. local, played to 
neat 3.900 dancers two days for 
$2,700. 

Gene Krupa (Empire B., Allen- 
town, Pa., Oct. 8). Krupa played 
opposition spot near here few weeks 
back at lower prices; yet he drew 
fair 1.500 at $1.25 for operator Andy 
Perry of Empire. Next night (9) 
at Brookline C. C, Philadelphia, 
however, band drew what's termed 
sensational business; 1,800 at $1.10. 

Johnny McGee (Totem Pole B., 
Auburndalo. Mass.. Oct. 9-10). Mc- 
Gee bettered previous weekend biz 
this trip, playing to 5.000 dancers 
in three days at usual $1.45 per for 
fine $3,625 gross. Rudy Wallace, 
localite, played spot Saturday (10) 
and played to 3.000 at same prices 
for $2,175. 

Leo Zollo (Brookline C. C, Phila- 
delphia, Oct. lU). Following Gene 
Krupa, Zollo, local band, drew okay 
500 customers at $1.10. 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



(Presented hertwlth, M a wechly tabulation, Is the estltnated cover 
charga business b«ino dont by natn« bands in tiariotts Nexo York hoteb. 
Dinner business (7-10 p.m.) not roted. Figures a/ter nam« of hotel give 
room capacity ond cover charg*. Larger amount designates weekend and 
holiday price. This compilation it based on the period from Motiday- 
Salurday.) 



Ray Heatherton . Biltmora (300; $1-$1.50).. 
Vaughn Monroe*. Commodor* (SOO; $1-$1.50). 
Lani Mclntire* ... .Lexington (300; 7Sc-$l.S0). 
Harry Mames 



Band Review 



MACHITO ORCHESTRA (IS) 
La Conga, N. Y. 

Machito is one ot the best Afro- 
Cubano bands around and due for a 
rousing click. Environed in a hep 
Latin spot such as La Conga, where 
the customers know whereof they 
onc-two-three-bump. Machita must 
deliver the goods or else. He does. 

He has a solid combo of piano, 
drums, bass, bongos, three reeds 
and two trumpets, with himself on 
the vocals, and gives out a rhythmic 
Latin set that is plenty in the groove. 
Band is a curious blend of Latino, 
wilh strong rhythmic flavor, perhaps 
best answered by the fact that the 
No. 1 horji is a Cab Calloway alum- 
nus, and thus the hybrid of jive and 
Cubanula is that much more forti- 
lied. 

Machito has just waxed a new 
album wilh Miguelilo Valdez, Xaxier 
Cugal alumnus, for Decca, and is 
himself a Dccca recording artist. He 
should prove as worthy for the 
Conga customers, having opened 
here cninridenlally wilh Georgie 
Price's advent. Abel. 



On the Upbeat 



Dick Rogers' band closes at Mead- 
owbrook. Cedar Grove, N. J.. Thurs- 
day (15) and opens next night at 
Green Room of Edison hotel. N. Y., 
replacing Bobby Byrne. Blue Barron 
follows Rogers Nov.. 3. 



Eddie Springer, formerly with 
Muggsy Spanier, has replaced Tony 
Carlo on bass with Louis Prima. 
Carlo to the Army. 



Les Brown has taken the quartet 
that was with Bobby Sherwood as 
the Bobettes. They join him when 
he opens at Meadowbrook, Cedar 
Grove, N. J., Friday (16). 



Muggsy Spanier outfit follows cur- 
rent McFarland Twins at Dempsey's 
restaurant. N. Y.. opening Nov. 8. 
Milt Herth trio holdsover to Jan. 1, 



Teddy Powell replaces Johnny Mc- 
Gee at Totem Pole Ballroom, Au- 
burndale, Mass.. today (Wed.). 



Tony Dexler joins Hal Mclntyre's 
band, as vocalist. 



Teriy Fields), Toledo vDcalist. has 
joined the WAVES and has left for 
Bloomington, Ind.. for training. Real 
name is Theresa, Pustay. 



Chuck Shanks, former band leader 
and proprietor of the Hollywood 
Theatre Cafe. Toledo, now in receiv- 



Chicago 



Griff William* (Empire Room. Palmer House; 600; $3-$3.50 min.). Wil- 
liams' band still doing top business, allracting splendid 4,700 people for 
week. 

Art Kassell (Walnut Room, Bismarck hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Popular 
band leader doing a nice business on second week's run, bringing in 2,400. 

Woody Herman (Panther Room, Sherman hotel; 800; $1.25-$2.50 min.). 
This Panther Room favorite opened on week-end, .^tting sock draw ot 
2.800 for three-day period, which is outstanding. 

Eddie Oliver (Mayfair Room, Blackslone hotel; 350; $2.50 min.). Finish- 
ing run and bowing out in favor of Neil Bondshu, Oliver drew pretly 
good 1,600 for final days. 

Henry King (Marine Room. Edgewaler Beach hotel; gen. capacity, 1,100; 
Sat. dancing adm. $1.25, 75c cover per person (or dinner. Week days, 
75c dancing adm., 90c dinner cover min.). King doing excellent biz fol- 
lowing Fri. opening; attracted 1,000 on premiere night, 1,200 Sat. nitc, 
bringing in 2,500 for first three days' run. 



Los Angeles 



-Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Holding to his mean aver- 
age of around 3,000 covers with the bulge on the weekends. 

Joe Relchman (Biltmore; 1.200; 50c-$l ). Prclly much of the same— 
another 5.000 p^ees on the week and that keeps Joe Faber smiling. 



Minneapolis 



Tony Dl Pardo (Minnesota Terrace: Nicollet hotel: 550: $1-$1.50 min.). 
In second week this well-lfked orchestra drew satisfactory crowds of 
around 400 nightly on the average. Three new floor show acts went in 
this week — the D'lvons, Milbourne Christopher -wnd Rhoda Chase. 



Boston 

Basil Fomeen (Oval Room, Copley Plaza: 300: $1 cover). Fomecn and 
Dorothy Lewis Ice Show are depending on weekend biz, when town is 
crowded with football followers; first of week has been light. Total 
covers for six days was 1.700, wilh Friday-Saturday overflow into neigh- 
boring Sheraton Room. New show wilh Ramon Ramos' orchestra and 
Joan Edwards opening Thursday. 

Jack Edwards (Terrace Room, Hotel Staller; 450; $1 cover). In 16th 
week. Edwards met his previous weekend mark of 900, helped by football 
crowds, over Friday-Saturday, only late niiJihls. Dinner traffic through- 
out week was fine. 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

(Los Angeles^ 

Jimmy Dorsey (Palladium B. Hollywood, second week). Should follow 
up his record-breaking first week with a smart count ot 28,500. 

Bob Chester (Casa Manana B. Culver City, Cal., fourth week). They 
didn't do right by this young fellow. Picked up a bare 3.000 and his 
total for the run will be far down. Erskine Hawkins comes in Thursday 
(15) tor two weeks, with an ice show starring Belita being talked as the 
next attraction. 

Ray McKlnley (l^lanon B, Southgate. Cal.. .second week). Getting set- 
tled and pulling for 4,000 on the week, which is satisfactory for a new- 
comer to these parts. 

MuzEy Marctllino (Florentine Gardens N. Hollywood, first week). Can 
figure in the 5,500 weekly draw only after Nils Granlund's new revue skims 
off the cream. 



(Chicago) 

Buddy Franklin (Chez Paree; 650; $3-$3.S0 min.). Bowing out with 
Gracie Fields after sensational run, combo brought in 4,000 people in last 
week. Lou Breese replaces. 

Chlco Marx (Blackhawk; 500; $1.25 min.). Biggest attraction at this 
nitery in long time, bringing in people who never attended Blackhawk 
before, Marx attracted great 2,500 in first four days. 



(Minneapolis) 

Ada Leonard (Happy Hour; 600; no cover or min.). Fourth and final 
week of girl band's highly successful engagement found only a com- 
paratively small drop In attendance. Crowds averaged around 550 nightly 
which is plenty good business. Jack Crawford is current. 



ership and closed, has moved to 
Adrian, Mich., where he has a de- 
fense job. 



Panl Helnti has joined the trumpet 
section ot Joe Lucarell's band at 
Youngstown, O. 



Rath Autenrelth and her band are 
now playing ' in the Blue Crystal 
night club at Girard, O. 



Jack Hall, organist, has left the 
Modern Manor, Youngstown, to Join 
the Army. 



Al Graham's orchestfa and the 
Blair Sisters opened at the Commo- 
dore Perry;- Toledo, Oct. 5.. 



George Duffy'a orchestra 

moved into the Club Royale, 
troit. 



has 
De- 



Two Detroit spots, Mickey's Bar 
and the Stevadora switched bands 
last weekend. Joo Banket's orches- 
tra went from the lattfer to the for- 



mer, while Lee Walters' 
worked the switch in reverse. 



band 



'Aristocrats of Swing,' six-man 
outfit from the midwest, opened In- 
definite engagement Friday (9) at 
Sky Vue, Pittsburgh. 



Jack Teagarden band booked into 
Aragon Ballroom, Pittsburgh, for 
one-nighter Oct. 27. 



Joe Thomasello, sax player, has 
left Baron Elliott band at Bill 
Green's, Pittsburgh, to Join Del 
Courtney outfit. Elliott followed 
Courtney into Green's Friday (9). 



George Annls, arranger for Al 
Marsico at Nixon Cafe, Pittsburgh, 
has been added to outfit's sax sec- 
tion, replacing Don Hugo. 



Two Sterlings into Music Bar, 
Pitlsbiirgh. succeeding Phil Dc- 
Joung. violitiist, and Skeets Light, 
pianist. 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



ORCHESTRAS 



39 






A.F.M. AFTERMATH 



James C. fetrillo's victory before the Chicago federal court 
had a stunning effect on broadcasting and recording circles in 
New York. While these groups had been dubious all along of 
getting an injunction they had not expected the court to isstie 
such a sweeping disposition. Instead they had counted on get- 
ting some sort of partial relief. 

Recording company executives yesterday (Tuesday) stated 
that the situation was now as ever out of their hands, since the 
American Federation of Musicians had no issue with them and 
that it would be impossible for them to resume the use of mu- 
sicians until the broadcasters and the jukel)ox people had 
worked out something with Petrillo. The one hope remaining 
in these quarters was that the proposed Senate investigation of 
Petrillo might leacTTo relief legislation and even this was rc- 
garded-as a most slender thread since the American Federation 
of Labor at its current Toronto convention had not only come 
out in support of Petrillo but attacked Thurman .Arnold's anti- 
trust efforts against organized labor. 



They, the rocordcrs, furtlicr recalled yesterday (Tuesday) 
that they had often pointed out to Petrillo ihcy would l)e unable 
to police the use of their discs and they had no sugfjestions as 
to how they could regulate jukebox distribution or radio broad- 
casting as far as their wares were concerned. Petrillo has re- 
peatedly admitted that Jie himself did not know how to exer- 
cise sucii cniiirol and that be was anxious to have the manu- 
facturers and ctiniinercial users come to biin with sutrgeslions 
or ideas. 



It is frit in lliesi" ([iiarters that llu' time isn't far off when 
drirjjalions nf l)r(>.idcasliTs and jukei)()X men will enter into ne- 
gotiations wiih i'clrillo. .Meanwhile all recording by liie m;ijor 
companies remains at a standstill. 



Two <>r};ani/.a(ions that have remained clear of the conlro- 
versy are the Music Publishers Protective Association and the 
Blue Network. The publishers av(»ided furnishing .Arnold with 
an atiidavii showing how the ban on recording would alTecl 
their business using the argument that theirs was one business 
that has been able to survive drastic technological changes, 
while the Mine's management had always felt that the National 
Association of ftroadcastcrs ought to have found out from 
Petrillo just what he wanted instead of going in for an allout 
attack which smacked more of smear tactics than the usual 
eni])loyer-em]iloyee crosslne. 



Among the less bellicose element in the broadcasting in- 
dustry it is hoped that the outcome of the fight will not be a 
deep suspicion and resentment on the part of organized labor 
toward radio. The .\'. .\. H., these broadcasters ligine, had 
merely made (be mistake of using the same tactics that had 
served it so well in the controversy with ASC.AP. Only, in this 
case, it had nm against some tough guys who aren't accus- 
tomed to wilting under press, pictorial, pamphlet ('C Is For 
Caesar) or anti-trust attacks. 



Public Shies at High Cover Charge 

Lincoln Hotel, N. Y., Tried $2-$2.50 for Harry Jamei' 
Engagement But Cut $1 



Mr.?. Maria Kramer, owner of the 
Lincoln hotel. N. Y.s Blue Room 
where Harry James' band is playing, 
has tjeen forced to lower the cover 
charge in the room because patron- 
age fell oft. All last week there was a 
$2 per person (it originally was sup- 
posed to be $1.50 and $2 weekends) 
cover, increased to $2.30 Saturday 
and Sunday 1 10-11). Monday night 
<12). however, tarilT had been 
lowered to $1 and it will be S2 for 
the coming weekend. Minimum dur- 
ing initial week, at dinner, was $2 
but its now $2.50. an increa.<;e. 

Extremely high cover charge to 
hear James during the first week 
alienated even theatrical trade- 
People, who arc used to big nitery 
cneck.s. 'rhal'.>; a fair indication of 
the reaction of the public. James 
recently played at the Astor hotel. 
^- Y., under a 75c-$l cover charge 
3nd he packed in close lo 8.000 sup- 
Peis one week. At the Lincoln. 
Wicre capacity Is about 230. he 
Played to only 1.488 covers his fir.sl 
woek. when it was expected IhHt 
L?''." «'<>uld tear the place apart, 
t-ovei-s by nights beginning with 
Monday were 211, 188 217. 212. 210 
«nd 450 Saturday. 

*>om the beginning of the high 



cover. James. Music Corp. of 
America, his bookers, and others had 
put all kinds of pressure on Mrs. 
Kramer to lower the tariff. She 
wouldn't until lack of patronage put 
in the convincer. 



MIKE NIDORF GETS 
ARMY UEUTENANCY 



Mike Nidorf has resigned froni the 
Mercliant Marine, which he joined 
last week, to accept a 1st Lieutenancy 
in the Army. He shifts tomorrow 
I1S>. going into basic tiaining at 
Edgewood Arsenal. Maiyland. Since 
being sworn in as a Warrant Officer 
in the Merchant Marine almost two 
weeks ago Nidorf has been stationed 
at Manhattan Beach. Brooklyn. 

Before enlisting in the Marine. Ni- 
dorf had made application for a com- 
mi.ssion in the Army. It took so lonu 
to come through that he enlisted in 
the .seagoing branch of ser\ice. only 
to have the commission granted two 
days later. Before going into uni- 
form Nidorf was v. p. of General 
Amusement Cgrp. 



JUDGE SAYS IT'S 
A LABQII TIFF 



Federal Court Hears One- 
Hour Plea by Thurman 
Arnold — P r o m p 1 1 y De- 
clares Matter Outride 
Anti - Trust Legislation — 
It's Between 'Servants' 
and 'Masters' as to Di- 
vision of Music Demand 



MANY IN COURT 



Chicago, Oct. 13. 
Petition for an injunction to re- 
strain James C. Petrillo and his A. 
F. of M. from enforcing a ban on its 
musicians making phono recordings 
and transcriptions was dismi.s.sed in 
Chicago's U. S. District Court before 
a jammed audience of radio and 
union offlcials, musicians and others, 
yesterday (Monday), when Judge 
John P. Barnes decided it was strict- 
ly a labor and not an anti-trust dis- 
pute. 

Judge Barnes, after listening to an 
hour-long exhortation by As.<:istant 
Attorney General Thurman Arnold 
in favor of granting the injunction, 
rejected this plea. Explaining his 
action, the jtirist stated that there 
was a demand for music by the pub- 
lic which was answered by the mu- 
sicians themselves, and by their mas- 
ters, the producers of phonograph 
records, transcriptions and discs. 

The point in question, he ex- 
plained, was whether the musicians 
should furnish all the music or only 
part, with the masters or producers 
of mechanical devices furnishing the 
balance. Judge Barnes thought this 
purely a lat>or iSroblem and that, 
therefore, the Norris-LaGuardia and 
Clayton Acts were pertinent to apply 
in this case. 

A. F. M. Wins 

Petition filed by Joseph A. Padway 
asking rejection of the government 
petition, was on the basis that the 
Sherman Anli-Trast Act did not at 
all apply lo the case, but more close- 
ly resembled the Norris-LaGuardia 
and Clayton Acts. Judge Barnes fully 
agrepd with this point of view, and 
added that he could not see any way 
around the Hutcheson case and the 
ca.se of the United States vs. the In- 
ternational Hod Carriers Union. 

Arnold made three salient points 
in his argument for an injunction: 
(a) that such a ban would eventually 
destroy little restaurant and amii.'-c- 
ment businesses and sma'l radio sl.j- 
lions. which depend on cinned music 
for a livelihood; (b) that the union s 
edict is preventing amateur nuL-^i- 
cians from appearing in public, an<l 
(c) that it not only forces the net- 
works to pay for unnecessary rtuj-i- 
cians. but prevents them from doiriK 
business with latK>r-vexed .^tntion.-. 

Ovei- l.W affidavits were intro- 
duced by .\; nnld to support hi.< ar^jii- 
ments. anion,^ them statements by 
Elmer Davis, director of the OlTiic- 
of War Information, and Jiinic- KI.v. 
chairman of the Federal Coni;ruiiii- 
cations Commi.-sion. 

These i.fTidavils dialed llial the 
ban may cut off over 40', nf the 
talent lic. caiiMed nui.-iti in liic 
radio indiislry. do harm lo ;.:ii:ill 
! bu.<ine.-s operators and re liiu: ;:- 
I leius iisjiia juke bo.\es. and h.iririi -i:); 

the nalloii.v communication.- .->^li!ii 
j ill war lime. (lamajjini; i)iii):ic 
morale. 

; .\in(iii.a those present al l'\ 'ii . ■ 
ins. in addition to Thurman .\iiii)ld 
and hi.s .<taff. rcprescntin.^ !■:!■ --.iiv- 
! crnmenl. and Joseph A. f'ad.vi.y jrifi 
' .-lalT. repiesenling the A. F. ■if M.. 
were .hiine- C. Petrillo hiBiself. 
vilic Milier. C. E. .\rney. Jr.. and 
excculivo board incinbors of \\'c 
.\. A. B . Incal and national .^. F. of 
iVI. officials, and many inrlcpe^Klciil 
musicians. 

Petrillo took the deci.^uin to l)e -.i.- 
much a per.sonal victory as \ iniliea- 
tion of the AFM's determination to 
protect the welfare of il£ member.'^. 
'This ca.se,' stated Petrillo, 'demon- 



A.FL Denounces Thurman Arnolds 
master and Servant' AUusion; Fufl 

• 

Endorsement for [Vexy PetriDo 



Some Reaction* 



As most in the trade expected, 
the initial round went to Petrillo 
strictly on the legal aspect that 
it's an intra-labor union wrangle. 

This again leaves the record- 
ing companies and music pub- 
lishers out on a limb. The juke- 
box bunch, used to a soft touch 
through recent years, are more 
decisive in their reactions, and 
overtures already have heard 
that they'd l>e amenable to pay- 
ing some royalty, per jukebox 
machine and/or per recording, 
to the American Federation of 
Musicians, so long as they could 
replenish their stock. 

The jukes can flourish only 
with the hit tune.s. As new 
hits are being created over the 
air, but unable to be recorded as . 
time goes on, it's a matter of 
time before the estimated 400,000 
jiikebOKes In this country can 
become depreciating stock. 



2 Lombardos May 
Join U. S. Coast 
Guard Shortly 



When and if Guy and Carmen 
Lombardo join the Coast Guard, 
which may be shortly, the family 
name will be continued in orchestra 
circles by brothers Liebert and Vic- 
tor Lombardo and 16-year-old sis- 
te: Rose-Marie, who but recently 
joined the band. 

The elder Lombardos have long 
been speedboat racers, and they will 
most likely operate their own boats 
when joining the Coast Guard. 



Toronto, Oct. 13. 
A rciiolutlon emlMdying 'unani- 
mous eonfldence in the judgment of 
the international president of the 
American Federation of Musicians, 
James C. Petrillo, and delegates ot 
the A.F.M. in their back-to-the-wall 
endeavor to retain the last vestige of 
employment for union miLsicians,' 
was passed at the annual convention 
here of the American Federation of 
Labor. 

The resolution was brought on 
ahead of many others because of the 
injunction suit brought by the U. S. 
Department jot Justice in Chicago, 
which would compel musicians 'to 
make records on any terms and con- 
ditions fixed by the employer,' ac- 
cording to the wording of the Vote 
of confidence In Petrillo. Unqualified 
condemnation was expressed regard- 
ing the anti-trust suit launched by 
Assistant Attorney*General Thurman 
Arnold. The unanimous vote was 
counted under the supervision of 
Daniel Tobin and William Green. 

Arnold's action' was characterized 
a; 'a dangerous, discordant and dis- 
uniting note in the concerted effort 
to achieve enthusiastic war produc- 
1 tion." 

Second Vice-president Matthew 
WoU, in a report which was ap- 
proved by the convention, stated 
that 'the controversy is much 
I broader and more comprcheasive 
: than an isblated dispute with the 
American Federation of Musician.<;. 
It involves a principle affecting the 
rights of all organized labor.' He 
condemned the statement in the 
Arnold court brief that 

'The (nneiioii of a master Is lo 
determine what he wanta done, 
what machines he will use, wha^ 
goods or services he will for- 
nish, and and the eastomers ta 
whom he will sell, and that In so 
far as the servant demands the 
power'>il« determlDc any of iheac 
questions, he Is no longer a 
(Continued on page^40) 



Ink Spots' Reason 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 13. 
Ink Spots, playing Stanley last 
week, a.-ked theatre management to 
drop the numeral 4 from their bill- 
ing and advertise them merely as 
the Ink Spots. Quartet has pa.sscd 
along same word to other spots 
they're playinij. When questioned 
about this, it wa> learned that one 
of their membcis expects to go into 
the army shortly and indications 
were that the remaining three would 
carry on without a replacement. 



NO NOV. RELEASES 
OF COLUMBIA LABEL 



Columbia Hecords h;is canccllod 
all .•>theduletl release of pop lec- 
I iirds for the monili of iN'o\ ember, as 
■a means of allowinu production to 
Icalch up with demand. Despite the 
; trouble.-- 'hat Viave lerenlly bo.set 
: record nianulaelnrcrs 'I'eliillo and 
shellac I there is no lag in buyer in- 
terest in discs of all kinds. Colum- 
i>ia is assoi ledly so far behind orders 
lhat the .10-day respjtc from new re- 
kiists Will not clear its backlog. 

^'iclor la.-; \.vpek evidenced the 
same pioduction difficulties. It 
ehanne.d its pop lolea.-c schedule 
fiom once wei-kly to bi-weekly, ef; 
frciive this week 'Ifi i. 



U. S. HRM CUTS 
SIXDISCSIN 
MEXICO 



The first American recorder to 
have masters cut outside of the 
country since the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians imposed its ban is 
the Continental Record Co.. Inc., of 
New York. The job. involving six 
sides, is being done in' Mexico City. 
Two of the pop tunes licen.scd for 
the across-the-border stencilling are 
Strip Polka' and 'The Fuehrer's 
Face' 

Four of the sides will make use 
of a soloist supported by a • uilar. 
while Ihe other two sides will have 
a quartet accompanied by a guitar, 
bass and maracas. Cjntinen'.al pro- 
poses to make 2..500 prc-'-inj.'s of 
each master. The pressing will be 
done in the States. 



■tiale- ih.Tt the abuse of a hif;h 
l;ibor offieiai. \\ ho i.s merely pi'o- 
lecting hi.-; members cannot triumph 
lAcr la« and ju.-tice. The .Na- 
tional Association of Broadca.'^ter.s 
.-ociit ihon.-ands of (iollars to ma- 
l.mi me. The combination of press, 
jukebox owiieis and makers of rec- 
oid.s to influence the public agairvt 
nic was the .sirongest ever u.sed to 
arouse the public against uniou of- 
ficials In labor di.spule.^.' 



Tommy Tucker Jousts 
With Pneumonia Attack 

Tommy Tucker h.is been confined 
to the West Side Hospital. N. Y, 
for more than a week fliihtin-^ olT a 
( -o of pneumonia Leader •,\as 
taken from his Beaux Art.-: apartment 
1; St Monday i.i) anr, ; . ;.vi'ral 
days was running such a hi-.'ii fcvei' 
that no visitors were allowed, not 
even hLs wife He is on his way to 
recovery, according to reports yes- 
terday iTucs. ). 

Tucker's band Ls at the f^.-ex 
House, N. Y. Since the leader's 
breakdown it has been handled by 
.singer Don Brown. 



40 



ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 





JARREH 

AND HIS 

ORCHESTRA 




OUTSTANDING 
ENGAGEMENT 

BLACKHAWK 

CHICAGO 

VV/TH SPECIAL EMPHASIS 
ON THE MONTH OF 

AUGUST 

WHEN THE ALL TIME RECORD 
FOR GROSS BUSINESS 
WAS BROKENl 

HEARD NIGHTLY 

WGN • MBS 

J. 



Inside Stuff-Orchestras 



What with PetriUo, etc., Harry Sosnik is on leave from Decca as a staff 
maestro and is concentrating on his current Gracie Fields radio series 
on NBC (five times weekly), and a scoring job for Walter Wanger (Uni- 
versal). Latter film is located at Texas A. & M., and Sosnik will both 
compose and baton the score. 



The Army has issued its first order for music, with the grant, amount- 
ing to $10,000, going to the Shacklcton Music Co., of Louisville. Several 
New York publishers have already received sub-orders from the success- 
ful bidder and the circumstance that the price columns in these sub-orders 
have been left blank has caused much comment in the trade. Shackleton 
is a retailer of standard music and pianos. Jobbers and dealers are not 
bidding for the second Army order, which will amount to $25,000. 

Harry Fox, of the Music Publishers Protective Association, and Law- 
rence Richmond, of Music Dealers Service. Inc., are slated to confer in 
Washington this week with a joint Army-Navy committee on the matter 
of setting up a central channel for the distribution of music to the armed 
forces. 



Negotiations have been renewed and are virtually complete for Joe 
Gla^fr to assume personal management of Jan Savitt's orchestra. Savitt 
was to have gone under Glaser's guidance several months ago, but at the 
time the William Morris agency made the leader an offer which side- 
tracked Glaser's, but didn't go through. Plans had been made to put 
Savitt through bankruptcy to rid him of approximately $21,000 in debts, 
but have been dropped. About half that figure is owed to Music Corp. of 
America and he is now set to pay it off with an extra 5% commission. 

Those who are acquainted with Savitt's business are amazed at his 
financial condition. It's said that his band grossed close to $200,000 last 
year, which is much higher than average, yet he wound up in the red. 

Though contracts haven't been signed Savitt is scheduled to follow the 
current Alvino Rey into the Astor Roof, opening Nov. 9. It will be his 
first New York hotel Job since leaving the Lincoln hotel, N. Y., two years 
ago. 



Paradox of 'big openings' was the Guy Lombardo return to the Hotel 
Roosevelt, N. Y., in a manner which even surprised his management 
(MCA). Latter had wondered at the relatively large ads attending the 
competitive night's preem (last Thurs.) of Benny Goodman at the Hotel 
New Yorker, plus the large space taken in the past for Bob Allen at the 
■Pennsylvania and the recent blurbs for Harry James (now at the Lincoln), 
Les "Brown and Alvino Rey-King Sisters when they debuted into the Hotel 
Astor. Despite the lack of advance ballyhoo, the Lombardo opening 
eclipsed 'em all. 



Victor Records is the only one of three major disc /nanufacturers whtch 
did not record 'Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition' before the 
Petirillo-sponsored ban against recording after Aug. 31. It puts Victor in 
the position of being unable to compete with Columbia and Deeca, both 
of whom cut the tune on the chance that it might get somewhere. Colum- 
bia made it with Kay Kyser and Decca with the Merry M-acs. 

Tune Is giving every promise of breaking into a solid coin machine hit 
and it's among the best sellers in sheet music. 

Victor says, however, that it is going to cut the tune in the near future, 
using a vocal group. Vocalists are not under the jurisdiction of the AFM. 



Bonnie Baker'^ announcement on the Fred Allen show of her-formal 
engagement to Lieut. Orrin Tucker — with whom she first catapulted to 
fame two seasons ago, on the heels of the 'Oh, Johnny, Oh' revival — 
cued maestros throughout the land, later that Sunday evening, to 'salute' 
the romance with appropriate dansapation. One of the suavest jobs was 
a dandy medley of romantic tunes by Freddy Martin, from the Coasl 
and announced as being played in their honor. 



10 Best Sellers on Coin-Machines 



(Recordj below are ^abbfnp most nickels this week in jukeboxes 
throughout the counfTy, as reported by operators to 'Variety.' Names 
of more than one band or vocalist after the title indicates, in order o) 
popularity, whose recordings are being played. Figures and names in 
parenthesis indicate the number of weeks each song has been in the listings 
ond respective publishers.) 

(Glenn Miller Victor 

.(Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

2. Strip Polka (9) (Mercer) ^ Andrews Sisters Decca 



1. Gal In Kalamazoo (8) (BVC). 



(Johnny Mprcer 



.Capitol 



J Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

(Vaughn Mon roe Victor 



3. My Devotion (7) (Santly) 

4. He's My Guy (5) (Leeds) { ?o^;Vd^:sV. :'°'rcl;;? 

9. Just AS Though Here (7) (Yankee).... { ^"0^3 ^""^ i .D^cca 

6. Met Her Monday (2) (ABC) { S^l^s mllrf . . ! ! ! ! ! ! Slcl^ 

7. Be careful. My Heart (9) (Berlin) { c'^af.ieX'i'vakV.V.Columbi: 

8. Came Talk for Joe (3) (Shapiro) {^^^rs JeT. ^ .B^^^d 

9. Silver Wings (11) (Shapiro) 



( Kay Kyser Columbia 

( Abe Lyman Bluebird 

10. Stage Door Canteen (5) (Army) ^^..^C^ 

OTHER FAVORITES 

(These records are dircctlj; beloui first 10 in popularity. Tunes toKh 
number of weeks in parenthesis are fading, others gaining.) 

When Lights Go on Again (CLP) IY^''^^\.^,°''1°^ ....Victor 

(Lucky Milhnder Decca 

Der Fuehrer's Face (Southern) Spike Jones Bluebird 

Praise Lord, Pass Ammunition (Famous). .( J^ay Kyser Columbia 

(Merry Macs Decca 

f Glenn Miller Victor 

( Charlie Spivak . . . .Columbia 

Take Me (BVC) J Jimmy Dorsey ..... Decca 

(Benny Goodman. .Columbia 

Daybreak (Feist) Wimmy Dorsey ... Decca 

(Harry James Columbia 

Ev'ry Night This Time (Warock) (Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

(Inkspots Decca 

Mr. Five by Five (Leeds)... . i Andrews Sisters Decca 

(Freddie Slack Capitol 



At Last (Feist) 



White Christmas (Berlin) J Bing Crosby Decca 

(Charlie Spivak ...Columbia 

Strawberry Moon (Witmark) (Merry Macs Decca 

(Dick Robertson Decca 



*Doughboy' 500,000 

The Government may wax 
captious about not getting aut- 
flciently socko patriotic and war 
songs, and deprecate certain 
ballads as not 'correct' In the 
current Idiom, but 'Johnny 
Doughboy Found a Rose In Ire- 
land' has sold 500,000 sheets of 
music, a sock sale these days. 



A.F.L., Denounces 

Continued from page S9 

servant, he has become the mai- 
ter.' 

Referring to that ultimatum, Woll 
asked the convention: 'Are there 
words that can and will describe the 
indignity and insult thus heaped 
upon every man and woman in the 
United States and Canada con- 
tributing their skill and energies in 
this war to end tyranny Implicit In 
the phrase. . .'there Is a master who 
directs the work and a servant who 
obeys those instructions.' The right 
of free men and women not to obey 
the arbitrary directions of a master 
is the very e.<u<ence of our demo- 
cratic institutions.' 

In hLs first visit to the Toronto 
local. PetriUo congratulated the 
members on both sides of the border 
for their contribution to the war 
effort through contributing man- 
power and musicians to the forces 
of both countries, the arranging of 
entertainment for the men in uni- 
form, and their assistance in war 
loan drives. He said the A.F.M. has 
invested $125,000 of its funds in Ca- 
nadian w;.r bonds, this exclusive of 
bonds purchased by locals ..nd In- 
dividual members. More than 200 
members' of the Toronto local were 
reported as being on active service 
and their dues and fees will be paid 
for during the duration in order to 
keep the fighting musicians in good 
union standing. Monthly gifts are 
being sent to musician members of 
the services overseas, and each will 
receive a $5 Christmas parcel. 

With. William Murdoch, president 
of the Toronto Protective Musicians' 
Association, officiating, and with 
PetriUo present, a life membership 
in the TPMA was presented to Dr. 
Herbert Fricker. conductor of the 
Mendelssohn Choir of 200 mixed 
voices, who has just resigned after 
his 25th year with that musical or- 
"Tnization. 



Hate Pix 

Continued from page 

ism. soon wears thin. In fictional 
productions the hammy theatrical- 
ism becomes apparent even to the 
most undiscerning, with the result 
that no lasting impression Is made 
on picture house patrons. 

Government departments con- 
cerned with the screen as a propa- 
ganda medium, are primarily In- 
terested in projecting the disastrous 
results arising from unsocial forces 
and in teaching the public to oppose 
the general pattern of unpalatable, 
alien ideas in Government rather 
than in focusing unfavorable atten- 
tion on individual evil-doers. 
Make Shorts a Must 

Major companies are steering clear 
of war pictures only insofar as it 
may upset balanced screen entertain- 
ment. Film execs are of opinion that 
the Government will sooner or later 
crack down and make the showing 
of Government shorts mandatory. In 
this event, screen fare would be al- 
most war-themed if there's prepon- 
derance of features with a war back- 
ground. 

All-war screen schedules are con- 
sidered too heavy, with upsetting of 
balanced fare believed likely to al- 
ienate nimgoers. Important literary 
properties, regardless of war or other 
background, continue strongly in de- 
mand. Story and production de- 
partments are agreed on policy of 
buying, whether war or otherwise, 
if it looks like boxoffice. 

War-themed pictures today are 
considered bread-and-butter of dis- 
tribution and exhibition. There are 
admittedly too many low-budget war 
pictures which may take the edge 
off the war stories, but until some- 
thing better comes along the war 
motif rates No. 1 on production 
schedules with musicals next. 

Pointed out by some industry execs 
that as the war goes on, with more 
and more families represented In the 
armed services, interest in war pic- 
tures will become keener and even 
the secpnd-rate war pictures wiU be 
acceptable. Nation will be -hungry 
for war material in hopes of main- 
taining some illusory contact with 
those on the battle fronts. 





ON THEATRE 
TOUR OF KEY CITIES 




AND HIS 

ORCHESTRA 




RECORDS 



GOING STRONOt 

"APPLE TREE" 
"BUCKLE DOWN WINSOCKI' 
"THREE UHLE SISTERS" 
"ROSE O DAY" 



Management 



music C OSPO:) '^TIOH O' AMffllCA 



Wednesday, October 14. 1942 



Public Relations Firm L'sts A.FJW. 
'Aggressions' As Blue Network 
Deplores Its Smearing Tactics 



There is much trade talk around 
New York this week concerning the 
Blue network's clever dissociation of 
itself last week from the 'smearing' 
campaign against the American 
Federation of Musicians which, is 
being flnaneed by the National 
Associatibn of Broadcasters and exe- 
cuted by the public relations counsel 
arm of Baldwin, Beach & Mermey. 
This took on peculiar significance to 
many observers when Judge Barnes 
in Chicago Federal District Court on 
Monday (12) quickly refused to en- 
tertain Thurman Arnold's 'master 
and servant' arguments to restrain 
the A.l^'.M. froiri dictating the condi- 
tions of employrhent In the disc field. 

A.F.M. sources express both ang^ 
and indifference toward the 'smear- 
ing.' There was considerable crack- 
ing about the wording of Baldwin. 
Beach and Mermey 's self-styled 
compilation of 'Mr, PetrlUo's recent 
aggressions against music/ One exec 
flipped, "They certainly manage to 
hide the fact that the phonograph 
companies are owned by the radio 
networks.' 

The 'aggressions* (or disputes) 
listed by the public relations firm 
form a history of the present quar- 
rel, although naturally leaving out 
anything favorable to the' A.F.M. 
Below is the wording of the latest 
N.A.B. statement dated Oct. 12: 

Mr. Petrillo's aggressions: 
' June 25 — Mr. PetriUo ordered 
members of his union to stop mak- 
ing recordings and electrical tran- 
scriptions after July 31. 

Jnly 11— Mr. Petrlllo'a objection to 
the use of student musicians on the 
•Ir forced cancellation of broadcast- 
log by the National Music Camp 
Orchestras at Interlochen, Mich. 

July 21 — All-soldier orchestra 
fiom 'This Is The Army' was barred 
from appearing at the opening of 
the Times Square Service Men's 
Center, New York. 

July 28 — Grant Park Open Air 
Concerts, organized by Mr. Pctrillo 
himself, were taken oft the air be- 
cause of his union's contract dilTicul- 
tles with station KSTP of St. Paul- 
Minneapolis. 

Joly 29— Music of at least 15 name 
bands was barred from Mutual 
broadcasting System's network be- 
cause of dispute between AFM and 
Mutual affiliates KFRC, San Fran- 
cisco, and WARM, Scr^ton. Pa. 

Aug. 7 — Joe Reardon, entertainer 
at Milwaukee's Tic Toe Club, was 
discharged because of 'wise cracks' 
tt Mr. Petrillo, introduced into his 
routine. Discharge was demanded 
by Volmer Dahlstrand, president of 
AFM local, who refused to permit 
union musicians to play at the Club 
if Reardon remained In Its employ. 
~Ang. 9.— Mr. Petrillo threatened to 
blacklist Springfield Municipal Audi- 
torium if non-union Boston Sym- 
phony Orchestra, which was sched- 
uled to perform there, was permit- 
ted to do so during coming season. 

Ang. 13.— Mr. PetrUlo blacklisted 
Smith College because the Boston 
Symphony Orchestra was scheduled 
to play in Its John M. Greene Hall. 

Adj. li.— Don Mario, singing band 
leader, was fined $500 by AFM local 
in Providence, R, I., toi appearing 
M a guest and Joining in singing 
^tar Spangled Banner' at local pa- 
triotic celebration which had not re- 
ceived union sanction. ' 

A»t. 25.— Rochester Civic Music 
*^'ation. facing blacklisting by 
AFM if Boston Symphony Orches- 
tra were booked for annual Decem- 
ber concert at Eastman Theatre. 
Rochester, N. Y., decided not to book 
"le Boston Symphony. 

Sept. S.— Mr. Petrillo apeciflcally 
Banned the making of electrical 
transcriptions for use only once on 



any sUtion despite his statenHnt to 
Elmer Davis, Director of the Office 
of War Information, that such trans- 
criptions were not detrimental to the 
AFM. 

Sept. le.— After 220 broadcasts 
over eight years, Cincinnati Con- 
servatory of Music was forced off the 
air by the Cincinnati Local of AFM. 

Sept. 10. — Union musicians were 
forbidden by Mr. Petrillo to make 
a recording of a song written for the 
United War Fund campaign in Prov- 
idence, and intended to be played at 
rallies during the Fund's drive to 
finance state-wide civilian welfare 
and community service for the men 
of the armed forces. 

Sept 15.— Eastman School of Mu- 
sic barred from the air because 
many of the 120 Instrumentalists In 
the School's orchestra are students. 

Sept. 21.— James Nemec of West 
Palm Beach, Fla., charged before a 
Senate sub-committee that 12 mem- 
bers of an Army band, who had 
played .without union approval at a 
dance held to sell war bonds, were 
transferred by the War Department 
presumably at Mr. Petrillo's re- 
quest. 

Oct. 2.— Cincinnati Local of AFM 
forbade the radio broadcasting of an 
Army Air Force band which was 
playing at a dance given by USO. 

Oct 3.— War Savings Staff of the 
Treasury Department was forced to 
transfer presentation of a speciallv 
prepared musical program from a 
network of FM stations to a stand- 
ard frequency station because of ob- 
jections against the FM. stations 
raised by New York local of Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians. 

Oct 3.— Weekly rebroadcast of the 
.Tack Benny radio program to the 
Pacific Coast was cancelled when 
Mr. Petrillo demanded that both 
original broadcast and rebroadcast 
be produced by 'live talent' Pro- 
ducers of show were prepared to pay 
double wages for rebroadcast, but 
this offer was turned down. 



'JUKEBOX SAT. NIGHT' 
OUT DESPITE TITLE 



ORGHESTRAS 



41 



McGEE GAS-STRANDED 



Unable to Reach .. Arfoy Cami^ 
Latter Falls to Help 



Boston, Oct. 13. 
Johnny McGee and his band were 
put in a position here last week 
which forcibly brought home to the 
Army the reason why fewer and 
fewe^ orchestras have been playing 
trainmg camp dates. McGee was 
scheduled to play at Camp Langdon 
New Hampshire, Monday (5), but 
never got there because he couldn't* 
round up enough gas to take his four 
cars full of musicians and instru- 
ments the distance from Layrence 
Mass. 

McGee made every effort to secure 
the fuel he needed. He wired his 
agency, MCA in N. Y., called the 
USO. went to the gas rationing 
board at Lawrence, where he was 
refused enough coupons, and finally 
called the commander at Langdon 
and explained. He was told that the 
officer would get back to him with 
advice. He didn't call and McGee 
never got to the camp. 

McGee has been playing at the 
Totem Pole Ballroom. Auburndale, 
Mass., near here. He went out, 
played Lawrence Hofbrau Sunday 
(4) and came back to the Totem Pole 
the following Wednesday because 
Richard Himber was unable to 
round up a band in time to fulfill a 
contract at the spot. 



RCA-Victor has scheduled for re- 
lea.sc the Glenn Miller recording of 
'Jukebox Saturday Night,' which the 
company said at first it would not 
release because it feared disapproval 
of the Association of Coin Machine 
Operators. Latter frowns on any use 
of the word 'jukebox' in any way 
and nnce asked Dick Todd to change 
his 'King of the Jukebox' billing for 
that reason. 

It's said that retail record store 
owners pressured Victor into releas- 
ing the disc: Glenn Miller also ex- 
erted bis influence. His Mutual 
Music Society publishes the tune. 
Disc is to be released Oct. 30. 



John Hammond, Jr.'s, 
Band Stmt for USO 



John Hammond. Jr., publisher of 
the recently folded Music and 
Rhythm mag, has joined USO-Camp 
Shows, Inc.. as co-chairman of the 
orcli committee. Charles Miller, v.p. 
of Music Corp. of America, the cur- 
rent chairman. Is swamped with bus- 
iness matters, hence_ Hammond's en- 
try as co-chairman. 

Post Is itrictly a volunteer affair, 
with Hammond figured well suited 
for the stint, since he Is financially 
Independent and, at the same time, 
savvies the business. 



Gov't May Ease Up 
On Rationing So Bands 
Can Play Anny Campis 



Meetings the past week in Wash- 
ington and New York between rep- 
resentatives of the USO, Army and 
officials of the Office of Defense 
Transportation have brought nearer 
the possibility that the ODT will sup- 
ply transportation for name bands, 
as a means of supplying more music 
to Army camps. For several weeks 
there have been discussions between 
executives of the band agencies and 
Lt.-Col. Marvin Young of the Army. 
The officer, at the first meeting, 
pointed out that there weren't 
enough camp dates being played: the 
agency men explained that the lack 
of transportation prevented a more 
profuse schedule, whereupon Young 
asked for a detailed plan to increase 
them. 

Such a plan was detailed and for- 
warded to the proper officials, and 
it was discussed at great length by 
representatives of the USO, Army, 
ODT and agencies Monday (12) af- 
ternoon in New York, Nothing defi- 
nite was arrived at, but an answer 
is expected soon. 

Prior to Monday's meeting, John 
Hammond, who is co-chairman of 
the committee set up to allot busses 
to colored bands, was in Washington 
last week, and he also discussed the 
white band problem with the ODT, 
as a representative of the USO. 



SAXOPHONIST NOW • 
LOCOMOTIVE FIREMAN 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 13. 

Don Hugo, saxophonist with AI 
Marsico's band at the Nixon cafe, 
has handed in his notice so that he 
can go to work for the Pennsylvania 
railroad as a locomotive fireman. 
George Annis, the band's arranger, 
is taking over the chair. 

Another well-known Pittsburgh 
musician, Joe Schafer, pianist and 
arranger, has likewise shelved his 
music for the duration. He is work- 
ing for the Carnegie-Illinois Steel Co. 



LltUe Jack LIUIe holdsover at El 
Patio. Washington, D. C, until 
Dec. 23. 



Howard Banm opened at Vogue 
Terrace, Pittsburgh, Friday (9) for 
two weeks. 



Buffalo Reviewer Unloads Peenres 
On Dance Untts lliat Hie Tlimlis 
Are Aping One Anodier 100% 



WHOLE BAND UNDER 19 



AI Graham Orchestra to Feel Low- 
ered Draft Age 



Toledo, Oct. 13. 

If the proposed Congressional bill 
to draft 18-year-old males in the 
armed forces Is passed, every mem- 
ber of the AI Graham band, - cur- 
rently playing in the El Dorado 
Room of the Commodore Perry 
hotel, Toledo, will be affected. The 
orchestra, which has 10 men, does 
not have a single member over 19 
years old. 

Graham is the only married man 
of the troupe. 



AND A FEMME SHALL 
LEAD 'EN TO THE JIVE 



There has been an Increase in in- 
terest lately by major booking agen- 
cies in orchestras conducted by 
women. In the past couple weeks 
two femma batoneers have been 
signed to management contracts by 
Music Corp. of America and the 
William Morris agency recently re- 
vived Ann Dupont. Gloria Parker 
and Judy Kayne were the two picked 
up by MCA. Mi5S Parker was a 
vaude single specializing in playing 
half a dozen different instrumenta, 
while Miss Kayne,' whose band Is 
new, was a dancer with the Music 
Hall, N. Y., Rockettes and the Roxy's 
Roxyettes. She doesn't play any in- 
strument. Miss Dupont plays clari- 
net. 

Since they conduct all-male bands 
the femme leaders are just as open 
to the inroads of conscription, en- 
listment, etc., as male leaders. Agen- 
cies, however, are not worrying 
about that angle at the present. The 
thought is that if worst comes to 
worst they can gather all-girl bands. 



Sy Shribman Backs Out 
Of Glen Island Casino 

Sy Shribman, who has been con- 
cerned in the operation of Glen Is- 
land Casino, New Rochelle, N. Y., 
which he used as a buildup spot for 
orchestras he is interested in, 4»as 
backed out of the spot. He is clos- 
ing the run of Hal Mclntyre there 
next Wednesday (21). 

There is a deal pending at the mo- 
ment which might bring in Bobby 
Sherwood's orchestra from California 
for an eastern buildup. Sherwood, 
who is booked by Music Corp. of 
America, Is understood anxious to 
finance himself for a long stay at 
the Casino. 

Casino,' widely known as a maker 
of band reputations, was for long an 
exclusive General Amusement Corp. 
booking; after Shribman moved in. 
however, he closed the spot to all 
outfita except those he is or was 
backing financially. That Included 
Charles Spivak. Claude Thornhill, 
Mclntyre and Sam Donahue. It's 
said that the recent split between 
Gene Krupa and Shribman was 
based on the latter's giving Sam 
Donahue the recent open time be- 
tween Thornhill and Mclntyre. 
Krupa wanted it because he had had 
only five weeks of air time in al- 
most a year. 



Marshall Boyal, clarinet; brother 
Ernie Royal, trumpet, and Sonny 
Graven, all with Lionel Hampton, 
have Joined the Naval Reserve Band 
at San Diego, Cal. 



Buffalo, Oct J3. 

Monotony and lack of originality 
in name banda furnished a two- 
column complaint In the Buflalo 
Evening News this week by Ardis 
Smith, film and dramatic reviewer 
of the sheet Smith, whose attitude 
toward band shows has been ap- 
parent in his recent reviews, finally 
gave recent band routiners thorough 
going over. Questioning 'Isn't a kind 
of monotony creeping into the busi- 
ness, to put it mildly?' and 'Wouldn't 
you think that one of the maestri 
could dig up something new?', the 
reviewer continued. 

'Beginning with appearance, how 
tiresome are those little painted 
squares with the initials of 'the 
name,' except the drummer's. For 
some reason he gets his own initials 
up there on his perch, along with a 
dull and unwarranted prominence 
in the proceedings. Monotony of the 
dress, t^o — dark pants and.light Jack- 
ets. Have you noticed that every 
glamorous cbanteuse dresses exactly 
like every other glamorous chan- 
teuse? Musically, there has been 
nothing fresh since Goodman. The 
instrumental output and distribu- 
tion are matheDoatically measured, 
and innovation and imagination . 
haven't been allowed in a /lance 
band since Benny Goo<]|nan's first - 
Swing is supposed to be Improvisa- 
tion. We're not getting any. 
Same Old Bceords 

"There are the s^eet notes and 
the hot notes and the hotter the few- 
er. There is the simply marvelous 
device of having the trombone play- 
ers turn and face the edst while 
the sax players turn and face the 
west. Then there is the trap drum 
numt>er. You would think the drum- 
mer was Krelsler, playing a cadenza. 
He sits haloed in the baby-spot, up 
there, - chewing his gum with his 
mouth open and looking like a well- 
dressed Dude Lester, whipping him- 
self into tympanic epileptic fita. At 
the climax he sounds like a trunk 
full of gravel rolling down a con- 
crete stairway. 

'Then we come to the vocalists. 
Wher^ do they gel them? They 
elide the simplest notes of the sim- 
plest songs. Their range is custom- 
arily 'D to F on the Kazoo. These 
curious fellows and nasal litssies sing 
popular lyrics as though they*were 
burping a foreign language whose 
words never had been translated to 
them. 

The cometly singers, too. All have 
comedy singers who are members 
of the bands. In this department an 
appearance of punch-drunkenness is 
highly prized. Looking not quite 
fwake and not quite bright Is part 
of the technique. The singer freezes 
into this appearance of torpor and 
paralysis when he comes to the 
microphone. When he goes back to 
his fiddle or clarinet be brightens 
up and looks fairly intelligent The 
song's content is never funny. It's 
the excruciating delivery that's sup- 
po.<;ed to make it so. 

'And the trios, quartets and sex- 
tets. Harmony is just old hat. Six 
bad whinnying voices in unison are 
almost 12 times as bad as one which 
nying voice. These chaps and misses 
have a breath control that Is like ■ 
series of punctures. No note ever 
comes out with a willing grace. All 
notes issue explosively and agon- 
Izedly as if the whole group were 
being given a series of simultaneous 
hot-feet. It is a form of grunting, 
highly magnified.' 



4r MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



Public Seems Blah to llfratii' Songs; 
Pubs See OWl Hopes Scutded by Facts 



While romance songs such as 
•Johnny Doughboy Met a Rose in 
Ireland' have sold 500,Q00 copies to 
date; while sentimental mothers and 
sweethearts catapulted a revival 
song such as "Miss You' into hun- 
dreds of thousands of copies; while 'I 
Wonder When My Baby's Coming 
Home' is likewise a top song seller; 
the Office of War Information still 
frets that Tin Pan Alley is glossing 
over the war with sticky sentiment. 

More in keeping with what the 
OWI and all the other government 
agencies mean is the following sol- 
dier editorial which the Army 
Times, Washington. D. C, reprinted 
from the 'Holabird Exhaust,'* Army 
paper published by the Holabird QM 
Motor Base, Md., which decries the 
bluebirds of Dover and kindred 
slush. 

The music publishers, sensitive to 
the all-out war effort, meantime ar- 
gue that it's one thing for outsiders 
in OWI to wishfully think about this 
or that type of song; it's another 
matter when the American masses 
unmistakably veer to the boy-meets- 
girl song themes (with a once-over- 
lightly war background); or yearn 
for the loved ones away from home; 
or dream of the peaceful valleys 
around the corner. 

OWI called to 'Variety's' atten- 
tion (and all of show business) this 
soldier editorial, captioned: 

What's the Hatter With Us? 

Some of the men at the Holabird 
QM Motor Base got mad last week. 
They were tired of being kidded 
along by Hollywood and radio net- 
works and sentimental speech- 
Timfcers. They were sick of beijip 
st/mpathtzed totth and called the 
^oys.' They had joined the Army 
to do a job and they wanted to do 
it. Thev had heard too much talk 
about defense and bluebirds over 
Douer and roses in Ireland. So they 
sat douin and told everyone how 
thev felt. Here's what they wrote: 

We of the Exhaust, speaking not 
Bs individuals but as a collective 
voice for all soldiers on this post, 
say we're pretty tired of certain 
things we've seen . . . this namby- 
pamby way of getting things done. 
'More Scrappee, No Jappee,' 'Get 



in the Scrap and Slap a Jap' . , . 
Catchphrase stuff like this is hooey. 
We want to be more hard-boiled 
than that. 

We're tired of being told to 'Re- 
member Pearl Harbor,' especially 
with sentimental music. What we 
want to be told is: 

Take Tokyo, smash Berlin, raze 
Rome. 

We want a positive program In- 
stead of a passive one. We want 
something to flght. We're sick of 
having something to flght 'against.' 
Defense Bonds, defense work . . . 
all hooey! What we mean Is War 
Bonds, the war effort. That's our 
language now. 

'We're aching for something to get 
excited about, something to do, 
something to get rid of our pent-up 
energy. To flght, and flght like 
men. 

We have a lot of deeds that need 
to be avenged. So far a lot of these 
little jobs are still hanging fire, un- 
done, and the sooner we settle the 
score the better. 

We see nothing amusing, funny or 
comical in the devilish dictators with 
whom we're dealing. We see noth- 
ing to laugh at In Mussolini's puffy 
strutting, and we don't care a hoot 
in Hades about Hitler's mustache. 

We want to take the offensive and 
we want to take it psychologically 
before we take it physically. We 
want to feel that we control our own 
destiny by our strength, our power 
and our might. 

We're fed up definitely and thor- 
oughly with these cute little plain- 
tive songs. What we want are bat- 
tle songs. Don't tell us there'll be 
bluebirds over the white cliffs of 
Dover. To hell with the bluebirds. 
Tell us there'll be vultures over 
Berchtesgaden. 

Yes, we're bored to death with all 
this stuff about keeping a stiff upper 
lip. We want to develop a stiff up 
percut. We don't feel sad. We feel 
fighting mad. 
Do you get how WE feel now? 



•The Holabird Exhaust, Holabird 
QM Motor Base, Md., as reprinted 
in the Army Ti7)ies, Washington 
D. C. 



Inside Stuff-Musk 



Performance rights to 'Here Comes the Navy' were picked up by Sha 
piro-Bernstein after it was recognized flS a parody of S-B's 'Beer Barrel 
Polka' over an NBC broadcast last June. Lyrics to 'Navy' were written 
by Lt. Comm. Clarence P. Oakes, stationed at the Naval' Institute of Chi 
cago,awho is donating all royalties due him to the Navy Relief. 'Navy' 
hopped to popularity after spreading on its own power through various 
Naval training centers. 



Famous Music has pulled a Ripley by asking the major networks not 
\o overplug 'Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,' urging that the 
renditions be separated by four hours instead of the usual two. Sid 
Kornheiser, professional head of the firm, is using as an argument the 
fact that the Office of War Information wants to see such songs as 'Praise 
perpetuated, as part of the war effort, and its overplugging would soon 
kill off a worthwhile aid to the OWI aims. 



Don't Forget — 

» "Variety's' query about which 
composer has made the most 
lasting impression on America'! 
ears — Berlin, Gershwin or 
Sousa?— fetched a number of 
replies. 

Added starters, proposed by 
some (and not without merit) 
stressed Victor Herbert and Cole 
Porter, along with the above. 
And what about George M. 
Cohan? 



Rnstling Russian Tones 
Are Legal Sometimes, 
But Never Ethical 



As 'Variety' anticipated, the Famous Names' Famous Songs compilation 
In last week's issue fetched some reaction because of incompleteness. 
Radio producer Bob Kerr justifiably recalls Gene Austin's 'My Blue 
Heaven.' Others are invited to supply any further omissions for a supple- 
mentary list. 

'Manhattan Serenade,' published by Robbins. was gypped of first place 
In 'Variety's' breakdown last week by 'He's My Guy' (Leeds), which was 
erroneously credited with 31 plugs. 'Guy' should have been listed as 
second with a total of 26 plugs; 'Manhattan Serenade' received 27 plugs. 



Jean Geiringer, secretary of the International Confederation of Authors 
& Composers Societies, now headquartered in technically neutral Lisbon, 
Portugal, is addressing the New York University students today (Wed.) 
on music copyright, etc. 

Geiringer, a former member of the French Society, and now in New 
York, is joining ASCAP as special consultant on international music copy- 
right. 



MOST CONSIBTRNTrV TLAVKD MONO IN A.MERICA 

"STRICTLY INSTRUMEHTA)." 

RKCORDKD BV ' 
HARRY JAMES (COL.) BOB CHESTER (BLUEBIRD) 

JERRY WALD (DECCA) JIMMIE LUNCEFORO (DECCA) 

CHERIO MUSIC PUBLISHERS, INC. 



WALKING 
THE FLOOR 
OVER YOU 



Bing Crosby 
With Bob Crosby's Bob Cats (Dacca 18371) 

Ernest Tubb (Dacca 6958) Dick Robertson 
(Dacca 4169) Bob Atcher (Okeh 6496) 

AHEBICAN MUSIC, Inc. 



• IS3 SuiHt Blvd., 



New York. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

Variety' is quite right in saying 
that there has been a good deal of 
violation of the Tights of Russian 
composers, and that the ditty, 'Every- 
body's Making Money but Tchaikov- 
sky,' is just as true today as it has 
ever been, 

The question whether, speaking 
technically from a legal point of 
view, the music Is or is not in the 
public domain, is interesting, but not 
important in this discussion. For In- 
stance, even if Tchaikovsky had been 
protected by copyright, the copyright 
would have expired by now and his 
music wbuld be in the public domain. 

The indiscriminate 'swiping' in the 
musical field is due principally to two 
factors: the ready accessibility to 
music and the possibility of repro- 
duction, as distinguished from that of 
books and plays; and the absence of 
those ethical standards which pre- 
vail among publishers of plays and 
producer. Soviet literary produc- 
tions and plays are Just as unpro- 
tected as Soviet music, and yet there 
have been only rare instances of un- 
lawful use or plagiarism. It can 
be safely stated that probably there 
are no such cases. But even In the 
case of those classics which are in 
the public domain, like 'War and 
Peace,' new editions have remained 
true to the classic original and no 
attempt has been made to jazz them 
up; Neither Napoleon nor the Czar 
nor Kutusov of 'War and Peace, 
has been put on the radio to sell 
soft drinks or chewing gum. 

When 'Variety' speaks in its ar 
tide, of the complaint of AMRUS, 
that anybody can revamp a musical 
arrangement and receive a copyright, 
it is correct. The same would apply 
to translations of plays; where a 
play is in the public domain a trans- 
Jator or adaptor can receive pro 
tection only on his version. Yet no 
one of the theatre would think of 
'swiping' the adaptor's or transla 
tor's version, rearranging it and 
putting it on. That ethical concept 
in the theatre world that, if anyone 
raises the issue of plagiarism, it 
would seriously interfere with sue 
cessful production of the play, makes 
the theatre people overcautious and 
makes them demand, in any deal, 
the evidence of title or right to use 
or sell before they will purchase. 
Quite the opposite seems to be true 
in the musical field. The result has 
been a violation of the common law 
rights of the composer; and what is 
more obnoxious, indecent vulgariza- 
tion of Beethoven, Bach and all the 
musical classics, into jazz and jitter- 
bug music. That Shostakovich has 
so far fared only slightly better than 
Tchaikovsky is due to the fact that 
Tin Pan Alley has not yet gone in 
as strong for Shostakovich as it has 
for Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. 
Common Law As Copyright 
Coming to the question of pro 
tection by exchange of reciprocal 
rights, which your soldier-corre 
spondent mentions [Sept. 16, p. 43], 
that is a long subject and would re 
quire much time and space. I think 
your soldier-boy hits the mark in 
saying that there is no sense in mak- 
ing copyright arrangements, since 
anyone is permitted to take the 
whole of Shostakovich and play it 
without protection to the composer. 
But what your correspondent for 
gets is the common-law rights of 
the author or composer, which still 
hold, copyright or no copyright. You 
have no more right to steal the work 
of an author or composer than to 
steal his pair of shoes. It is his 
property. The trouble has been that 
most of the legal opinions given 
on the question of protection of 
foreign authors have been based on 
copyright instead of common-law 
rights of living authors or their im 
mediate estates, in works which are 
not In the public domain. UnfortU' 



NBC CBS, BhK, Mutual Plugs 



Following tabulation of popular muste per/ormancet embraces alt four 
networks— NBC, CBS, Blue and Mutual— a* represented by WEAF Wjz 
WABC and WOR, N. Y. Compilation herewith cot>er« week beginnijw 
Monday fhrouffh Sunday, Oct. B-11 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.. ond i» 
based on data provided by Accurate Reporting Service regular source (or 
music publishing industry. 

TITLE PUBLISHER 

Dearly Beloved — t'You Never Lovelier' Chappell 

My Demotion .* Santly 

Came Here Talk For Joe Shapiro 

Daybreak Feist 

At Last— t'Orchestra Wives' Feist 

Be Careful. My Heart— t'Hollday Inn' Berlin 

He's My Guy Leeds 

White Christmas— t'Holiday Inn' Berlin 

Wonder When Baby Crawford .... 

Got Gal Kalamazoo — t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 

Manhattan Serenade Robbins 

Mr. Five By Five— t'Behlnd Eight Ball' Leeds 

There'll Never Ba Another You — t'Iceland'. . . Morris 

Serenade In Blue — t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 

Idaho Mills 



TOTAI, 

32 

31 

28 

27 

23 

21 

21 

21 

21 

20 

18 

18 

18 

17 

18 

Can't Get Out Mood— t'Seven Days Leave'... Southern 15 

Just As Though You Here Yankee 15 

I Met Her Monday ABC ij ' 

I Get Neck of Chicken . Southern 14 

••This Is the Army Mr. Jones Army 14 

Why Don't You Fall Harms 14 

By Light Silvery Moon Remick 12 

Every Night About This Time Warock 12 

Praise Lord, Pass Ammunition Famous 12 

Conchita Lopez — t'Prloritles On Parade' Famous 11 

Hip Hip Hooray Robbins 11 

••Left Heart at Canteen Army n 

When Long Way From Home Broadway U 

Jingle Jangle Jingle — t'Forest Rangers' Paramount 10 

Take Me BVC 10 

•When the Lights Go on Again CLP 10 

Pennsylvania Polka Shapiro 8 

Major and Minor — t'Major and Minor' Famous 8 

Singing Sands of Alamosa Remick 8 

Ten Little Soldiers Lincoln 

All the Things You Are Chappell 

New York Nocturne Robbins 

•Strictly Instrumental Cherio . 

You Never Lovelier — t'You Ntver Lovelier". .. Harms . 

Army Air Corps Fischer 6 

Blue Skies Berlin 6 

Between 18th and 19th Leeds 6 

Der Fuerher's Face Southern 6 



Gobs of Love 

He Wears Silver Wings 

I Wanna Go Back to West Virginia 

I'm Old Fashioned — t'You Never Lovelier'. 
People Like You Like — t'Orchestra Wives'. 

There Are Such Things 

•Whistler's Mother-ln-Law 

Abraham — t'Hollday Inn' 

Always In My Heart — t'Always In Heart' . . . 

♦At the Crossroads 

For Me and My Gal— t'For Me and My Gal'. 

God Bless America Berlin 

•Love Is a Song— t'Bambi' BMI 



Paramount 6 

Shapiro 6 

Van Guard 6 

Chappell 6 

BVC 6 

Yankee 6 

Melodylane 6 

Berlin 5 

Remick 5 

Marks 5 

Mills 5 

5 

5 



•Nightingale 

That Gotcha 

Under Strawberry Moon 
You and I Know 



Marks 5 

Shapiro S 

Witmark 5 

Robbins 9 



•Indicates BMI licensing; others are via ASCAP. 

tFilmuitcal. ••'fhi« It the Army' publishing subsid, licensed freely to 
all users. 



nately this matter of oommon-law 
rights has been somewhat confused 
by a number of Federal decisions 
which seem to hold that il the work 
is copyrighted the common -law 
rights are forfeited. 
In conclusion, this can be said: 

1. Neither the United States nor 
the Soviet Union is a member of the 
Berne Convention. 

2. The foreign author can protect 
himself not by copyrighting his work 
in the United States, but by assign- 
ing it to a United States citizen, who 
would then protect his common-law 
rights in case of their violation. 

3. This object Is more difficult to 
accomplish in the musical field than 
in the literary or dramatic field, be- 
cause of the easy availability of 
music to everyone and the facility 
with which it can be absorbed into 
other compositions. 

4. The absence of ethical concepts 
in the musical field similar to those 
that prevail in the literary and dra 
matic fields, is another difficulty In 
the case of musical compositions, 

5. If Our public is once aroused to 
the proper reverence for classical 
musical works, so that they cannot 
be bandied about in 'the scandalous 
way they have been during the past 
three or four years, it will resent 
the desecration of such works, and 
the song 'Everyone's Making Money 
but Tchaikovsky' will no longer be 
true. 

Charle? Recht, 
(The writer of this opinion is an 
attorney specializing in Soviet copy- 
right problems — Ed). 



Charles Ross, manager of the Para- 
mount Music Co., has written a.^ra- 
matic series, 'You Can't Lose:'^ in 
collaboration with Allen Lerncr and 
'Francis Wilson. 



Bobby Burns to Grinnell 
For Officer Training 

Bobby Burns, former manager of 
Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, has been 
ordered to begin training for a 
Lieutenant's commission at the Army 
Administrative School at Grinnell 
College, Grinnell, Iowa. He has been 
in the Army almost six months and 
was stationed at Camp Dix, N. J- 
He reports at Grinnell Oct. 29. 

At Dix Burns was associated in 
producing radio programs with Sgt. 
Jack Leonard, formerly Dorsey's 
vocalist. Just after receiving his 
orders to train for a commission 
Burns was made a Corporal. 



'The Song Of The Hour* 

I NEED AMERICA 

(America Needs Me) 
★ ★ * 

All Material Available 

• BAND 

• DANCE ORCH. 

• VOCAL— 3 KEYS 

AMERICAN MUSIC, Inc. 

0IS3 SoBsct BiTd. 
Hollrweod, Calif. 



NAVY DAY — OCTOBER 27 

Balote Your Navy With (he No. 1 Nuvy Son( of World Wnr II 

FIGHTING SONS Of The NAVY BLUE 

Protmlonal Mntrrlnl Arallnbl* 

VANGUARD SONGS, 1509 N. Vine Sl, HoUywood, Cal. 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



MUSIC 



43 



In Heated Session Contactmeii 8 Union 
Sez Bornstein Owes Johnston Nothing 



Following a heated meeting dur- 
ing which fellow unionists engaged 
in bitter personalities, the execu- 
tive council of the 'contactmen's 
union exonerated Saul A. Born- 
stein, v.p. and general manager of 
Irving Berlin, Inc., of any mone- 
tary obligations to Jerry JohiistSh, 
former manager of ABC Music, Inc., 
a Berlin subsidiary. The vote in 
Bernstein's favor was seven to three. 

Johnston, wtio Is now with the 
Robbins Music Corp., had filed a 
complaint with the council charg- 
ing that Bornstein owed him two 
weeks salary in lieu of two weeks 
vacation. Bornstein contended that 
this was not so since Johnston had 
walked out of a contract which had 
eight months to go. Also that there 
was nothing in the contract pre- 
vailing between the union and music 
publishers which required the em- 
ployer to give a resigning employee 
two weeks vacation. 

During the discussion Irving Tanz 
accused his fellow councilite, Jonie 
Taps, of taking the part of the 
bosses. Taps retorted that Tanz had 
' got in the habit of using his posi- 
tion on the council to take out per- 
sonal grievances against certain 
publishers. Tanz had at one time 
worked for Bornstein. Others en- 
tered into the crossfire, but the fur- 
ore subsided with the exchange 
being limited to words. 

Writer System 'Secrecy' 
May Cause Flare-Up At 
Oct. 29 ASCAP Meet 



Fireworks from writer quarters is 
expected to enliven the semi-annual 
meeting of the ASCAP membership 
which will be held at the Astor 
hotel, N. Y., Oct. 29. The terget of 
attack will be the writer classifica- 
tion committee and the cause will 
be dissatisfaction with the commit- 
tee's refusal to furnish individual 
members with copies of the proposed 
new classification system. 

Numerous writers have contended 
that they were entitled to know 
what the plan is all about, and they 
are demanding that the classification 
committee, which consists of writer 
members on the ASCAP board, give 
them an optiortunity to analyze it. 
They are afraid that the committee 
will adopt the plan without any 
such pre-study by the eastern contin- 
gent of ASCAP writers. At the in- 
sistence of westcoast writers the 
ASCAP executive committee re- 
cently delegated three writers to 
Journey to Hollywood for the pur- 
pose of explaining the plan. 

Gene Buck Favors It 

. Hollywood, Oct. 13, 
Coast songwriters who oppose the 
proposed ASCAP reclassiflcatlon 
plan are due for a surprise during 
the meeting tomorrow night (Wed- 
nesday) at which Fred Ahlert, 
Cliarles Tobias and SUnley Adams 
will explain the new system. L. 
Wolfe Gilbert, the local writers' 
rep on the ASCAP board, will on 
that occasion read a letter from 
Gene Buck, ex-ASCAP prez. en- 
dorsing the plan. 

While the contents of Buck's 
letter are supposed to be secret, it 
has been revealed that he favors 
the new set-up. He was informed in-' 
timates that the 'plan is workable 
if nefarious schemes don't outweigh 
Its nefarious points.' 

Gilbert himself admits the plan 
haa merits but he Is opposed to any 
changes at this time, holding that 
the 'freeze' is on everywhere and 
Should apply to ASCAP so as to 
protect writers called to the armed 
service or who are devoting their 
to wrltin? war songs which 



15 Best Sheet Music SeDers 

(Week of Oct. 10) 

White Christmas Berlin 

My Devotion Santly ■ 

Praise Lord Famous 

Army Air Corps Fischer 

When Lights Go On CLP 

Serenade in Blue BVC 

Spangled Banner Waved. .Miller 

Wears Silver Wings Shapiro 

Strip Polka Morris 

Kalamazoo BVC 

Met Her Monday ABC 

Ten Little Soldiers Lincoln 

Pennsylvania Polka Shapiro 

Stage Door Canteen Army 

He's My Guy . .Leeds 



'IRISH EYES' A 
KEY CASE IN 
RENEWAL 



Washington, Oct. 13. 
U. S. Supreme Court yesterday 
(Monday) granted George Graff, Jr., 
the right of review in his appeal of 
a lower court decision on the re- 
newal rights of 'When Irish Eyes 
Are Smiling.' The circuit court of 
appeals had by a two-to-one decision 
upheld the claim of Witmark & 
Sons, a Warner Bros, firm, to the 
song's renewal rights by virtue of 
an assignment Graft had granted in 
1917. A year before the renewal 
came due (1939) Graff assigned right 
of renewal to the Fred Fisher Music 
Co. 

The principle involved is of great 
import to the old line of publishing 
firms since they have many similar 
renewal assignments in their safes or 
files. The majority opinion of the 
circuit court had held that a re- 
newall right given by a writer is 
valid regardless of the time It was 
conveyed and so long as the writer 
is alive at the time the renewal be- 
comes due. Judge Jerome Frank, in 
a dissenting opinion, took the view 
that such was not the intent of the 
congressional framers of the copy- 
right act of 1909. He contended that 
the right of renewal was set up so 
that the writer, after being subject 
to an unfavorable deal for 28 years, 
could be free to capitalize on the 
song's future value. 

Graff's co-writers on 'Irish Eyes' 
were the late Ernie Ball and Chaunr 
cey Olcott. John Schulman, counsel 
for the Songwriters Protective Asso- 
ciation, handled the appeal to the 
top tribunal for Graff. 



are not as commercial as their 
normal outout. 

A Wire From Elsie Janis 
Following wire from Elsie Janis 
is scheduled to be read by Gil- 
bert: 

'Pleoi'e Jiofe f do not start with 
U'ell-ioorn 'sorry I can't be with 
you.' May I, as charter member, 
say this. I am very grateful for 
$185, 10% for war bond;, that / pet 
four times year, I don't know 
whether this meeting vreans I will 
get less or more, but I do know this, 
these are terrific times: nerves are 
on edge. America is fighting for life, 
not royalties. To Hitler and Hiro- 
hito classi/lcation is just another 
word for disunity. It is not good 
time to argue about who gets what 
or why unless it is to see that those 
two so-and-sos get theirs in the 
axis and hoa'. Did you guys ever 
hear of status quo? Mighty nice 
place to hide out in when things are 
60 uncertain. Love to all of you, 
anyway.' 



FOR MORE REQUESTS! 



POUND YOUR TABLE POLKA 



< RECORDED BY: 

' MARY MARTIN and HORACE HEIDT— Golumbia 
• LAWRENCE WELK— Decca 

• RENE MUSETTE— Victor 
• BARRY SISTERS— Standard 

h ^rofesaional eopiea available. Orcheatration by JACK MASON % 

COLONIAL MUSIC PUB. CO., Inc. 

JIM DOBKIM, Mgr. lea W»»t 43 St., New Yarh, N. \. 



BYRON GAY LOSES PART 
OF HIS 'VAMP' ARGUMENT 



Byron Gay, songwriter, last week 
received a partial setback in the 
$450,000 damage suit that he had 
filed against Leo Feist, Inc., the Rob- 
bins Music Corp., Will Rossiter and 
20th Century Fox in connection with 
an old hit of his, "The Vamp." Justice 
Carroll G. Walker in the N. Y. su- 
preme court dismissed that portion 
of the action which alleged an un- 
authorized use of the song in the 
fllmusical, 'Rose of Washington 
Square.' 

The number was originally pub- 
lished in 1919 by Will Rossiter and in 
1919 that publisher sold it to Feist 
for $35,000. A/ter Robbins, the hold- 
ing company for Feist, had licensed 
"The Vamp' to 20th Century Gay 
brought suit charging that the rights 
he had granted Rossiter were limited 
to publications and phonograph rec- 
ords and stating that he (Gay) had 
reserved all other rights to himself. 
Also that Rossiter had held the copy- 
right in trust for him (Gay) and that 
he had no right to transfer it to 
Feist. 

Justice Walter In his decision said 
that it appeared to him that Gay was 
seeking damage, not for any breach 
of contracts he had made with the 
defendants but for the unauthorized 
use of a copyrighted composition. 
That was something, the judge added, 
outside' the jurisdiction of the state 
court. The dismissal of this particu- 
lar cause of action had been asked 
by Julian T. Abeles, Robbins' coun- 
sel. 

The question now to be settled by 
the court as far as Gay's suit is con- 
cerned is whether Rossiter had 
breached Gay's contract by virtue of 
the deal Rossiter made with Feist 



BONUS HOPES 
SOCKED BY 
NEW RULE 



Walter G. Douglas, chairman of the 
Music Publishers Protective Associa- 
tion, last week supplied mem- 
bers with an analysis of the Presi- 
dent's wage-freezing order. The 
circular letter pointed out that under 
the order salaries include bonuses, 
additional compensation, gifts, com- 
missions and fees that for the pur- 
pose of computing an employee's 
salary such additional compensation 
is not to be taken into account un- 
less it has been customarily paid in 
the pa.st. 

It is common among publishers to 
distribute bonuses among their gen- 
eral managers and professional man- 
agers at the end of the year. 



'IN IOWA' COMPOSER 
SUING NBC AND ASCAP 



William R. Law, composer of 'In 
Iowa' has filed suit against NBC 
and ASCAP in N. Y. supreme court 
seeking an accounting and damages, 
contending the defendants have as- 
sumed performing rights of his song 
illegally since Sept. 1936. 

Law claims that publishing rights 
to 'In Iowa' were given to Melrose 
Bi'O.s. Music Co. in 1929, but that he 
retained authority over the song. 



Musicraf t Records Files 
N. Y. Bankruptcy Petition 

Musicraft Records, Inc., filed a vol- 
untary bankruptcy petition in N. Y. 
federal court last week li.<ting lia- 
bilitie.<: of $111,499 and assets totaling | 
$100,591. Itemized is asset listing! 
is S43.466 as a valuation machinery, I 
fixtures and tools. Debts due to open 
accounts amount to $16,918. 

Owed as money loaned, Mu«icraft 
lists the Allied Radio Corp., Chi- 
cago, as $4,180. 



250 New ASCAP Members Cut Down 
Shares of M Qass Composers 



British Best Sheet Sellers 

(Week Ending Sept. 24) 

London, Sept. 25. 

Jealousy Wright 

White Christmas Victoria 

Anniversary Waltz Chappell 

One More Kiss Maurice 

Where in World Wood 

You're Mine F-D-H 

Worth Fighting For Sterling 

3 Little Sisters C-C 

Dozen Roses Victoria 

Skylark Chappell 

Kiss in Ocean Wood 

Apple Tree Sun 



PUBS HARD PUT 
FOR RATINGS 
SYSTEM 



The publisher section on the 
ASCAP board of directors, which 
also functions as a publishers' classi- 
fication committee, is experiencing 
much difficulty in even arriving at 
a set of principles on which to base 
their revamping of availability rat- 
ings. No two of the 12 men on the 
committee are in agreement on a 
yardstick, and the discussions on the 
subject, which are held weekly, have 
been enshrouded in a multitude of 
new theories and concepts. 

Availability is one of the quotients 
used! to determine a publisher mem- 
ber's share of the royalty. It counts 
for 30%, while performances figure 
55% and seniority of membership 
counts for 15%. The purpose of avail- 
ability is to give publishers credit for 
the relative value of their catalogs' to 
the Society's repertoire. 

It has long been the impression 
among pub members that this evalu- 
ation applies strictly to numbers that 
have had their initial flush of ex- 
ploited popularity, and then, after the 
passage of a year or two, become 
accepted as part of American music- 
lore. Among the new theories that 
have popped up in the committee 
meetings is one that holds that the 
valuation yardstick should be applied 
to the quality of a publisher's current 
tunes. It is also argued that avail- 
ability should take into consideration 
the number of songs put out by a 
publisher annually. 

Another factor that Is making It 
difficult for the committee to get 
started on the task of revising the 
entire list of member availabilities is 
the tendency of each committeeman 
to offer a yardstick which would give 
the breaks to his particular class of 
catalog. 



Mills Music, Ine., has taken over 
the publication of 'I Lost My Sugar 
in Salt Lake City' from Leon Renee 
and John Lang, who are also the 
co-authors of the number. 

Renee and Lang had already un- 
dertaken to put out the song when 
Mills made (he deal. 



Werner Heyman writing back- 
ground music for Columbia's 'A 
Night to Remember.' 



The quarterly dividends of 
ASCAP's Class AA writers continue 
to go down, even though the total 
royalty distributions this year have 
been equal to, if not greater, than 
they were in 1041. The double A 
members, along with the others, got 
their ASCAP checks this week for 
the quarter ending Sept. 30, and the 
average payoff for this class this time 
was $2,400. For the same quarter of 
19^1 the divvy for Class AA was 
$3,400. The second quarter of 1942 
(ended June 30) brought the average 
double A $2,900. 

The progressive reduction of the 
shares going to the Society's upper 
writer brackets has been due to two 
causes: (1) over 250 new members 
have joined the Society within the 
past 18 months and (2) the writers 
classification committee has for the 
past year been raising the ratings of 
many in the lower brackets without 
reducing the classifications of those 
already in the upper strata. A couple 
years ago a double A's quarterly 
share figured as much as $4,000. 

The total distribution for writers 
and publishers for the quarter ended 
Sept. 30, 1942, was $1,056,000. The 
divvy for the parallel period of 1941, 
which represented an all-tlme quar- 
terly record, was $1,118,000. 

The accumulative distribution for 
the initial three quarters of this 
year is $3,106,000. 



Boston Jodge Mailing Case; 
'Caissons' Status In or Out 
Of Copyright Is Issne 

Boston, Oct. 13. 
Federal Judge J. C, Sweeney last 
week reserved decision after he had 
heard evidence in the infringement 
and Injuactlon suit brotight by Sha- 
piro, Bernstein & Co. against E. C. 
Schirmer, local publisher, over the 
allegedly unauthorized use of "The 
Caissons Go Rolling Along' in • 
songbook. Shapiro-Bernstein had 
several months before obtained a 
favorable decision against the same 
publisher In connection with 'Casey 
Jones.' 

The defense advanced by Schirmer 
in the 'Caissons' action was that the 
copyright Involved was not a valid 
one, Schirmer contended that the 
composition, written by the late 
Brig. Gen. Edmund L. Gruber in 
1908, had been freely performed artd 
published before some friends of hia 
at West Point had Included it in a 
songbook in 1921, and that because 
of the circumstances the number be- 
longed in the public domain. . Schir. 
mer Included the composition in a 
book, 'Home and Community Songs' 
that it put out in 1910. 

Shapiro-Bernstein submitted data 
to the court showing that the pub- 
lication in the West Point book waa 
with Gruber's permission and that 
his friends subsequently assigned the 
copyright to him and that Gruber, 
in turn, transferred the assignment 
'to S-B. 'Caissons' has since the 
entry of the United States in the 
present war received much attention 
from radio and other music users 
and become a substantial music sheet 
seller. 

The late John Philip Sousa in- 
cluded the theme of the Gruber 
number in his 'U. S. Artillery 
March," but in recent years Carl 
Fischer, publisher of the march, has 
covered the use through a license 
obtained from Shapiro-Bernstein. 



Remick Music Co. Is publishing the 
score of 'Powers Girl.' the Charles 
R. Rogers picture, including the 
Jules Slyne-Kim Gannon tunes, 
'Partners,' 'Three Dreams,' 'Out of 
This World.' 'The Lady Who Didn't 
Believe in Love' and 'We're Looking 
For the Big Bad AVolf.' 



"WHEN THE LIGHTS 
GO ON AGAIN" 

/.I (ALL OVER THE WORLD) 

bv'ki>i>ik krii.kr, hoi, M.ARcrs ma be.n.mk bbnjemen 
• 

The following recording$ are now on tale 
Vaughn Monroe — Victor 
Les Brown — Okeh 
Shep Fields— Bluebird 
Dick Todd— Bluebird 
Lucky Millinder — Decca 

CAMPBELL • LOFT • PORGIE, Inc. 
1619 Broadway, New York 



44 TAUDE VnUB 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



(j^ Store Sfrike Hits Pa. Nitieries 
On Sopiilies; Gotta Scout for Stuff 



Pittsburgh, Oct 13. 

Strike of liquor store employees in 
Allegheny county and several other 
• tions ot Pennsylvania had nitery 
owners here burning up their rubber 
•nd gasoline rushing to all parts of 
the state in order to replenish their 
dwindling stocks. State stores are 
only place where retailers, as well 
as public, can purchase their booze 
and the walk-out nearly put sev- 
eral cafe operators temporarily out 
•f business. 

AI Mercur, who had just opened 
his new Music bar only a week be- 
fore, had visions ot folding almost 
Immediately due to his failure to 
stock up sufflciently, but he got his 
entire staff on the long-distance 
phone for three hours straight and 
finally learned of half a dozen stores 
that were still open in remote vil- 
lage centers, and that saved the day. 
He sent his manager on a motor tour 
of the spots and latter came back 
with 40 cases. 

Tony Conforti, owner of Nixon 
c .e, was forced to do the same 
thing. He made his purchases in 
New Castle, Pa., about 60 miles from 
here, and practically cleaned out the 
store there. In a lot of cases, where 



nitery entrepreneurs didn't have the 
same foresight, they were complete- 
ly out of the more popular brands 
and had to peddle what they had 
over the bar. I. strike keeps up 
much longer, the liquor license in a 
lot of places is going to be merely 
a scrap of paper. 



Phllly Threat 

Philadelphia. Oct. 13. 

Philly niteries are facing a drought 
here, and a shutdown of some of the 
smaller spots Is threatened unless 
there's a settlement soon between the 
State Admlnietration and the clerks 
of the State "Liquor stores. 

The stores have been shut more 
than a week, following a lockout of 
the clerks, who had staged a one-day 
work stoppage in protest over their 
salaries. (Liquor store clerks get $23 
a week here.) 





On Tour 

Paraonal Rapraaontatlvoi 
FRANK VINCENT 
^varly Hllla, Calif. 



Dixie Dnpbar Playing 
The Pitt Sbottle Circuit 



Pittsburgh, Oct, 13. 

Dixie Dunbar's going to play stock 
here for a while. Dancer has been 
booked into Stanley theatre with 
Glen Gray's band for week begin- 
ning Friday (16), will stick around 
over the weekend for a couple of 
club dates and on the following 
Monday (26) opens an engagement 
at Villa Madrid, downtown nitery. 

Latter spot operated by Etzi Co- 
vato, John Lazaro and Mike Morra, 
If going In for a name policy this 
season and will launch It with Miss 
Dunbar. Stanley management was 
a little bit put out when local agent 
who booked gal Into Villa released 
news to the papers before her the- 
atre engagement had even been an- 
nounced. 



Harl Smltti from Sun Valley to 
Empire Room, Hotel Utah, Salt 
Lake City. 



Saranac Lake 

By Bappy Benway 

Saranac Lake, Oct. 13. 

Jack Altree, ex-manager and art- 
ist who saw much bed routme, seen 
downtown window shopping and 
mitting the out-of-the-san patients. 

Albert Reynolds. Metro scripter 
and author, back at the Will Rogers 
after a week of New York. Likes 
the ozone here better. 

Jerry (Brandt Circuit) Dorene all 
hopped up over a mess of good re- 
porU. Medico give verdict that it is 
only a matter of time before it is 
back-to-work for him. Others do- 
ing well arc newcomer Bill (Para- 
mount theatre, Bicoklyn) Scherl and 
Jordie McLean. . . 

Lee Klemmick and Vivian Vaughn 
left for a two-week vacash in New 

^Mother of Agnes Orr in from New 
York to bedside her daughter. Lat- 
ter mastered recent major operation. 

Marie Clancy, of the Will Rogers 
hospital sUff, notified to report as 
a nurse for Uncle Sam in the Navy. 
Her father. Jack Clancy, is the X- 
ray expert of the Bjgers. He has 
two sons in the service, and is try- 
ing to enlist himself. 

Benny Resslcr, who saw much 
vaudeville service with his mother, 
Mrs. Gene Hughes, is one of the 
outstanding comebacks of this col- 
ony. He's a committee man in the 
local War Bond drive. 

Walter Conley, from the Locw 
circuit, mastering the ozoning rou- 
tine. He's at the Carson apartmenU, 
Woodruff street, Saranac Lake. 

BUFFALO'S OWL SHOWS 
CUCK FOR WORKERS 

Buffalo, Oct. 13. 
All-night sessions for picture the 
aires and other places of amusement 
are becoming the vogue here. Sue 
cess of 'swing shift" shows at Shea's 
deluxe Buffalo from 2 a. m. to 5 
a. m. Thursday mornings has been 
so great that the theatre last week 
added the Charlie Spivak stage 
show. Increasingly heavy b.o. is re 
ported for the sessions with audi- 
ences made up mostly of plane plant 
workers. 

Main-Utica Ballroom featuring 
Harold Austin's ork is now under- 
scoring special sessions for 'second 
shift workers' Friday nights with 
dancing commencing at 9:15 p. m 
and continuing to 4 a. m. Saturday 
mornings. Heavy take is prompting 
surrounding restaurants and taverns 
into cooperative newspaper ad lay 
outs Fridays. 



Unit Review 



BEAUTIES ON PARADE 

(STATE, SALISBURY, N. C.) 



5o(Uburv> N. C, Oct. 8. 
Three Well*, Herb Camp, Slim Wil- 
liams, Margie Rice, Charles Fuller, 
Line, Band; 'All-ATnerican Co-Ed. " 



THANKS TO JIMMY VERNON AND DARIO 
OF THE LA MARTINIQUE, N. Y., FOR 
KEEPING ME ON AND ON 



ALSO THANKS TO 
THE WnXIAM MORRIS 
AGENCY, INC, FOR 
HANDLING ALL MY 
BUSINESS. 

('Variety^ Soid Sept. 23 ) 

Jackie Miles is making his 
first New York appearance: 
he's an assured hit for Broad- 
way. Suave, immaculate, im> 
perturbable and, to some ex- 
tent deadpan. Miles 
dishes a sophisticated, 
slightly bluish, but in- 
offensive chatter which 
stamps him an excellent 
entry for Uie 
smarter cafes. To 
top it off he has 
a couple ot sock 
novelty comedy in- 
terpretations. His 
best is an imita- 
tion of a reefer- 
smoking pitchman 
in a burlesque 
show -peddling 
chocolate bars 
'with nuts.' Scarce- 
ly less hilarious is 
his impression of 
Bing Crosby's first 
broMCast. 

Mori. 




JACKIE 
MILES 



Attorney Wins $2,600 
From Mpls. Hotel in Fafl 

'Minneapolis, Oct. 13. 
Robert Luce, v.p. and claim at- 
torney for the Casualty Mutual In- 
surance Co., Chicago, whose busi 
ness it is to settle claims against his 
company, was on the other side of 
the fence as the winner of a $2,600 
verdict in a $7,000 personal injury 
suit against the Nicollet hotel. 

Luce attempted to cross the ice 
floor in the hotel's Minnesota Ter- 
race nitery before one of the eve- 
ning performances of the Dorothy 
Lewis ice revue. He slipped and 
br >ke his arm at the elbow. 

He testified that he had entered 
the room at intermission and did not 
know there was an ice show. The 
lights were dim, he said, and he was 
unaware of the ice until he slipped. 
Another point was that ther* were 
no attehdants to warn him to keep 
off the ice. 

The hotel, which is covered by lia- 
bility insurance, contended Luce 
should have known there was an ice 
show because of the considerable 
advertising given the revue. 



Dan Filch, who makes Salisbury 
his headquarters, assembling his 
shows here, came home last week 
with his latest edition, 'Beauties on 
Parade.' He had rehearsed it here 
some three weeks ago, opened with 
it in Georgia and played the picture 
house time this far. He expects to 
be out with this edition for some 
15 weeks longer. But so far as his 
faitliful Salisbury gallery is con- 
cerned, he can put It in mothballs 
now. 

Two sock acts do not make a re- 
vue, as Fitch has learned with this 
show. Top act in reception was the 
Three Wells, two boys and a girl, 
in good acrobatics. Herb Camp also 
delivers. Supplies the only real 
laughs of the show with his com- 
edy vlolining. Next in audience 
vaiue is a cooch number. Two Girls 
in Blue, in blue scanties showing 
wide stretches of epidermis. 

After these three acts the show 
was over, but didn't know it. Charles 
Fuller pipes three patriotic ditties 
to lukewarm reception. Margie 
Rice, with a Mae West appearance 
and manner, does a simple juggling 
act climaxing with two lighted 
torches. 

Slim Williams, in blackface, uses 
the same sermon act he's been sell- 
ing for years, which in itself is 
funny, even when he's playing it re- 
peatedly to the same folks. But this 
time he diluted it with some efforts 
at humor in current events. The act 
is padded beyond reason. 

Band ia good, the chorus better 
than average. Fitch, a vet minstrel, 
emcees, but only announces the acts. 

Hard. 



McGINLEY HEADS PA. 
STATE LABOR UNIT 



Philadelphia, Oct. 13. 

The State Department of Lalior 
and Industry last week appointed 
James B. McGinley as agent-in- 
charge of enforcement of the book- 
ing license law bere^ Ignoring a peti- 
tion of actors and bookers that a 
man with show business background 
be named to the post 

McGinley, who said he worked as 
a 'supervisor in a merchandising 
house' before hU appointment and 
admitted that he never had any con- 
nection with show biz, took office 
Thursday (8). He replaced Anthony 
C Sharkey, who was fired two 
months ago following a raid on a 
Parkland (Pa.) roadhouse at which 
Liquor Board agents said they found 
Shailcey tending bar while a strip 
tease was In progress. 

Philly actors have been bombard- 
ing State officials with petitions ask- 
ing that Thomas E. Kelly, former 
executive secretary of the Philly 
local of the American Guild of Va- 
riety Artists, be named to Sharkey's 
job. Kelly, an ex-hoofer, had the 
backing of both AGVA and members 
of the United Entertainers Associa- 
tion, an indie group which he now 
heads. 

Although most agents were luke- 
warm about Kelly, they also felt that 
a man who knew something of their 
problems should get the job. 

McGinley spent the first few days 
on his new job conferring with offi- 
cials of AGVA and Entertainment 
Managers Association (bookers). 



New Act 



RENARD * RUDY 

BaUncing 

5 Mills. 

Star, Brooklyn. 

Pair click nicely with their hand- 
to-hand balancing. Turn is marked 
by plenty of grace and ease with 
which they put over the act. Team 
has apparently been around. , 

Suitable for vaude and niteiies. 

Wear. 



Billy Jackson Operates 
3-Day Hoboken Yaode 



Billy Jackson is going into vaude 
theatre operation at the Rialto, Ho- 
boken, N. J., which heretofore has 
been open only Wednesday and Sun- 
days for Italian opera. 

Jackson is putting ■ three-day- 
weekly vaude policy into the house 
starting Oct. 29. Will use five acts 
and film shorts on a grind basis 
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

Helen Kane will headline his 
opening layout 



Reveal Extortion Plot In 
Theft Arrest of 3 Youths 

Wichita, Kas., Oct 13 
Plot to extort $5,000 from Mrs. 3. 
W, Hickman, wife of the president 
of AU-Star Amus. Co., which owns 
and operates the Blue Moon, night 
club here, was exposed when three 
youths were arrested on petty theft 
and burglary c'harges. 

Ons ot the youths, Ira D. Riley, 
confessed to plot in which he 
planned to enter home of Mrs.' Rick- 
man and force her at point of gun 
to write check for $5,000, then turn 
check to one of his two confederates, 
Ralph W. Davis and Robert Mitchell, 
Jr., to take to bank to be cashed. If 
bank called to have check verified 
he planned to use the gun to force 
Mrs. Rickman to give verification. 

Trio also confessed to series of 
small robberies here. 



Ina Bay Hntton band booked for 
Strand theatre, N. Y., for two weeks, 
opening Feb. 5. 



ON TOUR 

SHIRLEY 

DEANE 

Playing West Cocut Theatres 

Now: PALOMAB THE.tTRB, gfllUle 

Available Novambar 13th 

Maiuicvmeati TOM KETTEBINO 
B«it Irrew Aanrjr, Bolljnrreed 



ALWAYS WORKING I 

*Whitey' ROBERTS 

"WhMcr Boberto csd turn oa cam- 
«ily like m mt^r faoc«t mad iht> 
'wntrr* vn» mlljr 'rnnnliis' durinc 

liU act." 

HlnneapoU* Trlbonc. 



JUNE "Kir aRSON 

HELD OVER 
HOLLYWOOD TROPICS 

II0I.I.TWOOD, r.lLIF. 
Hsnaaoment: 
Rodr Vallce PMenti, Ted IttHmrr 



SACRIFICB COMPLBTK ( Vabom ) 
Ufa Show. AbWi«bI1«i ^e i tiwit kmiii- 
liM iipeclmeBS. Banala. VnlirCTaal 
AttrartloM, MS Alt(«U St, Chlcu*. 




ifedaeadBjt October 14, 1942 



▼AUDEVILtB 



4S 



Major Pipi^ Made to Talent 
Mter Fold of Chi s Rainbow Gardens 



Chlcago.iOct. 13. 
Salary checks to principals and 
most of tiie cliorus for last full 
week'j work having cleared, Raln- 
Gardens closing here Oct. 4 
leaves less than the usual headache, 
although there are a flock of unpaid 
trademen's bills, agents' commis- 
sions, and final four days salary to 
the performers and chorus still to be 
paid/ 

Dean Murphy, Martela and Mig- 
non, Ballard and Rae, Healey end 
Mao reported that chedcs paid them 
for week ending Wednesday before 
closing were good. Custodian has 
been appointed by the court and 
approximately $7,500 taken in over 
weekend banked, assuring at least 
partial payment of balance to enter- 
tainers. 

Tradesmen will doubtless also 
place liens upon money, as many 
bills are outstanding, tn addition, 
there are agents' commissions da- 
ducted from performers' salary 
checks and not paid. 

When Charlie Hepp closed his 
Harry's New Yorker, which he pre- 
viously operated, performers were 
all paid, although numerous trades- 
folk were left holding bag. This clr- 
oumstance and his other previous 
good conduct led AGVA officials to 
''waive two-week guarantee, when it 
was made plain that Hepp and his 
associate, Dave Branower, did not 
have the wherewithal to advance it. 

Rainbow Gardens opened with 
two strikes against it. What oritics 
called bad show, poor management, 
restricted use of cabs to places of 
amusement all played a part in keep- 
ing nitery pleasure-seekers away. 

Opening night, the Garden's mike 
system was very bad. Although 
later corrected, dissatisfaction of 
first audience spread word around, 
which didn't do place any good. 

Hepp also cut down sharply on 
newspaper advertising, with result 
hf) didn't get the ballyhoo needed to 
^11 his huge rendezvous. 

Last week, Hepp stated he was go- 
ing to St. Louis to try and bring In 
^lly Rand as a headliner for revised 
edition of show, under supposition 
that a 'name' attraction might pull 
restaurant out of slough. However 
deal was not consummated. 



Conservation of Tires 
Shots Ohio Night Clnb, 
Dodging Gamblmg Qniz 



Cleveland, Oct. 13. 
Uncle Sam's drive to conserve 
tires indirectly struck a death blow 
at the Arrow Club, largest nitery in 
Northern Ohio, which survived in- 
numerable onslaughts from the local 
John Laws, who tried to close it for 
g^bling violations in the last five 
years. 

Owners stored the club's keno 
tables that could accommodate 3,000 
customers nightly, discharged staff 
and hastily closed the spot last Sat- 
urday (10). By doing so, they deftly 
dodged a grand jury investigation 
which Governor John W. Brlcker of 
Ohio threatened to call if the sher- 
iff of adjoining Geauga County 
didn't clamp down on the elaborate 
Joint. 

As a rule, the Ohio governor fol- 
lows a rule of not interfering with 
legal authorities in various coun- 
ties, allowing them to solve their 
own headaches. Radical reversal- of 
policy was inspired from severe 
jriticism by the Federal Office of 
Defense Transportation, which caus- 
tically pointed out that the Arrow 
Club was encouraging people to bum 
up valuable tires needed for war 
effort purposes. Amount of rubber 
Wasted by gambling clients on long 
motor trips to the club, it was de- 
clared by a federal official, was 
jnough to supply a fleet of army 
trucks with new tires. 

Other clubs are being investigated 
for similar purposes. 

BlondeU Heads Unit 

Latest USO-Camp Shows, Inc., unit 
«> play abroad Is headed by Joan 
Blondell, and is currently showing 
for Yank servicemen in Newfound- 
land. 

Balance of the Uoupe consists of 
Jack Holland, dance partner for Miss 
Blondell; Three Hylton Sisters, sing- 
ers; Dorothy Wenzel, singer; Du^als 
'2), magic, and a seven-man orch 
combo headed by Tony Martucci. 



' PROSER IMPROVING 

Nitery Op, Stricken After Oopa's 
Opening, In ML SInal, N. t. 

Monte Proser, operator and «o- 
owner of the Copacabana, N. Y., Is 
not so critically ill in Mt. Sinai hos- 
pital, where ha was removed from 
the Park East hosp last week. A rup- 
tured intestine was the basU of his ail- 
ment but he's taking a turn for the 
better. 

The nitery owner and former 
Broadway p.a. was suddenly stricken 
directly after the reopening of his 
Copa for the new season. He had 
been getting himself into physical 
shape preparatory to Joining the 
military service. Up to last night, 
at presstlme, Proser was still very 
sick, but expected to pull through. 



Simbrpck Can't 
Handle Coin At 
St LM Show 



St. Louis, Oct. IS. 

Larry Sunbrock, who used to be 
the top man in rodeo and thrill show 
promotions in this burg, is now only 
a small fish in a big pond as the 
Wild West, Rodeo & Thrill Show, 
sponsored by the St. Louis Fire- 
men's Pension Fund, got underway 
Sunday (11). Sunbrock for several 
years flitted in and out of St. Louis 
with his indoor and outdoor enter- 
prises, but ran afoul busine^ men 
here who did not like his interpre- 
tation of business ethics. 

When the firemen decided to spon- 
sor the rodeo, Tom Packs' local 
wrestling and boxing promoter, was 
given the contract to produce and 
manage the show. Having been as- 
sociated with Sunbrock recently in 
the east, Packs went to work and 
lined up the same class of show that 
Sunbrock produced. 

Last week Sunbrock came into 
town to participate in Pack's enter- 
prise, Packs told him that the only 
possible job that Sunbrock could 
handle would be that of m.c. Packs 
said he might give Sunbrock a turn 
at m.c.ing the show, along with Ray 
Dean. Neither Packs or Sunbrock 
are handling any of the coin ob- 
tained through program or seat sales. 
The firemen have heard of Sun- 
brock's financial troubles and want 
no repetition of them here. They are 
handling all of the coin themselves. 

Until a row with the owners of 
Sportsman's Park, where he left the 
ball field in terrible shape after an 
outdoor rodeo and thrill show, and 
clashes with the execs of the Munici- 
pal Auditorium, where he held in- 
door shows, Sunbrock was the fair- 
haired lad. But since those rows he 
has been placed far down on the 
approved list. 



ZUCCA WOULD SET ICE 
SHOW IN COAST CASA 



Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

Casa Manana hoofery in Culver 
City will become an ice rink Be- 
tween dances if Joe Zucca concludes 
a deal with Bellta, English blade 
star, who would head the frosted 
frolics. Changeover would be made 
after the two-week stand of Erskine 
Hawkins beginning Thursday (15). 
Paul Whiteman can have the band 
job with the ice show if his terms 
are suitable to Zucca. 

Zucca, who also operates the Hol- 
lywood Casino, a dancery, may put 
in a fioor show with a line of girls 
to hypo biz which has not responded 
briskly enough to straight band fare. 
Johnny Richards is current there, 
with the likelihood that Freddie 
Slack will follow. 



HALF OF TEAM ENLISTS 

Goodrich & Nelson, balancing act, 
split up when Bert Goodrich joined 
the Navy. 

He'll be a physical training In- 
structor working at Norfolk, Va., 
Navy base. 



Reason Enough 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 13. 

Hollywood Co-Eds, two-girl 
i«am, passed up several other en- 
gagements at considerably more 
money in order to play the 
Nixon Cafe here This week. 

The reason, one of th« girls is 
Paula De Morra. Her husband 
Is Corporal Chick Chagnon, of 
ThU Is the Army.' The soldier 
show's also playing Pittsburgh 
this week; in fact, only a floor 
above the Nixon, at the Nixon 
theatre. 



MPI^. PROBES 
W NITERY 



Minneapolis, Oct. 13. 

Persian Palms, local pop-priced 
night club, is the object of a police 
Inquiry following a declaration by 
Judge W. A. Anderson in municipal 
court that 'the place stinks to heaven 
and is getting police protection.' 

A detective had gone to the estab- 
lishment, which features dancing 
and a cheap floor show, after a sol- 
dier complained that some women 
with whom he had been drinking 
there had stolen hl^ wallet contain- 
ing $40. As he entered the place, the 
detective testlfled that someone hit 
him behind the ear. He took an un- 
escorted woman into custody. 

For several years the police have 
received a continuous barrage of 
complaints from persons who have 
claimed they were rolled, slugged, 
knifed or otherwise met grief in the 
place. 

'Unless the police clean up condi- 
tions in the city, I'm going after the 
police,' warned Judge Anderson. 

It was brought out that during a 
floor show recently a 15-year old girl 
performer did her act while intoxi- 
cated. 



'ShowtimeV $26,000 
Biggest Str.-Yaode B.O. 
Since Old N. Y. Palace 



The better than $26,000 which the 
George Jesseel vaudery, 'Showtime,' 
will do this week at the Broadhurst, 
N. Y., in 12 shows, is the next biggest 
straight vaude gross on Broadway 
since the Eddie Cantor-Jessel show 
at the Palace. Then, doing two-a-day, 
with three on Sunday, the 15 shows 
grossed $32,000. 

'Showtime' crowded in an extra 
Columbus Day matinee for the 12th 
show, the layout normally playing 11 
shows a week. 



509 CLUB, DET., HNED 
FOR 'OBSCENE' SHOWS 



Detroit, Oct. 13. 

Continuing its drive to clean up 
rough stuff in the night spots of war 
centers, the Michigan Liquor Con- 
trol Commission clamped a $300 fine, 
the statutory maximum, on the 509 
Club here. The charge was obscene 
entertainment in keeping with pre- 
vious announcements both from the 
commission and Army officials that 
in war centers shows with rough 
stuff, even spots that permit 'gossip- 
ing,' will be prosecuted, 

'Because people have more money 
there seems to be a tendency to 
think that the best way to get it is 
with off-color shows,' Chairman 
Ralph Thomas declared. 'Well, the 
night club boys have to learn we're 
in a war and that public. morality as 
well as morale Is an essential in win- 
ning it. If fines won't do the trick 
we'll go to a tougher policy of sus- 
pending licenses. There's plenty of 
clean entertainment to be found and 
the clubs know by now what kind of 
booking we want.' 



Frisco CUmp-Down 

San Francisco, Oct. 13. 

State Board of Equalization, liquor 
enforcement body, on Friday (9) re- 
voked license of one tavern and 
suspended those of 43 other niteries 
and bars. 

Sale to soldiers during off hours 
brought 30-day suspensions to 13 of 
the drinkeries. 



Joe Fejer, Hungarian violinist, will 
handle a new ensemble spotted for 
Monte Carlo Beach, N. Y., nitery, 
opening Oct 22. 



Sflverstone Expects to Refute Greaza 
On AGVA's Inability' for Self-Rule 



DANCE PARD SHIFTS 



Mayrls Chaney-Alvarez. Split, and 
Adam DiOatano In Service 



Julio Alvarez and Mayris Chaney 
are splitting their ballroom partner- 
ship after their current engagement 
at Bal Tabarin, San Francisco. 

The DlGatanos are also splitting, 
but for another reason, as Adam Dl- 
Gatano may go into the service. Al- 
varez and Mrs. DlGatano may form a 
new team, although Alvarez may re- 
enter Mexican political life, in which 
his family has long 1>een engaged. 



Detroit A.C. Asks 
Nitery Status For 
Liquor Kickbacks 



Detroit, Oct. 13. 

The swank Detroit Athletic Club 
here is contending In 9 state hearing 
that it Is entitled to the same kick- 
back on liquor prices granted the 
night clubs. 

Row seems to be more a matter of 
principle than of cash — the swank- 
iest club in the city wanting night 
club status — since it has hired ex- 
pensive legal aid to challenge the 
state's right to withhold from it the 
same 10% discount granted to the 
other liquor licensees. 

However, the state is fighting the 
case equally hard, with Liquor Con- 
trol Commissioner Felix Flynn argu- 
ing that if private clubs gets the 
nitery status Michigan would lose 
between $900,000 and $1,000,000 if 
it had to make reimbursements to 
them. At the . present time table- 
top licensees are allowed a 10% dis- 
count from retail liquor prices. 

The millionaire's hangout, how- 
ever, stands a good chance of com- 
ing through as a night club. It main- 
tains an orchestra and runs a fioor 
show, most of the top acts coming 
into town doubling at the D.A.C. It 
strengthens its case for reclassifica- 
tion. 

The shrewd boys in these parts are 
eyeing the case with equal interest, 
and if Detroit's choicest club wins 
the case there probably will be all 
kinds of 'private clubs' springing up. 
II they can get the regular liquor 
discount and classification as a pri- 
vate club, the quick operators are 
in a nice spot to get around the 2 
a. m. closing law of the town. And 
there is plenty of reason for finding 
a loophole in the present blue law 
since Detroit, under the war boom, 
is becoming a 24-hour town. 

If the D.A.C. can become a nitery 
a lot of boys are figuring on turning 
their joints into private clubs. 



ADAMS, NEWARK, S.O. 
$5,000 FOR ARMY FUND 



The vaudefllmer Adams, Newark, 
l^st night (Tuesday) raised $5,000 net 
for the Army Emergency Relief 
Fund via a special sellout perform- 
ance scaled at $1 to $10. Half the 
show was the Adams' regular stage 
layout headlining Charlie Barnet's 
band and Smith and Dale, while the 
second portion, tagged 'The Stage 
Door Canteen,' was composed of a 
troupe of soldier actors from Fort 
Dix, plus guest performers. 

A. A. Adams donated the house 
and the staff, while Ben Orlefer, his 
manager; Mickey Aldrlch, of Ed- 
ward Sherman's booking office, and 
others, did the staging. 

Rialto, Chi Burley, 

Woos Femme Patrons 

Chicago, Oct. 13. 

Rialto, burley house, is staging 
special campaign seeking greater 
feminine audience. 

Hou.se running series of ads in Chi- 
cago dailie.<;, making direct play for 
women patronage. Following civic 
crackdown on nudity, Rialto has dis- 
continued stripping In , favor of 
straight girl revues. 



Jonas T. Silverstone, general 
counsel for the American Guild ot 
Variety Artists,, is himself readying 
a personal written survey that ha 
expects will refute the dark picture 
Walter N. CSresza has painted of tha 
AGVA future. Greaza, who is on 
loan from Equity, where he is assist- 
ant executive secretary, to ad- 
minister AGVA, made a special re- 
port to the A^ssociated Actors St 
Artistes of America In which he 
stated that AGVA cannot survive 
under its present administrative and 
financial setup. 

Greaza, who is pulling out of 
AGVA and going back to Equity 
Dec. 1, has recommended that Equity 
take over AGVA and run it as an 
offshoot similar to Chorus Equity. 

Silverstone will point up in his 
report the accomplishments of 
AGVA to date for the variety per- 
formers. His contention will be that 
AGVA can survive under its present 
constitution and administration if 
properly reorganized. Greaza, how- 
ever, contends that AGVA's accomp- 
lishments, while excellent in some 
instances, have only scratched the 
surface in its more than three years 
of operation. 

Chief contention in Greaza's re- 
port is that AGVA's financial con- 
dition under present operation is too 
unhealthy for the union's survival. 
He pointed up the 'extravagance' in 
the operation of the numerous 
AGVA locals, each with office space 
and office staffs that consume much 
more coin than the union can afford. 
He advised that AGVA, if going over 
to Equity, could be operated with a 
minimum expense by having repre- 
sentatives, rather than locals, in the 
various key cities. AGVA has oper- 
ated in the red almost continuously 
(it owes around $75,000 to Equity 
and Screen Actors Guild). 

First meeting of a special Four 
A's committee, appointed to study 
Greaza's report and itself report to 
the Four A's, was held last week 
(7). Another meeting is scheduled 
for today (Wednesday) or tomorrow 
(Thursday) and it's figured that 
numerous such confabs will be held 
before a decision is reached. Paul 
DuHzell, Equity's executive secre- 
tary, is chairman of the committee, 
which is composed of representatives 
from all the talent unions within the 
Four A's, including AGVA. 



Mols. Plans to CIo?e Down 
Anditorinm for Duration; 
Operating Well Into Red 

Mlnneapo'lis, Oct. 13. 

Faced by an estimate that the 
municipal Auditorium will wind up 
the year well in the red, possibly 
well over $6,000, the city council is 
considering closing the building for 
the duration. 

The building, representing a $3,- 
000,000 investment, was opened In 
1927 as a self-supporting enterprise 
under aldermanlc jurisdiction. By 
self-supporting was meant balance 
between income and outgo, but not 
counting retirement of the original 
investment which is being taken 
care of by an annual levy. In the 
intervening period since 1027 there 
have been 10 years in which the out- 
go exceeded income. 

Consolidated figures for the entire 
period, excluding 1942, shows income 
was $931,077.42 and expenditures 
were $1,008,122.10, a difference of 
$67,144.74, or an average of close to 
$4,500 a year in the red for ita 
existence. 

Auditorium income has t>een de- 
rived from wrestling, roller derby, 
the Shrine circus, etc. Rental runs 
from $250 to $400 a day. 



SMALL POSTPONES S.F. 
YAUDEUNTL JANUARY 



4>aul Small has postponed his plana 
to stage his own straight-vaude show 
at the Curran, San Francisco, until 
January, with possibly a New Year'a 
Eve opening. Small originally fig- 
ured on getting the show underway 
Oct. 19, but the fact that certain 
acts couldn't be available for that 
date caused the setback. 

Small leaves tomorrow (Thura- 
day) for the Coast on prospectiv* 
I film deals for his clients. 



46 NIGHT CLUB wnriEwa 



WedHC8d«y, October 14, 1942 



Greenwich Vilb^e Nitery Upbeat 
Anotlier Wartime Boom Result 



Renaissance of Greenwich Village 
cafe business Is another wartime 
evolution. This upbeat, which is 
rapidly approaching the heyday of 
the Prohibition era, is tied in with 
the freer spending and Influx of 
thousands every weekend from 
nearby war manufacturing com- 
munities. Addition of more gridiron 
contests in N. Y. this yiat also is at- 
tracting many, because the Village 
always has been favored by the 
collegiate crowd. More or less in the 
doldrums for years, current uptrend 
is all the more outstanding now that 
it s here. 

Part of crowd which has re- 
discovered the Village stems from 
the situation in mldtown Manhattan 
which flnds Broadway and nearby 
night club areas hitting the satura- 
tion point in seating capacity. High 
prices charged at many Uptown spots 
also is viewed as a contributing 
factor, visitors figuring (though not 
always rightly) that anything would 
be an improvement over the Broad- 
way tap and cramped space. 

Aura of Greenwich Village and Its 
free-and-easy spirit of camaraderie 
also is proving a natural for the 
spending mob bent on having a fling. 
This is all reflected in capacity trade 
at the better known Village night 
clubs. In some spots, It is abattle to 
set a table over the weekend while 
near-capacity or SRO is the rule 
even in midweek at others. 

This upbeat naturally is being re- 

gected in better and larger shows, 
rreenwich Village Inn, one of the 
largest spots, has a real production. 
Salute to Glamour,' currently with 
Benny Fields headlining. Don Julio, 
Latin-American night club, is in 

Jnuch the same category with an in- 
ormal revue. El Chico, Cafe Society 
Downtown, Village Bam and others 
feelmg the Improved trade also are 
gomg in for better shows. 



Greenwich Village Inn 

(NEW TOBK) 

. Beimy Fields. Lemy Kent, Delyce 
I ElTifitt DtoiBht, Joan irandon, 
«enee & I,aura; 5hemuih-AmoId 
Girli (10). Enoch Llflht Orch (14), 
Dinorah Rhumba Quinfet (S); mini- 
mum, $2 weekdays; $2.50 Saturdayt 

Headlining Benny Fields, who Is a 
•olid name draw, and going in for 
more production trimmings than 
usual in. Village spots, the centrally 
located G. V. Inn tyi^es outstand- 
ingly the current upbeat downtown. 
New show opening Monday (12) will 
get 'em in, and will please once the 
customers are inside. Coupled with 
the excellent all-round show that in- 
cludes the Enoch Light band, this 
bistro is stressing the food and the 
atmosphere. 

Fields, of course, makes the show 
jell. His opening appearance at the 
first show constituted almost a wel- 
come back home judging by audi- 
ence insistence that he sing more of 
the older, familiar tunes. Despite 
usual opening show "bugs," which can 
easily be remedied. Fields was as 
much at home as if he had been 
playing the spot for weeks. 'Jingle 
Jangle' for opening, then neatly pac- 
ing his appearance with a string of 
deft gags and puns before going on 
to his by-now familiar "Music Goes 
Round' medley that rings in many 
favorites. A happy addition is 
•You re a Lucky FeUow, Mr. Smith.' 

Perhaps outstanding of the new 
crop of songs is Fields* vigorous 
ballading of 'Fuehrer's Face' which 
he does up brown. Demands for the 
Oldies brought out such faves as 'I 
Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now,' 
•Let Me Call You Sweetheart,' 
•Somebody Loves Me' and ultimately 
•Melancholy Baby.' For the first 
three. Fields got ready audience re- 
sponse on a community sing. Med- 
ley of hits from "Yankee Doodle 
Dandy' wound up his session after 
Insistent demands for more. 

Lenny Kent does a trim job as 
m.c. His material and imitations 
click as does the song 'Shut My 
Mouth.' Delyce k EUlott Dwight, 
ballroomologists, vary the customary 
twirls, lifts and spins when the male 
drapes his blonde partner from 
shorts to a finished evening gown. 
Renee & Laura, femme adagio team, 
do most of their work on their toes, 
just to make it more difficult. They 
Open the show's first chorus number 
which is somewhat of a handicap. 

Joan Brandon, girl magico, winds 
up her disappearing clgaret tricks, 
with a rapid mixing of drinks from 
a seemingly empty cocktail shaker. 
It's one of those name-a-drink rou- 
tines with assistants serving them to 
patrons. 

Noel Sherman and Billy Arnold, 
who staged the show, have arranged 
three production numbers, best of 
which is the Latin-American routine 
in which the 10 femmes in the line 
strip to abbreviated garb. Patriotic 
miale also is spirited. Enoch Light's 
strong crew plays the entire show 
qnd for some of the dancing, 
pinorah's rhumba combo alternates 
for dancing. Inn now boasts of hav- 
ing Albert, chef from the Riviera, 
and also Bruno, from the same spot 



as maitre de post. 'Smiling' Lou 
Taylor is listed as ofTicial greeter. 

Wear. 



DON JULIO'S, N. Y. 

Don Julio, Los Gitanos (2), Johnny 
Lopez. San Miguel Bros. (2). Fay 
Torre)i5, Ralph Chiporinsky Orrh (7) 
with Luis De Soto; minimum $1.50 
weekdays, $3 Saturdayit. 



Don Julio has moved his establish- 
ment from 10th street to 8th and 
has. a real coin-getter in the pres- 
ent informal spot. He does the 
show's emceeing, stressing the get- 
together atmosphere with hLs own 
clowning. Besides the main room 
seating a couple of hundred, he has 
an adjoining bar entirely separated 
from the dining and dance spot 
Julio stresses Mexican and other 
Latin-American acts and specialists, 
and the present layout is typical. 

Standout are Los Gitanos. mixed 
Spanish dance combo. They've obvi- 
ously been around and may be work- 
ing here under a new tag. Team 
looks strong enough for larger nitery 
spots because getting away from the 
standard Latin-American steps. The 
Castanet Fiesta number and gypsy 
dance are leadofT, with Farruca male 
solo conceit and Bulerias, done in 
lighter tempo and dash of comedy 
for encores. Girl is comely and 
graceful stepper while male is tall 
Latinesque lad of obvious long ex- 
perience. Cleanup here. 

Julio, stoutish olub owner, besides 
his bullfighter routine, winds up 
with some torrid (in Spanish) ad lib 
verses to the 'Cucaracha' song. He's 
a former radio singer, accounting 
for his solid click vocally. Julio's 
typical Mexican cowboy song is 
geared for the Latin-American 
crowd, and smash. 

Johnny Lopaz, youthful Mexican 
warbler, looks lik'e a singing find, 
once he adds ^ical American songs 
to his repertoire. Also a favorite 
here. San Miguel Bros., two Mex- 
ican troubadors and singers, give 
out with several typical Mexican 
tunes. Fay Torrens, attractive new- 
comer, does two Castanet terps spe- 
cialties for modest returns. 

Ralph Chigorlnsky's compact crew 
plays for the dancmg and show. His 
violin solos are standout. Luis De 
Soto is singer with the outfit. Alonzo 
is the maitre. Spanish food is out- 
standing. Wear. 



Hi-Hat Club, St. Louis 



St. Louis, Oct. 2. 
Sally Rand. JVfickej/ 'King, Harrv 
^voV, Chesley k Worth, Princess 
Winters, Joy Stewart, Line (16), 
Lyle Griffin Orch (7), Irvinfl Roths- 
child Orch (6); $2 week days; $2.50 
Saturday. 

The newest entry into the local 
nitery field teed on ambitiously with 
Sally Rand's new unit for a two- 
week p.a. "The melange constitutes 
the nearest approach to vaude here 
since that form of entertainment 
took the 10-count, Capacity crowd 
turned out for the clebut In the 
1,200-seat room. 

Located in midtown, the Hi-Hat is 

foing to speU headaches for three of 
anchon & Mice's flicker deluxers 
and the Club Plantation, as all are 
located within tju'ee blocks of the 
new enterprise. The tag of the spot 
is a misnomer as the tap of $2 and 
$2.50 includes terping, food and set- 
ups. Liquor (s not sold on the 
premises and this policy will enable 
the operators to keep open all night, 
as the liquor closing hour will not 
affect it. 

Situated in the old William Fox 
Mm house, a few hundl-ed feef off 
this burg's best night-Ilfe street, the 
Hi-Hat has been dolled up plenty, 
with the tables arranged in terrace 
style and the dancing being held on 
the old stage. Idea of having two 
bands in action is new in local nitery 
circles although some of the ball- 
rooms occasionally have two gangs 
of footers simultaneously. 

Miss Rand, last seen here a year 
ago at the I'ox theatre in her bubble 
dance, reverts to the fans and peels 
to ilk Q-string to wind up her rou- 
tine. The line, reputed to have been 
recruited in Hollywood, is composed 
of lookers but in the first of thiee 
routines seemed unrehearsed. They 
did better later on. 'The two out- 
standers in the support are Mickey 
Kine, an aeriaiist, who works on a 
rope 40 feet above the front-line 
customers, and Chesley and Worth, 
warblers, who score solidly with 
■Rose Marie,' 'Indian Love Call' and 
a few other semi-classical' songs. 

Princess Winters is a nimble- 
footed aero dancer who won the 
mob. Joy Stewart Is a batonist who 
closes her routine by twirling 
electrically-lighted batons on a 
blackedout apron for an eyefiUing 
effect. Harry Savoy Is a comic mon- 
ologist who is assisted by Helen 
Holdon, a looker. Sahu. 



FloTMitin* Gardens 

(HOLLYWOOD) 

Hollutvood, Oct. 8. 
Gertrude Siesen, ItlU T, Gronlund, 
Mills Bros., Diamond Bros., FranciM 
k Grey, Fred Seott, Jean Foreman, 
Sugar Geite, Muzzy Marcellinp Orch 
(10): corer, $1.50 Soturda^r, $1 other 
nightt. 

Nils T. Granlund's (NTG) cafe re- 
vues haven't changed much in three 
years. They're all pretty much on 
the Informal side and the routines 
not too severely -timed or pre- 
cisioned. Tliis one, the 16th in his 
string, follows the pattern faithfully 
and dovetails perfectly into that 
escapist category. Itll do alright, as 
have all of Granny's shows at the 
Gardens. 

Never spectacular but invariably 
right down the middle for the widest 
appeal, bis extravaganzas have that 
touch of familiarity and friendliness, 
much like Joe's lunchwagon where 
the gang used to take their .chow. 
One didn't have to scan the menu to 
find out what was stewing in the 
kettles. It was solid and appetizing 
and that's alMUt all that mattered. 
Every now and then Joe would put 
on something extra special just to 
surprise the gang. And that's what 
Granny has done. The new dish is 
Gertrude Niesen. 

Whether Granny has erred in his 
judgment remains to be seen. True, 
there is room in any cafe show for a 
choice cut of chanteuse and here la 
Niesen fills the bill. But she must be 
told or reminded that the Gardens is 
a night spot and not- a concert hall. 
She had cho»n a repertoire of songs 
little known to the sitters and 
finally condescends to do a pop with 
impressionistic trimmings. The 
artiste, no less. But, and iRre's the 
big BUT, she does only one show a 
night while everyone else does two. 
She's on about 10:30 and that means 
the late comers who dr6p in after 
the fights, rassling matches and 
house parties aren't going to hear the 
widely advertised and heralded 
Niesen bear down with those stout 
pipes of hers. For the highest wage 
ever paid a single at this tavern, she 
gives out with five songs, none of 
which strains the lady's resources. 
First it's a Latin ditty, then 'Annie 
Laurie' followed by an Irish folk 
song. As a finisher she does a 
straight version of 'Oh, Johnny,' 
which is howled down by the 
orchestra as her cue for a Bonnie 
Baker tafleoff. That still doesn't 
suit the band boys, so she goes into a 
Mae Westian impression. That's 
solid with the mob and she has to 
beg off. And that should be 
Granny's straw-in-the-wind even if 
he has to bill her as Gert Niesen. 

Indicative of the type of entertain- 
ment this clientele cottons to, the 
show is virtually wrapped up by 
the Diamond Bros., the wackiest 
team of knockabout comics and 
dancers around for so(ne time. They 
literally knock one another out with 
a whirlwind 15 minutes of dizzy 
capers and floor tumbling. Another 
fave with the crowd was the in- 
terpretirtive dance duo of Francis 
and Grey. Their slithering snake 
bit, wiUi the femme contortionist 
member wrapping herself up like a 
pretzel and imwlnding like a python, 
scored solidly. The Mills Bros., 
holdovers, were well received in 
their grotiped songology. Jean Fore- 
man is a cute dancing trick, Fred 
Scott booms the vocals and Sugar 
Geise sparks the eye-fUKng line, 
whidi has tb^ stately Elinor Troy 
back In the peacock parade. 

Granny's production numbers are 
nicely paced with a spicing of phos- 
l^oroscence and epidermis display. 
Dave Gould staged. Muzzy Mar- 
celUno Is on the stand with his crew 
and also cuts himself in for a few 
vocals. He plays the show capably 
and kept the floor packed with his 
dance rhythms. Granny, as usual, 
is the ringmaster. Helm. 

TERRACE ROOM, N. Y. 

(NEW TOBKEB HOTEL) 

Benny Goodman Orch (14) with 
Pegyy Lee, Gory McCrae; Ice Show 
with Audrey Miller, Ronny Roberts, 
Bisselle k Farley, George Banyos, 
Line (6), Bob Rtisselt; cover 75c-$l, 
no minimum. 

New Yorker's ice show for the new 
season, in conjunction with Benny 
Goodinan's orchestra, far surpasses 
in costuming and ideas any of its 
previous packages, but lacks the 
blade artistry and action that studded 
past performances. With Goodman, 
however, the thought is exactly the 
reverse. Happily, he is track on the 
track with a band that promises to 
round out into the Goodman of old. 

Don Arden, producer of the ice 
session, has a novel idea that cues 
the various routines by line and 
principals. In entirety the session Is 
titled 'Arabian Nights,' and Bob Rus- 
sell, m.c rubs an 'Aladdin Lamp' to 
"wi^' for the various turns. He han- 
dles his chores capably. 
' Principals in the layout are 
Audrey Miller. Ronny Roberts, 
George Banyas, and Bisselle and 
and Farley. Only Roberts' breath- 
taking trick skating and the acro- 
batic and trick contributions by 
the last named team make a definite 
impression. Roberts, who at last 
seems to have dropped the billing of 
having been crippled earlier in life. 



extraordinaiy WlU». 
Farley an alinoit as eficcttT*. 

MUk MlUer and (3eorg« Banyas, 
however, contribute not)tips out of 
the ordlnarj and don't looli too juro 
of themaelves wfaua doing It xaoi 
has a spot with tho line and sola 
Six beauts comprise the. line. All 
the way through tiie show's 49 min- 
utes they're draped in costumes rich 
in color and design, and they handle 
the cute routines faultlessly. 

Goodinan's band, small in com- 
parison to modern top-name com- 
binations (four sax, three trumpets, 
two trombones, four rhythm), was in 
fine stride opening night. Prac- 
tically rebuilt, since Goodman has 
lost many men the past few months, 
the outfit was in a groove that was 
reminiscent of the original Goodman 
combination. Its rhythm tempi are 
solid, and the band is cutting every- 
thing clean. Lone drawback is a 
trumpet section that somehow 
doesn't blend as It should. 

One outetandmg accomplishment 
by the band since it played here last 
year is flexibility. In the past, Good- 
man bowed only slightly to commer- 
cial, ballad arrangements, plajring 
them with a strong undercurrent of 
rhythm. He now seems to have gone 
whole-hog. His softer projections 
are true to what the public expects. 

Peggy Lee, after several throat 
operations, is also in improved voice. 
Gary McCrae, newly acquired bari- 
tone. Opened with the band and was 
let go two days later. Wood. 

EI Morocco, Montreal 



Montreol, Oct. 8. 
Johnny Morgan, Dolores King, 
Pierce k Roland, Nelson's Norelettes, 
Millray GirU (8), Hal Hartley Oreh 
(10); no cover; mtnimum $lJi0. 

With new orchestra after mediocre 
intermission period following de- 
parture of Jack Denny, this nitery 
is off for the fall and winter season 
to a fine start. Since Sept 28, when 
the Hartley Orch teed off here, full 
and near -full houses have been the 
rule. 

Current bill, while good enough, is 
not anything to writt home about 
with perhaps one exception. Johnny 
Morgan with his contagious smile 
wins the crowd from the opening 
gong and hypos the show for most of 
its 70 minutes. The pint-size emcee 
has no new material, and some of It- 
is not too clean, but his personality 
carries all he does. He moves fast, 
backing his patter with zanyisms, 
imitations and hilarious ribbing of 
the crowd. 

Dolores King, svelte blues singer, 
has the pipes and definite posatblll- 
ties, filling very satisfactprily her 
flashily styled wardrobe. 'Miss You' 
and 'Don't Want to Walk Without 
You' are her best bets. 

Pierce and Roland, acro-adagio 
team, are standout A very person- 
able pair, blonde and brunet, they go 
through a smooth, neatly paced, 
effortless routine that is something 
new in cabaret ballroomology here. 
Garnered solid audience reaction. 

Nelson's Novelettes show puppets 
as fluorescent skdetons, weight 

i'ugglers and a drunk, all against a 
ilackout background. House line is 
standout for looks, style, wardrobing 
and precisicm stepping. Hal Hartley 
handles his orch deftly and is nicely 
in touch both with acts and dance 
floor patrons. 

House near-capacity this midweek 
viewing. Lane. 

Havana-MadricI, N. Y* 

Line (8), Trio Mixteco, Anita' 
Seoiila, Jose Fernandez, Terri La 
Franconi, Vitlarino, LiU Tosas, 
Froilan Maya and GlCberto Orchs; 
$1.50 minimum. 

A sprightly show that's typical 
south - of - the-border entertainment 
It asn't highly budgeted, but at least 
serves the basic purpose of a brisk 
show for all needs. 
• Heading the layout Is Terrl La 
Franconi, balladist of the romantic 
type. His Spanish tunes are all sock. 
In caballero garb, he has a neat 
knack for selling in addition to 
possessing a forceful personality. 

Anita Sevilla and Jose Fernandez 
are okay at the toe-and-heel stuff, 
with the girl a particularly vivid 
type. They're in several spots, ' to 
make up for the comparatively few 
performers In the show, but they're 
not over-staying their welcome. A 
guitarist accompanies them. 

The Trio Mixteco are the biggest 
socks of the layout with their Mexi- 
can folk dances. Notably impressive 
is their comic finale whidi they had 
to encore several times before this 
enthusiastic audience. The girl is 
an exceptional looker and a decora- 
tive touch for the two men. Their 
two appearances at this catching 
were smash. They're togged in typi- 
cal peasant attire and are a fine 
booking for any Spanish-type nitery. 

Lili Tosas is a singer-dancer who's 
just in ■fo;' a bit towards the latter 
part of the show, and is unable to do 
sufficiently to warrant much of an 
impression one way or the other. 

Froilan Maya's ICi-piece orch, a 
vet of two and a half years at this 
spot, is still playing a neat show 
and also for the hoof. Gilberto's 
crew alternates with Maya for the 
dansapation. -Line of eight is mostly 
long on looks and okay on the terps. 

Kahn. 



Chicago, Oct. 10. 
Woody Hemutn Oreh, 3 Make-Be. 
neves, Carolyn Grey, BiUie Rooers 
Vido M«s»o. College inn Models, Rus- 
sian Wheat Field; $2.50 minimum. 

A good novel show at the Panther 
Room, with Woody Herman back at 
his usual annual stand. An all-girl 
revue, the town's current rage in 
impersonators, and a novelty, 'Rus- 
sian Wheat Field,' are also sock as- 
sets. 

•Kalamazoo,' vocaled by pretty 
Carolyn Grey, gets the show into the 
groove. Entire orchestra lines up 
in back of Herman to provide croon- 
ing background for •Lamplighter's 
Serenade,' with maestro on the vocal 
solo. It's impressive. 

BiUie Rogers, the band's girl trum- 
peter, gives out with the 'Cow Cow 
Boogie,' both vocally and on her in- 
strument. She smgs well, plays well, 
and got a hand. Herman does nice 
solo of 'Amen' from picture 'What's 
Cookin' in which orch was featured. 

'Russian Wheat Field,' story of a 
Russian boy and girl and their life 
on a collective farm, is a standout 
Produced by Morris and Alex Top- 
chevsky and Sam Himmelfarb, with 
an all-Slavic cast, this story of Rus- 
sia, its wheat fields, villages, folk- 
lore music and dances, is a beautiful 
and colorful spectacle. 

Chuck Peterson offers a high 
trumpet solo of Red Skelton's 'I 
Dood It,' also vocalizes numtier ac- 
ceptably. Vido Musso ex-leader of 
Bunny Berigan's old band, recently 
joined up, also does nice sax inter- 
lude. 

A local sensation at Helsing's and 
the Oriental. The Three Make-Be- 
Ueves do their mute impersonations 
of Bing Crosby, Mary Martin, the 
Andrews Sisters singing their hit 
tunes, with off-stage records giving 
out with the actual music. They're 
hilariously nifty. They close show 
with "Pennsylvania Polka,' prac- 
tically tearing themselves apart to 
dramatically render this swlngy 
number. 

Biz excellent at this nitery, which 
caters largely to college kids, of 
which a mob were present Loop. 



PANTHER ROOM, CHI 

(SHEBHAM HOTEL) 



Waldorf-Astoria, N. Y. 

(WEDGWOOD BOOM) 



Grade Fields, Georges k Jalna, 
Mario de Costa, Emit Coleman 
Orchatra (8), Mii'cha Borr's Ensem- 
ble (6); $1 and $2 cover (lotfer Fri- 
day, Saturday). 

Oracle Fields is the big excitement 
at the Waldorfs WedgWlood Room, in 
for a limited stay with Emil Cole- 
man's orch^ra and certain to do 
business. 'The seasoned English 
comedienne proves anew the snow 
btisincss adage that there's no re- 
striction any more for talent; the 
same acts that can play saloons (as 
the cafes are colloquially called) can 
ditto on the radio; and it OK in pic- 
tures, ditto on the stage, and so on 
down the line. 

Miss Fields did a rousing business 
at the Chez Paree, CMcago, and is 
In here for six weeks before trek- 
king west for a Metro film chore. 
.With Jack Carroll at the Steinway — 
one of the best accompanists m.the 
business, by the bye — the come- 
dienne imreels a string of ditties 
which are seemingly not set Ever 
aware of tempo and tides of audi- 
ences. Miss ' Fields switches her 
repertoire at will. She runs the 
gamut of Thingamabob,' "Sleepy, 
Lagoon' (h<*ed). "Walter, Walter,' 
'Nighty Night, Sailor Boy' (dandy 
ballad), her now trademarked 'Big- 
gest Aspidastra in the World.' 'Last 
Time I saw Paris (request number, 
and endowing it with new values). 
The Yanks Are Coming Again.' 
•Came to Talk for Joe,^ "Lovely 
Weekend,' etc. She does choruses 
and medleys and while it sounds like 
a verbose repertoire actually Miss 
Fields left 'em hungry. 

Georges & Jalna are now standard 
at the Waldorf with their finished 
ballroomology that ranges from the 
usual Latin and waltz to rhythmic 
formations. Pair have been re- 
turned to this spot and the Starlight 
Roof several times, clicking always. 
Georges is a finished terper, capably 
handling his vis-a-vis. Unlike Miss 
Fields, who only appears for the 
sapper sessions, team works both 
dinner and supper. Mario de Costa, 
a South American vocalist, is the 
dinner interlude. 

Emil Coleman's crack dansapation 
oRlciates throughout the evening 
with Mischa Borr as relief ensemble. 
Borr is a Waldorf standard also, as 
alternate to whichever is the nnmc 
guest band. As for Coleman, he's 
a finished maestro of the terps, long 
established with his 'society* follow- 
ing, and he shaped up even better 
than ever with his sprightly octet in 
support. Abel. 

Dale rieree. 17-year-old Coast 
trumpeter, joined Tommy Reynolds' 
band at Rainbow Randevu, Salt Lake 
City. 



Weiliiesday, October 14, 1942 



NIGHT CLUB REVIEWS 



47 



CAFE ROUGE, N, Y. 

(PENNSYLVANIA HOTEL, N. T.) 

Sob >lllen Orch (15) with Lynn 
Gardner, Randy Brooks; Johnny 
Hodrigues Rhumba Band (7) ; cover, 
75c-$l. no minimum. 



Bob Allen's comparatively small 
band, which only a few short weeks 
ago was completing a long stay at 
the Pelham Heath Inn on the out- 
skirts of N. Y., Is getting iis major 
opportunity at this room, one of the 
most coveted prestige bookings in 
the country. Allen was playing the 
Boseland. Ballroom, N. Y., when 
Glenn Miller was granted a spot in the 
Army Specialist Corps, thereby leav- 
ing his annual October-to-January 
stretch in the Cafe Rouge wide open. 
Allen got the break, and only time 
will tell whether it's a make-or- 
break proposition. After all, Allen's 
comparatively unknown and he's 
bucking Benny Goodman at the 
nearby New Yorker, Harry James at 
the Lincoln, Alvino Rcy at the Astor, 
Vaughn Monroe at the Commodore 
and Guy Lombardo at the Roosevelt. 

Allen's three trumpet, two trom- 
bone, five sax and four rhythm com- 
bination surprised many people at 
the opening. This band has made 
progressively strong strides since its 
summer at Pclhum Heath. There it's 
future was dark; at the Roseland It 
had become a good, but not outstand- 
ing band; at the Penn it shapes up 
as a very likely possibility for the 
future (particularly since Allen, a 
family man, js in no danger of being 
drafted for awhile). 

In addition to the neat impression 
the band itself makes with modern, 
tasteful arrangements it has a strong 
selling point in Allen. A good-look- 
ing, clean-cut leader in his twenties, 
he sings in a manner calculated to 
appeal to the distalT side and handles 
himself with ease. 

Randy Brooks, trumpeter who was 
with Allen when both were mem- 
bers of Hal Kemp's orchestra, left 
Claude Thornhill to become the 
musical boss of this band. His play- 
ing is one of its most vital pointsv 
both as a soloist and section man. 

Lynn Gardner, vocalist, formerly 
with Will Bradley, is new. She does 
better than average work on rhythm 
numbers and an occasional ballad, 
-and dresses up the stand in no un- 
certain manner. Wood. 



LA CONGA, N. Y. 



Georpie Price, E s t e 1 1 1 a . Jerri 
Vonce, Cormen de Riuero, CInire & 
Arena. Carlos k Carita, Machito's 
Bhmnba Band (10), Jack Harris 
Orchestra (10) ; $2 and $3 minimum. 



Jack Harris, erstwhile U. S. jazz- 
beau of the class London cafes, who 
has been operating La Conga (with 
reported deRothschild backing), 
igain has himself a hit. His ven- 
'ire h^s been spotty; biz so-so when 
le attractions are so-so, and when 
eorge Price is back it's been socko. 
In fact, the current lineup holds 
■ number of strong points, not (he 
least of which is the new rhumba 
pand headed by Machito (Band Re- 
views). 

. There are also Estelita, whom 
Metro signed when she was at the 
Copacabana, plus a deft supporting 
Uneup which, if anything, is over- 
board on value. Runs so long it's al- 
nost a Iwndicap for the star, but 
Price boiis 'em with his surefire 
repertoire. - Still retaining his Wall 
6t connections, the comedian's come- 
ticlf in tbe last tw<{ seasons has been 
narked by consistently clicky busi- 
ness. Ever a showman, he opens 
with 'Der Fuehrer's Face' in rousing 
manner, done with consummate 
Salesmanship. Then 'White Christ- 
"las,* with a patriotic reminder that 
the service men are to have a 
- ^^Jf holiday their packages, must 
go off pronto. 'Jingle Jangle' 'radio 
iatire: a reprise of his trademark 
{ong, 'Bye Bye Blackbird,' and then 
nis clever caricatures of Richman, 
Jolson, Cantor, Cohan and Jessel. A 
couple are almost libelous in their 
devastating travesty, particularly (he 
flat-toned Jessel . with 'Mother's 
Eyes.' 

The paprika Estelita next, a cute 
and comely Cuban who errs a bit 
now by over-mugging and her overly 
fresh 'shut ub!' exclamations. She 
Should moderate a bit and try not 
to do a road companv Diosa Cos- 
Jello. She handles 'Miss You' and 
Chango' effectively, and .ivifTiclently 
well without need to coar.sen her 
stuff. Otherwise she's an effective 
Latin version of the Ella Logan- 
Martha Raye-Betty Button school. 

Claire St Arena are a neat terp 
team. She's of ballerina background 
and does her ballroomology on her 
toes, later changing to the more con- 
ventional steps. They're a neat pair, 
clicking here as they did at the Hotel 
St Moritz, N. Y.. when last caught. 

Carlos & Carita have been here 
Before. Pair are neat looking in 
their crisp-white Cubanola ruffles, 
floing the congarhumba stuff in com- 
mercial manner. 

Jerri Vance is an unu.<:unl conlor- 
"ve dancer, tieing herself into knots 
on a table pedestal and using 
ner toes with amazing dexterity, 
one opens as an acro-dancer 
out the iable routine is her forte. 
J-armen de Rivcro rounds it out with 
"cr flamenco stuff, aided by a male 



guitarist. A nice personality, the 
lateness of her spot and the length 
of the show ar« almost too tough 
to overcome, but she manages well. 

Jack Harris' own band officiates 
for the straight dance sets, and for 
the finale the emcee-host does a 
neat cheerio signoff. Abel. 



HAPPY HOUR, MPLS. 

Minneapolis, Sept. 19. 
Ada Leonard Orch (16) with 
Brownie Slade, Dez Thompson, 4 
Debs, Marion Gange, Jane Hilde- 
orana, Ethel Button, Ginger John- 
son,; no cover or minimum. z 



This has become by far the Twin 
City s leading nitery because it's 
now the only one booking well- 
known bands. Ada Leonard's all- 
girl outfit follows Fletcher Hender- 
son, Carlos Molina. Ray Herbeek and 
others of such calibre, easily main- 
taining its predecessors' high en- 
tertainment standard. If anything, 
Miss Leonard, considerable of a name 
in this town as the result of nu- 
merous burlesque appearances, an 
Orpheum band engagement and 
much publicity, is the biggest draw 
here to date. With no cover or 
minimum, and with beverages and 
food reasonably priced, the estab- 
lishment goes after the masse.s' trade 
and -gets it. 

Miss Leonard's ull-feminine ag- 
gregation Is 'both listenable and ex- 
ceedingly danceable. The band's also 
responsible for first-rate floor en- 
tertainment and, in addition, puts 
beauty on parade. Miss Leonard, an 
eye-filler herself, has a number of 
youthful lookers among her mu- 
sicians. 

The band's dance arrangements of 
the various jive tunes, such as 
'Southern Fried,' 'Coquette' and 'Lit- 
tle Brown Jug,' and of such .surefire 
hits as 'Embraceable You,' 'Song of 
India,' 'Lover' and the Strauss Vi- 
enesse waltzes are pretty much along 
conventional lines, but they also fre- 
quently bring into focus an exceed- 
ingly adept guitarist, Marion Gange. 

During the half-hour fioor show. 
Miss Leonard swings and sways her 
nifty chassis as she twirls the baton, 
ala Ina Ray Hutton. She also takes 
a whirl at vocslizing, doing 'Tanger- 
ine' and 'Jenny.' Brownie Slade, the 
band's first saxophonist, is its fea- 
tured vocalist, however, and comes 
through well with 'Kalamazoo,' 'My 
Devotion' and 'I Remembe;- You.' 
She demonstrates versatility, too. by 
taking whirls at the clarinet and 
flute. 

Dez Thompson Is assisted In her 
drum specialty, 'Pagan Love Song,' 
by Ethel Button, trombonist, and 
does some lively pounding. Miss 
Gange scores on the guitar with 
'Idaho' and then Gingisr Johnson, 
the pianist, has an inning during 
'Swing High.' A novelty patriotic 
band number is built around 'My 
Buddy/ while the Four Debs from 
the band let out their pipes on 
'Three Little Sistcr.s.' 'Nursie, Nursie' 
and 'Jingle Jangle.' 

The ropes were up at show causht. 
• iiees. 



COTILLION ROOM 

(HOTEL PIERRE, N. Y.) 

< Myrus. Victoria Schools, Ellsworth 
& fotrrhild. Stanley Melba Orch i8); 
$1 and $1.50 cover {Friday, Satur- 
day). 

The Pierre ought to get wise to it- 
self. The competition is too tough, 
especially in that neck of the belt, 
what with the Savoy-Plaza and Plaza 
hotels (and now the Sherry-Nether- 
land also netting excited about 
talent) spending .some real money 
for attractions. Only the St: Regis, 
because of its special charm, has 
been successful in just getting by 
with dance music and no attraction. 
The Pierre certainly has' not, nor 
does it appear likely to click along 
present lines. 

The competition is too keen, and 
just a nice looking room isn't enough 
any more. No question about the 
Cotillion's impres.sive atmosphere, 
but the customers come to see .some- 
thing besides the decor and the 
fancy menu. 

Present show Is a cheater. The 
Stanley Melba band Is good— in fact 
Melba has been endowed with a new 
title of 'supervisor of entertain- 
ment.' but he must be given a few 
bucks If he's to do any real .supervis- 
ing. He's a holdover from last sea- 
son, as is Myrus. a mental telepathist. 
one of the best, but certainly no 
glamour boy headliner. 

Virginia Schools, newcomer vocal- 
ist. Is a so-so chlrper with two 
standard pop.s. 'I Know That You 
Know." an oldie, and 'Falling in 
Love with Love.' a more recent 
musicomedy excerpt. 

Ellsworth & Falrchlld. neat ballet 
pair, first time in New York, are OK 
for (he league with their Vjcnnes« 
waltz contrasted to Slaughter on 
10th Ave.', a former Ray Bolger 
dance concert. 

Melba's band comprises himself on 
clarine't. plus three violins, one sax, 
one brass, and four rhythm i piano, 
bass, drums and guitar), dishing 
forth some sm.irt claM.>-apairon. He 
al.so emcees. Brenda Forbes, from 
musicomedv. Is due to follow Miss 
Schools. Abel. 



SHANGRI-LA, PHILLY 

Philadelphia, Sept. 30. 
•Graiid/ather's .Follies' uith Eddie 
Milts, -Blanchards, Harmoni/ Boi/s (6), 
Line (12), Julie Lvnn, Jacfc Millard; 
Dick Stabile Orch (15) toith Grade 
Barrie, Chavez Rhumba Band (8); 
no couer, $i.5o min, dinners $1 up. 

Newest addition to Philly's boom- 
ing nitery belt, the Shangri-La. is 
also bringing something new in the 
way of entertainment in these parts. 
For the first time in recent years, 
a nitery is featuring one of the top 
name bands. 

The revue -idea has never been 
tried here in a cafe. And in 'Grand- 
father's Follies,' Shangri-La brings 
something of an innovation. There 
were still a few bugs in the show 
on opening night, but when they're 
eliminated the 'Follies' will make a 
welcome change from the standard 
brand of cabaret fare in this town. 

The .show is chockful of enter- 
tainment. Costumes are colorful, 
the gals have looks and even can 
dance. 

Some of the stuff is right off the 
cob — especially the blackouts, but It 
seemed to hit the cash trade just 
right, judging from the reaction of 
the opening-night crowd. 

Everything which made grandpop 
chortle in the gaslight era is dished 
up. They're all there— the pony 
ballet, the can-can, 'Sidewalks o* 
New York,' 'Floradora Sextet.' 'sing- 
ing waitiers,' The Gibson Girl, Cher- 
ry Sisters, scenes out of the Police 
Gazette, the 'naughty' bathing girls, 
etc. 

Standout is the comic, knockabout 
ballroom team, the Blanchards. who 
knock themselves out a la the Hart- 
mans. Julie Lynn, a brunet looker 
with fair soprano, is the troupe's 
prima: she gives out' with semi- 
operatic numbers. Jack Millard is 
the handsome bemoustached bari- 
tone. While Eddie Mills m.c.s the 
proceedings, hoofs, tells a few corny 
stories and keeps the show moving 
at a rapid pace. 

The Harmony Boys take care of 
the barber .shop ballads, thie singing 
waiter chores and the like. The 
thing is tied up neatly with the 
whole troupe going through the 
audience, grabbing partners for a 
'Boomps-a-daisy' finale. 

Show is ably accompanied by (he 
talented Stabile aggregation, which 
also performs neatly for dancing. 
Oracle Barrie, as usual, is in fine 
voice. Chavez rhumba band, last 
heard here at Lynch's, has the alter- 
nating chore. 

Large room (seating 750) filled 
opening night. Other nitery props 
are watching Shangri-La with inter- 
est. Never has a nitery been suc- 
cessful on Market street, which is 
somewhat off the bright light belt. 

Shal. 



La Martinique, N. Y. 



Billy Daniels & Mary Parker, 
Jackie Miles, Larry Htiard, Gloria 
Gale, Mortiniqueenjf (6). Maximtllian 
Bergere's Orch and Noro Morales 
Rhumba Band; $3.50 minimum. 



Billy Daniels has staged a nifty lit- 
tle floorshow for this popular 57th 
street nitery. Plus the production 
job, on which he got an assist from 
Mitchell Leisen, the cinematic direc- 
tor. Daniels is doing a hangup job. as 
a dancer, solo and in duo with Mary 
Parker, with both doubling from 
'Let's Face It.' at the Imperial, in 
which they are featured. 

Leisen has been something of a 
mentor of Daniels and Miss Parker, 
and hence his hand in the lighting of 
this .show, plus the designing of all 
the costumes. Some of the latter arc 
standouts, notably for the closing 'La 
Bomba' number. 

Daniels staged this show in 'story' 
form, .something of a girl meets boy. 
only the boy has roving eyes for 
every dame who passes by. Miss 
Parkrr is the girl, Daniels the boy. 
and their dancing makes the silly lit- 
tle story foregivable. Gloria Gale, 
a lisping pretty brunet, cues the 
story, which opens with 'Paris In the 
Sprin.p.' sung by Larry Huard and 
danced by the ensemble, Daniels and 
Miss Parker, v/ho. not so incidentally. 
Is as lovely a blonde as she Is an 
expert dancer. 

It certainly can't be said that pro- 
ducer Daniels made it easy for 
dancer Daniels. He seems to be 
lerping every minute the show is on, 
and. by the time the presentation is 
over appears close to exhaustion. 
Every routine is a strenuous one. 
that 'La Bomt>a' finale, a milc-a-min- 
ute coni'a. being one of the toughest 
of all. The team also includes a nice 
novelty with the pattycake audience 
participation number. 

Jackie Miles, comic holding over 
here for his fifth week, and Hiiard, a 
singer of robust voice, sort of break 
up the story sequence with their in- 
dividual specialties. Both were solid 
clicks opening night, though Miles 
didn't appear to be using his best 
material. He got a number of laughs 
bv ribbing ringsidcr Tommy Man- 
v'Mo. who was accomnanied by hlf 
.sixth blonde wife, but did best 
with hi; impression of a Greenwich 
Village singer who is more nance 
than Marine. 

Huard does well with 'Falling in 
Love.' but his following 'Just as 
ThouKh You Were Here' is weak. 
'9. rif- 1o the People' is his closer and 



strong. It's a new tune by Sob 
Wright and Chet Forrest, who 
adapted 'Donkey's Serenade.' 

The ensemble routines by the six 
voluptuous Marliniqueens are all 
good and excellently costumed. 

Maximillian Bergere, who was a 
fixture at the Versailles, does an 
equally good job here playing for 
the show and the foxtrots. The 
Latin rhythms are in the very 
capable hands of Nuro Morales' ag- 
gregation. Scho. 

TOURBILLON, B. A. 

(ALVEAB PALACE HOTEL) 

Buenos Aires, 'Oct. 1. 
Eduardo Armani Orch (12); 
Eugenio Noble Pan-A»iierican Orch 
(10); Gerry Fuhs, Oscar De Barros, 
Douglas Roy, Teddy Fisher, Eddy 
Nelson; three peso (about 75c) jnini- 
imum. 



Other B. A. after-dark spots come 
and go. but for the cream trade and 
the international set this spot con- 
tinues a must. Back on the top 
local name band policy. Tourbillon, 
located In the Alvear Palace hotel, is 
packing them in not only on week- 
ends, which are generally good 
everywhere in B. A. this season, but 
on nights usually a little off. Prac- 
tically all the crowd com^s for din- 
ner which, at 7 pesos ($1.75 U. S.), 
is plenty high for food in this coun> 
try, where a de luxe dinner rarely 
costs more than half that. Enter- 
tainment policy has been designed to 
keep the crowds from dinner to clos- 
ing, which isn't as long a stretch as 
similar period in the States, since 
nobody tucks in the napkin here 
until 22 o'clock (10 p.m. U. S. time). 

Eduardo Armani, rated the best 
local band outfit, shows no sign of 
slackening despite the fact that this 
year, in addition to the Tourbillon, 
it's also playing for tea at Harrods, 
top department store, and over 
Radio. Splendid on both the Ipana 
show and the Catita session for 
Geniol (aspirin).- Armani, one-time 
virtuoso fi(idler, rarely picks up the 
bout, but effects of his musicianship 
and careful drilling of the outfit are 
much in evidence. Follows the s.ys- 
tem of keeping among the leads with 
novelties from the U. S. while not 
getting so far ahead that only local 
shortwave listeners would know 
what he is playing. 

Starred are Gerry Fuhs. American, 
who has done more travelling in 
Europe and outside the States than 
in Yanquiland, but who nevertheless 
manages to show the real TJo Sam- 
uel touch. Fuhs specializes in 
comedy numbers and introduced 
'Don't Sit Under the' Apple Tree' and 
'Jingle, Jangle' locall.v. Notable that 
French numbers, which at one time 
shared spotlight with U. S. tunes, 
are no longer called for as before 
and that such U. S. jukebox faves of 
some months ago. 'One Dozen Roses' 
and Tangerine,' get all the nods. 

Second spot on the Tourbillon bill 
is held by singing trio comprising 
Douglas Roy, American. Teddy 
Fisher, Hungarian, and Eddy Nelson, 
— (no relation to Nelson Eddy), an 
Argentine. 

Second band is Eugenio Noble's 
Pan American outfit, which handles 
most of the maraca shaking, a 
smooth, danceable crew that occa- 
sionally switches over to an Ameri- 
can number but generally sticks to 
the congarhumba road. Brazilian 
singer Oscar de Barros. who is one 
of the best samba shouters in these 
nart.s. works exclusively with the 
Noble group and gets a liberal .share 
of the hard-to-win applau.se. Roy. 



BLACKHAWK, CHI 

ChicntJO. Oct. 9. 
Chico Marx Ore, Albtii.«. Woody fc 
Belly. Skip -Nelson, Mel Torme; $2 
Saturday minimutn. 

Chico Marx is giving a sock per- 
formance within the limitations of 
this difficult room. Comedian has a 
sturd.y band, styled by veteran 
maestro Ben Pollack. But Marx's 
piano wi7.ardry is (he big attraction, 
though only the ringsides are able 
to see his -clever digiting. Marx 
needs an elevated platform and re- 
volving stage to show off the comedy 
action of his hands. The skaters and 
dancers on the program Kkewise re- 
quire sufficient elevation to be seen 
properly. 

Marx also clowns his way through 
the various acts. He breaks into the 
pops of his canary, shapely Elise 
Cooper, with remarks that keep Ms 
audience much amused. He slows 
up offerings of his male vocalist. 
Skip Nelson, a Glenn Miller alumnus, 
by interpolating comments on the 
song, in the familiar Frank Fay 
manner. 

Woody and Betty, skaters, have a 
.thrilling act. but .Tre considerably 
hampered by lack of space. Albins, 
a little blonde and a tall, fuzzy- 
haired comedy hoofer, do a very 
funny routine. 

Marx pianos musical excerpts and 
hit tunes from 'Animal Crackers,' 
I -Go West.' 'A Night At the Opera,' 
' and other of the Marx Bros.' suc- 
cesses. Hugely applauded. he 
obliged with a number of encores. 

Doubtless the Blackhawk's WGN- 
Mutual hookup and the fine calibre 
of the Marx musical aggregation will 
do a great deal to popularize his ap- 
pearance in and around Chicr.go. 

Loop. 



CASINO RUSSE, N. Y. 

Nina Tarasova, Gyp.iy Markoff, 
Dmitri Matviertko, George Saltan, 
Nadia & Sasha, Larry Murphy, Kri* 
Kay Orch (6), Cornelius Codolban 
(4); $2 minimum. 



Unlike the St. Regis' recently re- 
opened Maisonette (nee Maisonette 
Russe) which missed a good com- 
mercial opportunity by not reinstat- 
ing the vodka nomenclature, the 
Casino Russe, in the Carnegie Hall 
Bldg., is in high with iu oh-chi- 
chornia atmosphere. Apart from the 
solidly increasing Yankee sympatico 
for anything Russian, in view of 
their brave stand on the eastern 
front, it's a frank atmospheric boite 
which brooks no compromise or 
camouflage, in or out of political 
fashion. 

Recalling the Franco-Russian at- 
mosphere of pre-Hitlerian Inhibi- 
tions, Sascha, Peter and MIscha, re- 
spectively host, maitre d' and head- 
waiter, preside over a well blended 
floorshow. 

It's again headed by Nina Tara.sova 
with her Russian and French chan- 
sons. Of concert schooling, having 
redtaled in the p"st in the next- 
door Carnegie Hall, slie's a fixture 
here. Gypsy Markoff is featured 
with her accordion rh?nsons; a neat 
personality performer. Dmitri 
Matvienko is the traditional flaming- 
dagger dancer who now uses like- 
nesses of Hitler to spear, along with 
the prop dollar bills. 

George Sattan plays the gypsy 
Pipes of Pan, gettin? plenty out of 
the Roumanian road company of a 
mouth organ. Nadia & Sa£fia alter- 
nate between' vodka style stepping 
and balalaika, aided by Iratava. 
That eminent Cossack, Larry Mur- 
phy, Is the sole stowaway as emcee. 
Cornelius Codolban, long at the St. 
Regis' Maisonette, violin solos in 
pash manner; Kris Kay heads the 
dance combo. 

Show's good, cuisine ditto, the $2 
minimum price is right, and biz Is 
good. • Abet. 



YACHT CLUB, PITT 

Pittsburtjh, Oc(. 7. 
Herman Middleman Orch (8), 
Eddie Metcalfe, Seller Bros.. (2), 
Cofifoine & florry, Christine Cross, 
Cheena De Simone Dancers (6); $2- 
$2.50 minimum. 



Crack show, entertaining all the 
way and one of best buys Little 
Jackie Heller's river spot has ped- 
dled in some time. Jay and Lou 
Seller are headlining and doing a 
swell job, both th their own wooden- 
ski specialty, a sock piece of acro- 
batic fooling, and in the twin m.c. 
chores they perform. Sellers gag 
up their announcements pleasantly, 
getting them away from the inevita- 
ble groove, and precede the 'intro- 
ducing so-and-so' with some casual 
nonsense, a screwy fencing sketch, 
a Disney dwarf burlesque or a like 
bit of batty badinage. First local 
cafe engagement for them although 
they've been around ofton. in pres- 
entations at Stanley and Penn. and 
also in Sonja Henic's ice show at 
Gardens. 

Cheena De Simone dalicers, smart- 
looking rhumba troucc who had a 
lengthy engagement r.t Yacht Club 
several months ago, are back again 
with couple of brir.'ht new routines 
and a wardrobe that's class. Three 
girls and three boys, they're a flash 
sextet and ring the bell on each of 
their appearances. B.-illroom team of 
Castaine & Barry rates high among 
the' terpers of noli>-hrd (,race, and 
click solidly with routines that are 
distinctive and danced with a neat 
flair. He's a good-lookinc youngster 
and she's a smart, svelte blonde who 
looks like a million bi— ks and fits 
the ballroom like a f'lrvc. 

Christine Cro.ss. a singer, used to 
be LaVerne. of the i''e shows, but 
gflve up the silver blrd'-s not so long 
ago for the less .strenpous career of 
a nitery chanteuse. Doesn't look as 
if she made a mistnkc either, since 
Miss Cross is a sex-appcalrr with 
pipes that are okav and a style that's 
on the nose. Styli7."lio'> 'o-ms to be 
the thing these days w^ 'h the tiooze- 
den torchers. and the Crcrs gal has 
found one that m;-t-hcs her voice 
and personality. Tonper is the 
'Strip Polka,' which she does with 
restrained Peel Wheel embellish- 
ments, and it's a flrsl-ratc selling 
job and a big winner for her here. 

Music at Yacht Club is still by 
Herman Middleman, whom the clien- 
tele tags 'Pancho' when he swings 
to the congarhumba rhythm.s. in 
deference to the ei^ht-plcce outfit's 
great improvement of late in this 
field. On the domestic dance steps 
and the show accompaniment. Mid- 
dleman's always been there. Saxist 
Eddie Metcalfe doubles rn the vocals 
.ind he's easilv one f^' <h„ »od men 
among local orch vocalists. Cohen. 



Levey's Addc.; Time 

Sealllc. Oct. 13. 
Len Mantell, manaqcr for Bert 
Levey booking oftice in this locale, 
reports addition of vaiidc week in 
Portland, Ore., the PI; •'' 'E. er- 
Ercen Theatres), r"' ■ n-i 19. 



4a 



WedfUeaday, October 14, 1942 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 9 

Nanerab in coDMCtloB witb Mils below Indleala •yenlBc day of 
■haw. whether tall or ayllt week. 



Loew 



>'EW TOBK riTT 

tMaIr (lA) 
6 Creasonlana 

Triitiip«t 2 
B-nee DeMarco 
John BoleB 
blalo Brori 

rlTTHBl'IUiH 
(SManl«y (18) 
OI«'n Oray Ore 



DIxlp Dunbar 
LIHle Tooeh Oaya 
WASHINGTON 
Cnpltol (!•> 
Rhythm Rockria 
Rlctiurda-A-Uir D 
JuKRiInK JewrlB 
Smith & Dale 
Tprry Lawlor 



Paraffloflnt 



Kew tork riTY 

Pttmnvont (14) 
0«ne Krupa Bund 
IWatrlt-e Kny 
Alan Cnrney 
l^jithrop & l.eo 
Bl'FFAI.O 
Baffala (16) 
Major BowCN 8th 
Ann. Slvow 
CHICAGO 
CWCSKO (IS) 
AII.V1 & Kent 
Mnrtella & MlKnon 
Jane Plckena 
Jay ft Lou Seller 



(l«) 

Tlesnl 

Sweeth'tv nr Rythm 

4 Kit Kata 
Jnrfclr Uabely 

MIAMI 
Olympla (M-ID 
Sandy L^nK Co 
Crarlell & Roaa 

5 UoTcan Dancers 
Rome Bt Uaui 
Bloasoin Sl« 

OMAHA 
OrpbraDi (ia> 
Cab Calloway Ud 




ALRANV 
VaUre (16) 

Glen Gray Ore 
DUlo Dunbnr 
AmeH A Arno 
UOHTOS 
Boston (16) 
Jane Wlthere 
Dirk ijtablle Ore 
Gracic Darrle 
Betty nruce 
Paul WIncholl 
(9) 

Jerry Wald Ore 
Johnny, Downed 
Hlnevltrh Raacala 
Syb'i Bowan 
rt.KVELAND 
Pulare (16) 
C T^iornhlll Ore 
Idarlon Uulton 
Tex Beneke 
The Modernalres 
>lnry Brian Co 
J & Jane MeKenna 
(9) 

fnk Spots 
l.ucky Mllllnder Ore 
Sis Tharpe 
Gordon & Rosera 
Pair LeK Bates 



rOI.IIMRCR 

Bombnhells n! l!>*3 
Hal Sherman 
I. HIte & Sliinley 
Martin A- Allon 
MasIo;-M i<t Kolllns 
Val Setx 
Vic Hyde 
Curley Van 

(13-15) 
Shep Kleld:' Ore 
Mary Urinn t*« 
Paul Rrcan 
Le Pellet ipTi* 
DAYTON 
ColunliH (16) 
4 Ink Spotii 
Lucky Mllllnder Ore 
Sister Tharpe 
Gordon & RoKera 
Pee Leg n«te» 
(») 

Johnny Davis Ore 

Ann Corlo 

Anne Naael 

Francis Wills 

Jack Good 

Charles Sttiart 
BOTHEHTRR 
RKO (ie-l»> 

Blue Barron Ore 



3 Coeds 
Jackie Swift 

KAI.I. RIVKR 
Kmplre (14-14) 
Will OHboriio Ore 
Raroonii 
I*arry Storch 
Kay Ic Karol 
HARBISBl-RO 
State (IS- 11) 
Tony Pastor Ore 
KinfT A Arltnn 
Bob Kvans 

(19-21) 
Johnny l.oni; Ore 
Ray BnsllHh 
Ruthle Uarnefl 
HARTFORD 
Mntr (16-18) 
Horai-c HeUlt Ore 
INDIANAPOLIS 
rlrrle (16) 
Tod I-ewis Ore 
I.VNBROOK 

l.ynbrook 
(lllh ODly) 
rietii Hawkins 
Anne AHtor 
Prelascr A Lnngdon 
I Two lo nil) 
NCWARK 
.\<tunu (16> 
Sammy Knye Ore 
3 N'onchiilunts 
Sterner SIM 

PASSAIr 
Cnttmi (1.1) 
3 AndrewH Six 
Will O.Hborne Ore 
.I-'rry A Turk 
Wesann f.roM 
P.^TRKSON 
Ma>»tlr (1.1-1*) 
n M riiivi.in 

Kelvin A I.vnn 
Ro»i!i & riiriiril 



.'<.v Reeves 

L' UuuithiTty Girls 

(IB-SI) 
Arkeit & KubcrlH 
Bobby lIcnMnuw 
PHILADRLPHIA 
rurmao (I6-I9) 
Don FranrlHco 
Randall SIh 
Bub Kaston Co 
Farrell A Uiiik Sis 

(Sn-S!) 
.Mnri;:iii Sis 
The .Miiii.li'lls 
Itulii ria KInK ft M 
4 .VovelieerM 

Fay's (16) 
Man- llullero 
Riji;i>lelto llri>!« 
CfUUtlninlth Bros 
Irene Vcrmlllinn Co 
Hoo Shee 

PROVIDKNC'K 
MetroiHilltnn 
(16-181 
Jerry Wald Ore 
.Mlncvltfh'u Rhsc.iIs 
.Inlinny Downs 
Al riordon*8 I>017S 
WA.MHINtiTOX 
Howard (16) 
Kllii KllzKernId 
.Ijiy McSh.tnn Oi e 
'i Keyi'M 

WATKRRI'RY 
Poll's (I4-I&) 
Siiin Donohue Ore 
l»eep River Boys 
Al Trahan 
.lohnny Bnrnes 
WORrKSTKR 
Ptyotouth (12-14) 
Stnn Kenton Ore 
.lane Wlthori) 
II H M I'layton 
A I lliirdnn's Dogs 



C'Haret Pffls 



J W YOBK CITY 



Warner 



Vm\f TOBK CITY 

Mrmsd <16) 
BtRn Kenton Ore 
S .Stoofre0 
Jack Carnon 
Unrtln Broa 
(6) 

Hii:iic HeitU Ore 
rHri.AURLPHlA 
vjirle <16) 
t>la'il Hor'ehoo Rev 
(9) 

Prank Foy 
t7na Merkol 
Betty Keane 
Eddie Parkn 
Clarence Gaai:lll 
Bonnli* Bnkrr 
John KIrby Ore 



PITTSBnUiH 
8laBl«7 (16) 

Glon Gray Ore 
Dixie Dunbnr 
Pat Hennlnff 
<«) 

Dln'd Hor'ahoe Rev 
WASHINGTON 
Earle (16) 

Roxyettea 
Wally Brown 
Adrlana & Charley 
Olive White 
Ben Deri 

(») 
Roxyettep 
Helene Faye 
The HerxoRi* 
MIrlnm l4ivclle 
WrIIv West 



VTAV YORK CITT 
MuhIc Hnll (IS) 

^'l .Hka 

B:>-< Dupont 

Al & Lee Reloer 

Harry Marttn 

Lano ft Edna Ward 

Hll<lA Echler 
Rox>- (U) 

Tex Boneke 

Btan Knvanaich 

The liftrrys 

Lnu Hkuee 

The Novack 81m 

B'>1> Hannon 

Ma.'ion Hutton 

4 Modnrnalres 

Al T>onahuo 

Nnillne Oae 

Tommy Wonder 

pa-I WInchell 
4flth Ht. TheMtre 
(8-lS) 

Harry Rlchnmn 

Bert Wheeler 

Carol Bruce 

Hank Ladd 

Benny Tounemen 

The Brlcklayera 

Johnny Burke 

Hnrrlflon & Fisher 

Bally Keith 

The Radio Aces 

The Aeramanlacs 

Imogene Carpenter 

Ted Adair 

Brflndhnrttt Theatre 
(14) 

tieorffe Je8:«el 

Jack Haley 

Ella Loean 

The De Marros 

Berry Bros 

Bob Wllllatnfl 

Con Colleano 

OlRon ft Shirley 

Lucille Norman 
Apollo (10) 

4 Macks 

BROOKLYN 

Marine (IStli only) 

Bob Nelson 

C*'nrirle Kaye 



3 Waves 

(Two to nil) 

Huyfalr (17th only) 

Bob Nelson 

Georgia Kaye 

S Waves 

(Two lo nil) 
Rldcewood 
(14th only) 

Bob NelFon Co 

Hut Hill 

3 Trrrytones 

3 King Sis 
(One to nil) 

(leth only) 
Clem Hnvvkinn 
Anne Astor 
ProliMcr & Langdon 
(Two to nil) 
ATLANTIC CITY 
Hteel Pier (IR) 
Rsndall SIh 
(Others to nil) 
HAY.TI310BK 
lllp|K»drome (16) 
Chiirlle Barnet Ore 
Arllne Harrln 
Canfleld Smith 

Htate (in-17) 
Musical .Tohnsonn 
Tanner ft Thomas 
Ruton'B Dogs 
(I8.«l) 
The Olbsona 
Dorothy Blaine 
Bob Carney 
C ft Dupree Rev 
BBIIIUKPORT 
Lyric (12-14) 
Chnrllp flplvnk Ore 
OKcar DavlM 
Rosnllnd 0(ir<1on 
CAMDKN 
Toweni (10-18) 
Morgan SIh 
Eleanor French 
The Mandellfl 
Arken ft Roberta 

4 Noveltoerj* 

ElIJZAnRTH 
Liberty (10-16) 
Mary Mario 
N''»!*|ftr a Rnlllnt* 



A<|n'irlu'ii ItPMt. 
IW I . '.or\o tire 
LMIt:in Koth 

Kill ilrrttOolira 
Evelyn Ptiw 
l.ynn ft Mnrlnntie 
KtivntH- Ijiicero 
Sblrl Thomn« 
Helnne Stewart 
iHiit tillvio Ore 
Roberto Ore 

BlU'n (Say M'a 
Ethel Gilbert 
Harry Donelly 
Charlie Kohb 
Dornle Orauer 
Gay 90'a Qunrlelte 
Cafe Borlety 
(MIdtoiVDi 
Hazel Broil 
Revuers 
Eddie MathewB 
Bill Moore Ore 
Teddy Wilson Ore 
Cufe Society 
(Vmavr) 
Dorothy Knox 
Albert Ammone 
Edward Tyler 
Pete Johnimn 
Anna Koblnson 
Relchman Lewla 
Sam Orny 

Caelatt Hdrm 
NInu Tarasova 
Gypsy Markoff 
George Sattan 
Nadia ft iSaaha 
Larry Murphy 
Dmitri Matvlenko 
Kris Kay Ore 
Nicholas Matthey 0 

Cemttl'i 
Walter Lynch 
Mae Barnes 
Mary Talley 
4 (^hantlrleera 

Chntean Hodeme 
Mnryon Dale 
DorDlltv Titnner 
Terrote Boys 

Clover Clob 
John Hale 
Helcnc ft Hayea 
Toll Mar Dane 
S:inrh*-z Ore 

Club Hull 
Bcrnlce Claire 
Ilerbori Di^xter 
Willie Smith 
Uall-elles 

Tommy Nunc?. Ore 
ISarlo Hanson Ore 

Club Caravan 
Jerry Riiker 
Helen Fox 
Juno Uarrett 
noiorc» Colveri 
Marlon Myles 
Allan Sis 
Ijirry Ward Ore 

Club 16 
Franklo llyera 
Uud Sweeney 
Carrie Flnnell 
Vlnce Curran 
Llllinn Fitzgerald 
Plane I-*ontane 
Hazel McNulty 
Gnyo Dixon 
Jerry Rlanchard 
Jne l'"rlflro 
Gordon Andrewn O 
KrankU I'roehn Oi^ 

Club Maxlm'e 
Dave Barry 
Junle Astor 
.Mona Wlndell 
Blair ft Dcane 
Mlllaa 

CarloH Campos Ore 
Ed rarley Ore 

Club Samoa 
Mabello Ruaaelle 
Linda Castro 
Clilng 

Copacabaaa 
Joe K. Lewis 
Berry Bro& 
Connie Russell 
Pierre D'Angelo 
Olan San Juan 
Fernando Alvarez 
Snmha Si rone 
Ted Btraeter Ore 
Kriink Marll Or«- 



llluninnd HorMmhckr 

Harriet lloclni 



Alalia RoBAl 
Kay Penton 
Bobby Parka Oro ' 
_ Hotel BlUnwre 
Heaaley Twins 
HjlmI Franklin 
Ray HeathertOD Ore 

Hotel BreToort 
Roaalle Grant 
Myaru 

Dnna Collier 
Jnn Brunesco 
Jackson Hlnos 
Hotel rommodoro 

(Cenlory Room) 
Four V'B 
Lee Sisters 
Marylln Duke 
Zkggv Talent 
r ft E Keyes 
Peter Rotunda Ore 
Vaughn Monroe Ore 

HotH Bdlaon 
Bobby Byrne Ore 
Hotel Bhmi Howe 

(CaalM on Park) 
I>on Brown 
Kerwln Somervllle 
Judith Arton 
Anty Arnell 
Tommy Tucker Ore 
Hotel Lexington 
(llawnlloo Rm) 
Kahain 
Tallmu 
Moinlkal 
Lanl Ore 
Ken I.aUe 
Lellnni laea 

Hotel Llnroln 
(Hlui> Ro«im) 
Ili'li-n I'''t>rri'»l 
Johnny .Mui- Afee 
Harry Jnmes Ore 
Hnlrl McAlpIo 
(Marine Ortll) 

Gloilys Toll 
Johnny Meaaner Ore 
Hotel New Yorker 

(Terruoe R<k»di) 
Bonny Goodman Ore 
Bob Russell 
Rnnny ilnhorts 
Audrey Miller 
George Uanyas 
(trace May 
Ulsaelle Farley 
liolel Park Cenlrai 

(Corfwitiil t>nive) 
Yacht i'lub Huya 
Glover ft l-a Mae 
Huddy riarlie Ore 
I*.ennv Hownnl 

(Ktiyiil PHlm) 

l>fll O'Dfll 

Jiick KeyiiiMds 
Sanilro Itnsjitl 
Bennett Green 
lerry Green 
Bunny Howard 
Hotel PennayU-nnla 
(Cafe Rougri 



Pat O'Sheft 
Arlene 

Bea Foley 
Prances O'ConnoU 
Marie Daley 
Dorothy Mack 
Marlene Prancla 
Paula Valera 

Jimmy Kelly 'a 
Joe Carter 
Olenda Hopo 
Renee 
Denise 
Loroa Ruse 
Hoslta & Romero 
Montmarte Boys 
Margaret Grey 
Paltn Arlen 
Joe Capello Oro 

Kelly'a Stable 
Nelda Duprle 
Jerl Wlibee ^ 
Leonard Ware I 
DIahhe Reed 
Rosalie Gibson 
Thelma Carpenter 
Walter Fuller Ore 

KKty I>avta 
nil I AmtiB 
Frank Marlowe 
Rofiu MngrlU 
Johnny Slivers Ore 

La roaga 
Georgle Price 
Eniollta 

Claire ft Arena 
Carmen DeRlvrro 
Jen-I Vanve 
Carlos \- Ciirlia 
Mat hlto Ort: 
Jark Harris Ore 
Mnrtlnltioe 
n<>tty Dnnlela 
Mary Parker 
Jackie aMIles 
Mar[lnl<)ui*enn 
MaxI BorKeio Ore 
Muraies Ore 

Ijitin Qnnrter 
llelon Carroll 
Jade Lint: 
Stanley Twlna 
Kamarnva Ballet 
Gll Galvun 
Mazonni' Apnrhes 
Carol King 
ArinMnilu \- T.itii 
J ft 1-: Chadw'l' h 
Wally Wanger Kns 
Hoh Fuller (>:i 
Jane Woml 
Pnmel:i Brlliivn 
Pi-. Clovnnn< 
Don MrGran^ Ore 
Cnney Orr 

I J* Vie IVirlnti*- nr 
Joy Lyons 
Tvonne Bouvlor 
Murg GnlnHvvorih 
(i Ray Terrell 
Raahn ft MIrKe 

l^n A Kihlle'B 
Kddltf r^Hvlf 
Adrian I lunrerr 
4 Kit Kul^ 
Kirk A Ma(l<>ltne 
Paula nrnke 
I Frnnrla tTurlvi^ 



Daria Blrae 
Daria Bokolakaya 
Senya Karavaellt 
Michel 'Mlohon 
Micholaa Mattta^ 
Valdlmlr KayaloS 
Naatla Pollako^a 
MaroBla Sava 
Cornelia Cedolban O 

Splvy'a Root 
flpivy 

Arthur Bla1(% 
Stork Cfub 

Graco Rollly 
Charles Baum Ore 
Ted Steele Ore 
The Pbico 
Irene Barkley 
Pnt Ring 
Evelyn Brock 
Skvets Tolbert 

I'biiogI Clob 
Al Guater 

Tondelayo ft Lopei 
Savanna Churchill 
Dick Montgomery 
Columbua Ore 



Bea Cntlar Ora 
Pancblto Oro 
Maarlca A Cordoba 
Gloria Gilbert 
A via Aotlnwa 
Lola Bannermaa 
Cyrel Rodney 
Carolyn Mareb 
• Ver-al«ha 

VUlBfro Bars 
Jobn OrlOln 
Btentona « 
Diane Davis 
Alkali Ike 
Al Robinson 

VlUase Vonrttard 
Richard D Bennett 
Tony Perrar 
Betty Oarrett 
Eddie Heywood Ore 

'Vrivel 
Bob Lee 
Lllyan Dell 
Chaa Bowman Ore 
Thefvdore Brooka 
Paulena 

Tommy Hayden 
Doris Neliaon 



CHICAGO 



Anhassadar Hotel 
(Pomp Room) 

John KIrby 
RIamarrk Hoi el 

(Walnut Room) 

Art KusHCl Ore 
Clorin Hart 
T * K Vallett 
I '.I I VIlKKlnn 
II. Smith Ols 

(Tavero RtHun) 
IMith L^rand Ore 

lllRrkKHWk 
t'hieo Marx Ore 
Skip Nelson 
The Alhlns ' 
Kllise Cnuper 
Woody & Belly 
HIackstoM Hotel 

(BallDCK* Rml 
.lohnny Duffy Oro 
MattI r^lavlnn 

(.M:U'riilr Kaon) 
Dwieht Flske 
Nell Uondshu Ore 

Hrrvimrt Hotel 

iCryntiil Kmiin) 
ri>n> IJ.-'n 
Itnh ItllllnKs 

nr«»'n Iterby 
riiri'e Ityans 
M.irirle Kelly 
W:i'-ky Wiiyno 
l)'..'\nif Harry 
.lac'.; I'rlnrf' 
H'^lty Karrell 
Sherwood Ols 
Mel Cole ore 
Ted Smilh 

i'Mn 1*11 ree 
.Iiick t^ole l>ani-ers 
.Sue Kyan 



BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENISNT 
VAUraVILLE THEATRES 

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY 

NEW YORK BEVERLY HILLS. CAL 



W C. Handy 
Pansy the llorae 
Willie Solar 
Calls Farm 
Billy Wells 
Four Pay a 
Herman Hyde Co 
I.uelenne ft Ashour 
Eddie Eddy 
Peril la 

Virginia Mayo 
Pedro Lopez 
June Melva 
Great Daniel 
Emma Francle 
Norlne Roblnsoo 
Nellie Durkin 
Billy Banks 
Perry P.ruskin 
Roy Fox Ore 
Sid FrusBin Oro 

El Chiro 
Dorlta ft Valero 
Consuelo Moreno 
Gloria Belraonte 
3 Qultars 
Jack Navarro 
Del Duca Ore 
Herman del Toro 

El Morocco 
Chauneey Grey Or' 
Chlnulln Ore 

FnmuQs Door 
Znrltii 

Krani-en Wayne 
NU-k Jarrell Ore 
Fefe'fl Monte Carlo 

N'nrli.i 

Sonny Kendis Oro 
Al Clob 

Bert rrohman 

I I rielilH 

I'hMiuim 
rejiil WtniamB 
Jiiy l)ixon 
Margo Gddde 
Ui'iie .Villon 
Stutirl Ore 

KHhrr's t;Hy B0> 
Annie Kent 
Helly Jane Carlton 
Lniinle Grace 
Minnio Allen 
Gay 'JO s 4 ft Ore 
tireeowlrh Vlllnge 
bin 

Benny Flolds 
l.rnnv Kent 
I> ft K Dwiielit 
Joan Bran<l4in 
U«>np ft l^ura 
riln«»rah Orr 
Enoch Light Ore 
Havana-Madrid 

VmIcfo Slxiers 
A)iii>i Sovllla 
Jow F*TnHn(|«-z 
'l>rri l.n l-'ran* oiil 
Trio MIXH--0 
Maya Ore 
Don Ollberio Oro 

Hickory Hooae 
.Xn'-ll Swe<»t 
Norma Sh^iiherd 
Kddle Suuih Oro 
Hotel Aalor 
tAmtur Roof) 
Alvliio Rey Ore 
King MiHtcrH 

Hotel Belmont 
Plaaa 
(tilaaa Hat) 
Paul WInchell 
StHdIerH 
J'-iry Miihoney 
Mill Johnnnn 
lltindn ft \>vnn 



Bob Allen Ore 
J Rodriguez Ore 
Hotel ' rierre 
tCittUIInn Boom) 

Brenda Forbes 
MyruH 

Ellsworth ft Falra'd 
Stanley Melba Urc 
Hotel Plaxa 
(Penlan Boom) 
Hlldegarde 

Hotel Hooaevelt 
Guy Lombardo Ore 
Walter I'orner Oreh 
Hotel &avoy Plan 

(Cafe Lounge) 
Morton Downey 
Paul Barron Ore 
Hotel Sheraton 
(Satire Room) 
Jerri Blanehard 
Townsmen Ore 
Hotel St. He*to 
(Iridium Room) 
Ethei Smith Ens 
Paull Snarr Ore 
(Malaooetto 
Bob Terry Ore 
Freddy Miller Oro 

Hotel Taft 
Vincent l<opex Ore 
Hotel U'lildnrf- 
Aatorla 
WeilgwomI Hoom 
Grade Flclda 



Bob Fk-ld 
Jean Moile 

Mother Krlly> 
Colly Hlehards 
Tomaek'RelMs Bros 
Darbiirii l.oe 
Lollta Cordoba 
Mouaey 
Gatea Ore 
Chavez Ore 

l»th Bole CIttb 
Marlun Power* 
3 Caddies 
Angel Velez Ore 
Snub Mosely Ore 

t>ayx Clob 
Billy Dunleta 
Pete Brown 
Willie Dukes 
Toy Wilson 
Baby Hlnew 

Old Bottmunlao 
Sadie Banks 
Freddie Bernard 
Ada Lublna 
Ginger Layne 
Jnp l<aPorie Ore 

Place ElrBttHle 
BUI Farrell 
Vincent de Cosia 
Art Tubertlnl 
Ernest Frnnz Ore 
4)ueen Hnry 
Noel Toy 
Carlylo Sla 
Carrol ChHfi>»'li'> 



BURNS TWINS 
and EVELYN 

NOW 

CHEZ PAREE, CHICAGO 
PerMHul Manugement : 

Fi»DIK SMITH 
Paramount BIdg.. N. Y. 



Linda Ware 
(«eorgc Beatty 
furns Z & Evelyn 
Adorablea 
Franklin Ore 

Clab Alabam 
Paulette LaPlerre 
Harriett Nnrrln 
Florent-e While 
Jean Dixon 
Cai Herbert 
Caaaand ra 
Del Entea 
Allan Coe 
Dave Unell Ore 
Eddie Roth Oro 

Coloslrooa 
Ralph Cook 
Dc Maye. M'ore ft H 
The Appletons 
I^ei! Royce 
Val Ernie Ore 
Lucille ft Richards 
Don Lang Ore 
Bdsewater Beneh 
Hotel 
(Marine Rro) 
Henry King Ore 
Harge ft Mn.\o 
Pelletiern 
Bill Siott 
Uorbon i'.U 



Eltera 

lleadllnor'a Ore 
Rnthskfllar 
Loulo ft Oans 
SlOO Club 
Danny Thomas 
Maglcy Ola 
Mark Flsber Oro 

HM CiDb 
Carroll .ft Gorman 
Tung Pin Soo 
Jack ft Jll Warner 
Mark Talent Ore 
Johnny Honnert 
Ourrick Stasebar 
June Price 
Ascot ' Boys 

OowobcAl Rm 
Kat ft Iho Fiddle 
3 Sharps ft Flats 
Gladys Palmer 

tlniemere Hotel 
(tilam' Hooae Rm) 
Billy Chandler Ore 
Eileen O'Hara 
Mnrv Sinclair 
llelalngii 
(%n<lvll Lnuoee) 
Frank Puyne 
Dorothy Unvis 
Ohel Hobles 
The r>umelda 
John Trin 

Ivanhoe 
I'^lnroni-e Schubert 
Harney Rlchnrda O 
Vlerru Hawallnne 
H<»lAn Sumner 
L'Alglan 

Splroa Stainos Ore 
Gwendolyn Veaueell 
Murray ft Simon 
George Devron 
faobel de Marco 

l.a telle Hotel 
(Pan-Am Room) 
Al Chamberlain 
Joao Manznnerea O 

LaHo tlimrter 
V Bragalo'a Oro 
Eddie Pripps Oro 
Bernard Dancers 
Jorkle Heller 
Anita Alvarez 
Roaa ft West 
Joe Norman Oro 
Palmer Hooae 

(Kmpire Room) 
Orlir Williams Oro 
The Hartmane 
Carlyn Truax 
Waller Long 
Del Klna% 
Abl-iii Gla 

Slirrmaa Hotel 
(CeHIc Cafe) 
Gene Kerwln Ore 
Jarna Sla 

(Panther Rotim) 
Woody Herman Ore 
3 Makcbeliovea 
I'Vllcp »l)aw 
Hay Kollog 
Carl Marx 

OM Club 
Paul Mall 
Vera Allen 
Jun ft Ingbord 
Lee Camp 
Del Ohrel 
Romayne 
Diane Loure 
Alma ft Roland 
Floren/ri 
r.OR GiM 
Dolly Sterling 
Sol Lake Oro 
Tripoli a 

Tar Reat 
Geo Scherbnn Oro 
Helen Ortega 



ATLANTIC CITT 



c;«ni-ge.x ft Jnlna 

Kinll Coleman Ore 
lintel Wanwirk 
(Kaleigh Room) 

Vlcki George 

Sande Williams Ore 
Hurricane 

Willie Shore 
Cabot ft Dreaden 
Alphonse Berg 
Uaiifott St Cannon 
Jfirry Bergman 
Jerry KniKer 
Vlncrni PIrro Ore 
lj|*k Warren Ore 
Iceland ReMtoumnI 
Danny White 
Brady ft Barton 
NilM ft Nadypno 
rcrin ft Devon 
KIkl 

I^>H Kramer 
FranceH .Miller 
Linda Fagon 
Jean Harvoy 
Jnnu Waring 
Ted Kddy Ore 
Angelo Ore 
Jack Dempaey> 
II* way Reat au ran I 
McFarlnnd Ore 
nunH MacLean 
Mill Herth 3 
•llmmy Dwyer'a 
Hnnrrfnst Trail 
Bnhhv Hrnth 
f . 



mil GliiMS On 
tloeenti Terrarr 

Phil Foster 

Beverly PaKs 

J ft R Rex#-r 

Rosle Morn n 

Jack Allyn 

Ned Harvry c»rr 
Rainbow rirlll 

Ruas Smith Oro 

Vera SanofT 

Ashburns 

Rainbow Room 

Pcrllta Orcco 

Muna Mnntcz 

Alexia Dolinoff 

tienor Weneea 

Tom Scot I 

Darlta 

Del CuHino ' Oro 
Rogera Corner 

Johnny Pineappto 
Harry Lefcouri Ore 
Joan C:alre 
Pat Rooney. 3r 
Rosa MacLean 
Harold Green 

Rubon HIeu 
Maxlno Sullivan 
Frpd Keatnig 
Delia Rhythm Boys 
Ruth Buriiian 
JullUH Monk 
Herman Chlttlaon 
mi Baird 
r^ubltlpH La Rup 



Alpine Tavern 

Cfirman Lohmd 
Don Bennett 
''HIT Antlerfon.' 
Mvn. MarKi'-. .*Iary 
Chateau Kenuult 
Sill Hnyo 4 
:i Kni:;hi-' ft Dny 

( liquul Club 
l.^iiny lloNH 
TonI .Surrell 
Itamona 
Suinmy HariiM 
;;iiih Warren 
Kuthle .\:uriln 
■))<• CumniiiiKS 
II klo .M:iriin 
.:i]aii)(^ KIliK 

h'.l Mon»ero 
Danny Hart 

r»00 Cnfe 
Six Lovlles 



P Travcrs ft Men 
Hill (ley 

tiablen Inn 
(lllnck Honie Pike) 

N'an Demar 
I toward HuHaell 
tlusn Tuylor 
Kh\\ A|iplognte 
Tiny Kloln 
Marc** McGurk 

tirnb'H Cafe 
Bill Ovhunlunder 
llerman'a Maalr Bar 
Al Miller 

PeHeli Orchard 
Dolly 

t*li:irll<* King 

Penn-Attantic Hotel 
(Palm Room) 

Al Frani'ls Ore 



BOSTON 



Hettrhrnmher 
Sammy Dale's Oro 
Artie Dunn 
Artlnl St f'nnxucio 
HiirUnra l.nnK 
Teil I'hilllpx 
t'larlr^ & lluilHon 
l>iTiiu Miirie (jlrU 
lleiieh-f^harniers (6> 

Bllnstnib's 
I'eter Dndce Oro 
Boyd llnathon 
Kinir .Saitflnws 
lliiMen Pair 
Frnnkle Brooks 

Casa ManaDB 

(Theafre^ub) 
R<ldlo l^nfl^Oro 
.hK'li Hhea 
Hergl A-Klat 
Marman Sis 

(Moslral Bar) 
Aliro 0'r.rf>ary 
Adrian O'Drlen 

Clab Mayfalr 
nilly Dooley Ore 
.luno WeltlnR 



t'ynja Glenn 
t'oluniburt /t fnrroll 
Kill Hoblnson 
r. MeCabe Ulfla 
Honrlquetto Brazil 
Clob Vanity Fair 
Kranlile Newton Or 
Klorenee Ruy 
Ulnnle O'Keofe 

Cocoanat Uro*« 
Uleliey Alperr Oro 
Alfred Pineda Oro 
BuHtor Kelm Rav 
Billy Paine 
Oraee Rellly 
R & Mary Nolan 
.1 Holat ft Milady 
.lune 8heeron 
Lynn Reynolds 

(Slalody LooDca) 
Herb T.owln 
Copley I'Inta 
(Oval Boom) 
Ramon Ramofl Ore 
.loan Rdwards 
.lohn Hnysrndt 
.Mil rill ti li'lorla 



Mark Ollbart S 
Ctwiey Sqoai* Hatcl 

(Moaia Bojt) 
Johnny Colo 
Donald Van Wart 
■■"nor Frotblngnam 
Taaya 

Julia Barbour 
PeKRy Haniarter 
Crawtonl Huose 

Wlngy Manone Oro 
Noma 

rom • Bands Oak 
(Bliamba Caolao 

Boom) 
Cbarles Wolk Oro 
Don Dudley Ore 
Maxlne Coloman 
Ooorges & Naonctte 
PanI WInIck 
Edna Wilson 
Stella Ray 

Hl-Bat 
Pots Herman Ore 
Franh Petty 
HaM Bndrarti 
(Baof Oanl*B) 
Andy Jaeobsens Ore 

(CIrras Boosn) 
Kenny Brilliant 
Liucllla tt 1 Malonoy 

Hotel EucB 
Buddy Smith's Ore 
Jaek Manning Ore 
Dill Cronln 
Dorothy Dennis 
Rally Harrlr 
Armand A Julia 
Holrl Feaacale 
(Satir* Room) 
Ruth l^ndl 
A I Robinson 
Alkali Ike 

Hotel Lenox 
Bob Hardy Ore 
Eleanor lloland 
Hotel Btntirr 
(Termco Room) 
Jaek Edwards Ore 

(Cafe BooKC) 
Saivy Cavlcchio Ore 



Batel Ve 

(Fife * nnnn Rm) 
Jimmy UrHnle Ore 

Joleno 

Nan V In cent 
Helen Uoudui 
Blaine .Morrison 
Kea 

Ullton CeorKe Oro 
Rnsn Howarit 

Lntln tlinirirr 
Tony Urnno Uro 
Don Rico Ore 
Cardlnl 

Dick & Dm Rcmy 
Sons of l>uuih 
Enrles & Ni>velli> 
Hum ft Btroni 
Don Arden Rev 
■Ua Casino 

Harry do Anicells O 
DIosa CoDlello 
The Roberton 
i Heat Waveji 
Harry Sloekwell 
Blister Kelin Rev 
«ianl«i Luuaar) 
F ft .^fay Detirborn 

Muvoy 
Siibby l.ewls Ore 
.Seven Ufan 
Karl Rohile Ore 
W-rnon Runsell 
.Htroben's 
(Vienna R4M>m> 
Lew Conrad Oro 
Klennor Kay 
Jlinm> Mnrr 
Oorls Abbott 

The Cnre 
Don Oinona Oro 
.iHclt , FlAher 
Tnmnra Oorlvo 
KUna RoKcrs 
Tommy rur.m S 
RoiiH Johnson 
Jimmy Marr 
Plrelle" I 

TIe-Toc 
Fletcher Henderson 



CLEYELAND 



Alpine Vlllaie 

Laurel to ft (flyman 
Skating llamlitons 
Myron Uynn 
Bruce Norman 
Willie Malthlae Ore 
Gregory ft Raymond 

Klilorurio Clab 
N'apua 

llona de Bournat 

Hotel Carter 
Charles Wink Ore 
Batrolltos 

Hotel tJeveland 
Bernle Cummina O 
Hotel Peowny Hnll 
Don Di l)*1nvlo 

Hotel HolleMleD 
Peter HlgRlns 
Pierre ft Rnnee 
Jimmy Rao 
Henri 



Sloan ft Gary 
Sammy Wntktns O 

ilolel 8latler 
Barry Winlnn Ore 
l.n Cunga Club 
(Thirk Albertio Oro 

iJnfbwj'a Bbvlmr 

Kour Arex ft- Queen 
Marya Mauley 
Pearl de I. urea 

Hiituteo'M Cafe 
Carmelltn ft T.ee 
Betty Atkiniinn 
Virginia Morgan 
Veraatllians Ore 

S7M CIttb 

Barry l*orks 
Virginia Rae 
Hal Hall 
Don Walsh Oro 



DETROIT 



R4Hik-Cu(llllac Hotel 

(Book Casino) 
Copacnbana Rovue : 
KatoUe & LeRoy 
Carole Dexter 
Betty Jane Smith 
Andrlna 
Johnny Coy 
Samba Sirens 
Betty Applo 
Jan Mariel 
Bon Young Ore 
(Motor Hnr) 
Rddle I'Vltz 4 

Boiverr 

Miss America 
Radio Aces 
Mildred ft Maurice 
Harvey Stone 
Donn Ardon Co 
Johnny King 
Benny Reata Ore 

RraM RflO 
Del Parker 
Skeeter Palmer 
Roy Swarlz 
Earl Deaudrl* 
Jcannle Rand 
r^aanova 
Henny Young'hian 
John Sonna 
Royce ft La Porte 
Bob Stevenson Ore 

Clab Cooffo 
Congoetles - 
Larry Steele 
Nina M McKlnney 
Nortonn 2 
Ixirenzit Rol>enHon 
Johnsons 2 
Viola JelTeraon 
Claudia Ollvor 
Cnnco Ore 

Clob J^n niego 
Radio Jesters 
Tito Cnvallero 
Jactiuelyn 

Valencia ft Yolanda 
•Tony Norera 
Don I'edro Ore 

CInb Three 646 
Calypso Kids 
Claudia McNeil 
I'ele Nugent 
Jean ft Vernon 



Morton Ifmwn 
Taylorei ten H 
Sam Kuui-he 
Jon-Anna Holmes 
George Snndera 
Lanky Bowman Oro 

Haij market 
Mel Snyder 
Mortimer ft Khardt 
Milo Vagge ft Co 
I.i'Otn Lee 
Wally Johl 
Charmettes Ore 
London Chop llotue 
Alice Dawn 
Ettael Howe 
Roby Ore 
Sammy Dlbert Oro 
OMe Whtm Clab 
Jimmy Clark Ore 

Palm Reaeb 
Qua Howard 
Tangle ft Co 
Mary Ann Jamea 
Carole Dean 
Don Pablo Oro 

Rayale 
Sims ft Ballev 
S<imiit\ Walsh 
Whirlwinds* 2 
Jean Mnna 
Royalettes 
Geo. DufTy Ore 
8flks 

Cnllette ft Barry I 
Jane Dunnin 
Les Scott 
Jackie Hllllard 
Buddy I^eatcr 
Pete VIera Ore 

CInb Three SM 
The Three Rlffs 
Je:in ft Vernon 
M 'SwInK* Brown 
Koslin I.orklmrt 
Prlnro Albert 
Jon - Anna Holmee 
B Taylorellea 
Snn» Kouche 
Lanky Bowman Ore 

n'omlcr Bar 
Aylenc Maaon 
Kildle Paleley Ore 
Guy Welsh Ore 



LOS ANGELES 



Hand Koi 

Pete Snyder 
Billy Grey 
Mae BicwHter 
Geo TIbhIea Oro 
Billy Snyder 
Billy Lankin 

Bnr of Hnale 
Ann Triola 
Bill Iloftman 
Bill Jordan 
Mk-hael Edwards 
Dick Wlnalow Ore 

Hlltmore Bowl 
Harris ft Shore 
Penny Loo 
Donald Novis 
Marjorle Day 
Joe Relchman Oro 

CuHn Ma nana 
Bob Cheater Oro 

Cooeanot Cvntve 
Froddle Martin Ore 

Earl Carrolla 
Gall Gnll 
Happy Fellon 
Dorothy Ford 
WIere Broa. 
Beryl Wallace 
St Clair ft Day 
Aurora Miranda 
Roily Rolls 
Shirley Wayne 
Al Norman 
Manny Strand Ore 
Michel Ortiz Oro 
Florentine Oarden 
Frad Scott 
Mills DroB 
Sugar Oelse 

(Continued 



NTCj* Ariii>' 
Geriruili' Nn-.-*»'n 
niniiiniul llrfis 
Ki-niii'i.>* ft tli'-y 
Jpii nnf Korein:i n 
M MiircellUi (.>rc 
tirore Hnyee Lodge 
Jlmmir O'Brien 
Maurlre O llrlen 
P LInd Mayes Ore 
Dolores Ciay 
Grace ITaye»> 
H Carroll ft Pauline 

Hollywood Truplra 
June 'KM' CiirMun 
Hnrkerw ft Dule 
Paul Neltfhhnrs Oro 
Dick Thomas 

Hooae ot Marphy 
Jean Meunler 
Beth Reynolila 
GeorRe Itedman 
Bob Murphy 

lAulnlnnn 
Al Gain Band 
Lea lllte Ore 

Mafombn Cnfe 
Phil Ohmrin Ore 
Richard Smart 
Eddie Le Baron Ore 

Palladlont 
Jimmy Dorsey 
M Mnlneck Ore 
Slapay Mnile* 
Bon Bli:e 
Shaw ft L-e 
Joseph KlrU 
f.orralne i'Mlii*! 
Tomm> Murk 

on pBf*c 54) 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



USGItlMATE 



49 



indicate TheyD Qassify 
Vaude-Reyues With Choruses As L^t 



Joint board of theatre craft unions, 
formed for the principal purpose of 
classifying vaude-revues which have 
been entering Broadway legit thea- 
tres, has virtuaUy decided that any 
such show with a line of girls shall 
be regarded as legit so far as union 
regulations are concerned. It that 
idea is conformed to it would 
mean that these shows will have to 
be on an eight-performance weekly 
basis, extra performances calling for 
pro rata additional pay. 

General idea is that, whatever the 
final rulings may be, they shall not 
be retroactive. Despite that, the 
stagehands came forth with a ruling 
from its board classing 'Show Time,' 
Broadhurst, as a leglter. League of 
New York Theatre^ protested, and 
asked that the question be placed to 
a vote before the whole membership 
of the N. Y. local Curious angle is 
that 'Show Time' (George Jesse!) is 
really a straight vaude show, where 
as the last "Priorities,* which closed 
at the 46th Street Sunday night (11), 
had a girl line. 

Unionists point out that it a vaudC' 
revue outfit' rehearses for weeks it 
takes on the atmosphere of a revue. 
They further argued that vaudeville, 
as known heretofore, called for np 
such preparation, acts reporting at 
the theatre on the morning of the 
opening day, turning over their 
music to the orchestra leader and, 
after a bit of instruction, being as- 
signed to dressing rooms, ll'ey also 
state that in vaudeville shows actors 
make but one appearance, whereas in 
some of the vaude-revues the same 
people appear two or three times. 
However, the Palace, N. Y., frequent- 
ly used afterpieces in which the top 
acts' made a second appearance. 

It the vaude-revues are termed 
legit, they would come within the 
state Sunday law, which makes it 
mandatory for shows of that type to 
lay off 24 hours each week. It would 
be another reason why showmen 
should amend the statute, regarded 
as discriminatory as all other thea 
tre attractions are on a seven-day 
basis. 

Equity regards "Wine, Women and 
Sung' (Ambassador) as vaude-bur- 
lesque. even though that type ot 
show is frowned upon by the city 
authorities. That show plays 16 per- 
formances weekly, the vaude-revues 
usually going on 12 times. Equity 
feared 'Wine' mieht hamper 'Star 
and Garter.' Music Box. but it was 
roundly panned. 'Wine,' however, is 
taring well at $l.fi5 top. and is regu- 
larly among the legit shows in the 
daily ad listings. 



Theatre Party Promoter 
Producing Own Rem 



Herman Fogel, the theatre-party 
promoter who aided in the financ- 
ing of last season's 'Native Son' via 
the sale ot $25,000 of dress rehearsal 
ducats, is taking his first solo flyer 
in legit production with 'It's All 
Yours.' It's a revue based on cur- 
rent desire for a click war song, 
with talent recruited from folk song 
specialists indigenous to the Green- 
wich Village bistros. 

Earl Robinson, collaborator with 
John Latouche on 'Ballad tor Amer- 
icans,' is aiding in the production 
and playing a lead. Millard Lam- 
pell and Woodie Guthrie did most ot 
the book and much ot the music. 
James Light is 'handling the staging. 

Show has been working out before 
dress rehearsal' audiences at the 
Brooklyn Academy ot Music. There 
is no orch, as yet, with most the 
cast providing own music via gui- 
tars. Actors Equity and the musi- 
cians union have okayed production 
for the tryouts, with a fresh shuffle 
due if and when the revue hits 
Broadway. 



Now They're A.K.s 

' Vinton Freedley and Dwight 
Deere Wiman may seem to be 
boyish-looking managers, but 
both are being reminded that 
they are out of the juvenile class 
by a long jump. Wiman became 
a grandfather last week, when 
one ot his daughters became a 
monther. Freedley will be a 
grandpop any day now, his non- 
pro son being the expectant 
father. 

Young Freedloy is employed 
by the American Tobacco Co., 
and is due in uniform soon. 



B. A. May See 
Ufatch on Rhine 
Spanish Version 



HOLD HEDGEROW AQOR 
FOR EVADING DRAFT 



Philadelphia. Oct. 13. 

Michael DeBausset, a member of 
the Hedgerow Theatre company, 
was held in $2,500 bail by U. S. 
Conmiissioner Norman J. Griffin last 
week for failing to appear for in- 
duction when summoned by his 
draft board. He called himself a 
conscientious objector. 

Robert K. Greenfield. DeBausset's 
attorney, told the commissioner 
there was no connection with the ac- 
loi-'s refusal to answer the draft caU 
^ the sUtement last week by 
Hedgerow's director, Jasper Deeter, 
tuging that the litUe theatre's actors 
«»d other personnel be exempted 
from military service on the grounds 
mey were doing work of 'national 
importance.' Deeter's action, in 
which he wrote letters to Selective 
Service officials. War Manpower 
Commissioner Paul V. McNutt. Pres- 
«>«nt Roosevelt and others, met with 
manimous condemnation from news- 
Papers, public officials as well as fel- 
low actors. 

Hedgerow, one ot the leading 'lit- 
Wetheatre* groups in the U. S.. has 
been hit badly by gas and tire ra- 
tioning which has cut its patronage 
"> half. Deeter had complained that 
drafting of his personnel would 
'orce a complete shutdown of Hed- 
gerow. 



Buenos, Aires, Oct. 1. 
Highly successful presentation of 
Lillian Hellman's 'Watch on the 
Rhine' in German here has opened 
possibilities that drama may be done 
into SpanLsh despite Argentina's 
state ot siege, which severely cramps 
anti-Axis productions. 

German - language performances 
have been given by the Free Ger 
man stage, one of three such refugee 
organization!!. Other two are in New 
York and London. Local group, 
comprising former Berlin, Vienna 
and other Ehiropean stage figures 
who fled before Hitler, has been 
operating here for more than three 
years, working in the headquarters 
of the Casa del Teatro, central or- 
ganization of theatre arts groups. 

Argentine production was trans- 
lated locally by Lisolot Riga Jacob 
with special permission of Herman 
Shumlin, N. Y., producer ot the 
drama, and was given under the 
title Die Unbesiegten.' Perform- 
ances have also been set for a num- 
ber of interior towns where there 
is a large anti-Nazi German popu- 
lash. and for Montevideo, Uruguay. 

Fury with whiqh the show has 
been attacked by Nazi German-lan- 
guage press, particularly the Deut- 
sche La Plata Zeitung, has con- 
vinced theatre people here that this 
piece would probably have a large 
audience in Spanish, and fact that 
German version has not been banned 
by the authorities is indicative that 
the castellano translation would also 
get by. Translation has already 
been completed by Manuel Barbera 
and several leading companies are 
said to be interested. 



'SL Mark' Road Co^ 
B'wayClickaSnrprise 

Playwrights Company is figuring 
on sending out a road company of 
The Eve of St. Mark,' which opened 
to flne reception at the Cort, N. Y., 
last week (7). Broadway reaction 
was surprising to the Playwrights, 
who did not rate the drama so high- 
ly at the out-of-town showings. Nor 
were the Ijest notices of the new 
season to dafb expected. 

Playwrights now feel that the new 
Maxwell Anderson play should be 
sent to other sections of the coun- 
try because ot its timely war plot. 
Author-manager group thought sim- 
ilarly about There Shall Be No 
Night.' The Robert E. Sherwood 
drama was pulled off, however, 
when the war situation in Europe 
became more complicated and Fin- 
land joined up with the Nazis, while 
the Russians went on our side. 

It was not originally intended to 
present 'Eve' on Broadway, Ander- 
son intending it mostly for commun- 
ity theatres. Contracts tor 40 such 
showings were entered into, but are 
not expected to hamper the Broad- 
way and road showings. Stated that 
95% ot those contracts are with col- 
lege drama societies, the. balance be- 
ing with little and community thea- 
tres. At-the Cort, 'Eve's' scene changes 
are accomplished with revolving 
platforms. Few, it any, ot the col- 
lege or little 'theatres have or plan 
such equipment. 



Mgrs/ League in Black for 1st Time; 
MuO WB Suggestion on Pic Question 



Philly Shnbert Again 

Witlioot a Tenant 



Philadelphia, Oct 13. 

Plans for the reopening of the 
long-shuttered Shubert to legit have 
apparently fallen through. The 
house was leased last summer by 
Sam Berns, local film man, who 
placed a deposit for the rental of the 
house and was supposed to have fol- 
lowed through with another pay- 
ment. Dave Lodge, who has charge 
ot leasing the theatre, said Berns 
never came through with the addi- 
tional funds. 

Joe Weinstock has been looking 
over the Shul>ert with a view of run- 
ning it with a two-a-day burley pol- 
icy. Also gandering the Shubert is 
a group of bookers who have offices 
in the Shubert building. Their idea 
is to open it with a grind vaude pol- 
icy, but they've encountered difficul- 
ty in raising coin. 



Met Sues Met 



EDDIE DOWLING DOUBLE 
BILL TAKES SALARY CUT 



'Count Me Does 
Flip-Flop Tween 
Boston and B'way 



ARBITRATION IRONS OUT 
TEMBERTON' CLAUSE 



One of the kinks in the rules of 
the Association of Theatrical Agents 
& Managers union is being ironed 
out by arbitration, with Arthur 
Garfield Hays making the decision. 
II pertains to the privileges of a 
prod'.iccr to act .is comp;my m.nn- 
ager or ayeni of his own show and 
is known a.< the Brock Pembcrton 



To prevent closing last Saturday 
(10), the players in 'Hello Out 
There' and 'Magic,* Belasco, N. Y., 
have agreed on a salary cut; Matter 
was arranged through Equity's cuts 
board last Friday (9) and the man- 
agement agreed that the double legit 
bill would play at least two weeks 
dating from Monday (12). Prior to 
that it was understood the actors 
expressed willingness to accept the 
Equity minimum of $50 plus per- 
centage. 

Eddie Dowling is supposed to be 
the presenter, but the show was re- 
putedly backed by Elizabeth Miele, 
formerly interested in Jersey sum- 
mer theatres and also on the mana- 
gerial end of several Broadway vcn 
tures. 

Bowling's venture last spring with 
three short plays, which he tried 
out under the collective title of 
'Love, Laughter and Tears,' resulted 
in a loss of $16,380 as revealed by 
the l>ankruptcy petition filed by 
Cecilia, Inc., corporate entity of the 
producing outfit Assets set forth 
amounted to $15. Creditors named 
include William Saroyan, who wrote 
one playlet, there being $361 due him 
for royalty. Alfred Bloomingdale, 
who was interested in several shows 
last ireason, drop[>ed $5,000. while 
Oliver Smith is listed as having 
loaned the company $4,500. Latter is 
a scene designer who was associated 
with the Checkov Players. Papers 
include an item of $459 due Dowling, 
set down as unpaid salary. 

The Saroyan play was 'Hello Out 
There.' currently the curtain-raiser 
to 'Magic' at the Belasco, where 
Dowling and Julie Hayden head the 
ca.<:t. Another ot the author's short 
pieces was 'Coming Through the 
Rye." the third short piece being 
i 'The End of the Beginning.' by Sean 
O'Casey. The trio played briefly 



What will probably t>e regarded as 
the sharpest reversal of form this 
season applies to 'Count Me In,' the 
musical comedy which opened at the 
Barrymore, N. Y., Thursday <8). 
Critical roasting was such that the 
new musical may not be able to .sur- 
vive the premiere impression, when 
early-leaving reviewers led a pro- 
cession of walkouts long before the 
flnale. 

Principal element of surprise was 
the support that Boston audiences 
gave 'Count.' Grosses were $23,000 
and $24,000 weeldy in the Hub, de- 
spite musical opposition. Just what 
happened to impair the performance 
is not clear, but several producers 
who knew the show felt confident 
that they could have converted it 
into a hit. 

Boston playgoers laughed at points 
the N. Y. first-nighters rated as dull. 
'Count' was originally done at Cath- 
olic University, Washington, and at- 
tracted attention ot Broadway. 
George Abbot was to have present- 
ed it, but stepped aside. Lee Shu- 
bert, Harry Kaufman, Olsen and 
Johnson, Richard Krakeur, Horace 
Schmidlapp and some others took 
over. The nut was around $75,000. 

Partial explanations were that the 
book was gagged up too much and 
there were too many suggestions 
from the backers and others. Ac- 
cording to precedent, a musical com- 
edy must go over at the preem or 
flop, whereas a straight play may 
live down adverse notices. Day after 
'Count' opened, the agencies reported 
very tew nibbles for tickets. One of 
the most active brokers aid that 
only two tickets had been sold at his 
place. 

One reviewer devoted most of his 
space to the designer and costumes, 
with a nod to the dances and their 
staging. Another said he thought 
the show as presented by the Catho- 
lic U. was better than that which 
came along after too much doctoring. 
Another critic headed his reviews: 
'Count Me Out' (paraphrasing Sam 
Goldwyn), while another used the 
same phrase to open his notice. The 
book was hammered all around. 

One producer, upon observing the 
Boston record and the show's recep- 
tion on Broadway, queried the value 
of opening a show in that stand. 



At the annual meeting of the 
League of New York Theatres held 
last week it was announced that the 
managerial association for the first 
time since it was organized operated 
in the black over a 12-month period. 
Explained that there were 14 new 
members elected to the League, 
which helped, while the maximum 
dues payable from any one man- 
ager or ^rm was raised from $3,000 
to $5,000 annually. 

League's financial report showed a 
total income of $19,871; expenses 
totaled $18,643, leaving $1,227 on 
hand. Previous fiscal year the in- 
come was $15,655; outlays amount- 
ed to $17,548, and the red was $1,983. 
Each manager pays the league $10 
weekly for each theatre when light- 
ed, and the same fee applies to each 
show during the time it operates. 
Only managers affected by the raise 
in the maximum dues are the Shu- 
berts, whu operate more theatres 
than any other legit firm. 

Managers did not decide on the 
suggestion of Warners that it pic- 
ture interests back plajrs they want 
the right to name a producer, even 
though one of their own employees, 
instead of first submitting scripts to 
at least two recognized managers. 
Showmen want to talk it over fur- 
ther with the authors, with the film 
leopie probably to s.'t in on the 
:onference. League was surprised 
^t there had been nesative action 
by the Dramatists Guild on the War- 
ners suggestions. Letter asking for 
the concession was received by the 
league from Edward Childs Car- 
penter, president ot Guild, and it 
was assumed that the authors were 
in assent It is assumed that the 
latter, or some of them, bre sus- 
picious of any move by managers 
and picture execs. 

(^ris Dunpta^, who heads the 
amusement section of the War Pro- 
duction Board, addressed the last 
league meeting on the topic of pri- 
orities. He urged greater conaerva^ 
tion of materials and said the deliv- 
ery of goods ordered would doubt- 
less be hindered, even if available. 
Members who have been in office for 
Ihe past year were all r-elected. 



clause.' Latter showmen only u.sed 

the prerogative but once in four I illness of Dowling being given as 
year.*, that being when he tried out ! the resf^n for the ab rupt closing. 

•Janic' (Miller. N. Y.) as a .:to-k | 

showing ' performances. Union propases to 

The Metropolitan Opera A<=socia- Michael Myorbory. who is produc- knock the clause out of the new 
«on. Inc.. filed suit Tuesday (yester- in« The Skin of Your Teeth.' cUims agreement with the managers, now 
in N. Y supreme court Ssl ! the .^ame nsht. -MAM contends in ne«ol..., on. Other .showmen com- 
&"est Sanlorxj ^dTcholasde Pas i that the privile-e applies to man- mg w,lhin the clause are Le.s.er 
•wale seeking a restraining order ' agers who were act.ve during, the Meyers and W. A. Brady^ who p- 
prohibiting uL of IhVwZ 'Metro- 'yeais of 19.3.i to 1938. Myerberg | enite th. Empire and Playnou.e. 
Politan' for their ooeratic oreaniza- ' <av.^ he quaiific Deciuisc having pro- , and aro listed as house managers, 
tion Office' whi::;T,o<J^,c7a 1"' duced a%lav c-iiled Symp'nony' in \^Onle A.ox Yokel is age^^^^^ 
blocks away from the Met ; '35. even thoush it lasted but a few I .Men On a Horse. Foircst. 



WLB MAY DEODE 
ATAM WAGE dWm 



Minn. Players Fold 

Minneap'jlis, Oct. 13. 

The Minnesota Players, little thea- 
tre group comprising mostly profe - 
pional."; and largely recruited from 
the Old Log. .<.ummcr slrawhattcr 
here, failed to make a go of their 
repertory season in the gymnasium 
of a local church and have calle-'l 
it qi:ils Three plays, including 'You 
Can't Take It With You,' had been 
pre-cnted. 

Only remaining Twin City little 
Iheatio K^'^iiP. Kdylh Birh the- 
atre. I(s c;i-<t arc local amateurs. 



Two sessions between tiie 
agers and Association of Theatrical 
Agents & Managers for the purpose 
settling a demand by the latter 
for salary increases have been held. 
Gov,emment conciliator presided. 
Final decision, however, will prob- 
ably be made by the War Labor 
Board, although the managerial 
League of New York Theatres bud- 
died yesterday (Tuesday ) to find out 
it the showmen will make a conces- 
sion to ATAM, which .seeks a 15% 
t>ooet. Before the conciliation meet- 
ings, the League people nixed any 
increase. Managers are reported to 
have stood pat. 

First meeting included verbal ex- 
plosions, mostly by J. J. Shubert, 
member of the League. Manager 
blew a fuse when Sidney Colin, 
counsel for ATAM, sharply asked: 
'Why don't you mind your own 
business?' Not used to being so 
spoken to, Shubert sounded off. The 
second session was reported to have 
been more amicable. Shubert was 
absent. 

According to reports, Shubert at 
the meeting said he had favored the 
withdrawal of the boxoffice treasur- 
ers from the then Theatrical Man- 
agers, Agents Si Treasurers union. 
The treasurers walked and secured 
a charter from the stagehands 'In- 
ternational Alliance of Theatrical 
Stage Employees). 

James William Fitzpatrick. the con- 
ciliator, paid no heed to Sbubert's 
admission. Fitzpatrick, former presi- 
dent of the defunct White Rats, is 
schooled in labor unionism and well 
aware that Shubert Ls not the first 
employer who fought unions. 

Fitzpatrick acts as counciliator in 
a wide Ticld of labor disputes. An- 
nual .salary is S12.500. When the 
Rats disintegrated he turned to writ- 
ing. 

On the stage he was of the stand- 
ard two and day sketch duo of Mad- 
den and Fitzoatrick. 



SO LEOltniATE 



Wednesday, October 14, I942 



Plays on Broadway 



THE EVE OF ST. MARK 

11141111 III i\v(i mix (tr.^Hentcd rit the Cort, 
N. v.. ttii. 7. I»y llie l*laywi'i»;htii Co.; 

\Ml<i<*ii Ity .\hi\\vi>II Anilerflon: ^tng^tl \ty 
\.*\\\ W'ntA: »t'\\\n\iTt bv llownrd Bay; ilRhl- 
liiil liy .Ml..- M Il k. ».'I 30 tup. 

Pill kiiiiii \Vh..-i >Cnii frowley 

Cv (Jrover Biinr<*«» 

N.MI tWst Aline Mai.Malion 

NVil Wi'Mt Curl Oiiae 

Xi|i Ui.>4i CIltToril C'nrpentor 

R ilnli Whii. K'JwIn ('o.iper 

p..|rt Ffll..r Stanlov G. Wnoil 

.liin.'l IVII.M Maiy Unlfe 

l*i'iv.il<i (jttlx/. \V<>ii( WU'llam Prince 

Prlxiiii* 'rliiiri.:i-« Mul\ I'ri-y . . . . Filille O'Shea 



PiivHti* Slii'vlln 

f'<irp«>i-:il 'rmi' 

Piiv.tli. KrHiiiis M:irliill. 

Pilvjl* t:iiiik-i 

S>>!tfo:inl llllli.v 

S'-iciMiil l\il\'>-n 

I. Ill Mil. I 

Sil nil. I 

\V:ili.-r 

I . Ill 

Kiiiilil.- 

.\ CiKi.l 

r.ii.ii 



.DnvlJ Pressman 
.Charles Menilick 

.lontea Monks 

Martin nilt 

. -Oorce Mailipwa 
..Riibeit Willlanw 

Jiiann Dnian 

TnnI Favor 

I'lirirles Kills 

. .Doroihea Treeil 
, .Heaii-Ire Mnnley 

Kent .^ilains 

. . . Joven K. Hiilu 



Pla.vwri^hts C.t. has come through 
with the best pla.v of the season so 
far — timely, topical, splendidly writ- 
ten, admirably acted 

Maxwell Anderson, most active 
author of the Playwrights since Rob- 
ert Sherwood went to Washington, 
contributed 'Candle in the Wind' last 
season, a war play that clicked bet- 
ter on the road than on Broadway. 
His collaborative 'What Price Glory," 
with Laurence Stallings, was the 
sock war drama of World War I. 
'The Eve of St. Mark' also has some 
cracklini; soldier comedy which lime- 
liehts the performance now and 
then, but (he new play Is essenti- 
all.v serious. 

The multi-scened drama is a cross 
section of America and Americanism. 
Specifically it tell? the story of the 
typical We.st family, whose farm is 
upstate. Quizz. their eldest son. re- 
turn.s from army camp on a brief 
visit and introduces his fiancee, who 
turns out to bs n neighbor's daugh- 
ter whom he met at Radio City. 

From the ner.tly contrived kitchen 
of the We.<t homestead the scene 
switches to a barracks and there the 
first series of laughs are spotted. 
Some of the dialog is as rowdy as In 
"Glory* and the soldiers provide the 
inost amusing interlude of the play. 
Quizz is writing his sweetheart 
Janet and ducks a dice game. A sol- 
dier, who was on guard duty, had 
been listening to a captain instruct 
non-coms on how to advise the men 
•in relationship with women. An- 
other apes the tough sergeant, who 
happens in and gets a load of the 
travesty, prvmlslng onerous assign- 
ments to those in on the horse-play. 
A loquacious southerner has some 
of Anderson's rhythmic lines and it 
Is a standout part. 

Couple of the privates decide to 
cop the date the sergeant had with 
two blondes in a honky tonk. They 
•asily make the grade with the girb 
%nA promise to show them a real 
time. 

Quizz returns home for another 
short visit and there is a love scene 
with Janet, but a telephone call 
sends the boy back to camp imme- 
diately. Succeeding scene Is near 
the ungplank of a transport at^ 
San Francisco pier, the men wail- 
ing to go aboard. Sgt. Ruby regales 
them by telling of a gigantic dice 

?ame in Frisco when he last re- 
urned from the Philippines and his 
frequent 'Jeez, what a crap game,' 
drew laughter. 

Scene on an island not far from 
Manila, with the men dropping with 
malaria, is one of the most dramatic 
parts of the play. The sweating sol- 
diers are keeping off Jap invasion 
barges, but the odds are too great. 
Quizz takes over when the sergeant 
Is killed and, though the soldiers can 
escape, all decide to remain an- 
other day and attempt to repel the 
Invader.^;. 

All are reported missing in action 
when the piny reverts to the farm 
kitchen. The quid heroism of the 
famil.v, the girl and the neighbors 
match that of the .soldiers. "Two 
youncer sons cnli.st wi;h the parents 
assent. Mrs. Wo.-I sa.viiij; the home 
they love is surely worth fighting 
for. 



COUNT ME IN 

SliulierlH. 4ilsen ^ .lulmHOn. Dirk Krakeur 
& lliiiiKi* .^i-ltiiii<ILi|>ii present twu-ott niiiHi- 
foiiieily tn 111 a>-pneH at Barryiniire, .N*. Y.. 
npeiilne IK-I. N. IIM'J. at SlI.llU tov. ri-KUhir 
uciile 94. III. r'e.iluros C'lnm. Hutter^v.n lh 
anil l.tiellii (le;ii. plus llal I.eltiiy. .lune 
Prelsser. .M:iry M";ily. <;ower * Jfiinne. 
Mellssit .\(:iKlin. u ltd AM, a I>iltllry. .Milh'il 
Watson. Uiui-i SIhI'm,* Cf). nh> ■ liiiiiii'i'K t-li. 
John N]i'l.°aiiley. Ju- K .M.iil.a. Alfred I.a- 
tell. l><in III. h.11,1-. M,i,,k. Wiillei Kerr 
nnd I.i'o Ili:i'lj ; wi,i,\ .\iin n,iiie|l; ilnnri-H. 
ItuliOII .All, III. •VMIilin''.". ll-'Mie Shiir.in; 
boiik Hlnui^il. ItnbiM't ItOhS; neUinKR. Itiiw- 
aril lliiy: iiiclii'MniliiiiiK, nunsell Mennell; 
(iirhe.vii'ii. .I,,liii .\K'.M.i)iiih; priKlUf-tlun mui>-i - 
vlHed. H.trry A. K:iufinHn; oilier nrrnnite- 
inenlri, lluns Splelnk ami Don Walk-r; 
VtHnlH. l)ui-k \\'urnl,-k: bnllei luusi,-. Will 
Irwin. 

Ho«* Sister.. (Ilei.iv. Vl. kl nil. I Ilixi -V 

lUiythinnli'.'ii; It.tlieil Hiiy. \'i,-ioi <;illfiii. 
null. 11 .^li;i\v. I),, II W.-iK.Hiiiiiller. 

Siiiulni: iMtlw .liil;- t'.ill. .I.'iiii 
Auiiex K:iii.' i*.jiii..1;h Kilb.iuin. 
ttilliii:ii). li:^:i .V,i\..>e1. .Miiriiin 
All. |. \ \ l ell. 

D.iiii-inu liiil.': .Te:iii .\rtli<ir. 
.A.v.'iy. .M.'iiy .-Ml.-e Itlt;h;im. Khv 
|i..i'oiliy <:rirriii. I'.M.key Kley. Jnne 1^1 
Kiiy I^.wls. Ckiire l.iiriiiic. Biibhieii .\Kinill. 
T>itliirea .Mllnn. .lanle .New. .leiine t^w.^m. 
Maixaiet Hy:in. l-lliziilielh Ityan. .N'ina 
Slorkey. Put Weakley. Mmle WlUnn. 

l);in(.-lnir BoyjC l.ennaril .\ilrlan.-e. .li.ii 
P;iri'Oii. VIn.-eni rmluiiie. Diinn.v Dimi.-I.w. 
Chni'les Jiiliiiii. WlllMiii (I'Shny. .I:i.'k 

Itlley. Il:iri\ It.iKie. Ji„. VlijU i:! n... 



1> II linp. 
.I,iliniir:i 
}{|iii)i-t/:. 

Cl l.ilvll 
I'ullll.'i. 



Wiiiiani Prince. ».< Quizz. is one of 
the top pprforniances. and Mary 
Rolfe. as Janet, is finely subdued. 
The lusty comedy of Eddie O'Shea. 
as a private of Irish desceni, the 
comic spoutinRs of James Monks, the 
SDUtherner. the nol-so-lotish ser- 
geant of George Matthews and one 
or two other men in khaki make 
for attractive playing. 

Aline MacMahon as Mrs. West Ls 
an excellent portrayal, and Matt 
Crowley is real as farmer West. 
Joan Dolan and Toni Favor, as the 
flirtatious girls in the drinking joint, 
make the scene seem like the McCjy. 
while Joven E. Role, ss a native Red 
Cross nurse on the rocky island in 
the far east, is quietly appealing. 

'Eve of St. Mark'. has an indicated 
■trong feminine appeal and that's a 
quality that few war plays have. 

Jbee. 



'Count Me In" will never do on 
Broadway at $4.^0 or otherwise. It's 
a show biz paradox that it did really 
rousing btisine.ss in Boston <not the 
casual Hublown generosity) and that 
it came up from Catholic University. 
Washington. D. C. as a muchly 
touted revue. The campus show, as 
the Rev. G. V. Hartke. O.P.. staged 
it as a Drama Dept. post-graduate 
activity, got Broadway ites excited 
as to its potentialities: but 'Count 
Me In' as the Shuberts. et al. have 
unfolded it at the Ethel Barrymore 
on Broadway, must be two different 
fellers. 

Since it's primarily a libretto 
shortcoming, this is one time that 
Broadway need not take the rap. 
Certainly that cast can cope with 
any lines. And while Ann Ronell. 
she of the Walt Disney 'Big Bad 
Wolf score, has fashioned some 
sprightly words and music, not much 
of It is socko. 

Librettists Walter Kerr and Leo 
Brady, who met in the Drama Dept. 
of Catholic U. in Washington, have 
come to'att2ntion before with such 
campus musical productions as 'Cook 
Book' (the life of Joe Cook): 'Yan- 
kee Doodle Boy' (George M. Cohan) 
and also a musical based on the life 
of Eddie Dowling. Kerr has had 
other show biz activity, but some- 
how, despite the enthusiasm that 
stemmed from Father Hartke's orig- 
inal school production, the transition 
finds 'Count Me In' as not counting 
for much at the b.o. 
. Themed around our wartime activ- 
ities, Charles Butterworth is his 
usual milquetoast character, amidst 
the general war aid duties by mama 
(Luella Gear) and thefr multi-fam- 
ily. Mary Healy. Gower Champion 
(Gower & Jeanne), Hal LeRoy. June 
Preisser and even their maid. Me- 
lissa Mason. In some respects, it re- 
minds of the concurrent 'Vickie.' 

The plot runs the gamut from 
WAAP's to air-raid wardens; finds 
Butterworth thrown in with a ho- 
kum quintet of Japs (Joe E. Marks 
and The Rhythmaires), and mean- 
ders through a lethargic and verbose 
libretto. 

The tunes are ttoi standout. 'On 
Leave for Love.' 'Why Do They Say 
They're the Fair Sex?' "You've Got 
It Air (the ballad plug). 'Who Is 
General Staff' (best comedy lyric), 
'Tickety-boo' (new dance idea, which 
doesn't come.«ff) get the most atten- 
tion. Bob Alton's (]ance-staging 
dominates, as do LeRoy's and Gower 
& Jeanne's specialties. Latter re- 
prise their nitery routine of dialog 
with terps. to further the plot. 

Butterworth is particularly snowed 
under by his material. Miss Gear 
wades mi.slressfully throuyh her 
liiiOi. Tlie dancing is overboard un- 
der Bob Alton's aegis, with Gower 
ft Jeanne and Hal LeRoy. June 
Preisser. Melissa Mason. Alice Dud- 
ley. Marks & Rhythmaires in spe- 
cialties. Mary Healy. lovely inpcnue 
repatriated from Hollywood, is vis- 
a-vivpd nppnsilo Milton Watson for 
the vocal balladocring. with 'You've 
Got II Air as thoir lop tune. The 
more hoydciii...h June Preisser i.s co- 
iiisc-ntic opposite LeRoy. 

The show ie >;iimpttiously mounted 
f^ai iiund SCi.OOO to pul on ). but sorni;- 
how llic usually tlicky Irene SharalT 
also lias n-iissi'd out with the cris- 
tuiiies. Thcy ic oiiijinal enouEh but 
not eyc-soolhiii'^ as is her v.-onl. In 
fact, the talenied Miss Sharaff prob- 
ably veledictoiys Broadway wilh lliis 
one. OS Metro has since siKxed her. 



Ann Brown, late of 'Porgy and 
Bess' has been booked so far for 42 
concert engagements this fall. 



Plays Out of Town 



LIFE OF THE PARTY 

Detroit, Oct. H. 

Mi|hli-.il '•iHlie.ly In two avlM e m ..i.c 

pieM'iiied i/V Henry DufTy at (he \\'ilw..ii 
IJi'lroll. O.'l. >.. '-I'l lluuk l>.^- .\l;ill .III 
I.eiiu-r. fioin the i-iiinedy, 'The rjiiMj." I. 
l;iiri y I 'i.tiitur:.. Mujilf by I-'re»lerl, 1. I.ii..-.\ v 
lyii. H by Knrle rnioker; lyrli s (>. Wn lili\ 
III .My .Marliiil' by n:i>'niiin>l Kiiirfbt: m 
r,» (.-,1 by Ituv.sell Fillmore; (-buieutiirfl.b: 
by 'rheiiiiore Ailolphiia, II. lU ti.p. 
(Jrare Hiitrln^ton 



Wllllniu lliirrinirlon . 

.Mr.*. Ilari-inti.iii 

I'jiirlria ll.irrinKioii 

l:illy i-.il,l«-. II 

■r..iiy .\ii.l. iM.'ii 

-Mr. O'l.'iiiheily 

lt..i.e 

.M.. e 

.\.|l HIIIU- 

H. .|.- 

I. ..u.>e 

.Iil.li 

i:t.M:i 

i:ioIm- 

.l.-ilie 

I...l> 

Kve 

M:iivi. 

'■|.;b 

I'l. 

i:.iil 

l::ill.ll 



I,i>iii>..* Klilliiii.l 
. . . . I lin r\ .Am i iim 
. .I|.>leli ni>iii..iiil 

. . . . Uiirolliy SI 

Dejiii Niiili.ii 

...Chiille.* l'.,lllii..t 
.Puilley t'leilienlH 

1'iii.ly llyers 

. ..Ui'lly I.eicliliin 

\*er;i Te;r..iiii 

.... Helen 1.iiib..i- 
JiiHepliine M.-P:iiiil 

.Klulne M il.iili 

\.lel:i ibiik.- 

. . . . l..'.iniil;i .\l,.t-.' 
....Muriel lli'i'iiiili: 

ll.-J .M:ililiili;: 

. I.u.lll.' l-";lii.h..., 

I.llli:iil Ihllil 

. Tel l .1 'I';, i|i;,.ri«' "v 

fb'n;. It;iii!:ii 

.\Kiilv A'.li.|i 

. .'rhtiiiiiis. K.'iiliv 

Ilieit w.i.iilH 

. . I li.wiir.l l.ti.livii; 



This one is not for Broadway and 
probabl.v never was intended for so- 
phisticated audiences. What Henry 
Duffy has assembled in 'Life of the 
Party' is a gentle, dated book aimed 
at the vein of 'Irene' and similar 
musicals: a pleasant score with some 
tunes which will catch on: a com- 
petent cast, .sparked by the dancing 
of Dorothy Stone and Charles Col- 
lins — which adds up to a nice eve- 
nini; in the hinterland theatre. 

There's no doubt that Duffy, who 
has clicked here with a legitimate 
policy of clean shows at popular 
prices, knows what his destination 
is. This one is aimed down the same 
croove of famil.v entertainment. 
While it may lack the sharpness and 
pace of a flrst-rate musical comedy, 
it holds together nicely for its pur- 
pose—general entertainment at $1.65 
top. 

Based i)n the old comedy The 
Pat.sy,' it was none too carefully 
combed — not when you get such 
dated gags as a reference to the bib- 
ulous father as 'He keeps the Com- 
mandments but not the amendments.' 
Such jokes went out with Prohibi- 
tion. However, the story has a 
wholesome quality and what it may 
lack in mirth is compensated by the 
pleasant little tale of an underdog 
sister and henpecked father who 
finally emerge as Cinderella with a 
Jiggs overtone. 

Among major a.ssets are the fine 
dancing of Collins and Dorothy 
Si one. the musical numbers, and the 
general competence of the cast, par- 
ticularly Harry Antrum as the father. 

Mi.'^s Stone does a nifty job in her 
role of 'The Patsy,' handles her songs 
deftly and. when coupled with her 
husband. Collins, in their numerous 
dance turns, she lifts the production 
up several degrees. The pair can 
really amble whether it is in tap 
tempo or with a comedy rhumba or 
hot gavotte. They wore themselves 
out. with the audience still wanting 
more. 

The tunes are on the ingratiating 
side, with 'One Robin Doesn't Make 
a Spring.' 'Somehow,' "The Hot Ga- 
votte' and 'No Olive in My Martini, 
Please.' with Cole Porterish lyrics 
by Raymond Knight, probably des- 
tined for general playing. The 
chorus, however, has more enthusi- 
asm than good routines, but prob- 
ably will snape up during the run 
here. 

The story of 'The Patsy' has been 
transferred to a dude ranch, calling 
for a single outdoor set. and the 
production is brightly dre!!.sed. 

Pool. 



B.O. WALTZ, TOO 

London, Oct. 13. 

'Waltz Without End.' which came 
into the Cambridge on Sept. 29. is 
not regarded as a likely newcomer 
to the legit lists. 

While it was warmly applauded at 
the premiere, press criticism was 
uneven and dubious on its possibili- 
ties. 



.Mm: I.' .•'li.iii. 
Si'l I'l^ii. . . . 
..\ l.iif .- I ■..,1 . 

i:..r.liA i:,.,,:. 



MR. SYCAMORE 

New Haven, Oct. 9. 

I'.'i.r.is.v in ilin-i- ;ii-t m, nint' j« i*n<-M. Iiy 
l\>'Mi KMnt->. )>ii'-t-*l un a Htnrv !■>' llnlit-i'l 
.\>.<-; ilit.-i ii-.i l.y {.r^ivi (iiiiJ: >>illni; l»y 
S;iiiiiirl l.t'\<': tiuii'hiil hciiiiikh I>\' 'I'mn lien- 
ni'ir; rfMiimnu l.illi;ti) .^tii-«il Kr.vm. 

I "Ifil"! Ill- KmMoi; |ii(hfnt>><l l.y lln; 'I'ii.Mtn? 
I ■ II : ri I iv . uihIc-i iiu|i' ^ V I. -•■11 >'i 'r':-T''n;« 
I <« : |t-iri'ii :■ imI I .;• wi'f ii<-*- I .:t nmH'i'. li t 1 li^* 
S:. lit. Mr. N* w Il:iv(-n. (J. 1. ll-Hl. -IJ. ?'.'.7.'« 

!■ V. 

.|..'.M III- ill Srii.nl Km ill 

I .'■■tn.i I 'mwci'j* 

M:i1iv ;-ri-|.|»:il(l 

Inliii riiilltUfi- 

< I.IIIm,! Ill' I 'oNtl'l 

.1 •',»■ i'"i>ri i.-.ui^i- i:' I'll- 

I I-V, rr ■ i'! Mii.Mv Sw.ili 

\i. I . I.;:. I't w.iii-i Ai'i'i'M- 

I" I-'- !.• t I* i.Ki-. ■ K |-*r inl.lv ri I'm* 

!:• ^ . |i. . i» I. itiiK<"-ii < iinin» 

I;*-i* 1. III. Ill fJiHtl 

I ,. .1 iMiii Iliili'M 

I ri.:.M . Kliii-i*! TIlfiHK 

.-• . i.»i \r.|fci, >ii K'-riifili H:ivi|i-n 

I i • ■ M - 1. . - Kiiii"!! I'.ili- 

\1 • ' .1. W;ii -iin Wliiin 

K'. M.iix ll'^.-k.irt 

M i:: I' M ■ I..: Uil D.Mil.'V 

I';- ' -I.- I • - I'l-.u! ll^TZiiir 

\r. M l I'.^v .1 I.iir»:.i> 

\1 I '.. II..I.V 111 Ij.iV.T 

iv.j.in ..r > \'>v^.- . Mi-li-ii 

.\\t. \ <■< KmiIihi.i II. ill-. 

TliP Guild i- biinftinc threo plays 
irit(i Broadway this fyll: 'With >iit 
I hove' 'Pinilo.' and 'Sycamoro.' The 
rn:i Iwo ni'fi already prelly well sot 
alnnq popular linos; la.sl-namcd will 
pi(/oably come in as llio Guild's 
'clas.t' eidry of the Irio. Being a fan- 
(a.vy. ftnd built on a philo.sophical 
foundation, play will have to find its 
(Continued on page 52) 



Inside. Stuff-LegH 



Group of four calling themselves the Youth Theatre, who presented 'Let 
Freedom Sing,' which closed Saturday (10) after one week at the Long, 
acre, N. Y., originated In Brooklyn five years ago. They arc Sylvia Sieg. 
ler, described as an 'ex-office manager'; Lou Cooper, who is a composer 
Buddy Yarus and Boji Sharron, actors, latter now in the Army. Average 
age of the quartet is 26. Youth bunch put on shows sporadically, with ama- 
teurs or semi-professionals. Last season they presented 'You Can't Sleep 
Here' revue weekends at the Barbizon Plaza hotel theatre; also being 
concerned with 'Of V We Sing' at the Concert on West '58th street. 

'Sing.' which Miss Siegler says cost $25,000, was brushed off by most 
critics, yet it may be the cause of Peter Arno setting back his cartoon 
musical, tentatively known as 'Hit the Ceiling.' Material In two skits ia 
'Sing' is similar to sketches which Arno planned to use. One had to do 
with the crowded living conditions in . Washington and the other con- 
cerned women in uniform. Arno has a number of sketches In reserve, 
but last week was considering obtaining more material before going into 
rehearsal. 



Times Hall, which was the Little theatre, 44lh street, N. Y., has formu- 
lated a more or less definite policy. Moderate capacity theatre is owned 
by the N. Y. Times and operated by it, but, although concerts have been 
booked, stage plays which might aim for indefinite engagements are not 
acceptable, publication desiring the spot to be available for meetings. 
Times acquired, the property some time ago with the idea of having an 
exit or another entrance to the publication plant, which is 43rd street, 
but any possible construction was set back indefinitely even before the 
war started. 

Hall has nine weeks of concerts booked and therefore has in.stalled a 
hoxoffice staff. Harry Nelmes is treasurer. He was taken ill late last 
week, but was reported back on the job. 



Players in 'Three Men On a Horse,' revived last week at the Forrest, 
N. Y., are guessing whether the company is stock or on a production basis. 
Equity says it is stock, but for some reason the play is limited to eight 
performances weskly. whereas 10 times weekly are permitted under the 
rules. According to Equity, so long as six-players in 'Three Men' appear 
in at least one other successive play the stock regulations apply. 

Six people in the revival have standard stock contracts, others being 
so-called 'jobbers.' Cast was paid off on straight show basis, plus re- 
hearsal pay, which puzzled the actors, since stock outfits are given one 
week of rehearsals without pay. Alex Yokel, who presented it originally, 
is again offering the comedv. 



Amusement sections of most dailies carry listings of free entertainment 
for servicemen, available through the 'generositjF of the entertainment 
world.' Tickets are distributed by the N. Y. City Defense Recreation 
Committee, 99 Park avenue. Legit shows are grouped, as are pictures 
and sport; also places where hospitality is extended. 

Curiously ab.sent is the American "Theatre Wing's Stage Door Canteen, 
easily the most popular spot for men in uniform in the metropolis. Only 
explanation is that the Canteen is not within the recreational committee's 
.sphere. Only admission reqilired is the soldier or sailor's 'dog tag,' or 
leave slip. Canteen people disregard the absence in the listing, saying 
the place couldn't accommodate more lads than attend nightly. 



Ann Ronell, who wrote the score of 'Count Me In,' Barrymore, N. Y., 
first attracted attention with her 'Whose Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf in 
Walt Disney's 'Three Little Pigs' film short some seasons ago. She is the 
sister of Sol Rosenblatt, former NRA official who is now a colonel in 
the Army. 

Composer is wed to Lester Cowan, indie producer associated with 
Columbia Pictures. Miss Ronell's score of 'Count' was well regarded in 
Boston, but the N. Y. critics were not impressed any more than they were 
with the show's book. . Richard Krekeiir, who is among the halt dozen 
or more backers of the show, received his Army induction papers on the 
same morning he read the adverse pre.Hs. 



Harry Forwood. press agent for 'Strip For Action,' National, N. Y., 
modestly declines credit for the show's novelty program, which uses 
thumbnail pictures of the cast instead of listing the players in the usual 
manner. He points out that it was Howard Lindsay's idea to make it easy 
for audiences^ to identify the numerous people in the show, especially 
because there is a similarity iji costumes. 

Lindsay, who has been vacationing from 'Life With Father,' Empire, is 
as.sociated in the presentation of 'Strip' along with his sidekick, Russel 
Crouse, and Oscar Serlin. Letter's office is handling the show. 



Theatre party business is starting with a rush, according to activity at 
'Janie.' Miller, N. Y. There have been 26 parties booked for 'Janle' dating 
from the current week into December. Some bookings are for the entire 
house, while there are smaller deals ranging down to block sales of 100 
tickets. 

Brock Pemberton, who presents 'Janie,' has been considering* Sundays 
for the comedy because of the weekend influx, but may not be able to 
switch for some time. He is also figuring on sending out a road com- 
pany, dependent on transportation developments. 



Dwight Deere Wiman travels around with a boxer, not a fighter, but a 
husky breed of dog. and he had the pup with him in Boston last week 
whore his new 'The Damask Cheek" opened at the Plymouth. John Byram, 
who was there to see the new show, petted the hound who was parked 
i in the checkroom of the theatre. Dog tagged him wilh a friendly but 
' huge paw and Byram did a pratt-fall in the Plymouth foyer. 

Wiman was seen nightly in a hotel lobby leading his pel bodyguard and 
carrying a couple of pounds of raw meal for it. 



A. H. Woods, although offered olTice space in the Playhouse by William 
A. Biady. is considering again establishing quarters in one of the Radio 
City buildings, where he moved after relinquishing the Eltinge years ago. 
He returned from the Coast recently, but has not yet started his pro- 
posed production activities. 

Instead of first doing two pla.vs which he brought east, vet manager may 
step off with a melodramatic comedy by Bayard Veiller and wife. Woods 
has tentatively given the script a ni>w lille. that of 'Courtesan in Green.' 

A tiff over the hou.se tickets, which led to mild fisticuffs, occurred dur- 
ing the World Serie.s when the producer of a hit musical, unbeknownst 
to his major angel, had promised the choice seats to a New York visitor. 
The angel had had priority on them, and it ended wilh a producer having 
to pay $17 a pair to the scalpers to make good his promise. The wrangle 
concerned which was more important to a show's success: the backer or 
the producer. 



Dr. Nat Lief was surprised to receive a song publisher's check the other 
day. It represented the royally on one copy of 'I'll Piitcha Picha in the 
Paper.' which was sung in the third 'Little Show,' pre.scnted at the Music 
Box. N. Y., 10 years ago. 

The royally was 4 cents, which he said he'd split wilh the co-author, 
his brother Max, now on the Coast. 



Vedaeflday, October 14, 1942 



LEGIT CROSSES 81 



Hellz,' $16,000, 'Rest Foot' \%, 
Skid in Chi; 'Jr. Miss' OK $11,000 



Chicago, Oct. 18. 

'Hcllzapoppln' .and 'Best Foot For- 
ward' both suffered a skid In busi- 
ness and can't seem to regain ground. 
'Best Foot' has not recovered equi- 
librium since move to Studebaker. 
Eatlnutes for Thla Week 

•Best Foot Forward' (Studebaker) 
(5th week) (1,200; $3.30). StlU drop- 
nine off, with end of run approach- 
fnSr garnered fairly good $1S.000. 

•Good Night Ladles' (BUckstone) 
(26th week) (WOO; $2.75). Grossed 
socko $16,500. 

•Junior Miss' (Harris) (3d week) 
(1000; $1.65). Still holding Its own 
nicely, though under last week. (Jot 

^'•HelUapoppiii' (Erlanger) ' (2d 
week) (1,400; $2 JO). l.osing ground 
and bir not what it should be; 
S16 000. 

•Maid In Oiarks' (Great Northern) 
(4th week) (1,300; $2.20). Picked up 
this week unexpectedly, grossing 
fair $3,000. 



Corrent Road Shows 

(Oct. 14-24) 

•Angel Street' (2d Co.)— Erlanger, 
Buffalo (14-17); Shea's Jamestown, 
N. Y. (19); Shea's, Erie, Pa. (20); 
Park, Youngstown, O. (21); Colonial, 
Akron, O. (22); Virginia, Wheeling, 
W. Va. (24). 

•Arsenic and Old Lace' (1st Co.)— 
Geary, San Francisco (14-24).. 

Ballet Theatre — Opera House, 
Boston (14-20). 

■Best Foot Forward'— Studebaker, 
Chicago (14-17); American, St. Louis 
(19-24). 

•Blackoats of 1942' (vaude)— El 
Capitan. Los Angeles (14-24). 

•Charlotte Corday' (tryout) — 
Pabst, Milwaukee (14-18). 

'Claadia' (1st Co.)— Biltmore, Los 
Angeles (14-24). 

'Corn Is Green'— Karlton, Wil- 
liamsport. Pa. (14); Strand, Ithaca, 
N. Y. (15): Masonic, Auditorium, 
Rochester, N. Y. (18-17); Hanna, 
Cleveland (19-24). 

•Damask Cheek' (tryout)— Ply- 
mouth, Boston (14-17). 

Gilbert and Salllvan— Majestic, 
Boston (14-24). 

■Good Night Ladies'— Blackstone, 
Chicago (14-24). 

■Gaest in ^e Honse'— Locust, 
Philadelphia (14-17) ; Plymouth, Bos- 
ton (19-24). 

■Heltiapappin' — Erlanger, Chicago 
(14-17); Davidson, Milwaukee (19- 
24). 

•Jonler Hiss' (2d Cor)— Harris, 
Chicago (14-24). 

'Jnntor Miss' (3d Co.)— Shubert, 
New Haven (19-24). 

'Lady in the Dark' — Forrest, 
Philadelphia (14-24). 

'Lite of the Party' (tryout)— Wil 
son, Detroit (14-24). 

'Life With Father' (2d Co.)— Wil- 
bur, Boston (14-24). 

'Little Darling' (tryout)— Play- 
house, Wilmington (16-17) (pre- 
miere); Walnut, Philadelphia (19 
14). 

Herry Widow'— Ford's, Baltimore 
(14-17); Nixon, Pltteburgh (19-24). 

•Mr. Bycaaore' (tryout) — Colonial, 
Boston (14-24). . 

'My Bialer EUeen' (2d Co.)— Eng- 
lish, Indianapolis (14-17). 

'My Slater snecn* (3d Co.)— His 
Majesty's, Montreal (14-17). 

'Old Acq mala (anee* — Lafayette 
Detroit (10-24). 

'rapab AU'— Walnut, Philadelphia 
(14-17); Boyd, Bethlehem, Pa. (19); 
Empire. Syracuse, N. Y. (20); Ma 
sonic Auditorium, Rochester, N. Y. 

(21) ; Erlanger, Buffalo (22-24). 
'I'lrate* (tryout)— National, Wash 

Ington (14-24). 

'forgy and Bess'— Cass, Detroit 
(14-24). 

•Priorities of 1942' (vaude)— 
Shubert, Boston (14-24). 

•Skin of Onr Teeth* (tryout)— 
Shubert, New Haven (15-17); (pre 
miere); Ford's, Baltimore (19-24). 

'Spring Again' — Selwyn, " Chicago 
(14-24). 

'Stadent Prince'— Hanna, Cleve 
land (14-17); Cox, CincinnaU (18-21); 
English, Indianapolis (22-24). 

•This Is the Army'— Nixon, Pitts 
burgh (14-17). 

Tobacco Boad'— Royal Alexandra, 
Toronto (14-24). 

'Very Unosaal Weather' (tryout) 
—Playhouse, Pasadena, Cat (14-24). 

'Vinegar Tree* (stock)— FUtbush, 
Brooklyn (14-18); Windsor, Bronx 
(20-24). 

•Watch on the Rhine'— Curran, 
San Francisco (14-17); High School, 
Sacramento, Cat (18); White, Fresno, 
Cal. (19); Civic Auditorium, Pasa- 
<lena (20); Orpheum, Phoenix, Ariz. 

(22) ; Rialto, Tucson (23). 



Portland B.O. Terrific; 
'Claudia' 13G in 4 Shows 

Portland, Ore., Oct. 13. 

If 'Claudia' U any «ign, Portland's 
theatre season should boom this 
year. The influx of shipyard work- 
ers, swelling burg's population by 
half again Its normal, is jamming 
local theatres to capacity for films 
and in line to do ditto for legit. 

'C;iaudia' played four nights and 
one matinee at Mayfair last week 
(9-8), filling 1,500-seater to capacity. 
At admi^h of 89c to $2.75, show 
grossed estimated $13,000. 

LoDto Smash $24,000 
In Pitt; 'Army' Is SRO 
And Headhig for 58G 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 13. 

Lunts proved their drawing power 
here again last week, when they ac- 
counted for estimated sock $24,000 
at the Nixon in The Pirate.' New 
plays in their tryouts, reg^dless of 
names involved, seldom do that 
much looally. Figure's considered 
even more remarkable since it was 
preceding sellout "This Is the Army,' 
which was believed to have ab- 
sorbed most of the extra coin around 
tor several weeks. However, sub- 
scription sales, biggest ever this sea- 
son, helped a lot and so did that 
$3.30 top. 

'Army,' current, is a complete sell- 
out and with $11 top for opening 
night will gross at least $58,000, with 
few grand additional looked for 
from standing room, peddled at $2 
per head. 



Shows m Rehearsal 



'WiihODt Love'— Theatre Guild. 

'Sweet Charity'— Shuberts, Al- 
fred Bloomingdale. 

'Her First Murder' — Marion 
Gering, Victor-Payne Jennings. 

'Junior Miss' (Boston Co. )— 
Max Gordon. 

•Student Prince,' 'Blossom 
Time' (road) — Shubefts. 



'LADY,' $33, 
GREAT IN 2D 
PNILLYWK. 



Philadelphia, Oct.- 13. 

There were three legit shows in 
Philly last week and all reported 
profitable grosses, ranging from 
'Lady in the Dark's' terrific $33,000 in 
its second week at the Forrest to the 
more modest take of 'Papa Is All,' 
which grossed $11,000 in its first 
week at the Walnut on ATS sub- 
scription. Ethel Barrymore's 'The 
Corn Is Green,' in third and final 
week, got very nice $14,000. 
Estimates for Last Week 

•Lady in the Dark' Forrest (2d 
week) (1,800: $3.50). Still zooming, 
with walloping $33,000 last week. 
Staying two more weeks. 

'Corn la Green' Locust (3d week) 
(1,600; $2.50). General seat sale 
after two subscription weeks. Hit 
good $14,000. '(^uest in House' cur- 
rent. 

■Papa la All' Walnut (1st week) 
(1,700; $2.50). On ATS subscription. 
Satisfactory $11,000. 



'DAMASK' MP 
$7,000 IN HUB 



Boston, Oct. 13. 

Some shows are doing a thumping 
tra'de Uiis holiday weSl. 't'rionties 
of 1042' opened at the Shubert last 
night, replacing 'Beat the Band'; 'Mr. 
Syoamori' lit up the Colonial, and 
the BaUet theatre begins a six-per- 
formance sesh at the Opera House 
tomorrow night (Wed.). 

Eatlmatea for Last Week 

Boston Comle Opera Company, 
'Pirates Penzance' and 'lolanthe' 
(split week) (Majestic) (1,667; $2.20). 
Good press, good company and good 
biz brought the total here to esti- 
mated $9,000. 

'Dnmwk Cheek' (Plymouth) (1.- 
400; $2.75). Combination of Robson, 
Wiman, Van Druten and warm no- 
tices should have accounted for 
much better business; approached 
$7,000. 

'Beat the Band' (Shubert) (3d 
week) (1,590; $3.30). Pretty thor- 
oughly revamped and a possible con- 
tender, with third week confined to 
four performances because of Jack 
Whiting's illness; $12,000 focthe half 
week. 

•Life With Father' (Wilbur) (1.- 
227; $2.75). This show's had 22 
weeks here, but return session with 
new company drawing real grosses; 
quoted at better than $15,800. 



TORGY; $22,000, HITS 
JACKPOT IN CLEVE. 



Cleveland, Oct. 13. 

■Porgy and Bess" demonstrated 
that CTevelanders will go all-out for 
tune shows by rolling up excellent 
estimated $22,000 as the first musi- 
cal of Hanna's season. Half of the 
eight performances at a top scale of 
$3.30 had extra chairs in the aisles, 
due to a $15,000 advance sale. 

After current 'Student Prince.' the 
legit house is booking 'Corn Is 
Green.' Milt Krantz is angling for 
'Lady in the Dark' as a foUow-upper, 
with intentions of hiking top ducats 
to $3.85 for that hit. 



Been' IIG m SL L. 



St. Louis. Oct. 13. 

•My Sister Eileen' wound up its 
two-week stand at the American 
theatre Saturday (10) with fine biz. 
With the house scaled to $1.50, piece 
copped estimated $11,100 for nine 
performances. This bettered ihe 
Sret week Uke of $9,000. Piece also 
played a two-week stand last season. 

House is dark currently, bijt re- 
lights Monday fl9) with one-week 
stand of 'Best Foot Forward.' 



POP CINCY LEGIT OKAY 
$6,500 IN 1ST WEEK 



Cincinnati, Oct. 13. 

Pop legit in the 2,300-seat Emery 
auditorium opened promisingly last 
week with Fred Stone in 'You Can't 
Take It With You,' grossing approxi- 
mately $6,500. Weekly engagements 
have Monday openings and Wed., 
Sat. and Sun. matinees in addition to 
the seven night performances. Scale 
is 25-50-75-$l at night and 25-40-50c 
for matinees, plus tax. 

Francis Lederer, in 'Pursuit of 
Happiness,' is current. Next week, 
Sylvia Sidney with Staats Cotsworth 
in 'Pygmalion.' 



Xuest' 9G m Bako 



Baltimore, Oct. 13. 

'Guest in the House' attracted fa- 
vorable reviews from the local crit- 
ics at Ford's last wMk and accu- 
mulated estimated $9,200 at $2.22 top 
in 1,500-seater. 

Current is The Merry Widow,' 
starring Muriel Angelus, scaled at 
56c to $2.77. 



'Spring' IIG in Toronto 



Toronto, Oct. 10. 

Guthrie McClintic production of 
'Spring Again,' with Grace (George 
and Aubrey Smith, did excellent at 
estimated $10,900 at the Royal Alex- 
andra last week. 

The 1,551-seater was scaled at $2.50 
top. 



Current London Shows 



Crowds Jam Bway, Boom Legit; 
'St. Mark/ 12G in 5 Shows, New Hit 
'Strip Fine $20,300 in Ist Week 



London, Oct. 13. 
■Belle of N. T.,' Coliseum. 
•Blithe Spirit,' Duchess. 
'Claudia,' St. Martin's. 
'Dancing Years,' Adelphl. 
'Doctor's Dilemma,' Haymarket 
D'Oyly Carte. Opera, Princess. 
•Flare Path,' Apollo. 
'Fine and Dandy,' Saville. 
•Full Swing,' Palace.' 
'Gangway,' Palladiimi. 
'Get a Load of This,' Hippodrome. 
■Importance of Being Earnest,' 
Phoenix. 

•Han With Bed Hair,' Ambassador. 
'Man Who Came to Dinner,' Savoy 
■Men in Shadow,' Vaudeville. 
•Morning Star,' Globe. 
■Murder Without Crime,' Comedy 
'Night of the Garter,' Strand. 
•No OrcliidB for Blandish,' Wales. 
'Qnlct Week-End,' Wyndham's. 
•Rebecca,' Lsric. 
'Bose-Marie,' Stoll's. 
BiLsslan Ballet. Cambridge. 
Sadler's WelU Ballet, New. 
•Salt of Earth,' Vaudeville. 
■Wild Rose,' Prince. 
•Walts Without End,' Cambridge 
•Warn That Man,' Garrick. 
'Watch on the Rhine,' Aldwych. 
•Veoos Cones To Town,' White 
hall. 



Broadway weekend crowds con- 
tinued to approximate the jams of 
New Year's Eve. Last Saturday the 
infiux was as heavy as the previous 
week, Monday's holiday (Columbus 
Day) attracting the multitude. Virtu- 
ally everything sold out Saturday 
night again. Monday there were 15 
matinees, most shows switching to 
that afternoon from the midweek 
schedule. 'Eve of St. Mark' looks like 
the newest hit. and first full week 
of 'Strip for Action' further indi- 
cates it is in the money. Some of 
the grosse.<; of stayers moved up- 
ward; 'Count Me In' drew bad pre.is. 
Estimates for Last Week 

Keys: C (Comedy). D (DroTua), 
CD (Comedy-Drama).' R (Revue), 
M (JVfusical), O (Operella). 

'Angel Street,' Golden (44lh week) 
(D-789: $3.30). Claimed more of a 
climb than other run shows, with 
last week's taking.^; quoted over 
$10,800. 

Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(90th week) (CD-893; $.1.30). Picked 
up around $1,000. which sent the 
week's takings to $11,500. or more. 

'Beat the Band,' 46lh Street iM-1.- 
347; S4.40) Presented by George 
Abbott: written by George Marion. 
Jr., and George Abbott with .-iip- 
gestions from Richard Rogers: music 
by Johnny Green; opens tonight 
(14), after Boston tryout. 

Blithe Spirit,' Booth (48th week) 
(CD-712; $3.30). Another run com- 
edy that climbed upward l.nst week 
after easing olT; tiikinqs were quoted 
at better than $11,500. 

•By Jupiter,' Shubert (19th week) 
(M-1.325; $4.40). Getting excellent 
money with most houses plus 
standees; indications are for engage- 
ment through winter; rated close to 
$28,000. 

'Count Me In,' Barrymore (M-1.- 
104; $4.40). Opened late last week; 
drew sharply disappointing notices, 
with light demand in agencies as 
result; musical pulled great business 
in Boston. 

Hello Out There,' ■Magic' Bclasco 
(2d week) (D-1,000; $3.30). Has been 
on the doubtful li.st since debut, but 
slated to go along for a time; quoted 
at $5,800; little to operate. 

Janle,' Miller (5th week) (C-940; 
$3.30). Definitely will stick; flock 
of parties will help; approximately 
$13,500, which is good money. 

'Junior Miss.' Lyceum (49th week) 
(CD-1,004; $3.30). Again around $10,- 
500 and okay; has Joined the Sun- 
day list and, with a good start, this 
week's takings should improve. 

'Let Freedom Sing,' Longacre (R- 
1,016; $2.75). Taken off Saturday 
(10) after playing one week; little 
revue got around $5,000, or about 
half that required to break even; 



'ARSENIC TAKES $69,500 
OUT OF L A. IN 4 WKS. 



Los Angeles. Oct. 13. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace' improved 
slightly and grossed $16,000 on sec- 
ond and final week of return date 
at Biltmore theatre. Previous two- 
week stay grossed $30,000 and. com- 
bined with last fortnight stand, took 
hefty $69,500 out of the town. 
'Claudia' came in yesterday (Mon- 
day) for three weeks. 

Ken Murray's 'Blackouts of 1942, 
at Hollywood El Capitan, continues 
repeating its gross figures, again till- 
ing $14,000 in its 16th week. That's 
tabbing nearly 100% over the nut. 

Guild's 'Mr. Sycamore' 
N.G. $3,200 in Break-In 

New Haven, Oct. 13. 

Break-in of the Guild's 'Mr. Syca 
more' took a boxofTice brushoff when 
unimpressive notices broke. Ap- 
proximate $3,200 on three perform- 
ances at $2.75 top was low money. 

Another new one comes in for 
current last half (15-17), when 'Skin 
of Our Teeth' hits town. 



claimed it may resume late this 
week. 

'Let's Face It,' Imperial (46th 
week) (M-1,450; $4.40). Hopped to 
$30,000, or slightly more; mcrease 
partly credited to two Sunday per- 
formances, now regularly scheduled. 

•My Sister Eileen,' Beck (94th 
week) (CD-1,214; $1.85). Still doing 
very well considering scale and 
modest operating nut; arotind $9,500; 
two road companies closing Satur- 
day (17) with film version released. 

'LUe With Father,' Empire (ir^Zd 
week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Run leader 
collecting right along and grossing 
more than holdovers of shorter runs; 
quoted above $13,000. 

•Sons o' Fan,' Winter Garden (45th 
week) (CD-1,519; $4.40). Predicted 
drop failed to materialize and long 
staying musical claimed to have got- 
ten ton money last week; quoted 
over $34,000; big capacity counts 
esoecially at weekends. 

•Star and Garter,' Music Box (16th 
week) (CD-1,519: $4.40). Another 
money musical but in smaller the- 
atre: getting $24,000 right along, 
which means capacity. 

'Strip for Action,' National (2d 
week) (C-1,162; $3.85). Takings first 
full week quoted over $20,300; not 
greatly under capacity; only weak 
at matinees. 

Stars on loe,' Center (13th week) 
(M-3.000: $1.65). Quoted close to 
^31,000. rink revue holding td high 
levels though expected to ease off: 
extra matinee (Monday) means 
stronger figure this week. 

the Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (D-1.- 
064; $3.30). Opened last midweek 
and given fine press; in first five 
oerformances the takings were ap- 
proximately $12i000, indicating a 
click. 1. 

Uncle Hii'ry,' Hudson (20th week) 
(D-1.042; $3.30). Is autumn stayer, 
making good managerial claims of 
holding over; estimated gross np- 
proached $10,000; big on weekends. 

•Vickie,' Plymouth (3d week) (C- 
1.075: $3.30). Doifbt about enga>?c- 
ment going through fall unless at- 
tendance takes spurt this week; 
around $7,500, but most of that at 
weekend. 

Added 

'Claudia,' St. James (return en« 
gagement) (20th week) (C-1,520; 
$1.65).. Sticking much longer than 
anticipated and may l&t into winter 
period; rated aroimd $6,5()0, with 
some grosses better; profitable oper- 
ation. 

Vsode-Bevnea 
Show Time,' Broadhurst (4th 
week) (1,142; $2.75). PUying 12 
times weekly and collecting big 
money; last week was biggest yet, 
with the gross quoted over $26,000. 

•Wine, Women and Song,' Ambas- 
sador (2d week) (1,200; $1.65). Rated 
as burlesque-vaude or vice versa; 
despite press panning, this outfit is 
doing alright; claimed over $12,000 
in 16 performances. 

Bevivals 

'Three Hen on a Horse,' Forrest 
(C-1,196; $1,65). Opened late last 
week and Indications are It will fare 
well;- some mixed notices, but most 
were favorable. 

Time, Place and the Girl,' Mans- 
field (M-1,050; $3,30). Presented by 
Georges D. (Tersene; originally writ- 
ten by Will M. Hough. Frank R. 
Adams and Joseph E. Howard and 
presented in 1004 but not in N. Y.; 
opens Friday (16). 



lUiine' $17,000 in S. F. 



San Francisco, Oct. 13. 

Biz at 'Wateh on the Rhine,' play- 
ing the Curran, perked in the sec- 
ond week, drawing estimated $17,- 
000 into the 1,774-seater at $2.75 top. 

Play pulls out Saturday (17). 

'Road' S'/zG in BuCF. 

Buffalo, Oct. 13. 
Gross for eighth engagement of 
'Tobacco Road' at Erlanger last week 
beat the markers for its last three 
showings here. 

At $1.65 top, dirt opera tallied esti- 
mated $8,500 in eight performances, 
with another Buff booking expected 
as a result. 




Met. LOO OLAROM 

c/o Variety, Hollywood 




THROW A POSEY TO 

HASSARD SHORT 
who made 'Star and Garter* 
Direction: Wm. Morris 



52 



LEGiTIMAtE 



Easing Legit's Road Problems 



Conllniii-d from paEc 1 



end the ba.tKafJc ciir requisition will 
be ihc most clifllcull problem, with j 
(latL- of aniviii another. Beat tlie 
Bjnd.' which came down from Boa- 
ton early (his week, had baggase car 
Street slated for Monday (12) wis 
pul over to Tuesday, show opening 
there tonight (Wed.). Stated au- 
thoritatively ill Washington that 
while entire Pullmans and sleepers 
cannot be reserved, as done by the- 
atrical companies heretofore, there 
has been no freezing order on bag- 
gage cars to date. 

Equity will take its end of trans- 
portation regulations in stride. Its 
contract stipulations regarding sleep- 
ing cars and Pullmans will be made 
to conform with war conditions. 
Rules call for lower berths (same 
for stagehands), but only when avail- 
able. No special consideration on 
such points will immediately engross 
Equity ofTicials, who say it is not 
necessary and that the situation is 
merely a matter of common sense. 
If concessions are called for. there 
should be no difficulty with the 
managers, it is intimated. As for 
delayed openings of road shows, 
added matinees should make up for 
missed opening dates, and a wider 



spread of Sunday p(>rform:inccs is 
likely. 

BrnrlltiiiK ixock Revival 
Trend back to stock seems to be 
ils way. especially since the cur- 
tailment of transportation because 
the war may keep down the number 
of road showS. Equity will .soon seek 
reaction .'rom Hollywood in answer 
to its suggestion for (ilni companies 
to organize slock companies, and 
those who were active with summer 
stocks in cities see a chance to par- 
ley their profits ihrouuh the new 
season. 

With Broadway having two stocks 
for the first time, others arc operat- 
ing in Detroit. Cleveland, Milwau- 
1.36. Cincinnati, and as- far away as 
Tucson. Ariz. 'Three Men on a 
Horse." Forrest, is the tlr.';t of the 
N. Y. stocks. The second is at the 
^:orosco. Bird in Hand' being the 
first play. 'Three Men' got some 
adverse notices, but in the main the 
press was favorable after the start 
late last week. 

Equity has made some N. Y. pic- 
ture contacts on the stock proposi- 
tion in N. Y.. and will now take up 
the idea with the Hollywood studios. 
Pressure of other matters is the rea- 
son why the Equity movement was 
briefly set back. 



YALE AND MINN. U. 
TRY OUT 'HAY-FOOT' 



New Haven. Oct. 13. 

Yale Dramatic Assn. will put on 
preem of 'Hay-Foot, Straw-Foot' at 
University theatre Oct. 23. Play, by 
Jerome Kern. Oscar Hammerstcin 
and Otto Harbach, will be directed 
by Mortimer Marshall, with musical 
end staged by Jacob Schwartzdorf. 

Cast of 70 will be hended by E\^- 
lyn WyckofT and. in addition to Yale 
drama school and Dramat members, 
will Include 36-voice group of Yale 
and Apollo Glee Clubs. 



Also Auditioning,' at Minn. U. 

Minneapolis, Oct. 13. 
The University of Minnesota thea- 
tre has been chosen for a second 
tryout of a new Jerome Kern- 
Otto Harbach-Oscar Hammerstein 
2d musical comedy. 'Hay Foot-Straw 
Foot.' Oct. 29. After its production 
here at the student cast's hands, it is 
planned to produce it on Broadway. 
Story of the play, patriotic in theme, 
has as its setting West Point before 
the Civil War. 

Other offerings of the University 
of Minnesota theatre season will in- 
clude 'The Eve of St. Mark,' which 
just has been unveiled in New York 
and which will have its first mid- 
west presentation here; 'Alice in 
Wonderland.' John Drinkwater's 
'Abraham Lincoln," 'Othello,' 'Hit 
the Deck' and two children's plays 
'Treasure Island' and 'Daniel Boone.' 

C. Lowell Lees is the theatre's 
director. He is assisted by Frank 
Whiting and Delwin Dusenbury. 



audience attention constantly toward 
him. That he doe.<; this capably is a 
credit to his acting ability. Miss 
Gish gives a fine, .sympathetic per- 
formance as the po.stman's faithful 
and patient wife. She retains the 
wistful ch&rm that punctuated her 
early film appearances. Claibo-.-ne 
Foster, after years away fioiru foot- 
lights, cashes in with a .<!ood Inter- 
pretation of the town spinster, who 
adds imsuccessf'jl poetry composi- 
tion to romantic frustration. Harry 
Sheppard and Otlo Hulett grab off 
the lion's share of laughs, and John 
Philliber turns in a r.ood perform- 
nce as one of the villafors. Frank- 
lyn Fox. Leona Powers. Rutsell Col- 
lins. Ray Largay. Buddy Swan rate 
mention as small-town types. 
Technically, production needs iron- 
nii out. Effective settings, handled 
la turntable, lose some of their 
value due to failure to block out 
xtrancous portals that have no con- 
nection with certain scenes being 
played. Poor amplification of off- 
stage records in a switchboard scene 
gives a garbled effect. This scene, 
incidentally, is excess baggage and 
gets nowhere. Bone. 



ness, rating in the select circle of the 
Thomashefskys, Adlers and Kesslers, 
and she seemingly can do no wrong. 

Miss Picon, of course, plays her- 
self. The .script traces her career 
from its first days, when, in 1910. 
she was a moppet trying to break 
into show biz in Philadelphia. Her 
meeting with Kalich, a Yiddish im- 
migrant actor (who plays himself), 
their ultimate marriage and her thc: 
utrical schoolini! under his tutelage 
form the basic story. 

Since the libretto demands that 
Mi.ss Picon bo on stage practically 
thc entire show, there are obvious 
gaps that only her reappearance can 
fill. This is an excellent cast in sup- 
port of the star, and it might con- 
ceivably have been in order for them 
to have been able to propel their 
talents better. 

Some of the great names in Yid- 
dish theatre are resurrected in a 
prolog, whose . characters include 
such stars of another day as Boris 
Thomashefsky. David Kessler and 
.T;icob P. Adicr. Thus, as in the pro- 
log, this musical is a continuous 
stream of nostalgic events that lake 
Miss Picon through her greatest 
musical successes, up (o the pres- 
ent. 

It's a great performance that she 
gives, one that's inclined to reduce 
the most physically able to a point 
of nervous exhaustion. Kalich has 
neatly shaded his portrayal of her 
husband, while all the lesser char- 
acterizations are notable. Partic- 
ularly outstanding are Leon Gold, 
who shows a fine tenor voice: Esla 
Sallzman. Izidor Casher. Dora Weiss- 
man. Anna Appel and Tillie Rabino- 
witz. 

Kalich has staged the production 
with a keen .sense of audience values 
and Joseph Rumshin.^ky's score, par- 
ticularly the litle tune, is sufficiently 
en terp rising for the show's needs. A 
four-week tryout on the road had 
preceded the opening, and the open- 
ing night showed the wisdom of such 
a move. The final curtain came 
down on time at 11:10, something 
that's exceedingly rare in Yiddish 
lerit. Kahn. 



Wednesday, October 14, I942 

Literati 



Crnsade'i Kickbacks 

The N.' Y. Journal-American has 
been running an anti-gambling se- 
ries and one day recently, after a 
particularly lurid layout had been 
put to bed, a number ol the staff 
and pre.ssmen retired to a neighbor- 
ing pub. They got into a poker 
game, a more or less regular pro- 
cedure, and first savvied the irony 
of some of the paper's own crusade 
when the cop on the local beat 
pinched them for common gambling, 
he being under Mayor LaCuardia's 
new orders. 

Another twist on the evening 
rag's campaign was the mayor's ful- 
.some praise for the newspaper to 
City Hall newsmen, extolling the 
Hearst editors for paving the way 
for his present anti-gambling re- 
forms, whereupon a reporter on an- 
other paper called the mayor's at- 
tention to the Journal's house ad 
that Clem McCarthy had picked 

ght out of eight horse winners. 



Plays Out of Town 



S Continued from page S* s 

MR. SYCAMORE 



principal draw among the intelli 
gentsia. 

A certain amount of boxoffice wil 
come from nostalgic seekers of a 
look at Lillian Gish, plus current pix 
fans who want to ogle Stuart Erwin. 
It's doubtful, however, if strictly film 
fans will find this one much to their 
liking, because the Erwin character 
ization seems utterly foreign to any 
thing he has done on the screen. 
Usually cast as a sort of Milquetoast 
comedian, this time Erwin draws a 
small-town philosopher role. He' 
the local postman who, after 20 year, 
of pavement pounding, wearies of 
locomotion and decides to put an end 
to it by planting himself in his back- 
yard and willing himself into a tree 
on the premise that this state will 
bring him the peace and content 
ment he seeks. This he succeeds it 
doing, despite the ridicule of the 
townsfolk, and- in the end . his act 
vitally affects the lives of these same 
natives. 

Inevitably, 'Sycamore' will be 
compared with 'On Ekirrowed Time' 
due to the man-tree analogy. Former 
111 present state, lacks the outstand 
Ing humor that was a vital cog 
Time.' Here, incidentally, is where 
present opus misses a trick that may 
weigh against its ultimate reception. 
It appears that full use. of the Er- 
win laugh talents are not employed, 
particularly in regard to dialog. 

On the thesp end, Erwin draws a 
tough assignment, physically as well 
as histrionically. He is obliged to 
stand 'planted' tor long periods and 
must draw stage action as well as 



Navy Entertainment 



Continued from page 2 



Yiddish Play 



OY, IS DUS A LEBEN 

coil. What a Life') 

.Mil;;<:il I :i\-:ili'iiili- ■!! Iw<t iiilH ( I'J Ht-'ni'^'l 
, .liii-iilt K.iliili: Mi;i'!- .Mully I'li'-ii: *-nllr<» 
iiiluclliiii itftiliT till' ■1ii»'< tliiii „r K.ilii-h: 
(■•it-iiU'il liy,I*:il\vin It'lkiii: iiiu>i''Hl worf, 
■Keph ItiiiiiKhlnuky : ly lu.". .Mikh rii-im: 
(liiiiifs Hl.-iutxi li>- r>,i\i,l l.iiiiilix.Uy iiimI l.il- 

llHIt .S|):i|ipii,; )«i>tlil)K^ itfiti-^ I l.y |l:ii|'y 

:tii-<liin ItfiiilfM : iinoii.-il nl ihc .Mnlly I'iion 
hnilip (r.ji'iiipi- J,il8<in). .\. y.. o« I. 1'-'. 
II. |i. 

Thciilif 

liHHhyHi i.Mli 

ViiM-lill 

\'nt/.ll''t» . . 

Uro(Ii»i' /.lituor' 



I.(-un Cohl 

. . . |i:i V.I l.ultrif/.ky 

I»'llllli> ('ll»(|t-T 

I'^t.i Siilt'/.l)):in 

! >Hiii l.;-yin«* 
.... 1 Slcinlicru 
I I. y.i. h.-on 
III. LlfWi'tiiiin 

Ini-ob I*. A<l>r litui,* Aiiorhni-h 

|lii\l«l KeM«lfr l/.iiliir (-:ij«hcr 

HiKiDilnil .MdjjIU-Hr.i SjlH KailK'n 

lluriM 'rlllllllll^lll'r»l<y .Mlrli:i,.| Wllennkl 

Hi-<4Hii> 'I'liMniHi-ht'fsl.y 'rilh.' Iliiliinuwhz. 

Ki'iil IJ|t/ln t'i'ljit IVMrHiin 

.Miilly .Mi.lly Pl.on 

.M.-. Kxy N.nl, K.illih 

.Mr, I'li-.ill \>,.ni WclHS.lli.n 

y<\KKu- l/.tilii) i*.i.Hher 

■ '•■H:i1i:i Aniii Appc-l 

.Ml^li:t l^on Oohl 



branch of the service I chose and 
which I have grown to love. I sin- 
cerely believe that if actors; were 
given the opportunity to do this 
work for the Navy, they would be 
a credit to the theatre and the U. S. 
Navy. 

I know of no better m.edium than 
'Variety' to help plead this cause 
for the theatrical profession, to be 
allowed to serve our country and 
the U. S. Navy with the work that 
they know best how to do, and with 
all the ability, sincerity, and re 
sourcefulness at their command. 

I hope that this letter does not 
fall on deaf ears and that every in- 
fluential member of the theatre 
within range of my typewriter will 
work to reestablish this 'entertainers 
rating' in the Navy, so that we can 
carry out this work, and with the 
help of God. play an important part 
toward the ultimate victory of our 
beloved country. 

Sincerely. 
Billv Reed 
(U. S. Naval Air Station). 



Yank's Selt-Protcetlon 

As a result of the abundance of 
material which has been lifted from 
the columns of Yank, the Army 
newspaper, and reprinted elsewhere 
before the soldier-subscribers have 
had a chance to read the publication, 
Yank has clamped the following re 
trictions on re.irints and repro 
ductions: 

1. No material can be used with 
out express permission of the 
Officer-in-Charge. No' blanket per 
missions will be Issued. Each per' 
mission must be obtained singly and 
individually. 

2. News stories' and news pictures 
appearing in Yank will not be re 
leased before the date of publication 
of the issue containing the material. 

3. Feature material, pictures and 
cartoons, will not be released until 
four weeks after publication date 
and then only when permission has 
been granted. 



c 



'Rookie' 

Continued ft'oin page 4 



Sylvhi 



Nil 



Zll.lii 

Rrlilill^-.m. 
Si'liliimM. . 
'/.:ilin> II . . . 



Cliiivfli-Sili.i 

KillK'h' 

Hlvl. 111. 

(•Ii;nl-li» 

Tuiylnhi- MlM Hi-il.T 

ItiiiirinlHii ^tiiili'Ml Kiii-ls Au^r'oiii-h 



KafitPn 
..I-:m:i Siiluninn 
. . ..Ii-nnlp ('HshPr 
rillii> Hiblnu\vll7. 
.Kimii I :t-ypn(lrlt1 
. .1 'hm-li'n c'lihnn 
n.iylil i.iilirltxky 
. Hot ij* .^ul•^ll,ll■h 

lin-iji Wi'lnlr.iiili 
....Mi^.! SnrlnKT 
. . . . .Mlyn KllnKOf 
.MiHM Spli^Kel 



The causes for. the retreat of thc 
Yiddish-language theatre have been 
numerous, of course, but at least one 
of the motivating factor.<: behind its 
decline was alleviated Monday night 
(12) in New York. Molly Picon re- 
turned to the Yiddish stage. 

It's been four years since this 
great little comedienne of both the 
English and Yiddish theatre has per- 
formed in the metier with which she 
has best been identilled — and it's 
been four-years loo long. Again she's 
appearing in a vehicle fashioned for 
her by Jacob Kalich. her husband, 
and Joseph Rumshinsky. Titled. 'Oy. 
Is Dus a Leben' COh. What a Life'), 
it's a musical cavalcade of Miss Pi- 
con's life. 

There may be some skeptics who 
would eye caustically such self 
styled immortality of a performer 
who is still on the very vigorous 
side of life, but sentiment in thc 
Yiddish theatre, appaicnlly. trans 
grcsses all hurdles. Miss Picon is an 
institution in the Yiddish show busi- 



much serum in me. I'm beginning 
to feel like Dracula.' 

Roster of names, nearly all pri- 
vates, means little to showgoers, but 
there's one Sam Edwards who 
should do well when he gets back to 
mufti. He has nice set of pipes and 
puts catch in throat with his senti 
mental singing, especially his rendi 
tion of 'I'm Only a Yardbird.' 
few others who do well with spe- 
cialties are Charles O'Brien, Duney 
Truex, Tony Grounds, John Light 
and Fred Totten. 

Given more professional produc 
tlon backup, 'Rookie' should do okay 
for a run. Inductees from Holly 
wood should provide troupe with 
fresh talent for brief turns until 
they're fanned out. Orchestra of 18 
is in pit, with Corporal Paul Tomp 
kins as leader. 



Bryden Sets 'Diyorcons' 
To Mosic on the Coas 



Hollywood, Oct. 13 
Eugene Bryden. who was as.soc 
ated with production of Salzburg 
Festivals in Europe before the war, 
will stage 'Adamant Eve' here after 
a breakin at Santa Barbara. Piece 
is a musicalizcd version of 'Divor 
cons.' 

Set for the leads are Carol Stone, 
Rex O'Malley, Barry Norton. Ste- 
phanie Bachellor and Nola Shilton. 
Henry Holt is setting the Victor Sar- 
dou comedy (o music. 



Herald-Democrat, died Oct. 6 in Den> 

er of heart attack. 
Herberl Berg, 65, feature editor of 
the N. Y. Daily News for the past IB 
years, died Oct 9 in New York 

Robert Hobart (Bob) Davis, 73 
author of the N.Y. Sun column, 'Bob 
Davis Reveals,' died Oct. il in Mont- 
real. Before his withdrawal in 1920, 
Davis had been an editor for 20 years 
In the Frank A. Munsey organization, 
pulp mag publishers headquartered 

n N.Y., through which he is known 
to have been an aid in the develop, 
ment of such writers as O. Henry, 
Mary Roberts Rinehart, Fannie 
Hurst, Zane Grey and Dorothy Can- 
field. As a foreign correspondent he 
traveled extensively and' had pub- 
lished several books largely com> 
piled from material used in his N. Y. 
Sun column, which was begun in 
1926. 

William H. Powers, former news, 
paperman with the N. Y. Morning 
Telegraph, died Oct. 4 in Sandusky, 
Ohio. 



Tough V. S. Censorship 

U. S. censorship of outgoing news- 
paper dispatches is often tougher 
than that of England and sometimes 
even worse than Russia's, corre 
spondents for papers abroad 
squawked last week at the Foreign 
Press Association in New York, 
American cable censors are often so 
severe, it was revealed, that many 
things printed in papers from coast 
to coast are not allowed to reach the 
outside world. The charge was made 
by S. Randall Heymanson, of Mel 
bourne. editor-manager of the 
Australian Newspapers Service, 
was recently elected prez of 
association. 



He 
the 



Plaltsburg, N. T., Merger 

Plattsburg, N. Y., Joined the list 
of one-paper cities when the Repub 
lican and the Press merged under 
the name of Pi'e!>s-Repuhlican. The 
Republican, which despite Its name 
was. a Democratic organ had a his 
tory through it and its predecessors 
of 136 years. The Press, a Republican 
paper, had been published 46 years. 
William Lynch, general manager of 
the Press during most of that time, 
is in ctiarge of the combined daily. 
Thomas F. Conway, former lieutenant 
governor and a lawyer, is chairman 
of the board of the company. 



Femme Ed 

Albany (Ga.) Herald has woman 
editor. Mrs. Louis Whiting, former 
repo|rter, society editor and city edi 
tor, upped to editorial desk, replacing 
W. M. Pryse, who will write columns 
and features. James Robinson, Her 
aid columnist, succeeds Mrs. Whiting 
as c. e. 



Jolin Hobart Int« Army 

John Hobart. San Francisco ChronI 
cle's drama and motion picture critic 
left the paper in preparation for In 
duction into the Army about Oct. 16. 

Dwight Whitney, recently of the 
copy desk, succeeds hini. 



CHATTER 

Albert Dclacort, managjng editor 
of Modern Screen, in Hollywood to 
look over the studios. 

Frank Veloz, of the Veloz-Yolanda 
dance team, sold a short stqry, 
Green Corpuscles,' to Esquire. 

Hector Chevigny, Coast radio 
writer, has another tale of the far 
north on the bookstands. It's titled 
Lord of Alaska.' 

Robert Alander, advertising man> 
ager. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer 
newspapers, elected president ot 
Georgia Newspaper Advertising Man- 
agers' Association. 

Arthur G. Newmyer, for many 
years a newspaper executive in 
New York. Washington and New Or- 
leans, has been named vice-president 
and general manager of the Phila- 
delphia Record. 

Jane Corby is now film editor and 
critic on Brooklyn Eagle, replacing 
Herb Cohn, who went into Army. 
Miss Corby was formerly woman's 
page editor and feature writer. Mar- 
tin Dickstein continues as the amuse- 
ment advertising manager. William 
Jeungst was recently appointed radio 
editor, replacing Jo Ranson, who left 
to join the press staff ot NBC. 



Buying Combos 



IS Continued from page S ss 

operate on this basis since Co-Op- 
erative, long in operation in Michi- 
gan and buying for 100 houses.^has . 
an overhead of somewhere between 
$75,000 and $100,000. Co-Operativa 
does not buy in competition with 
Butlerfield except in a couple minor 
spots while MIEA would. Butter- 
field, with around 100 houses, is tied 
up with RKO and Paramount in 
some situations. 

Another buying outfit, Assocfated 
Theatres of New Jersey, is now buy- 
ng for 17 houses in that state, dur- 
ing the past week having brought in 
the Cameo, Jersey City, and the 
St. George at Linden. 

The Brandt circuit, operating over 
100 theatres in Greater New York 
and lower N. Y. state, is also in the 
buying column th:-ough various ar- 
rangements with exhlbs who are 
hooked in with the Brandts, latter 
doing the buying. Through, its nu- 
merous connections the Brandt cir- 
cuit has tremendous buying power. 

Jack Kirsch, president ot Allied 
Theatres in Illinois, exhibitor unit in 
the Allied States Assn., believes that 
the solution to the problem of high 
film rentals is in the organization 
of buying combinations. 

He and other Allied States direc- 
tors started on a courtrywide tour 
a couple weeks ago to discuss exhib 
problems in general and film prices 
in particular. 

Some local exhibitor associations 
are also canvassing their members 
on rentals, asking them to indicate 
difference in prices now demanded 
and paid in the pa.'.t, increase in per- 
centage pictures played, etc. 



Kaufman's Coast Trip 

Wolfe Kaufman, motion picture 
editor of the Chicago Sun, on trip to 
Coast, and W. A. S. Dduglas, former 
foreign editor and traveling editor 
for Baltimore Sun, is replacing him 
for time being. 



LITERATI OBITS 
Edwin Lee Kynock, 57, editor and 

part owner of the Marin Journ'al, 

San Rafael, Cel., died Oct. B of a 

heart attack. 
William PUschke, 75, editor and 

publisher of thf Sharp Park (Cal.) 

Breakers, died Oct. 6 in Sharp Park 

of a heart attack. 
Henry C. Butler, 7|>, former owner 

and editor ot the LeadviUe, Colo., 



2 Leave Upstate Combine 

Albany, N. Y., Oct. 13. 
The Hivoli, in Schenectady, and the 
Rivoli, in Troy, both of which joined 
Upstate Theatres, Inc. (buying- 
booklng combination),' about six 
weeks ago, have dropped out. The 
withdrawals, first since Upstate was 
organized in early summer, leave it 
with a dozen houses. All except one 
are in Schenectady, Troy and Al- 
bany. 

Upstate has also changed buyers. 
Abe Stone, of the Eagle in Albany, 
long active in Allied, is now han- 
dlinj; the job. Sidney Dwore and 
John Gardner, each of whom runs 
two theatres in Schenectady, hac^ 
formed the' buying committee. 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 



CHATTER 



53 



Broadway 

Olrls reappearing in som* ticket 



in town 



«nMeU Birdwell arrived 

p,ul Dull«eU'« pet parrot nipped 
Unj on cheek. ^ ^ , _ 

jo« Moskowltz due to leave Dan- 
b^t^^i of this month. 

Siwnour Wei», of the Hotel 
Bc^elTNew Orleans, a N. Y. visi- 

tor. 

Uliian Jenkins appointed aoistant 
puWl^ **a<li«"» Square 

Garden. 

Charlie Einfeld has <««»PCJ<« 
•S' which tees off hU name. It stood 
for Slgmund. 

Ann Zeider of USO-Camp Show* 
.oSudty resigned to join Samuel 
Croot Advt Agency. 

Melville Bwke visiting from 
Coast in connection with the Stage 
Joor Canteen film. 

Mn. Lytle HuU hosted backstage 
birthday party of New Opera com- 
pany at the Broadway 

Roy Haines and A. W. Schwalberg, 
Warner sales eKec« trained in Mon- 
day (W) »^ • 'o"' *' various 
exchanges. 

Sam Wusbord doubling from the 
William Morris oBice to USO-Camp 
Shows, if«<«*<"g in casting shows for 
overseas playdates. 

dug Eyndl is in Hollywood for 
' ■ ' Ifl-day stay to discuss pictures 
coming up hi which the Music Hall 
might ~be faiterested. 

Harry Rosenquest, shorts buyer 
for the Warner rfrcuit, back from 
. jauDt through the Clevdand and 
Pittsburgh territories. 

The Earl Leslie now in vaude and 
niterics ^ ^ American dance part- 
ner kng partnered with Mistinguett 
in Parisian niturfrtialls. 

Charles Tate* past the crisis of his 
recent pnetnnonia attack and ex- 
pected bK^ at his Frederick Bros, 
office wittiin a fortnight. 

Rockefeller Center's iceskating 
tink opened tor the season. Tony 
Btai^ow new gjn.. succeeding Lies 
ter fisher, in the Army. 

Maurice Chovel, Jersey restaura' 
teur . and former Naval Attache in 
the Rcncfa Embassy, now running 
the Bed Coach Tavern at the Sherry- 
Nefltcrland. 

The real cleaner-uppers in N. Y. 
nite life are those side street pubs 
and'tavems off TlmeE Sq. which are 
nbttimg the milling crowds over the 
weekends. 

Beatty conunitments may finan- 
cially eoibarrass a famed chain of 
eateries which is going through an 
Intra-organtzational period to stave 
off complications. 
Bob Taplingerj of Columbia Pix 

{irepai-ing to vollmteer within next 
Our, five weeks. Currently 3-A but 
winding up affairs preparatory to 
braetaig the recruiting sergeant. 

B««a though Ted Lewis was one- 
lUghting in Muskogee, Okla, last 
Wednesday (7), Broadway gals 
helped Adah Lewis celebrate their 
27th anniversary at the Copacabana. 

Speaking of the good work which 
the military sei vice did for certain 
bcretofore coddled bandleader, a 
Btoadwayite cracked, 'Just shows 
that Uncle Sam can do things for 
you direct, without an agent.' 

Bm Duffy's Tavern (nee LaHifl's) 
has Bob (JOth-rox> Goldstein's 
n«gbew, Abe. and Izzy Myers as 
backers. Connie Immerman (Con- 
Inn> and Dave Kleckner 
knaves Blue Room) general man 
■gers. 

ct^Si?. '^unyon .laluted John 
SMoberg. now maitiv d'hotel at 
HOkwrt Counli7 Club. Bevhills, in 
a two-part 'reminiscences' story re 
calling when John & Christo were 
we tpplight head wallers of the Pro 
bibition period in N. Y. 

EmU Coleman went to Bill Brown's 
nealth factory for a rest and weiglft 
cure, and found that the 9 p.m. eur- 
lew djdn-t help bi.s sleep and, be- 
siaes, he woimd up 2 lbs. heavier 
anyway, all that exercise making 
mm hungrier than ever. 
., A. L. Burks, in charge of exploita- 
tion for Melj o in the Charlotte ter- 
f"oiy. called to New York during 
we past week due to his wife's ill- 
ne^ During the September bond 
^J™^ he toured Veronica Lake and 
J«"e Wyman through the Carolinas. 
J;eorgia and Florida. Retui-ned to 
(-tiarlolte by plane Sundav <11). 



to breaUng up for induction Into 
Army. 

W. C. Gehring, aoth-Fox western 
divlcion manager, stopped at Chi ex- 
change enroute to Cfoast from New 
York visit 

Sylvan Spiro, ex-Chicago music 
I (lugger, commissioned a second lieut. 
: n the Armored Division of the Army 
at Ft. Knox. 

Arthur Catlin, press agent for 
United Artists' Chicago exchange, 
has resigned his post. No successor 
yet appointed. 

There are 10 stars on 20th -Fox 
placque, six on Warners, denoting 
men from these exchanges now in 
armed services. 

Gerhard Schacher, Chicago news 
analyst, takes to lecture platform. 
Epeaking at Sinai Forum Oct. 19, and 
at People's Forum Oct. 20. 

M-G took first place in Film Bowl- 
ing League here. Tied with Para- 
mount last week, team won three 
games this week to rival's two. 

Djmnis Morgan spent a few days 
here, following midwest activities on 
bond tour, teaming with Irene Man- 
ning, who trained to New York. 

Two RKO officials. Terry Turner. 
N. Y. pohUctty chief, and Robert 
Mochrie, general sales manager, 
trained in from New York for sev' 
eral days business conferences. 

William Karzas, owner of Trianon 
ballroom, has purchased famed 
painting, "Entry of Margaret of Par- 
ma Into Antwerp, 1567,' by Pieter 
Jan van der Oiideraa, for grand 
stairway of the ballroom at still fee. 

Boris Morros, here in connection 
with his Tales «t Manhattan,' open 
ing at State-Lake Oct. 15. was feted 
Iqr Balaban Ic Katz officials, includ- 
ing John Balaban. Wm. K. Hollander, 
Dave Wallerstein and Walter Immer- 
man. 



IfineaiMlis 

By Les Bees 



Goldie's band into Angle.<:ey night 
club. 

Jack Crawford's band into Happy 
Hour nitery. 

Edyth Bush Little theatre offer- 
ing 'My Sister Eileen.' 

GeiK Eyman orchestra spotted at 
Ht>tel Lowry 'Terrace Cafe. 

'RoIIeT FolIiesT Milwaukee engage 
ment netted first big proHL $13,000. 

Harold Lyons, aoth-Fox salesman, 
up from Des Moines for induction 
into army. 

Funzaflre' played four-day en- 
gagement at St Paul Orpheum after 
week here. 

R. V. Hueth. veteran boxoffice 
man. pinch-hit at Alvin during ill 
ness of Harry Hirsch. ... 

Prom Ballroom has Joe Venuti 
and Russ Carlyle underlined for Oct 
16-18 and 23-25, respectively. 

L. EL GoWhammer, RKO district 
manager, out of hospital and home 
to recuperate from pneumonia. 

Hopkins theatre's clearance com 
plaint hearing postponed for second 
time by arbitration, now being 
scheduled for Nov. *. 

Tank batallion Sergeant Harry 
Katz, co-owner of Alvin burlesque, 
here for two days en route from Ft. 
Lewis. Wash, to Camp Knox, Ky., 
for officers' training. 



Chicagc 



Holler Derby opens at Chicago 
Armory on Oct. 21 for 27 days. 
tJ^^L .V*^ visiting in Chicago 
TOn Hollywood for couple of day£ 

J«m Balaban to New Orleans for 
'^•■ount executive theatre board 
meeting, 

Veronica Lake visiting here en 
bond tour " ^'^^ 

t T. Gomersall. wesierd 'division 
olSff* Universal, in Chicago on 
company business. 

./"Jlnihof, office manager for M-C 
lJjr'**JTerian Homitel for past 
™« with stomach ailment 

Meryyn LeBoy visited Metro en- 
rouie to Washington to get material 
diiict^ Smith, USA.' which hell 

h«tJf^. '"^ Bailey, comedy aero 
wic act, visiting in Chi preparatory 



LmiIob 



Acton Bond, Shakespearean ac- 
tor, left around $1,500. 

Christine Jope-Slade, novelist and 
playwright, left arotind $85,000. 

Bunty Payne divorced Jackie "Kid' 
Berg, ex-English tMxing champ. 

Harold Pilbrow being sued by Lu- 
cfan Samett for $4,000, claim for 
commission on wine deal. 

Eric WoUheim has quit the Whit- 
comb Vaudeville Agency, with Al- 
fred Esdaile, the owner, now in i-ole 
chaise. 

William Mollison has bought Joan 
Morgan's first play, *The TVirret 
Room,' which he is producing with 
Mary Clare as star. 

Charity show of Ivor Novello's 
The Dancing Years.' at the Adelphi, 
in aid of Actoi-s Orphanage Fund, 
realized over $3,000. 

Maurice Cnlleano denies "Variety' 
report he is breaking away from his 
family act States there's no friction 
and that his wife. Elsie Bower, is 
playing with him in his vaudeville 
unit 

On eve of being taked to Twicken- 
ham hospital to be operated on for 
ulcers, while appcariog in Charles 
Tucker's revue. 'Blaek veHct,* Fred- 
die Bamberger leoeived his draft 
notice. 

Anna Firth developed mumps on 
the eve of her opening performance 
in 'It Happened 'm September.' tried 
out recently in Brixton before its 
London premiere. Break for her 
tmderstudy. 

A new thriller by J. W. Fember- 
ton. 'Murder by Memory.' is on a 
brief provincial tour before coming 
to the West End. Sophie Stewart 
Ernest Milton. Roy Eanertoh, Har- 
court Williams have main roles. 

Jack Hyllon has acquired from 
Metro the rights to Tbe Merrj- 
Widow.' and engaged Cyril Ritchard : 
for part of Prince Danilo and Patri- 
cia Burke for Souia. Show tours 
provinces for 10 months and then 
comes to the West End. 

Marcel Hellman's next picture for 
General Film Distributors is They 
Met in the Dark.' an original by 
Anatol de GrtmwaU and Bull Bart- 
lett Starts shooting at Denham stu- 
dios in November, with Harold 
B'rench directing. 

'All's Fair.' tbe Phyllis Dixey re- 
vue, closed after IS weeks. Show 
could have stuck around but trouble 
between Jack Tracey, who manages 
Miss Dixey. and Alfred Esdaile. who 
operates hoa«e. caused closure. Show 
replacing is 'Salute to Beauty,' star- 
ring Gaston and Andree, with 
George Doonan in support. 

To celebrate Charles B. Cochran's 
OOtfa birthday, a special Sunday con- 
cert was arranged for tbe troops at 
the Queenst>erry Club. M.c. wa.s 
Tommy Trinder. and many of CJB.'s 
old boys and girls took part, includ- 
ing Jessie Matthews, Patricia Burke. 
Flanagan and Allen, Geraldo. Hutch. 
Cicely Courtneidge and Nellie Wal- 
lace. Part of the show was relayed 
on the air. 



husband and tiny daughter to visit 
the folks. 

Ciro RImac expects to marry his 
singing st^r. Alzira Camargo. when 
she gets back from South America 
next month. 

Pauline Barry (real n^me Paulirte 
Crockett), uf Yacht Club team of 
Castaine tt Barry, hails from nearby 
California. Pa. 

Harry Thomas. Sthcnlcy theatre 
manager, is new Wai nci- Club prexy. 
siiiiceedine Jimmy Tolman. wlio held 
post for two years. 



WasldiigtoB 



Uptown Restaurant, which has 
been non-union musically, switched 
into line by Local 161. 

Republic Pictures get a downtown, 
Washington first-run. Flying Timers' 
booked into the Earle for Oct 16. 

Joe judge, former first baseman 
for the Senators, managing the 
Pepsi-Cola canteen opened Satur- 
day <10». 

Gilbert Roland pas.sed all his 
mentals and physicals at Boiling 
Fiel± Goes to Oflicers Candidate 
School in Miami late this month. 

Edmund Plohn. National's man- 
ager; Eddie Keller, treasurer, and 
Tom Bodkin special guests of White 
House for This Is the Army' supper. 

Speaker of the House Sam Ray- 
bum and 10 of his Congressional col 
leagues donned aprons at the Stage 
Door Canteen Sunday night. All 
were busboys. 

O. C medical society taking stage 
at War Fair to show how operations 
are carried on. But showmen will 
have vaudeville on another .stage for 
those who don't fancy medico 
exhibit. 



Bob Hope 

Coatlnacd from page S 



By Hal Cohen 



Billy Loaches here for a few day.« 
on their way from Cincinnati to New 
York. 

Elmer Kenyon Icaving'town to so 
on the road ahead of Katharine Cor- 
nell's '3 Sisters.' 

First ice show ever to play a 
nitery here will come to the Yachi 
Club next month. 

Army will ^oon separate the Sei4cr 
part of the Aleutian archipelago. Bui BrolheVs. v.lio are currently work- 



their most 



Watson Lake gave them 
unique experience. 

'There were 1.300 engineers at the 
place.' he says, 'and all, they know 
about life, as it's now being lived, 
is that it has decided thev are to 
spend an awful lot of it building 
a road through Canada. Also tlu ough 
muck and rain and snow— and muck. | 
When a place like thai .sees a civil- ' 
ian. it thinks it s having delutions. ' 
And when it sees a Hollywood actor | 
it knows it's liaving them. Because | 
of crowded communications, you see. ; 
the boys .seldom had any advance | 
wamins. We'd just pop up in front j 
of them and there would be a lot of | 
double takes, hand whi.-^perf. o.uick ; 



Literary Jackpot | 

contiaacd from pace 2 ^^^J 

balanced, there is attached a list of 
information sources. 

Subject No. 6, dealing with a rap- 
idly developing shortage of civilian 
nurses, is also timely, as is No. 9. 
which carries this intriguing tag. 
'Making Democracy Work for More 
Americans.' 

For <ke MlneriUcs 
This doesn't deal with the home- 
grown but slightly decadent Ameri- 
can whose approach to a very real 
war has been dilettantic. so to say. 
It concerns itself with the 32.000,(NM 
Americans in the minority groups 
(13.000.000 Negroes, 11,000.000 foreign 
born. 5.000,000 Jews and 3.000.000 
Mexicans), against whom there may 
be certain discriminatory tendencies. 

Each group, in itself, is a compar- 
atively slight portion of the total 
population, and is. therefore, vulner- 
able to any inequalities that might be 
foisted upon It by a people as a 
whole. The lesson in Democracy, in 
conseqtience. is not for the few who 
were bom elsewhere or with racial 
strains, but for the many who make 
up the majority group. 

In the matter of nurses, certain 
alarming facts are set forth by OWI. 
One of these is that the war is taking 
registered nurses oirt of civilian life 
at the rate of 3.000 a month or 36.000 
a year. The Government's esliknale 
for 1942 had been a lass of lO.OOO 
nurses to the armed forces, the in- 
ference being Uiat civilian hospital 
.stafT.s .soon mu.st wear threadbare 
luidcr this pressure. 

'What to do?' the prospectus asks, 
and then sugee.sts various .sources 

be 



Joey Ray's draft rating is 4F. 

George Raft laid up with an in- 
fected eye. 

Edmund Goulding laid up with 
bronchitis. 

John Garfield back at work after a 
flu attack. 

Ivy Crane WiUon recovering from 
major surgery. 

Al SanteU. film director,, being 
sued for divorce. 

Joyce Matthews Berle to the hos- 
pital for a checkup. 

Bette Davis to Palm Springs to 
recuperate from laryngitis. 

Edgar Sedgwick celebrated his 
21st year as a Aim dii-ector. 

Ben Kalmenson in town for sales 
buddies at the Warners studio. 

Major Hal Roach back to Dayton, 
O.. after a fUi-lough in -Holly wood. 

Alfred Hitchcock returned to work 
at Universal after several days o( flu. 

Charles P. Skouras returned from 
a five-week tour of National Thea- 
tres. 

EUa Boris joined Harry Sherman 
Productions as assistont publicity di- 
rector. ■ 

Hal Pereira. theatre architect, 
joined tbe Paramount studio art de- 
partment. 

Harry Grey retiu'oed to his pro- 
ducer chore at Republic after a 
week's illness. 

Charles Francis (Socher> Coe in 
town addressing Rotary Club and 
other luncheons. 

if«»lyna Gin-Cbiu Kuo. Chinese 
novelist, "MH'tg her screen debut in 
■China' at ParanHtuct. 

Howard Havriks returned to his di- 
rector job at Warners after fighting 
off a throat infection. 

Leo Mielzlner asked Superior 
Court to legalize his professional 
name, Kenneth MacKenna. 

Sam Taylol". former film com- 
mentator, joined tbe Paramount 
studio radio exploitotidh staff. 

Martha Stevenson Kemp Mature 
di'opped her divorce suit against 
Victor Mature for the duration. 

Merle Oberon returned from a 
five-week camp tour of England to 
resume picture work at Columbia. 

Max Parker appointed art depart- 
ment chief at Warners, succeeding 
Bert Teitelbaum, who is in the 
Arm?. 

Edward G. Robinson goes to 
Washington this week to confer with 
Govemi^ent officials on an overseas 
mission. 

Herman Wobber pinch-hitting for 
Jack Dillon. 20th-Fox branch man- 
ager in Los Angeles, who /s laid 
up with a fractured hip. 

Bob Hope, back from Alaska, 
pending a short vacation working 
in 'Star-Spangled Rhythm' on the 
Paramount lot before shoving off on 
another camp tour. 



Menco Gtj 

By Pau gla g L. 



Grshamti 



ing here. Lou's 1-A. 

Jerry Th'im. fornxr entertainer at 
Eddie Pej-ton's. In Australia wiiJi 
armv medical corps. 

Bill Green trying to (,»t local l>oy : through which the answer may 
Chuck Fester and his band back foi ojjiajned 
another engagement. , ^ ^ ^ ^ 

Tiny Miller hurt his spine al Nul j "r Way •f SuegesUoD 

Hou.se when he fei) during a sketch o.her .'■ugi^e.sted subje<-ts are: 
with Hill iiiKl Dolly. . . I 1. Toughening Up for War <the 

need by the civilian population to 
deny 



Clementina Otero, stage actre.ss, 
to New York. 

Dobson's Hollywood monkeys 
smash on the current bill at the Fol- 
lies Bergeres. 

Juan Lopez, yoimg Argentine orch 
leader, and his band featured semi- 
weekly on local XBQ. 

Jose Luis CaldcTon. producer," 
readying a pic version of Les Mis- 
4>rablcs.' Fernando RIvero is to m^g. 

Esther Fernandez back from two 
years in Hollywood to play the lead 
in a revival of 'Santa' ("SainlrAs'), 
Mexico's first talker in 1930. 

Joaquin Pardave. veteran sta jc- 
j .screen comic, who recently biecame 
]a megger, around again after an 
[ opcr.ntion for an internal disorder, 
I Piluka de Foronda. pic actress, re- 
I cited Bialik's 'City of Slaughter' il a 
; fii'sta the JewL-h Ladies Society nave 
■for benefit of Soviet victims of the 
wir. 

i Fifty girl workers of c:nema.« :ind 
iLself luxuries): 2. Join the i pic distributors enrolled as army 
FiiJ t Against Rumor-Spreading; 3. ' nurses. They were sworn in during 
Salvaging Kitchen Fats: 4. Salvaging a cercniony on the stage of the Cine 



ganders; then they'd dive into huts , ^..^ appendix operaUon 
and tents and come out with more i La^ry Kenneth has been named 

president of ncwly-reorganizcd Eii- 
lerlainers Managers As.sociation 



soldiers. 

■I tell you a g\iy sets to seeing 
himself in his proper focus in a 
setup like that. It's touching to think 
that the vi.sit of a mere human be- 
ing can mean so much. That's why 
I'm going back there wilh a lot of 
stuff. Ju.st me won't ' • enough the 
next time.' 

He didn't say so. but Hope prob- 
ably arrived at this conclusion after 
shaking hands with two .soldiers a\ 
widely .separated points in Alaska. 
Oie of them came up in Nome, of- 
fered his hand and sjld with % grim 
humor that made Hope smile. 'Wel- 
come to Devil's Island.' But he re- 
members more fondly the pale, lit- 
tle buck private who sidled up at 
another spot and said with wistful 
sincerity: 

' I just want to thank you for the 
boys.' 



S. N. Bchnnan was in town with I 
hi.s wife foi Eunts' Nixon eiigasc- i 
monl In 'The Pirate.' j 
Tubbv Rivc.s back from the .smnh | 
and into the Airport Inn. Hagcr;-- ; 
town. Md.. for a nm. 

Lou Bolton ha.^ iu.<t heard through 
the Red Cross that his son. Howard. 

pX'^Rouo'e'^Snyd^ ba<k on air i Colleges in War Time <what they're 1 lj, ic„, who'^W'ai^kiHed' b^WKViers 
at WCAE alter being out for a month ; doing, via sporLs and military tram- la.sl year 

ing to furnl.sh one-third of nation's] Mapy Cortes. Argentinian come- 
rifficer material, as expected by mill- ! dienne, Ijooked to head a revue 



I Tin: S. A Tribute to Our Merchant 
Seamen (which has already t>ecn 
■done pictorially in several mags); 6, 



Alameda. 

Showfolk taking up a collection to 
erect a monument to Manuel Castro 
Padllla. impresario of the Teatro 



Violet Stokan. .sister-in-law of 
'■ boxer Fiitzie Zivic, left for Albany 
! to join ICalhryn Duffy dancers. 

Lieut. Marc Daniels, here with 
; 'Thi-s Is the Army' as billelinc and 
■ training olliccr. a Pitt.«J>urgh lad. 
Joe Sala. foimer owner of defuii<-t 
El Chico. bartendinii at Zcllcr's 
Sleak House In Wheeling. W. Va. 
I Variety Club gifted Pvt. John 
I StahL home from Fort Monmouth on 
brief furlough, with a wrist watch. 

Charlie Alley. New.sreel theatre 
manager, rushed to Presbyterian 
hospital last week with pneumonia. 

Al Mcrcur has discoulxDued Iho 
luncheon hour at his new Mu.sic Bar 
and is now opeti from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Drama eds and critics were eock- 
tailed hv Irving Berlin tipon his ar- 
I'ival here from Wadilngton Sunday 
<11). 

Aleen Leslie, radio and eoeoano 
writer. In Irom Hollvwood with hrr 



tary authorities): 7. Meat Consgna- 
;ion Programs: 8. War Production 
Dilves. 

Many of these may seem obvious 
and tranal. but. in article writing, il 
isn't always the window dres.sing 
that counts: It's what one ha.s to .sell 
inside. 



j company at the Teatro Liricn. 



Mnnt- 

ind'j.s- 



erey, eastern Texas border 
Irial center. 

Virginia Fabregas. 'Mexico's Sarah 
Bernhardt' report' a gross of $100.- 
\O00 fMex> — S22.000— on her loiir of 
; Central and South America. Tour 
; Is to end in Rio. 

i Ministry of National Defcn.'^e 
using 20 minutes weeldy on a 3G- 



Besides. the OWI pamphlet merely . station radio web to explain natioiial 
sets out to be suggestive rather than | IJ^jJjlf^ f^^'}^Lj^S?S?^.'i° °I. 
advisory. And in this connection it ' " * ~ " ' 



works volunteers, blackouts, ete. 
Current leaders in nitery floor 



Ls definitely helpful in pointing the , .^^^^ ^ j^^^^ 



Index finger away from these sensi- 
itive subjects: la) Di.sciLssion of codes 
and their cryptography: ib) Prl.son- 
! er.s of War i unless article is first sub- 
] milted to American Red Cros.s. which 
I if handling negotiattons for ex- 
change of prisoners); (c) Dnergency 
Food Shelves idiscassion of which 
may cau.se hoarding by individuals, 
thtis acgravatine shortages). 



at the El Patio; Andres Falgas. Ar- 
gentinian stoger and orch. at the 
Coconut Grove; Candy Morales, girl 
contortionist at tbe Teocali. 

Federal film censorship and super- 
vising department is being run by A. 
Ortiz Miigica, sub-chieL during the 
leave of absence of Felipe Gregorio 
Castillo, who has been allowed time 
out to produce and direct a pic he 
srrintprt 



54 



Wt^eaAajf October 14, 1942 



OBITUARIES 



EFFIE ELLSLEB 

Effie Ellsler, 87, stage star in the 
1880's and more recently a character 
actress in films, died Oct. 9 at her 
home In Hollywood following a heart 
attack. Daughter of John A. Ells- 
ler, who built and operated the 
Euclid Avenue Opera House in 
Cleveland in the days when Shake- 
sperean stars dominated the drama. 
Miss Ellsler played as leading lady 
for Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett, 
William E. Sheridan, Frank Mayo, 
John McCuUough and other classical 
actors of that period. 

As a star in her own right, her 
most noted role was In 'Hazel 
Kirke,' which enjoyed the longest 
run of its time on Broadway. Promi- 
nent among her stage roles under 
Daniel Frohman's management were 
•Separation,' The Baf and 'Barbara 
Frletchle.' Her last legit part was 
In 'The Goose Hangs High,' in Los 
Angeles in 1928, after which she be- 
came a character player In the pic- 
tures. There are no Immediate 
relatives. 

GEOBGE THOMAS HOOD 

George Thomas Hood, 62, Seattle 
theatre manager, died last week In 
that city after a long Illness. 

Hood was first employed in Seat- 
tle at the age of 20 by John Cort, 
who made him treasurer of the 
Grand Opera House when It opened 
In 1900. For several years there- 
after he was associated with Cort 
as private secretary and as Seattle 
representative. He eventually be- 
came manager of the Metropolitan, 
another local house, with which he 
remained for 2D years until it closed 
because of the crash in 1029. His 
association with Fanchon & Marco 
followed as manager of their west 
em touring companies. Jor a pe- 
riod he served as assistant manager 
of the Chicago Opera Go. and as 
northwestern representative of the 
A. L. Erlanger theatrical Interests, 
fie was also manager of the Henry 
buffy Players In Hollywood. j 

Widow, a' daughter and two sons 
(urvive along with two sisters an4. 
two brothers. 



Ind., until two years ago, died Sept. 
25 in Vandalia, 111., of a heart atUck. 

Widow, three sisters and a brother 
survive. 

JAMES H. WINGER 

James H. Winger, 29, former staff 
pianist for WHBC, Canton, O., died 
Sept. 28, after a brief illness in 
MassiUon, O. Until his illness, he 
was with the Versatillians, an in- 
strumental quartet In Cleveland. 

Widow survives. 



ARTHUR J. BASSETT 

Arthur J. Bassett, 74, past presi- 
dent of the Worcester (Mass.) Coun- 
ty Musical Association and for 18 
years pianist of the Worcester Music 
Festival, died in Worcester Oct. 8 
of injuries suffered the night before 
when he was hit by an automobile. 



EMANUEL J. COR'nSSOZ 

Emanuel James Cortlssoz, 37. 
Technicolor camera technician, died 
Oct. 3 in Hollywood, following a 
heart attack. Deceased was a pio- 
neer in motion picture color tech- 
nique. 



Mrs. Margaret Sohmldt, 87, mother 
of Peter Schmidt, former manager 
of the Beverly Hills Country Club, 
and grandmother of Glenn Schmidt, 
manager of Glenn Rendezvous, both 
Kentucky piterles near Cincinnati, 
died Oct, 8 at her home In New- 
port, Ky. 



Henry Abrahams, 68, brother of 
Saul Abrahams, legit company man- 
ager currently an executive at USO- 
Camp Shows, tnc, died In a Kew 
York hospital Oct. 6. 



Anthony Haxaire, 72, Erie, Pa., 
accordionist, died Oct. 2, leaving Ave 
children. 



JAMES T. rOBTEB 

James T. Porter, 73, veteran door- 
man at the old Convention Hall and 
later the annual American Royal 
Livestock and Horse Show in Kan- 
sas City, died Oct. 4 at his home 
there as the result of a heart at- 
tack several days previously. Born 
in Florida, he went to Kansas City 
In ^900, and became a familiar figure 
In entertainment circles through two 
generations of service. 

Survivors are widow and daugh- 
ter. 



94, 



DEMOSTHENES 
PANTAZOPOULOS 

Demosthenes Pantazopoulos, 
opera singe" and publisher, died in 
Harper Hospital, Detroit, following 
a long illness. He came to this coun- 
try 22 years ago after singing in 
Greek opera and for a time was as- 
sociated with opera here. Later he 
turned to publishing, founding the 
Greek-American Publishing Co., and 
subsequently the Greek Tribune. 
Leaves a brother, Angelo, who was 
associated with him in business. 



Press Matter 

Conttnned from page U ; 



CHARLES P. PREISEL 

Charles P. Preisel, concert and 
theatres violinist, died Oct. 7 in 
Cleveland. For 20 years a member 
of John Faust's orchestra, he later 
joined Hyman Spitalny's band and 
was part of the first Cleveland Sym- 
phony Orchestra organized. 

Surviving are widow and a son, 
Charles H. Preisel, who conducts a 
music school In Rocky River, O. 



TORIE MALTESE 

Torie Maltese, 65, stage actor, 
scenic artist and theatre manager, 
died Oct. 8 in New York. 

Maltese was manager of the Mil- 
ford Players, Mil ford. Pa. In the 
early 1900's, he had toured as a 
Shakespearean actor and appeared 
with several stock companies. 

Widow, the former Marie Lewis, 
also a veteran actress, survives. 



GEORGE A. PHILLIPS 

George A. Phillips, 81, former min 
Btrel, died'Oct 9, in Yonkers. N. Y. 

Phillips, who had appeared in sev 
cral minstrel shows and as a flute 
player, was once with Primrose & 
West. He had also toured with 
Harry Lauder. 

Sister and two brothers survive, 



GEORGE F. TRIER 

George F. Trier, 65t operator of 
Trier's Park, an amusement center 
In West Swinney Park, Fort Wayne, 



Archer l^insten, her assistant; to the 
'Motion Picture Editor,' to the 
'Amusement Editor' and very often 
to the city desk. 

Qaintnpllcate to N. T. Mirror 
At the Mirror, there's equal over 
lapping, most material arriving in 
quintuplicate. Not only that. It was 
pointed out, but some companies are 
still addressing material to Bland 
Johanneson. She left the tab three 
years ago. At the Times and Herald 
Tribune, the duplication is the same. 
Most press departments send at least 
four copies to people on the motion 
picture and amusement desks, plus 
additional copies to the city desk 
With stills the waste is even 
worse. It's not so much a matter 
with them of duplication to various 
people, as it is sending 25 times as 
many photos as any paper can pos- 
sibly use. On one picture recently, 
dailies received almost 75 stills. First 
batch came from the producer and a 
dupe batch from the theatre. Three 
or four stills are the top that can 
ever be used. The rest are sent to 
the morgue, some to be filed and the 
rest thrown away. 

Stills 

Arthur Folwell, who selects the 
pix for the, Herald Trib's Sunday 
section, complains, incidentally, that 
most studio stills lack pictorial in 
terest. There's too much effort, in 
his opinion, on plugging individual 
stars and not enough on making in 
teresting shots. Costume finis offer 
a comparatively easy nvoblcm, he 
sez, but stories of the present-day 
mean a long painful search through 
mobs of stills (many of them dupli 
cates). 

Captions, Folwell declares, are 
now pretty good. 'There was a time, 
he said, 'when you drew a prayer 
and guessed.' 

Reaction of the various eds to the 
pile of reUases that delude them 
each day is interesting Women are 
generally more conscientious than 
the men about openin; everything 
and at least glancing at the first 
line of the story. 

Lee Mortimer, of the Mirror, espe 
daily since he's doubling In the 
Army, lets everything pile up on his 
desk from day to day. hoping he'll be 
able to glance at It the next day, 
That goes on for about five days, and 
then everything gets swept into the 
wastebasket, the procedure starting 
over again. 

Bob Dana, at the Trib. opens 
everything. He takes a'quick glance 
to see if It's local or studio origin 
All of the latter goes Immediately 
into the wicker, inasmuch as th 
Trib's Hollywood office Is depended 
upon entirely for coverage from 



there. Local stuff Is condensed to a 
few pithy words. Dana thinks that 
the press releases as a whole are 
concise and well written, but that the 
feature stuff Is generally bad. 
BrnahoS for Fanoy Stoff 
Kate Cameron, of the News, doesn't 
do any of the opening and glancing 
herself, but usually sees that sonrie- 
one in her department does, despite 
the fact that the News has no film 
tid-bit colyum and can't use any of 
the material. The only thinfe Miss 
Cameron is Interested In is short, 
factual copy received Immediately 
preceding the reviewing of a film. 
Long stories, she complains, are a 
complete waste of time. She also 
holds in disdain the spending of a 
lot of money by a company for a 
very fancy book or brochure 'which 
never result in changing in the 
slightest my opinion of a picture.' 

Bosley Crowther, at the Times, 
looks at or has looked at everything 
that comes in. Only thing he's in- 
terested In Is short, factual items- - 
or fan stuff that's so corny it can be 
idded. Miss Thirer, of the Post, and 
Eileen Creelman, of the Sun, are 
other editors who insist that every 
envelope that comes in at least be 
opened, regardless of how little ma- 
terial is used. 

Time Files for Posterity 
Even though it uses absolutely 
othing of what comes in in releases, 
Time mag Is the answer to a routine 
press agent's prayer. Not only does 
everything that comes in get care- 
fully perused, but the rule is that 
nothing must be thrown away by the 
editorial staff. It's all sent to the 
morgue for filing. Nothing happens 
to It after that, of course, but it is 
probably consoling to a p.a. to know 
that he's ttt<- least going to hang 
around in a file envelope for pos- 
terity. 

Evidence of the difference in de' 
mands for types of material — and 
why no flackery can please everyone 
with the same release — is the matter 
of casting notes. Most editors think 
they're so much hash, and basket 
them without blink. On the other 
hand, the Times feels they are valU' 
able, and prints a great many of 
them. 

Pressure of war news, of course, 
all the eds agree, has greatly reduced 
the amount of space allotted for 
amusements. So ^any publicity story 
must face stiff competition for a 
place in the paper, raising the de- 
mands for top quality material. 



Bills Next 



CoBtlnaed from page 4* 




Norma Squlrei 
Patricia Pag* 
Joe Plumar Ore 

Streete o( Parta 
Art Tatum 
Mead 'I.ux' Lewie 
Murray McEkren 



SwaBM laa 
Cbarlle Davta 
IvU AnderaoD 
MaooB 
Rar McKlnley Oro 
favavlUa Otab 
Lao Morgan Oro 



PHILADELPHIA 



[All of the above, in spades, is 
Variety's oum concltwion. The 
amount of duplication to staff mem- 
bers is appalling. Despite advice 
to press depts. how to funnel routine 
stuj^ to this paper, and with spect/Ic 
awareness for conservatiorr, the 
handouts come tn multiple quanti- 
ties.— Ed.] 



Brooklyn Institiite Dates 



The Brooklyn Institute of Arts 
and Sciences will open its major con 
cert series at the Academy of Music 
on Nov. 10 presenting Alec Temple- 
ton. Subscriptions are running one 
third ahead of last year. 

The other 10 events in order of 
their presentation will be Albert 
Norini and Georgio D'Andria's 'Tra 
viata,' Dec. 1; Carmen Amaya, Dec. 
15; Vladimir Horowitz, Jan. 5; Yehudi 
Menuhin, Jan. 19; General Platoff's 
Don Cossacks, Feb. 2; Jan Peerce, 
Feb. 16; Etrem Zimbalist. March 2; 
Anne Brown and the Eva Jessye 
Choir, March 16; and Artur Rubin- 
stein, March 30. 



Alpine Mm leal 
Bar 

Rift Robblne S 
Owen Slaters 
Bennr the Bsm'a 
Alma 

Kddle Young 
Scampe (4) 
Zcke 

Anita Chandler 
Clob Bail 
Joe & Belly Li<e 
BHrbaru nlalne 
Allen Ualen • 
Miirlan Powers 
Diinny Rogers 
Dalllovelles 
Eorl Denny Ore 
Luis Fernand)>.z Ore 
Stratford Uarilcn 
(UeUevue Stratford 

Hotel) 
Walter Miller Orcb 

Ben FnnkllD 
TonI Hart 
Muta Monterla 
June Robblns 
DeMarr & Denlse 
Nat Drandwynn Ore 

Cadillac Tavern 
Harry Dobbs Ore 
Anita James 
Raye Sle 
Vic Enrlson 
Billy Elton 
Henrique & Adrlan'e 
Shadrack Boys 
Carmen's Mnsicai 
Bar 

Ruth Anderson 
Dona Elliott 
Joe Oeorge 
Hetty Keen 
3 Dukes 

Cnrroll'i 
Eddy Handley 
The Heat waves 
Marian CnlUy 
Oalnes Ore 
Carrollettes 

College Inn 
Judy Tappa 
Tonl Sorrell 
Helen Jerico 
The Thunderbolts 
Betty LaRue 
Bill Kelly 
Viola Klaiss 

De Gorgne Cafe 
Don Martin 
Joe HeliiHley 
Billy McKee 
Qems (3) 

Dl PIntoi 
Crescent (S) 
Bob Baxter 
Qrace Edward 
Ron Bon & Buddies 
Chuck & Chuckles 
Pedro Blanco Oro 

Embaasy 
Virginia Davis 
Blllle Burr 
Billy -Worth 
.Mildred Stanley 
The Eintonsylphs 
Rita Lopez 
Erlck Rhumba Oro 
Carol Horton 
Carolyn Winters 
Geo Clifford 
Pat Sherlln Ore 

Gennantown Bar 
Sam 'Price 
Kurt Weller 

(H Walton Boof) 
Roite Gallo 
Jackie Marshall 
BubbleH Sihrlby 
Ruth Clayton 
llio Glrnrdon 
Stump & Stumpy 
Qlomour Ola 
Eddie De Lurn Ore 
R Monchlto Ore 
Hopldna'Rathslieller 
BernnrdftlteM 
Pat Uernar.l 
Johnny Ciihlll 
Kny llniniltnn 
Kaye & Grey 
Clara Kv.ins 
Tony Bennett Ore 
Hotel I'hilndeiphlan 
l^fin MaHHoy 
Betty Johitfon 
Jon Arthurs 
Lexington Casino 

Billy Moro?"ro 
Irene Kave 
lKi;le Wuirinf;ton 
Kddie While 
The Itreiiduws 
Rnys 3 
Ted Oliver Ore 



MARRIAGES 

Nora Catherine O'Brien to Victor 
Reed, Oct. 12, in Lapeer, Mich. He's 
member of NBC's Central Division 
News and Special Events Dept, 

Arline Judge to Capt. James Ram- 
age Adams, in Santa Barbara, Oct. 7. 
Bride is screen actress; groom is in 
the Royal Air Force. 

Madclon Brayson to Les Mitchel, 
in Chicago, Oct. 10. Bride is radio 
actress, groom WBBM-CBS pro- 
ducer. 

Violet Cane to I^ni South, in 
Yuma, Ariz., Sept. 4. Bride is a film 
actress; groom, a special effects cam- 
eraman at Warners. 

Sue Blasko to Eddie Brock, Jr., in 
Pittsburgh, Oct. 3. He's the drummer 
with Eddie Peyton's band. 

Gathering Schramm to Joseph 
Valentine, in Las Vegas. Nev., Oct. 
8. Bride is a secretary at Universal; 
groom a cameraman on the same 
lot. 

Lorine lampietro to Elmer Spie- 
gel, in Pittsburgh, Oct. 10. They're 
both with Two Queens and A Jack 
trio on WWSW. Pitt. 
J^irginia O'Brien to Kirk Alyn, 
Oct. 11, In Yuma, Ariz. Bride is a 
film singer. 



Little Rodiskeiirr 

Cortoz & >ltu'qulB 
Null JIu.Hton 
Mury JiiiiL- Blown 
Johnny ^: George 
li:ddlo Schaffcr 
DeQulncy & Olvcna 
Victor Hugo's Ore 
I.on's Chancellor Bar 
Gloria Mann 
Boyd & .Smith 
Don Ken.'ildo i 

Mlnetrrl Tavern 
Ed McCoUlrk'k 
Sally Foy 
Anita Thoma 
Sissy Ginnio Loftus 

Moravian Bar 
Rnilley Littleton 
Kenny Shaffer t3) 
Cookie Williams 
Marmy'H Rhythm 

Bar 
Fay Wray 
Mai-y Liitio 
.*^iilrlcy Aince 
Gene MarHliul 
Sunny Terkuin 
Dotty King's Ore 
Neil IHeghan'a 
Leo Ross 



Jerry Taps 
The Manchlnoa 
Dotty Landy 
Serenaders 
Frank Murtha 
Qeo Marcbattl Oro 
Old EkUa TaTaia 

Paul Rich 
Carllta 

Jack Hutchlnaon 
Pen Ray Mond 
Billy Haya Oro 

Open Door Cat* 
Day, Dusk, Dawn 
Delmars Ore 
Eloisa Mack (6) 
Chick Mullery 
Le Shonnea (2) 

Frank ralumbo'g 
Groovenaers 
Zolu Grey 
Iris Wayne 
Frankio Schlutb 
Jeanettes 

I'owelton Cat* 
Joe Joveneily 
Tools Claldini 
Charlie Ray 
Gypsy Roltlta 
Nan O'Rourks 
Molly Mariana 
Marty Wayne 

BendeiToaa 
Delloyd MacKage 
Curl LInd 
Stan Olsen 
The Carlslons 
Betty West 

llltx Carlloo 
Jos stern Ore 

Roman Grille 
Warner & Valeria 
Virginia Lawler 
Jewel Ullo 
Danny Richards 
Marty Devlne Urcb 

Sam's Caf* 
Harry Glbbs 
Murray Wood 
Virginia Lewis 
Frank Ross 
Klnga of Rhytbin 
Mike Ray Oro 
Sololla'a 
Frankle RlcbardaoD 
Marian 
Bob Karl 
The Guardsmen 
Oertio Taylor Oro 

Sbang-RI-La 
Barney Rapp Oro 
Charcz Ore 
Julie Lynn 
Roddy Stuart, 
Diana Gray 
Eddy Mills 
The Blanchards 
Harmony Sextet 
Fioradora Girls 

Sliver I.alta Inn 
Mario & Maria 
Mile. Lillian 
Cot Geo Reed 
Alice Lucey 
Mickey Fomllant O 
Snn Ray Gardens 
Eddy Hochnoy 
Ted Hale 

Kitty Hemling Oro 
Dawn lively 
Cosmo & Anita 
Beatrice & Dannr 
Agnes Willis 

Town Tavern 
Len Parker Ore 
Jerry Marc-ella 
Rita Ziine 
6rnce Huson 
Syd Golden 
eoth St. BntbibeUer 
Jack High 
John Selms 
Jacky Conn 
Ruth Brewer 
Harry Adar Or» 
Babe Latour 

Swan Club 
Duke McHale 
Frances Carroll 
Vincent HIzzo Ore 
Pussy PeCarmo 
FlnHh Lane 
Julio A Jonn 
The Merrymen 
Armnnd Camp 
Marty Bohn 
Lee Bolin 

Truns Atlantic L'ge 

Sally LaMar 
llichard Boch 
20lii Century Clnb 
Dorothy Johnson 
.Sjilly T.nMurr 
Don CrlHt 3 
Men of Riiythm 
Mllie Pedcsin 

Venice Grill 
Antono Dove 
.Merita 
.loan Alcott 
mil nirhiirds 
llulh UniiitKher 
Don Nicholas Oro 
Weber's Uof Bran 
Camden 



Ban 'Wis* 
Dancing Buddj 
Boot Bnermao 
Caslmsr Gainea 
Barry Comorad* 
Olob FailU 
Jaolc Peck Oro. 
UoUy Papll* 
Bddl* Sbaffner 
Ralpb Springer 

C*lonlal 
Tommy Carlyn Oro 
Betty Bmllay 

Cork and Boltl* 
Uqyd Fox 

Bddl* Peyton'* 
0«o Overholt Ore 
Bddia Peyton 
Marlon Mailer 
01 Clob 
Max Tarsbta 
Pat McCnuley 
Unda Cotta 
Sally Rico 
Mary Steele 
Caria Moor* 
Louisa Donn 
Sherry I^ne 

Hotel Fort Pitt 
Ken Bailey Ore 
Johnny Mitchell 
Rarry Walton 
Jeasie Wbeatley 
Hotel HeniT 
(Silver Orllf) 
Dorothy Matthews 
Esiiulrea 

toay M'B) 
Dorothy Nesbitt 
Hotel 7tli Avrnn* 
Frank Andrlnl 
Argentinians 

Hotel Rooaevclt 
The Kaalhuea 
Sal Recchl 

Hotel Bchenley 
Billy HInda Oro 
Joy LInd 
Hotel Wm Penn 
(Chatterbox) 
Bob Astor Oro 
Terry Russell 

(Continental Bar) 
Billy Catlzone 
Lenox Gordon 
Deno Belli 
John Fritz 

Nerry-Go-Roond 
Ken Harris Oro 
Bob Sherman 

Mnsle Bar 
Sterlings 
Betty Falvo 
Genevieve LIpton 
Lillian Morton 

Jays 
Hlldebrand 

Neir Hlilorest 
Marly Schramm Ore 



Zlatko Balokovic's 25 

Zlatko Balokovic. Jugoslavian vio* 
linlst and president of the American 
Jugoslavian Congress, representing 
750.000 of his countrymen in Amer- 
ica, opens a 25-date tour Oct. 4 in 
Youngstown, Ohio. 

Artist will play every day except 
Sunday to round out his appearances 
by the end of the Arst week of No- 
vember. 



Rny O'Day 
Monto & Allele 
('oen-Hal Troup 
(treon & Dooiey 
Juice Flncco'B Oro 
Ralhs'r Eldoradlans 
U'll hod's 

Art Mathuca 
.loo Hough 
Gen Bnquet Oro 
Helen Lano 
Joanne Kendall 
Ulnirer Harris 
Cath Berney GI0 

Yacht Clob 
Joan Coroz 
liarvoy 
iJolly nructt 
EInlna KIHa 
Harry Hollsr 
Victor Neluon Oro 



pirrsBUSGU 



Alpine Lodge 

Howard Bauni Ore 
.lansirx 8 
4 Klgihii 
Adele I'arrlsh 
Bob & Berry Galea 
Jack Herbert 

Arlington Lodg* 
Pall Alln-CB Ore 

Balconade* 
Bob Lazar Ore 



Dale Spohrer 

BUI Green'* 
Baron Elliott Oro 
Mary Kroig 
Bnbe Rhodes 

Bine BIdge Ina 
Lou Lucky Oro 
Cornell Cooper 
BoaglA-Woofl* OInb 
Cozy Harris 



MIzon Cot* 
Al Uaralco Ore 

Bob Carter 
Hywd Co- Eds 
Pelletlirs 
Gain Oulll 

Nat UoDi* 
Piccolo Pet* Or* 
Hal ft Dolly 
Jo*y Kline 
Simmy Uuzzo 
Tiny Illller 
Ted Blalie 

Kit* Conrt 
Eddie Miller 
Ray Dunn 
Pat UcGowan 
(%uck Murray 
Jerry Tagrees 
Tommy Mandres 
.OKbard Inn 
Benny Burton Or* 

Oasis 
Al Bnyder Ore 
Johnny Wiles 
Pine* 
Don Rntter 
Bill LeRoy Oro 
Jacques La Belle 
¥»dd'a Cat* 
Rudy Paul Ore 
Maxine St Odette 
Bobby Norman 
Bddle Palmer 
* Sqnlrrei Coop 
Dothory Mason Bd 
Margo Price 
Ether Mason 
2 Mohameda 
Snow Edmonda 

Trelon 
Joey Roynolda 
Freddy Rose 
Gddle Meyera 

Vacbt Club 
H Middleman Of* 
Eddie Metcalfe 
Seller Bros, 
DeSlmone Dancers 
Christine Cross 
Castalne St Barry 

Sity-Tne 
6 Swing Arletocrate* 

Union Crlll 
Sammy Walters 
Frank Natalo ■ 
Mike Sandretto 
VIIU Madrid 
CIro RImac Ore 
Et2l Covato Oro 
Mark Lane 
Jack McCarthy 
Rita Montaya 
Mechlta VlrelU 
Marqulta Rivera 

Victory Louog* 
Victory a 

IVebeter Boll 
Nelson Maples Oro 
Pashlonettes 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Berton, tfaugh- 
ter, Sept. 21 in New York. Father 
Is disc jockey on WBNX. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Faye, daugh- 
ter, in Los Angeles, Oct. 8. Father's 
talent agent and brother of Alice 
Faye. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bernle Armstrong, 
daughter, in Pittsburgh, Oct. 8. 
Father is musical director at KDKA; 
mother Is former Dorothy Bushey, 
vaude and nitery performer. 

Mr. and Mrs. John Zomnir, son, in ' 
Pittsburgh, Sept. 30. Father is of- 
fice manager of M-G exchange in 
Pitt. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Morra, son, In 
Pittsburgh, Oct. 1. Father is one of 
the owners of Villa Madrid, Pitt 
nitery. 

Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Grosuch, son, in 
Pittsburgh. Oct. 3. Father is on 
KDKA sUff. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Eichenberger, 
son, recently, in Portland, Ore. 
Father is publicity and sales pro- 
motion director of KGW-KEX, Port- 
land. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Feinstein, 
son, in PitUburgh, Oct. 9. Father 
is assistant zone manager for WB 
in Pittsburgh, in charge of booking 
and buying. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Flinsky, daugh- 
ter, in Glendale, Cal., Oct. 8. Fath»r 
is studio cameraman. 

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Quinn. daugh- 
ter, Oct. 4, in Hollywood. Father is 
writer-producer for Blue network 
there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Ebbins, son, 
in New York Oct. 9. Father is man- 
ager of Count Basie orchestra. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mel Spiegel, son, 
Oct. 9, in New York. Father is with 
CBS press department. New York. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Williams, 
daughter, in Hollywood, Oct. 9. 
Father heads NBC continuity ac- 
ceptance staff on Coast. 

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Beecher. son, 
In Hollywood, Oct. 12. Father is as- 
sistant chief at Metro's scenario de- 
partment on the Coast. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Musuraca, 
daughter, in Los Angeles, Oct. H- 
Father Is RKO cameraman. 

Mr. and. Mrs. Mark Goodson, 
daughter, Sept. 20, in New York. 
Father is announcer of 'Just Plain 
Bill' program. 



Weducsdajt October 14, 1942 



55 



Around 75% of State Fairs, Caroies 
ly War; No Transportatk 




Chlcago, Oct. 13. 
Over 75% ol the nearly 800 ttaU 
and county fairs playing the nation 
have been called off for next season 
as transportation and personnel 
problems become increasingly dlfTl- 
«ult. 

Out of 220 carnivals that went out 
,a.n year, barely 10% are *^P^^ «f- 
to get out next season. In fact, with PI '^"''A*? ^.^ T"«5e'«- 
conditions as they are, It Is doubtful 



if most of them will get back to their 
home base. 

Rubin and Cherry Shows, which 
have always wintered in Birming- 
ham, but have been playing about 
16 excellent weeks of biz in and 
around Chicago, are all loaded and 
packed for their return home, but 
find it impossible to get out of town. 

Most of the carnivals now touring 
the south, around Georgia, Alabama, 
Kentucky and adjacent states, are 
also faced with the serious problem 
of being unable to get home again. 
Completely stymied as to transporta- 
tion, they face prospect 6f spending 
the winter where they are. 

Practically all carnivals have en- 
joyed a very big season wherever 
they played. Partial exception was 
midwest, where rainy and Inclement 
weather knocked out several days 
out of every seven. 

Carnival owners have made re- 
pealed trips to Washington to enlist 
Government aid in getting them 
back home. They got nowhere, being 
given no answer to their present 
problem or anything to expect for 
next year. 



resident manager of local Ros* Fed- 
eral office, army. 

Jane Tallman, daughter of owner- 
manager of Ceramic theatre in East 
Liverpool, C, into WAVE'S. 

Pete'^hewchuk, former propri- 
etor of Cadogan (Pa.) threatre, ma- 
rines. 

Frank Tucclo, owner of Roxy in 
Benwood, W. Va., army. House be- 



U.S. Roll Call 

; iConttaned from pate 4 a 



songsmith, Air Force, stationed at 
Santa Ana, Calif. 

William Haines, former film actor,. 
Army. 

Ray Eiden, theatre manager, Navy 

Robert Presto], flim actor. Army 
as buck private. 

Bill Rose, theatre manager, Navy. 

Harold Rossmore, film caster. Army 
Si;:niil Corps. 

George Oppenhelmer, screen writ- 
er. Army. 

. Hal King, studio technician, Army. 

Charles Spangler, • talent agent, 
Army. 

Paul Davis, film booker. Army. 
Tex Brodus, dancer. Army Medical 
Corps. 

Irving Wallace, magazine writer. 
Army. 

Bill:^ and Bobby Mauch, former 



S. David Letton, with PRC before 
he went into army, upped from cor- 
poral to sergeant at Pearl Harbor, 
according to word just received here 
by his family. 

Harold Stein, formerly with Col 
office, upped to technical corporal. 
He's stationed in New Caledonia. 

Roy J. ^Igea, ex of Republic staff, 
now a marine and at Parria Island, 
N. C, for basic .training. 

Hebort B. Filson, booker for Blatt 
Brothers circuit, has enlisted in 
army's volunteer officers corps. 

Sgt. George Petroplus, formerly 
asst. to Rex in Wheeling, W. Va., 
has landed in India. He's a nephew 
of George Zeppos, Par partner-exliib. 

Howard Becker, band leader at 
Pines for two years, now CpL How- 
ard Becker at Camp Douglas, Utah. 
He's in morale office. 



BcadlDf'i Sceralta 

Reading. Pa., Oct 13. 

C. G. Keeney, co-owner with Jay 
Emanuel, Philadelphia, and manager. 
Park, and manager of the Rajah, this 
city, now has two sons in the service. 
Willie Edward Keeney, 19, enlisted 
as a private in the Marines at Had- 
not Point, New River, N. C. Young 
Keeney is an expert marksman. He 
is now in a quartermasters' school 
for a 90-day training period. His 
brother. Bernard Keeney, in the 
army for several years, is now in the 
air force.s at a base in Arkansas. 

Jerry Kobin and Fay Brisk, l>oth 
theatre writers on The Eagle staff, 
this city, have entered the army. 
Kobin is one of four brothers en- 
listed or drafted and Miss Brisk has 
joined the WAAC. 

Herman Miller, organizer of the 
Sylvaniaivs, professional singing and 
instrumental group filling engage- 
ments here and in nearby cities and 
states for several years, has entered 
the army. Miller has conducted a 
profes.<;ional booking agency for stage 
shows for several years. 



Lady on Hossback 

sss Continued from pace 1 



Bob Holt In 

Worcester, Oct. 13. 
Bob Holt, former pianist for Will 
Bradley and Ina Ray Hutton, Army 
i Air Force. Recently with Bob Poo- 
twin film moppeU, Army Air Force, ley's ork in Worcester, Mass., he has 
Benny Cohn, film exploiter: Tom | been replaced there by Stu Watson. 
Monroe, screen writer; Sid Silvers, 
actor-writer; Bill Gordon, cii.stInK di- 
rector; Mark Newman, talent agent; 
Hy Blane, Camp Shows supervisor, 
all Army. 
Ross Hastings, film attorney. Navy. 
Lester Linsk, radio agent. Army. 
Henry Moeller, studio technician, 
A/;ny Air Force 
Harry Lewis, film actor. Army. 
Otis Malcolm, studio makeup man, 
Army. 

Lou Dolgin, studio technician, 
Army Air Force. 

Jay Moss, flhn actor. Aimy Air 
Force. 

Dave Davics. radio press agent. 
Merchant Marine. 

• Madison Stoner Lacey, still pho- 
tographer. Army. 

Macdonald Carey, film actor, Ma- 
rmcs. 

Chick Alonzo, assisUnt film 
rector, Navy 



di- 



old cool.s who mig ht have been with 
Grant at Antietam. 

Coots and Gals 
Consequently, the current trend is 
to mix the coots and the gals, shake 
thoroughly, feed it to the public, 
•niid hurriedly avert the gaze. If it 
doe.'jn't work, they'll very nearly 
have to forget about westerns until 
further notice. If it does, a rather 
acute problem will have been 
solved. 

FimiVy thing is that, olj the four 
studios that stress productions in 
thU; category— Republic, Universal, 
Columbia .mid Monogram— each is 
quite certain that it was first in the 
field in the matter of starring the 



more, one of which Is very likely 
to be a flagrant, unabashed west- 
em. Just to see how the lady 'sets' 
with the hillbilly clientele, which 
by the by starts In the southwest, runs 
up through the Mississippi Valley, 
jumps over the middle states and 
winds up in staid, old New England. 

At the same lot. Fay McKenzie, 
Ruth Terry and Lynn Merrick have 
been featured with Autry, Roy 
Rogers, Don 'Red' Barry and the 
Three Mesquiteers. Any one of the 
three, therefore, may be given a 
chance at starring in a western, 
but this is considered less likely than 
that Miss Aldrldge, the only Out- 
standing lady clifThanger of recent 
years, will merely attempt a change 
of mediums, instead of status, and 
go on as before. That is, if the 
escapist audiences approve. 

Columbia doesn't know about that 
end of it, but is currently plugging 
a lady known as Bonnie 'Blue Eyes^ 
Atcher as the reminine hope of the 
westerns, while Monogram has two 
candidates: Evelyn Finley, who has 
been tried ou| for one picture — not 
yet released — as a cowgirl lead, and 
Betty Miles, girl champion of the 
Saugus rodeo. , 

See Last Roundnp 
OfRodeoinNeY. 
For the Duration 



Mel Epstein, assistant film direc- i lady cowpoke. But Univer.yil 



ti., Signal Corps. 

Leonard Fieldr, 
Navy. 



filn. producer, 



Pitt's Contingent 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 13. 
Joe Lee, of dance team of Joe and 
netty Lee, enlisted here in Navy Air 
^orps and now waiting to be called 
"P- Couple went from here to the La 
Martmique. in N. Y.. and have Club 
«'l Philly. and Edgewatcr Beach 
notel. Chi. set to follow unless Uncle 
pages him in the meantime. 
Milt Golanty, saxman. and Bud 
''^^ player with Joey Sims 
Mid. army air corps. 

Bucky McClure, local nitery singer 
*"o for last year has owned a piece 
• and been working at a Cleveland 
'Pot. army. 

,u?°''" A. Scott, asst. to Perry Na- 
"„'."='l'onal Screen Service man- 
ager here, army. 

Pot Zanfirclli. a.<!sf. to Bill Grancr, 



seems to have the sounder story 
about l'':it. 

It points to the fact that it has 
been featuring Jennifer Holt, daugh- 
ter of Jack, tor .several years, where- 
as rival sludio.<i are just getting 
around to the idea. Also that it will 
be and. in fact, i.s going to be, a 
brief, ladylike Jump from feature- 
dom. with Tex Ritter and Johnny 
Mack Brown, to stardom in which 
.she's supported by a couple of elder- 
ly comics and a dastardly cad. 
Moreover. Universal has discreetly 
shucked the we.stern label, whether 
for purposrs of manpower short- 
apes or not. nobody can rightly 
say. Anyhow, it now calls these 
'outdoor adventure pictures,' .so that 
they ran go from sagebrush to Cen- 
tral P.nrk in Sne episode. 

Republic's Kay Aldrldge 
Rcpublir. meantime. has one 
sm.Tl ftiicro in Kay Aldrldge an'l il 
nn rcullv pl.ins for the lady. She 
has fini'.hrH one rommltment nn 
■PdiK of N.vnka' and is set for Iwn 



By JOB SCHOENFELD 

What may be New York's last 
glimpse of the rodeo for the dura- 
tion opened Wednesday night (7) at 
Bladison Square Garden, N. Y. It's 
virtually the same show as last year 
(and the years before that), with 
the only major change being In the 
person of Republic's western star, 
Roy Rogers, who is the headline act 
this year in place of Sgt. Gene Autry. 
Autry was|in the house opening night 
and was iht^'oduced as 'part owner of 
this rodeo.' 

The war and its drain on this coun- 
try's railroad transportation will 
seripusly affect the rodeo. How much 
longer it will be able to get freight 
cars is problematical. The men with 
the show, of course, have to travel 
by coaches. 

A crowd of nearly 15.000 turned 
out for the opening bronc and bull 
riding, calf roping, steer wrestling 
and — always the most entertaining 
competition — the wild cow milking. 
Unlike some liast years, however, 
there wasn't a single injury at the 
premiere, though one cowboy, whose 
foot caught in the stirrup of a wildly 
bucking bronc, had an exceedingly 
close call. 

Nor was there any extraordinary 
'time' registered in any of the com- 
petitive events. The calf-rbping con- 
test, for instance, was won by Homer 
Pettigrew with a 23 1/5 second mark, 
and that's hardly likely to cop the 
top prize for the N. Y. meet. It's an- 
nounced (bat $65,000 in prizes will be 
distributed during this engagement, 
including the daily show plums. 

Bull-Docglng Slow 

The bull-dogging event was also 
comparatively slow, Joe Welch tak- 
ing that by throwing his steer in 
13 2/5 seconds. The wildcow milking 
contest was a complete fizzle, only 
two of the five competing teams be- 
ing able to finish the event. The win- 
ning time was 55 3/5 seconds, very 
slow, with Toots Mansfield register- 
ing that. 

Other equally .standard contests 
are interspersed by the mounted 
basketball game, in which the first 
objective of the players is obviously 
to tear the jerseys off the backs of 
the opposition. The game itself 
doesn't matter; the mayhem is in 
teresting. 

Six glamour girls from the western 
ranches are again in the show, pos- 
ing with the vanishing herd of long- 
horns. Only other femmes on tap 
opening night were four trick riders 
and a bevy of girls in mixed teams 
taking part in an old-fashioned west- 
ern square dance. 

Rogers, who calls the turns for 
the well-costumed dance, has his own 
act "centre stage' half-way through 
the show. He'i far from the person 
I ality Autry was in this show, but a 
good enough name to get by in the 
j hinterlands. His singing i.s only fair. 
I but well backed by the harmony and 
I musical work of the Sons of the 
: Pioncc"s. sextet thM'f been appear 
ing with him in llic Republic boss 

' Cp. -C-. 

j Hardy Alurphv 3:i;l lii- p-islng 
! hur.-c. Buck.' arc biit k Id the show 
r.'s a \' :'\ -1 ;k;. 



GRIDCAST 



By Nat Kahn 



COLLEGE GAMES 



FBISAT, OCT, 16 

GAMES WINNERS ODDS 

Georgetown-Auburn Auburn 5-6 

Auburn should snap out o/ it. 

So. Hethodlst-Temple SMI) Even 

Home (/rounds give the Mustangs tht edge. 

VIIIaaova-Flerlda VUianova 6-6 

' The Wildcats to rebound from tliclr initial de/eot. 

SATUBDAY, OCT. 17 

EAST 

Boston C0I.-N0. Car. Pre-FUcht. . .Pre-Flight 9-5 

Pre-FU^ht has too much power, 

Brown-Lafayette Brown 12-5 

Marparita will be too much for the Tigera. 

Coigate-Dnke Colgate 12-5 

The Dukes are having a bad year. 

Ceiumbla-Army Columbia 1-2 

Can we help being sentimental? 

Cornell-Penn State Cornell 5-1 

Cornell isn't aa bad <u recent defeats indicate. 

Fordbam-West Va ...Fordham Even 

The Boma have tlghecned their defense. 

Harvard-Dartmonth Harvard 5-' 

HaroaTi U a late comer. 

Holy Creas-Syracnsc Syracuse 7-S 

Tfi« Orange la toell versed on attack. 

Navy-Tale Navy 6-5 

Navt; has the better offense. 

Penn-Prlnceton Pens U-S 

Penn Is on the tuav to the Ivv League title. 

PiU-Indlana indlaiia 6-S 

This may uiiml up Into a Pitt upset. 

Eutgers-Bnckncll Bneknell Even 

BuchTietl looked good in that Temple tic. 



SOUTH 
. . . . Alabama 



Alabama-Tennessee 

A battle 0/ scoring giants. 
Arkansas-Texas Texas t-1 

A romp for the I.onghonu. 
Ceorrla-Tnlane Geergia 1-B 

It all depends on tshether Ca.'s Sinfcwich is right. 
Oa. Pre-Fllght-FcnsacoU Naval... Pre-FUght U-S 

The Air Cadets can score olmost at uUI. 
LSU-MisslmlppI LSU 12-6 

A romp for State. 

No. Car. Sta(«-Wake Forest W. F S-1 

W. F. is becoming a big tittle football vmoer. 
Tcxas-A. * M.-TCU....' TCB f-B 

The Aggies have been very disappointing. 
VanderbUt-MlsL Slate VandcrblH 9-S 

State might revert from form. 
VMI-Maryland VMI Even 

Man/land may surprise, as It has so far. 



WEST 



6-5 



12-6 



12-5 



Iowa-Illinois Illinois 

The mini arc on the rise. 
Kansas-Oklahoma Oklaboma 

The Kansana are the downtrodden of the west. v 
Kansas StUe-MIssoarl Misaoori 

The Mlssourans ore the class of the Big Six. 
Michigan-Northwestern Michigan 1-5 

The Wolverines are more con^i^tent on attack. 
Mich. State-Marqnette Mich. State Even 

This may well wind up into a tie. 
Ncbraska-Mlimesota Minnesota 12-5 

The Gophers won't make it three losses In a rouS. 
Notre Dame-Iowa Pre-Flltbt Notre Dame 1-2 

Bertelll's passes are again clicking for the Irish. 
Oblo State-Pordoe Ohio SUle 2-1 

State seems to be the class 0/ the nation. 
Wisconsin-Great Lakes Great Lakes 9-5 

The Cadets are great opportunists. 



FAR WEST 



2-1 



Calir.-UCLA UCLA 

The Vclans have the smoother attack. 
Oregon Stale-Santa Clara State 5-1 

Stale is on Its home grounds. 
VSC-Wash. Slate SUU 1-5 

The Trojans have disappointed dismallg. 
Stanford-Idaho Stanford 12-5 

The Indians to finally take one. 
Washington-Montana Wash 3-1 

Tht Huskies in nn easy victory. 



SUNDAY, OCT. 18 



ManhalUn- Detroit Uetrolt .. 

The Oetrolters have a fine defense. 

St. Mary's-San Francisco St. Mary' 

The Gaels arc more point-conscious. 



6-5 



2-1 



NAT'L PRO LEAGUE 

# SUNDAY. OCT. 18 

Bears-Glanis Bears 12-5 

The Bears to maintain their unbeaten streak. 
Dodgers-Bcdsklns Dodgem 6-> 

The Brooklyns to outscore Sammy Baugh. 
Llons-Cardlnals Cards , 1-6 

This'll be close. 

Packers-Rams Packers 12-6 

The Rams will be trouble. 
Eagles-Stcelers Steelers *-l 

The Steelers have Bill Dudley. 



' .STANDING 
Wun, 61: Lost, 39; Ties. 7; Pet.. :610 

(Tics are uni cininU-di 



5« 



Wednesday, October 14, 1942 v ;V^' 




sm mAfS/r/ 



liy RosaliiidI Russell^i 

Um lOllEY SOAP FACIALS 



for 30 doys 




YOU'LL want to try Holly- 
wood's famous 30-day care! 
It's so easy and it really works. 
Lux Toilet Soap has creamy 
ACTIVE lather that removes 
stale cosmetics, every trace of 
dust and dirt. 

Lovely Hollywood stars say 
Lux Toilet Soap's lather is so 
utterly gentle that its touch on 
the skin is like a caress I Give 
your own precious complexion 
protection it needs. Use this fine 
white beauty soap regularly 
for 30 days— see what it ean 
do for you/ 




EVERY GIRL 
SHOULD HAVE A 
ROAflANCE COMPLEXION 

-FRESH, LOVELY SKIN. 

here's mv Lux Soap 

FACIAL) PAT THE 

CREAMY LATHER 
LIGHTLY INJ. .. 



RADIO 



MUSIC 



STAGE 




niETY 



£ubllsh«d Waeklf tt 16« .West Mth-Btrtet, New York, N. by Variety, Inc. Annual aubscrlptlon, 110. Slncla copies !5 cenlei 
ntered u Becond-claaa matter Decemb^ 12, lt06, at the Poat OBlce at New Tork, N. T., under tb* aot ot March I, t>7». 
COPTRIOHT, IMl, BS VABIETX, INC. ALL BIOHTS REBEBVED 



yOL. 148 No. 7 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1942 



PRICE 25 CENTS 






Church Pressure Organized to Stop 
Trading Radio Time for Jack Benny 



Montreal, Oct. 20. 

Tide of religious public protest 
against the discontinuance by the 
Canadian Broadcasting Corp. of the 
broadcast of Sunday evening church 
services in Montreal Is being stirred 
up by the Central Broadcasting Com- 
mittee whose business It has been 
for the past 16 years to take charge 
of these broadcasts. When it be- 
came known that, beginning with 
the first Sunday in October, a com- 
mercial program (Jack . Benny) 
would replace the evening church 
service, a committee was chosen to 
go to Ottawa to interview the Board 
of Governors of the CBC. This com- 
mittee was composed of leading 
clergymen and prominent members 
of the laity of this city. Nine 
churches are represented, two Angli- 
can, four United, one Baptist and two 
Presbyterian. 

On Oct. 11, a statement explain- 
ing the situation was read at morn- 
ing and evening services In each of 
the nine churches, outlining the ac- 
(Continued on page 24) 



Eddie Cantor States 
Only FM Can Clarify 
Stars' Status in Draft 



Eddie Cantor, among others, is ad- 
vocating exemption for the show biz 
names, who, obviouSy, are more im- 
portant for morale purposes than 
toting a rifle. Cantor, a grand- 
father, has frequently stated his 
premise in the past, but now he is 
making a direct appeal to President 
Roosevelt. 

Cantor, who is certainly not sub- 
ject to the draft, both because of age 
and family status, stated to 'Variety': 

'With the passing of Will Rogers, 
there is no one in our business who 
eould do the Job of educating the 
public so that they know that there 
••re certain actors, writers, producers, 
etc., who are definitely and positive- 
ly essential. There is but one indi- 
vidual in America who can and 
.Aould state the actor's case — Presi- 
dent Roosevelt. 

'I wrote a letter the other day to 
(Continued on page 20) 

VERONICA TELLS 'EM OFF 

Lets Her Hair Down In Detroit But 
Dishes a New Jive 



Detroit, Oct. 20. 
i, Lake let her hair down 

Here— and it wasn't what the boys 
.**Pfcled to see or hear. 

Film star was brought in as the 
feature attraction for the $3-per- 
Wate celebration dinner of the 
Wollwood Country Club which had 
through with $1,500,000 worth 
y;;Jt bonds. They evidently expected 
:^ be patted on the back. They got 
(Continued on page 42) 



100 POUNDS OF SCRAP 
FOR AN ANNIE OAKLEY 



Chicago, Oct. 20, 
Continuing its salvage drive cam- 
paign. Prairie Farmer station WLS 
is presenting the National Barn 
Dance program as a stage show in 
Danville and Bloomington, Ind., with 
admission 100 pounds of scrap per 
person. 

WLS has aided in the collection of 
2,000,000 pounds of scrap metal and 
rubber in these two Illinois sections 
during the past month, 

Atlantic City Would 
Be 'Saved' As Resort 
By 300 Businessmen 

Atlantic City. Oct. 20. 

Businessmen of Atlantic City are 
uniting to save this resort from the 
financial doldrums of- its transition 
from a vacationing, pleasure-pro- 
viding spa to a training base for 
armed forces. 

Headed by J. Vaughan Mathis, 
well-known resort architect, a semi- 
secret committee of 10 town leaders 
is organizing a committee of 300 to 
prevent this city from becoming a 
military ghost town 

Membership to the non-partisan 
organization is by invite only, and 
extreme care is being exercised to 
exclude all with political tinges or 
the Chamber of Commerce. 

Already nearly 100 invitations 
have been mailed to prospecti\'e 
members from a selected list of 
civic-minded townsfolk, including 
such prominent leaders in the local 
entertainment fle^ds as P. Mortimer 
Lewis and G. Franklin Wielland 
(Lewis-Wielland Theatres); Harry 1. 
Waxman (Astor Theatre); Frank P. 
Gravatt (Steel Pier) and others. By 
(Continued on page 20) 



mi m TO 

SNEAK IN Ml 



Straight Plays, Reversing^ Early Flans, 
Have Edge On Musicals This Season 



Senate Bill Rider on 'Soldier 
Morality' issue to Get Na- 
tional Attention— Era of 
Capone, Waxey, Owney, 
Dutch, Et Al.,. Remains a 
Nightmare 



DON'T WANT IT AGAIN 



Prohibition, with all its evil con- 
comitants, is again menacing — this 
time as a rider to the teen-age draft 
bill now before the Senate. Broad- 
way, which is just about recovering 
from the hangover of the last 'dry' 
era, well remembers that the blue- 
noses also slipped across Prohibition 
during World War I, first as a liquor 
curfew for uniformed men, and later 
as a national law and all remember 
Capone, Detroit's Purple Gang and 
(Continued on page 31) 



BAND BIZ TO CONSULAR 
SERVICE FOR BROWN 



Phil Brown, head of the William 
Morris agency ' branch ofTlca in 
Cleveland, has resigned to enter con- 
sular service for the U. S. Govern- 
ment. He goes to Puerto Rico. ^ 

Place is to be taken by Pat Lom- 
bam], formerly with (Consolidated 
RaAlo Artists. 



Willkie Brings Back 
leningrad Siege' Film 

Artkino Pictures, IT. S. distrib of 
Soviet films, is wailing for a print of 
'Siege of Leningrad,' the pictorial 
yarn of futile Nazi attempt to take 
the city by storm last winter. Wen- 
dell Willkie brought a print of the 
film back from Moscow for showing 
at the White House. 

Artkino still hasn't seen the pic- 
ture but has been advised it is en- 
route. Plans call for revisions and 
national release similar to the treat- 
ment given 'Moscow Strikes Back.' 

Latter was edited on the Coast and 
had a special soundtrack and com- 
mentary attached. Now being re- 
leased by Republic. 



27of36B'way 
Legit Houses Lit 
UpTiiisW€ei[ 



There are 36 legit theatres on 
Broadway of which 27 are lighted as 
of this week, two houses being 
tenanted by vaude-revues, three by 
revivals and two classed as stock 
showings while there are two re- 
turn engagements. Last year during 
the same week in October there 
were 17 shows on the list. Current 
flock includes 10 holdovers and most 
of the latter seem sturdy enough to 
go along indefinitely. 

Treasurers and ticket sellers union 
lists 37 theatres which are staffed 
for the season as of this week, the 
additional house being the Holly- 
wood, which, although playing fea- 
ture pictures, uses legit ticket people. 
There are 77 treasurers and ' assist- 
(Cnntinued on page 56) 



FOUR RADIO EDITORS 
ON NBC PRESS STAFF 



Too Mnch Wartime 
Coin for Yonths Ups 



Hartford, Oct. 20. 
Claiming that unaccustomaS 
money In the pockets of older 
adolescents is drawing them to 
saloons, night clubs and gambling 
places, members of the Hartford 
Council of Social Agencies last week 
devoted an entire afternoon to a 
discussion of this alleged major 
problem. 

Charges were made that the new 
rich youth do not care any longer 
for the environs of the social clubs, 
settlement houses and Scout troops. 
Claimed that the money was an 
added inducement to delinquency, a 
problem now being felt in most In- 
dustrial war boom towns. 

In order to meet these new war- 
time conditions that offer a, direct 
competition to a wholesome way 
of life, leaders of the discussion sug- 
gested that youth be given what it 
seeks. Said that youth should be 
given the things it wants-juke- 
boxes, jitterbugging, and other en- 
tertainments, under proper super- 
vision and in healthy surroundings. 



Last fall musicals had a distinct 
edge among the new legit produc- 
tions, that, type of show scoring 
early. This season, however, straight 
plays are Ih the van sO far, with 
three^ plays rated in the success 
column. 

List of musicals scheduled this 
season was more Impressive than 
usual, but the number now definitely 
aimed for. Broadway has dimin- 
ished, while the holdover tune and 
dance shows are standing up excel- 
lently. The h.o.s. in fact, are away m 
front of the new musicals which 
have arrived thus far. 

New straight plays are topped by 
'The Eve of St. Mark,' at the Cort, 
irony of its click being that the war 
drama was not even intended for 
Broadway consumption. Reviewers 
and commentators are united in hail- 
ing the Maxwell Anderson play and 
even at this early date it is re- 
garded as the probable Pulitzer prize 
winner. 'Jajiie' appears to have 
(Continued on page 56) 



Outbreak of Heckling 
Disturbs Chi Theatres 



NBC press department, in New 
York, now has four ex-radio editors 
on its staff. 

They are Sam Kaufman, staffer at 
the N. Y. Sun and free-lancer for the 
radio fan mags; Jo Ranson of the 
Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Ed Grief of 
Motion Picture Daily, and E. H. 
Bragdon, also formerly of New York 
Sun. 



Chicago, Oct. 20. 
Outbreak of heckling and catcall- 
ing in Chicago theatres has broken 
out like in a rash again throughout 
Windy City picture houses, with the 
Oriental and Chicago particular tar- 
gets. Whistling, cheering, boos, snide 
remarks, comedy yoo-hoos, and rude 
attempts to engage actors on stage 
in personal conversations over the 
footlights, feature the activities of 
this curious class of show-disturbing 
patrons. 

While there have been no Instances 
of heckling serious enough to war- 
rant managerial interference, still 
the constant unwanted participation 
of the audience in performances is a 
great annoyance to those on stage. 

Ted Lewis, recently at the Ori- 
ental, was the victim of considerable 
vocal imitation In delivering his 
(Continued on page 46) 



Victory Signal (...—) 
On Horn Chid^, Car 
Drivers Exceeding 35 



.Washington, Oct. 20. 

When Douglas Me.servcy, deputy 
chief of the radio bureau of Office 
of War Information, returned from 
his trip to the West (Toast he brought 
back the story of the 'Victory Signal' 
used by motorists out there. 

When a motorist ii passed on the 
road by an automobile whizzing by 
at far above the patriotic 3S-mile 
limit, the motorist sounds the vic- 
tory signal— three dots and a dash- 
on his horn. 

The deputy radio chief thinks the 
idea is a good one and that with 
some plugging from local stations 
throughout the nation the Victory 
Signal habit could become popular 
everywhere and result In saving a 
good bit more of that tire rubber. 



LAST STANZA CLICKS 



Favorable Reaction to Kate Smith 
'Star Spangled Banner' Movement 



There has been a widespread, fa- 
vorable reaction in favor of the sing- 
ing of the neglected but meaningful 
last stanza of 'The Star Spangled 
Banner' a.s proposed last week by 
Kate Smith. Among the early re- 
sponses were nine CBS stations that 
promised to use the last stanza in 
their daily sign-off. Some 19 singers 
wired Miss Smith they would follow 
suit. 

Meantime, Ted Collins will ask the 
A.F.M. tor special permission to 
record the anthem's last stanza 
lyrics. Many CBS stations use Miss 
Smith's record to begin and end 
their broadcasts daily. 



MISCELLANY 



Wednesday, October 21, 1912 



H wood Teaching Sbides to Become 
Directors in 12 Lectures, Cost: $18 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Proving that there can be some- 
ihing new under the sun, even a 
Hollywood sun when It doesn't shine, 
the current caper here Is a non- 
profit, volunteer, help-for-all lecture 
course in screen direction. It 
given under the sponsorship of the 
League of American Writers whose 
extension course in film writing is 
row in Its fourth year. It — the 
School for Directors — is conducted 
by pilots whose achievements stand 
ss a symbol of success. And they 
give of their time and talent at no 
honorarium and with no other 
thought in mind save to be among 
llie favored few who wish to help 
the underprivileged many. 

Come to think of it, that's mure 
than a caper. In Hollywood, It's 
practically the milennium. 

Anyhow, the course in film direc- 
tion is one of two that have been 
added to the curriculum this year. 
The other is a series of lessons under 
the title. Story Analysis and Screen 
Reading. AU members of the faculty 
are spokesmen and leaders in the 
Industry and its allied arts. 

Screen direction, for instance. Is 
tn be launched at the School for 
Writers building by Frank Tuttle, 
chairman of the directors' commit- 
(Continued on page 58) 



Bingo for Bob 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Bob Crosby led his band Into 
the Metro studio and wound up 
as an actor. 

After working in 'Presenting 
Lily Mars,' as an orchestra 
leader he was signed to a term 
as a thesp, without music. 



Shoberts MoU 'Ziegfeld 
Follies' for Milton Berle 



Hollyiyood, Oct. 20. 

The 'Ziegfeld Follies' title may be 
revived by the Shuberts as a tag for 
Milton Berle's Broadway musi- 
comedy starrer. If so, this'U be a 
switch on Berle's original intention 
to do a book show. 

Bill Goetz, at 20th-Fox, favors the 
book because, if it clicks, it would 
be bought by the studio with Bcrlc 
reenacting his original role in the 
film version. On the other hand, the 
Shuberts lean towards the 'Ziegfeld 
Follies' revue Idea for stage b.o. 
values. 



Pola Negri Beset 
On AD Sides By 
Suing Creditors 



Pola Negri swore that she wa.^ liv- 
ing on the 'charity of friends' in an 
action In N. Y. supreme court 
brought by the Hotel Ambassador, 
N. 'V., to attach $2,500 still owing 
to her by, the American Weekly, 
Inc., under a contract to do her 
memoirs. Including the 'full story 
of her romances ' and marriages.' 
The Hear.st weekly agreed to pay the 
former Hollywood star $7,500 for 10 
installments totaling 60.000 words of 
her remembrances of happier days 
when ithe was one of the famous 
names in pictures. Already she has 
received $5,000, which sum, she 
said, she used up for the payments 
of debts. 

The hotel Is seeking the remain- 
ing $2,500 under a judgment it ob- 
tained against Miss Negri in 1935 
for $5,259, representing the unpaid 
balance of. $8,500 which the actress 
chalked up during her stay at the 
hotel between July, 1932, and Jan. 
3; 1933. 

The cash advances alone, the hotel 
.stated, were upwards of $4,500 and 
included payments for flowers, 
beauty parlor charges, drugs, tele- 
(Continued on page 18) 



UNITED 

STATES 

■WAR 

SUMPS 



NIAGARA'S DAREDEVILS 



It will cost money to defeat 
Germany, Japan and Italy. 
Our government calls on you 
to help now. 

Buy war savings bonds or 
stamps today. Buy them 
every day if you can. But 
buu them on a regular basta. 



Atlantic City Granted 
Judicial Reprieye On 
Military Clamp-Down 



Atlantic City, Oct. 20. 
Atlantic City amusement men have 
been given a new lease on night life 
with the lifting of immediate Army 
disposition to police the city with 
military methods. 

The judicial reprieve came offici- 
ally from New Jersey Supreme 
Court Justice Frederic R. Colie, end- 
ing his self-styled 'suspended sen- 
tence' over the resort, and placing it, 
instead, on 'probation' for the dura- 
tion of its good behavior. 

The vice-crusading jurist's decision 
dispersed a gloom pall which had 
(Continued on page 29) 



From the Tamale Belt to tte Igloos, 
Looks Like H wood Can! Please 'Em 



LG. Robinson in England 

By this time, Edward G. Robin- 
son is in tht United Kingdom area, 
entertaining tht lads of the A. E. F. 

The actor left LaGuardia Field 
some days ago, but declined to dis- 
cuss his trip beyond admitting that 
he was eastbound for 'morale pur- 
poses.' 



Only the Frenchman Bloudin Won Fame and 
Fortune in Stunts at the Falls, Though Many Tried 



(Continued on page 27) 



By William F. McDermott l ^°P« performer he saw at the age of 

I Ave, and not many years later was 
Niagara Falls has irresistible lure i -'ent to a school for acrobats at 

for daredevils. Sam Patch leaped Lyons. He had already won a con- 

100 feet into the boiling river and siderable reputation In Europe when 

lived, way back in 1829, and since ■ he announced his plan to brave Ni- 

then a motley procession of fool- agara, so that the newspapers here 

hardy, mercenary or screwball men 

end women have dared death at (he 

Falls in a dozen spectacular ways. 

They have pranced above the chasm 

on a tightrope, plunged over the 

brink of the cataract in a barrel or a 

rubber ball, tried to swim the tor- 
rent, shot the Rapids and the Whirl- 
pool in every kind of craft from row- 
boat to steamboat Some died, but 

surprising number got away with 

their stunts. 
Of them all, only one won fortune 

end world-wide fame. 'For the glory 

of France' — and some cash — Blondin 

stretched a rope 1,100 feet across the 

chasm and for two summer:, — 1859 to 

1 860— cavorted on it while tense 

crowds watched from the U. S. and 

Canadian shores. The Prince of 

Wales saw him perform. So did ex- 

Prcsident Millard Fillmore, various 

Can'adian dignitaries, numerous gov- 
ernors, senators, judges, millionaires 
'and soqialites, rubbing elbows with 

a horde of tin-horn gamblers and the 

populace. Tens of thousands flocked 

to the Falls by special excursion 

cteamers and trains to watch with 

raw nerves and clenched fists .vs the 

gay performer, sometimes with a 

sack over his head, sometimes 

dressed as a monkey with tail flying 

in the wind, did his Incredible antics 

over the churning waters. almost 200 

feet below. Gamblers made book on 

Blondin's fate for huge sums, and it 

is legend that one of them cut a guy 

rope to try to make him fall. The 

sums wagered were many time; as 

much as Blondin gleaned from hats 

passed through the throngs. 

BloQdin, oorn Jean Francois 

Gravelet, son of a hero of Napoeon's 

armies, was fascinated by a tight- 



Bnrton Rascoe Succeeds 
Brown on N.Y. World-Telly 

Burton Rascoe, who was a leading 
contender for the drama critic's post 
last year when the N. Y. World 
Telegram was considering a succes- 
sor to Sidney Whipple, yesterday 
(Tuesday) became the afternoon 
daily's reviewer. 

Rascoe, a veteran newsman, author 
and critic, succeeded to the post 
left vacant by John Mason Brown's 
enlistment in the Navy. 



FRANCES BOWS OUT 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Paramount granted Frances Gif- 
ford a contract release after two 
years on the lot. 

This marks the fourth femme to 
check off the Par plot in the past few 
weeks, the others being Martha 
O'DrlscoU, Suzanna Foster and Ellen 
Drew. 




ABBOTT and COSTELLO 

Broadcaitlng every Thursday, 7-7:30 p.m., en NBC Coast -to -Coast 
Network In their own show for Camel Cigarettes 
Now on National Release 

In "PARDON MY SARONG" 

A Mayfair Production — Universal Pictures Rcleass 
Under Personal Mpnagemep^ of.EpWARO SHERMAN 



Airlines to Back 
Educational Pix 
For Free Distrib 



By GEOBGE FROST 

The declaration of peace and the 
days that follow may bring a stiff 
headache for the lads who sell seats 
to motion pi][, for word trickles 
into New York's LaGuardia Field 
that the airlines of the nation are 
planning a mighty splurge of cel- 
luloid when the shouts .of battle 
die down. 

Many of the airlines, it was 
learned, are now planning to spend 
large chunks of their budgets on 
educational pictures. The film mat- 
ter will be released — for free — to 
schools, churches, clubs, camps and 
all other similar Institutions through- 
out the nation, according to present 
light-pencil blueprinta. Although 
the airlines are reluctant to discuss 
the program now, asserting that 'it 
is so early,' it is known that the old 
type 'A-standa tor airplane, B-stands 
for bl-motor, C-stands for cockpit' 
program is to be flled in the dusty 
chamber that holds corsets, hickel 
beers and — we hope soon — dictators. 

The new reels will be complete, 
with a continuity that will take In 
(Continued on page 29) 



It used to be. only the Latinos 
who got hot ai a tamale every lime 
Hollywood turned out a film to 
'flatter* them. But now the feeling 
seems to b« mutual right from 
Iceland to Argentina and across to 
England, too. Current flareups are 
on 20th-Fox's Sonja Henie starrer, 
'Iceland,' and Metro's Mickey Rooney 
special, *A Yank at Eton.' 

Ijlelther the Icelanders nor the 
Britons like the characterizations of 
their countries or people in the two 
new fUms. Which is the way the 
folks south of the Rio Grande have 
been feeling about it for years. But 
that the feeling also extends to the 
Igloo country and to the playing 
fields of Eton is a new shock. 

As a matter of fact, however, 
'Iceland' and 'A Yank at Eton' don't 
fall into the same category as the 
Latin-American films which have 
so often injured hemisphere sus- 
ceptibilities. While the latter have 
often actually been aimed at creat- 
ing good will — ^probably because the 
Latinos set up such a fuss— no one 
seems to have given much thought 
to good will or bad will in the new 
Fox and Metro films. 

Otherwise, they probably wouldn't 
have been made, or at least would 
have been quite different, according 
to those familiar with how seriously 
people abroad accept U. S. films. 
They point out that this is another 
case of HoUywoo4 failure to re- 
alize that its own product is the 
nation's most effective ambassador — 
for good or for ill — among all the 
peoples of the worldT*^ 

A Lesson Learned 

The fact that you just can't make 
a film — not one with a plot, anyway 
— about a country to please the in- 
habitanta thereof has long since 
dawned on the Office of the Co- 
ordinator of Inter-American Affairi. 
Latter, set up more than two years 
ago to woo the Latins, has learned 
a lot in that time, some of It to its 
chagrin. 

That's why It discourages, rather 
than encourages, producers who 
(Continued on page 29) 



Soliloquy On Old Jokes 



By CARBOLL CARBOLL 

(Radio Author for Ring Crosby) 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

In the first place, I don't think 
there is such a thing as an old joke 
except in the same sense that there 
are old songs. Let's call them 'well- 
remembered' jpkes. These 'well-re- 
membered' jokes are in their class 
because they are basically funny. 
We may be tired of them, the way 
we are tired of some 'well-remem- 
bered' songs. That is no indictment 
of the joke. It is still funny to the 
millions to whom it is new. That 
there is not an old joke in the world 
that isn't new to millions of people 
is proved by the fact that it has been 
possible up to now for radio come- 
dians to use so many so-called old 
jokes. . 

They are getting away from these. 
I don't think this is because the 
comedians are getting any smarter or 
because the audiences are getting 
any smarter, but because the writers 
are getting smarter. If not smarter, 
at least they're getting bored with 
the 'well-remembered' jokes. They're 
getting so bored with these collectors' 
items that they are avoiding them 
even though they know they are, by 
so doing, gambling a sure laugh on 
an experiment. 

You see, even a joke writer has to 
live with himself — and be able to 
face his colleagues— and be able to 
make a living. They all have the 
same files. They all know how easy 
it is to throw together a 'sure-dre' 
routine from these files. But they 
also all know that the one guy who 
can go beyond the file and be funny 
not only gets more personal satis- 
faction out of his work; he gets more 
dough, because he's fresher, 
Basic Ingredients 

Of course, just 'being fresher' isn't 
all it takes. It takes a knowledge of 
the basic Ingredients of a joke. I've 
heard a lot about those 'seven jokes' 
from which all others stem. I don't 
know which seven they are and I 
never met anyone who did. But 
there are fundamentals to jokes, just 
as there are to every form of con- 
struction. 

There, are certain essential ele- 



ments to a successful novel, a suc- 
cessful short story, a successful son- 
net, a successful song. These natu- 
rally have to be put together prop- 
erly, mixed right, decorated intelli- 
gently. In a much lesser degree all 
I he same rules apply to the composi- 
tion of a joke that apply to the com- 
position of anything. If you slick to 
the rules, you'll get something re- 
sembling what you're after. As your 
talent for your work increases you 
(Continued on page 42) 



PRODUCER'S WIFE GETS 
LEAD IN mm DOWN' 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

The femme role in the film version 
of 'The Moon Is Down,' the John 
Steinbeck war tale, goes to Dor- 
Tis Bowden, wife of Nunnally John- 
son, producer of the picture. 

It will be the first screen role for 
the actress since their marriage. 



Screwball Hollywood 
Grid Game for Charity 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Comedians and leading men of the 
films, who used to play strange base- 
ball games for charity in bygone 
days, turned to football this year 
and put on the most remarkable 
gridiron battle ever seen or dreamed. 
At the end of the first, play the score 
was 66 to 66, and f^om that time on. 
it grew more and more haywire. The 
proceeds of the game, played in the 
Coliseum before 35,000 customers, 
were divided equally between the 
USO and Mount Sinai Hospital. 

The e6-to-66 score, registered in 
less than 30 seconds of play, was the 
result of quantity production. Start- 
ing from scrimmage in midHeld, 
each player suddenly broke loose 
with a football under his arm and 
made a SO-yard run, a total of 22 
touchdowns simultaneously. After 
(Continued on page 51) 



Wednesdaj, Octpbw 21, 1942 



mscEiiuuiT s 



Chaplin's 'Second Front' Campaip 
To Be Continued in Balto and K. C. 



Charles Chaplin has mothballed 
his time-honored makeup for the 
time being and will continue his 
drive for the opening of a second 
front with telks in Baltimore and 
Kansas City after he pulls out of 
New York City late this week. When 
he gets back to Coast, at some in- 
definite time, he'll revert to his pic- 
ture productions but meantime he is 
Ignoring all criticism, whether in 
trade circles or in the daily press, 
to bally the fight against fascism. 

Queried by 'Variety* as to his re- 
Action to the sotto voce sniping he is 
taking from certain trade quarters, 
Chaplin replied, 'When they open a 
second front I'll tell If and how many 
War Bonds I've purchased, etc. 
Until then I have nothing to say on 
that subject.' 

Last Friday evening (16) Chaplin 
highlighted a mass meeting at Car- 
negie Hall, New York, to rally and 
orystalize opinion for the opening 
of a second front. Under the spon- 
sorship of the Artists Front to Win 
the War and with a sponsors com- 
mittee including a flock of names 
from all the fields of artistic en- 
deavor, the comedian came onto the 
stage to say, among other things, 
'This is a free country. This is a 
danjocracy. And we are still enjoy- 
ing free speech. And I want to say 
(Continued on page 22) 



Trucking to Fame 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Leading men in pictures are 
getting so scarce that agents are 
pulling them off trucks. Which 
is exactly what Gummo Marx 
did recently when he saw a 
broad-shouldered Apollo wheel- 
ing a big bull-dozer through 
Hollywood traffic. He flagged 
him down, sized him up and next 
day had him at 20th-Fox for a 
test. Few days later he was 
given one of the lead roles in 
'The Moon Is Down.' 

New find gets billing under 
his own name — Jan Van Eyck. 



Gert Lawrence's Illness 
Cancels 2 Philly Shows 
And Costs lady' 9G 

An attack of laryngitis forced 
Gertrude Lawrence indoors in Phil- 
adelphia over the weekend and the 
two Saturday performances of 'Lady 
in the Dark' were cancelled at the 
Forrest. Layoff nicked the week's 
gross to the extent of $9,000, capacity 
lor the matinee and night showings. 
Btar was well enough to appear 
Monday (19), when 'Lady' resumed. 

Last year, when 'Lady' played 
Broadway, Miss Lawrence was in- 
sured against illness to the extent of 
$100,000, premium being $10,000, 
which was made part of the produc- 
tion outlay which it was designed to 
(Contnued on page 69) 

ARTIE SHAW READYING 
FOR NAVYBAND TOUR 

Artie Shaw's Navy orchestra at 
Newport is under orders to get in 
shape for a tour of the country, 
starting in about a month. Whether, 
the tour will involve only appear- 
ances at various other naval train- 
ing centers and bases In other parts 
of the country, or whether the lead- 
er and his outfit will participate in 
War Bond rallies, etc., isn't sure. 
Nothing is known beyond the fact 
that It has its orders. 

Shaw in the past few weeks has 
•Mured almost all of the men he 
needs; it's said, however, that he's 
lacking brass men. Davey Tough, 
Mummer who played with Shaw 
•nd other top bands before iOie war, 
n}ay Join the outfit next week. It 
all depends on his physical. 

Complete Endowment Of 
Relief Home Bungalows 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Three new contributions completed 
we endowment of all the guest 
pimgalows erected to date for 
M9 Motion Picture Relief Fund's 
gjuntry House project In Woodland 
"JU«- Meanwhile a trust fund has 
w»n established to buUd additional 
eottages after the war. 

Two of the last three units wore 
oonated by the Screen Actors Guild 
w the third by Cosmo Kyrle and 
BeUew. 



Theatre Wing Irked At 
Boh Hope Airing From 
'Canteen' in Hollywood 



The American Theatre Wing, orig- 
inators and operators of Stage Door 
Canteens in New York, Philadelphia 
and Washington, is plenty peeved at 
the Hollywood Canteen which went 
into action fortnight ago. 

ATW has contract with Corn 
Products for Stage Door Canteen 
air show, heard over CBS, that gives 
the sponsor an' exclusive to radio use 
of the title. Last week's Bob Hope 
program, airing over NBC, originated 
from the Hollywood Canteen and 
thence hangs the feud. 

Squawks were being framed for 
transmission to Hollywood Canteen, 
NBC, Pepsodent and Lord & Thomas, 
respectively sponsor and ad agency 
for the Bob Hope show. Cooler 
heads are trying to head off any 
feline antics on the assumption that 
(Continued on page 20) 



WANGER GIVEN FOURTH 
TERM A$ ACAD PREZ 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Walter Wanger was elected to a 
fourth ' term as president of the 
Academy of Motion Picture Arts & 
Sciences, setting a precedent In that 
organization. Choice was by accla 
mation, without opposition. 

Other officers are Pete Smith, sec- 
retary; John Leroy Johnston, assist 
ant secretary; Donald Crisp, treasu 
rer; Nat Finston, assistant treasurer, 
and Rosalind Russell, James Hilton, 
George Stevens and Col. Nathan 
Levinson vice presidents. 



THOSE HOUNDS AGAIN 



Autograph-Seekers' Vasarles Btsct 
Joan Fontaine 



Autograph hunting fraternity's er- 
ratic behaviour is well known. An 
incident last Sunday night bears this 
out. Joan Fontaine was rushed out 
of the CBS studio where she had ap- 
peared on Transamericanis 'Reader's 
Digest' program. She was due at the 
Stage Door Canteen for a personal 
before leaving for Hollywood that 
night. 

Frustrated in an effort to get an 
autograph a middle aged man 
climbed on running board and 
shouted obscenities. Whereupon 
Conrad Nagel who, with d'irector Bill 
Rosseau was escorting Miss Fontaine, 
slapped down the impertinent one. 
He thereupon made a short speech 
to the rest of the fans, explaining the 
need for haste; that no discourtesy 
to admirers was intended. 



Foster's Dual Deal 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Twentieth-Fox gave Norman Fos- 
ter a double contract status as 
writer-actor. 

For the past six years he has been 
directing at 20th and Metro, having 
turned out 14 pictures at the former 
studio. 




OOTSIDE DEALS 



Wage and Income Ceiling 
Laws May Give Talent a 
Chance to Make New 
Deals Calling for Less 
Pictures — Some Industry 
Attorneys Interpret Salary 
Decree as Invalidating 
Options — Fear of Talent 
Raids Accentuated — Ma- 
jor Studio Bargaining Ad- 
vantages Reduced 



STOCK PARTICIPATION? 



Film industry attorneys wound up 
deliberations on the new Federal 
wage stabilization law in New York 
last week as completely baffled re- 
garding the outcome as when they 
began their talks, but more con- 
cerned than ever over the conse- 
quences of the salary freeze. 

For one thing, In opinion of some 
industry legal counsel, options are 
no longer worth anything, under a 
literal interpretation of the wage 
ruling as it now stands. As a result 
a field day for sharpshooters and 
talent-raiders is anticipated with the 
'have-nots' among the producer-dis- 
(Continued on page 58) 



PaiESIE EAST 
FOR JOLSON 
SHOW 



Herb Polesie, formerly director of 
the Blng Crosby and other pro- 
grams, has been brought In from the 
Coast to produce the Al Jolson show 
Tuesday nights on CBS for Colgate- 
Palmolive-Peet. He also has the 
title of radio director of Sherman & 
Marquette, agency on the account. 

Contrary to previous report, Eddie 
Forman is not out as writer, but re- 
mains under contract to do the script. 
Jlowever, Pat C. Flick is no longer 
contributing comedy material, hav- 
ing been replaced by Eddie Davis 
and Bob Markoe. Comment on the 
second broadcast o| the series was 
considerably better than on the 
opener. 

James Barnett, Sherman fc Mar- 
quette executive on the Colgate 
toothpowder account, continues to 
come to New York from the home 
office in Chicago every week for 
the broadcast. But Hal Hackett, 
who handles the program-package 
for Music Corp. of America, is re- 
maining on the Coast for the present. 

'Life With Father' 
Deal for Pictures 
Still Up in the Air 

A deal for the film rights to 'Life 
With Father' may be consummated 
this week despite the $500,000 price 
tag and the numerous restrictions, 
such as permission to approve the 
cast and shooting script and that all 
rights revert to the authors after 
seven years. 

Several of the majors and at least 
two United Artists producers, David 
O. Selznick and Mary Pickford, are 
trying to set up a deal. Price is the 
least of the problems since the $500,- 
000 will come out of the profits, not 
to be paid in advance. The toughest 
nut to crack is the seven-year clause 
and here the producers are attempt- 
ing to work a deal by dangling writ- 
ing and production berths. 

Harry Cohn, Columbia Pictures 
prexy, cancelled hjs return to the 
Coast to stick around until a deal is 
set, one way or the other. He is re- 
portedly also interested In 'iilfe' on 
(Continued on page 20) 



Use of 650 Actors in Camp Shows 
Is Boon to Entertainment Field, Sez 
Lastfogel; Cites More Opportunities 



Magic Indeed 



Orson Welles spotted Russell 
Swann in his new Army uniform 
for the first time the other night. 
Walking over, Welles fingered 
Swann's captain's bars. 

'I'm finally convinced,' Welles 
exclaimed, 'that you're a ma- 
gician.' 



Boh Weitman Stays In 
U. S.; Douhling of Time 
Defers London Mission 



Bob Weitman, managing director 
of the Paramount theatre, N. Y., will 
not go to England to plan and exe- 
cute Red Cross benefit shows. Weit- 
man was all ready to hop off on the 
next clipper for a three-month stay 
abroad, but a subsequent request 
came through from Harvey D. Gib- 
son, Manufacturers Trust Co., presi- 
dent and Par board member, to ex- 
tend that time to si]( monthaand the 
trip was indefinitely deferred. Gib- 
son, now in England, is said to have 
explained that the three-month 
period wasn't feasible, for various 
reasons. 

Barney Balaban, Paramount presi- 
dent, deferred the trip, pointing out 
that Weitman's duties at the theatre 
and his efforts for the Treasury De- 
partment couldn't spare him that 
long. Too, there witT be another 
filn. business War Bond drive during 
January, with which Weitman wlU 
be vitally involved. 



GOLDWYN LIKES 'STRIP' 
FOR FIRST DANNY KAYE 



Sam Goldwyn is interested in 
'Strip for Action," the new comedy 
by Howard Lindsay and Russel 
Crouse, as a vehicle for Danny Kaye. 

Goldwyn, with Kaye under con- 
tract, has been stymied by lack of a 
suitable script for the comedian. 
Several of the majors have queried 
Goldwyn re a loanout of Kaye with 
the negotiations foundering on Gold- 
wyn's refusal to let Kaye be used in 
a supporting role. 



STEINBECK'S SHIFT 



Make His Home East — Film of Army 
Air Force Bogs Down 



His film plans having failed to ma- 
terialize John Steinbeck came to 
New York last week from Holly- 
wood. He is reported intending to 
sell his home in California and live 
permanently in the east. That would 
be a major shift for him, as he has 
previously been outspoken in his 
preference for living on the Coast 
instead of New York. 

After an extended stay in the east, 
the novelist recently returned to 
Hollywood with the intention of ar- 
ranging a film production of his 
forthcoming book about the Army 
Air Force. With the collapse of that 
idea, his future plans are unknown. 



Errol Flynn's Jam 

Los Angeles, Oct. 20. 

Errol Flynn, Warners star, was ac- 
cussed of criminal assault on a 17- 
year-old girl named Betty Hansen 
in a complaint i.ssued by John F. 
Dockweiler, district attorney of Los 
Angeles County. 

Complaint was ordered after an 
indictment had been refused by the 
county grand Jury. Flynn waa re- 
leased under $1,000 ball for ■ hear- 
ing Friday (23). 



When the new USO-Camp Shows, 
Inc., schedule gets under way around 
Nov. 20, It will use about 650 vaude 
performers and should, in the 
opinion of Abe Lastfogel, CSI boss, 
prove a boon to the entire entertain- 
ment field. 

'With 250 cream-of-the-crop acti 
working 22 weeks for CSI there will 
have to be a general realignment up- 
wards of vaude talent. Acts that 
couldn't play the deluxe houses will 
now get their opportunity and, in 
most cases, wiir prove capable. It's 
surprising how many acts improve 
with their surroundings. 

'Likewise the acts that worked and 
reworked the deluxe houses will, by 
playing CSI time, give audiences a 
chance to forjet their routines so 
that when they again play these 
houses they will be fresh to the cus- 
tomers.' 

CSI last year used about 175 vaud* 
acts, or about 300^ performers. 

The expanded CSI demand for 
standard acts figures to further 
crease the brows of vaude bookers 
and agents who are having plenty 
trouble now, what with the extreme 
shortage of acts due to the draft and 
kindred circumstances. 



Kiepura at Hollywood 
Ser?ice for Benefit Of 
French-Held Jews 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Jan Kiepura sang at the Church 
of the Good Shepherd yesterday 
morning (Monday) at a special mass, 
presided over by Papal Envoy Father 
Collard, for the relief of Jews ia 
France. 

Event was sponsored by the 
French War Relief Association, in 
Hollywood with all proceeds ear- 
marked for the relief of Jews in 
French concentration camps. 




Trade Mark' Reglntered 
rOUNDED BT BIMB SILVERMAN 
Pobllshed Treckljr by TARIETr. lap. 

Sid Bllverman. Prevldont. 
lt\ Wcat 4eth Street, New Tork. N. T. 



SUBSCRIPTION 

Annual llo Foreign fll 

SInRle Coplea 2S Centa 



Vol. 148 



IM 



No. 7 



INDEX 

Bills 54 

Chatter 61 

Concert-Opeia 42 

Exploitation 18 

Film Reviews 8 

Gridcast 63 

House Revie^v.^ 52 

Inside — Legit 56 

Inside — Music 48 

Inside — Orchcrlrc- 44 

Inside— Picturci 22 

Inside — Radio 38 

Inside — Vaude-Nitery 50 

Legitimate 55 

Literati 60 

Music 44 

New Acts 50 

Night Club Revicw.s r ; 

Obituaries 02 

Orchestras 44 

Pictures 5 

Radio 32 

Radio Reviews 34 

Vaudeville 49 

War Activities 4 

DAILY VARIETY 
(Publlahed In Uollynood bitip 
Dall7 Variety. Ltd.) 
|10 a rear — III forelis 



WAR AcrnriTiES 



Wednesday, Octpber 21, 1942 



[ISO Extending Its Scope to Non-Pro 
Talent for Its Many Clubhouses 



The USO, faced with the problem 
of providing entertainment for .serv- 
ice men in the hundreds of cliib- 
lioiises it operates in communities 
•round Army and Navy bases, is 
r^><'iilng '.he idea of setting up its 
owTi organization to provide non-pro 
t;ilent for these spots. USO cannot 
avail it.^elf of profes.<:ional talent 
utilized by its affiliate. Camp Shows, 
Inc., since Army and Navy regula- 
tions prohibit CSI productions from 
playing anywhere but on military 
reservations. 

USO has been huddling with Na- 
tional Theatre Conference, repre- 
senting a majority of the non-pro 
and collegiate theatrical groups; Na- 
tional Music Conference, repping 
cimilar musical combos, and Meh-yn 
Douglas, actor-exec of the Office of 
Civilian Defense, on the possibility 
of obtaining non-pro talent from 
these organizations in sufficient 
quantity and quality to answer its 
requirements. A test operation will 
be tried in California, Texas and 
North Carolina. 

The basic problem is how to get 
talent to spice the USO clubhouse 
affairs without calling on protes- 
aional talent, most of which is al- 
ready overloaded with gratis appear- 
(Continued on page 24) 



Farrow, Invalided In 

Navy, Back in Army 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

John Farrow, who once shifted 
from a director's job to a sailor's 
berth, Ls shifting again, this time into 
the United States Army. Currently 
piloting 'China' at Paramount, he has 
applied for enlistment as soon as his 
film chore is finished. 

Before America entered the war, 
Farrow enlisted in the Royal Ca- 
nadian Navy and was invalided with 
a rank of lieutenant commander 
after a siege of typhus incurred on 
duty in the South Atlantic. 

He is the husband of actress 
Maureen O'Sullivan. 



'ARMY' SCORES RECORD 
$49,602 IN PnrSBURGH 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 20. 
This Is the Army' let off a load 
«f boxoffice dynamite last week at 
the Nixon, running up a new all- 
time gross for the local legit spot 
vhen it grabbed sensational $49,602. 
Opening night alone, when top was 
$11, accounted for more than $10,000. 
Remaining performances were scaled 
at $4.40. Nominal capacity at scale 
Is around $45,000, with standing 
room, sold at $2 per head, responsi- 
ble for the extra $4,602. 
. There wasn't a seat to be had tor 
Irving Berlin's soldier show days 
before it opened and by mid-week 
people were offering as much as $25 
for a pair anywhere in the house. 
Town hasn't seen anything like it 
since the days of the old 'Ziegfeld 
Follies' preems here, nor has the 
town read such raves either. 

'Army' is laying off this week to 
give soldier-actors their first *ur- 
lough since show opened in N. Y. 
and resumes Monday (26) in Phila- 
delphia, going from there to Balti- 
more. 



Writers War Board 
Collates Scripts For 
Service Camp Shows 

Special sub-committee of the 
Writers War Board is lining up 
scripts for soldier and sailor per- 
formance in their own shows in the 
training camps. Numerous name 
authors are contrbiuting special orig- 
inal material, in addition to suitable 
scripts being collected from current 
and past vaudeville, legit and radio 
files. All the material is being given 
to the Army and Navy free, for non- 
commercial use only. 

Among the writers who have al- 
ready coipributed' original scripts or 
have promised to do so are Maxwell 
Anderson, Robert Ardrey, Arthur 
Arent, Clare Boothe, James Boyd, 
Russel Crouse, Owen Davis, Phil 
Dunning, Herbert Fields. Clifford 
Goldsmith, Albert Hackett and 
Frances Goodrich, Moss Hart, Ben 
Hecht, Lillian Hellman, Benjamin M. 
Kaye, Isabel Leighton. Howard 
(Continued on page 60) 



Atlanta New H.Q. 



Memphis, Oct. 20. 

Headquarters for the booking of 
films in Army camps throughout the' 
Memphis area is being shifted from 
New Orleans to Atlanta. 

W. H. Suder, Army Motion Picture 
Service Booker from New Orleans, 
made his last swing through Mem- 
phis territory the past week. 

Atlanta's AMPS is headed by Mike 
Smith, who will have Mid-South 
.service spots under his jurisdiction 
from henceforth. 



Merchant Marine 
To Have B'way 
Canteen by Dec. 1 



The American Theatre Wing, oper- 
ator of Stage Door Canteens In New 
York and other cities, will open a 
Merchant Marine Canteen in the 
Times Square area around Dec. 1. 

Current Stage Door Canteens are 
open to all servicemen of the United 
Nations. Merchant Marine spot will 
do likewise for mariners of the 
Allies. Outstanding taleilt for enter- 
tainment Is part of the plan, as at 
the other canteens. 

The Wing hesitated at the new en- 
deavor until it was approached by 
(Continued on page 29) 

[Retreat From HoUywoodl 

By BILL HALLIOAN X 



Success Assured fw H'wood Canteen; 
Stars Romp and Work for Soldier 



Femme Exhib Writes 100 
Service Men Regrularly 

Mi nneapo lis, Oct. 20. 

Marjorie Peterson, exhibitor at 
Kassen, Minn., near here, aa one 
of her war contributions, writes a 
letter a week to each of her former 
patrons, residing in her town and 
the surrounding territory, presently 
in the armed forces. 

Miss Peterson, one of the few 
young and unmarried theatre-own- 
ers, has 100 men, sailors, soldiers 
and marines, now on her mailing 
list. Inasmuch as a personal letter 
goes to each one, written by her 
with pen and Ink, the task consumes 
most of her spare time. 

Most of the boys answer her let- 
ters regularly, but even when they 
don't she continues writing to them. 



U'» 'Victory' Slogan 

U. S. war slogan, 'One Day Nearer 
Victory,' placed on letterheads sent 
out by several film company execu- 
tives is reported to have originated 
at Universal. 

There are indications that the slo- 
gan may . catch on nearly as strongly 
as the 'V for Victory,' turned out in 
Great Britain. 



\ Problem of 'Correct' Method Harries 
U. S. Fibn and Radio Propagandists 



>♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦>♦♦♦♦»»>«♦♦♦♦ 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
The boys threw quite a spread the 
other night at Monroe Goldstein's 
shack in Beverly Hills. Monroe was 
hosting one of the Goldstein clan, 
Leonard, formerly RKO but now 
USA. 

You don't snaggle a private in 
Hollywood very often where even 
the agents get a commission. Damon 
Runyon gave the raw recruit a de- 
tailed map of Bataan. True it might 
have been dated a bit as the author 
of 'The Big Street' has not been in 
Luzon since the days of the Spanish- 
American war. But he has a great 
memory and Goldstein will know 
where the best and biggest. rocks are 
in case he wants to hide behind 
something— after all Mack Gordon 
won't be over there. John Steinberg, 
the fugitive from a Salvin nitery, 
gave our soldier his late.st war 
measure recipe — how to broil a New 
York steak without charcoal. And 
Lou Clayton showed him how to diS' 
card an ace without giving his 
opponent 'gin.' Sid Grauman in 
structed Goldstein as to the correct 
procedure regarding putting his foot- 
prints in the concrete in front of the 
Mikado's palace, and Barney Rudit- 
sky taught him how to put the 
I strangle-hold on ^ Jap. Leonard has 
I been grappling with Hollywood psro- 
(Continued on page 29) 



Foreign propaganda isn't the soft 
touch it seemed to be a few years 
ego when other countries were tlie 
cole practitioners of the art and 
the U. S. stood quietly by the side- 
lines, many former motion picture, 
newsrcel, radio and press people 
have found out. It's just one 
continuous headache of what and 
what not to say or do, with no two 
'experts' — if there are any such — 
In agreement. 

It's fairly simple to lay down 
broad aims and plans, but putting 
them into practice is something else 
again. Office of War Information 
and the Coordinator of Inter-Ameri- 
can Affairs have found that out in 
putting together their foreign news- 
recLs, for instance, as well as in their 
regular Alms, radio and press divi- 
aions. What's one man's idea of mead 
Is strictly someone else's idea of 
poi.son. And it takes years some- 
times to find out who's right. 

What it amounts to is a continuous 
ina.sterminding of how .some foreign 
listener to your radio show, specta- 
tor of your film or reader of your 
palaver is going (o react to it. One 
•expert* opines the reaction will be 
Buch that everybody who comes In 
contact with the questioned material 
will immediately become an enemy 
Tvhile another 'expert'— just as good 
—is certain that it will make all the 
Turks or Swedes or Germans or 
latinos love us. 

Herc'ii the Bob 

Tjjouble is. of course, that all 
Tinift or Latinos 8rf_ no more alike 
In their thinking than the 'experts' 



who try to mastermind them. One 
Turk will probably • like what you 
say and another one won't, just be- 
cause that's the way human beings 
are. So the smart guys in the propa- 
ganda racket try to figure what the 
majority of people will go for and 
what the others will resent least. 
Which gives you an idea of why 
drug stores sell aspirin tablets. 

United Newsreel, which is com- 
piled by the OWI of material culled 
from the five U. S. domestic reels, 
is a case in point. It goes to neutral 
and United Nations countries (out- 
side of Latin America). And what 
seems like a humorous problem to 
the average person is a most serious 
pain In the cranium to the boys who 
get the reel togjether. 

Oaras ar Dirndls? 

Cheesecake or no cheesecake, that 
Is the question. It is easy to fill each 
i.isue of the newsreel with dead .-seri- 
ous .'ituff showing progress of U. S. 
war production plants. United Na- 
tions soldiers on various Aghting 
fronts, economic subjert.s. and the 
like. But even an Iranian in the 
middle of a snueeze play by a Bear, 
a Lion and a Black Eagle still prob- 
ably has an eye for a pretty pair of 
gams. 

So the argument goes on. One 
side maintains that all Iranians will 
think the U. S. undignified and not 
buckled down to a grim determina- 
tion to win the war it we are still 
holding bathing beauty contests at 
Atlantic City. The other side argues 
to give the Iranians a break, let 
(Continued on page 24) 



TUNEFUL PBOPAOANSA 

Earl Robinson and Millard Lam- 
pell are preparing a short for pro- 
duction by the Office of War Infor- 
mation for release in South Amer 
ica. Pic will strive to sell United 
Nations via the songs of each na 
lion. If the short clicks souUi of 
the border a Yank edition will be 
released. 

Earl Robinson wrote 'Ballad for 
Americans' with John Latouche; 
Millard Lampcll is radio scripter. 



Quebecans Frankly 
Don't like Canadian 
Propaganda Short 



Montreal, Oct. 20. 
The Fifth Victory Loan for $750,- 
000,000 is getting plenty boosting by 
the picture theatres here and In this 
province and most of this valuable 
advertising Is given free, but there 
are some things. that exhibitors don't 
go for and one of them is the docu- 
mentary film; the 'People's War' 
made for Victory Loan campaign 
use. 

John Grierson, of t he National 
Film . Board, is responsible for this 
pic and the Montreal committee has 
informed him that it is not adapted 
tor use in the province ot Quebec 
and has asked Grierson it ha would 
scissor some of its objectionable 
features. 

The 'People's War' pictures the 
way in which many of the combatant 
nations have learned the way and 
requirements of total war and have 
trained, armed and sacrificed up to 
that point. Britain, Canada, Rus- 
sia, Japan and Germany are shown 
in the picture. 

The Montreal committee felt that 
what was being done in Germany, 
Japan and Russia would not suit 
the tastes of the people of Quebec, 
and asked to have that part cut. 

Take It or leave It,' is the at- 
titude of Grierson to their request. 
It will either be ahown In full or 
not at all. 



By AETHDB tlNGAR 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Hollywood Canteen has ended Its 
second week ot operation and it's in. 
Canteen is the ' showcase o( the 
cinema capital, and one of the most 
potent morale and good will ad- 
juncta that show folks can have in 
extending hospitality and good will 
toward the boys in uniform. 

It was no bed of roses for Bett* 
Davis. John Garfield, Jules C. Stein 
and their associates who got it going 
and underway. Hollywood had been 
talking of a Canteen tor four or five 
months. Various publicity hounds 
around town made gesturri toward 
establishing one through one-shot 
announcementa In the papers and 
then faded from the horizon. How- 
ever, when the operating crew set 
about to put things together to get 
a Canteen going, there was plenty of 
that sut>dued, grapevine talk that It 
would l>e a busto and fast. Some of 
that talk is still getting around and 
furthermore folks around who have 
no right to declare themselves, 
on past performances, are still trying 
to throw rocks in its path. But It 
has caught on, and big too, and as 
it shapes up with its geographical 
advantages tor talent, should equal 
the N. Y. Stage Door Canteen In 
popularity and success. 

The location tor the Canteen Is 
perfect. It's a short walk from 
(Continued on page 22) 



HISTORIC NITERY SITE 
FOR CLEVL CANTEEN 



Cleveland, Oct. 20. 

Old Music Box Cafe, where Guy 
Lombardo's orchestra started lu 
career and where Sophie Tucker once 
had her Oriole Terrace Gardens In 
the pre-World War I days, is be- 
coming the site of Cleveland'* 
branch ot the Stage Door Canteen. 

Site is owned by Loew's, of which 
Charles Raymond is local zone mani 
ager. With the okay of the New 
York office, he has donated it to 
local Canteen organizers. Mainstays 
are Nickl Burnett, WHK announcer, 
and his wife, Florence, who were ap- 
pointed co-chairmen of the service- 
men's club committee. Phonograph 
merchanta' association is donating 
a jukebox to the project, as well as 
equipping a game room with ping- 
pong and card tables. Canteen will 
be ready for a mid-November precm. 



Uncle Sams Roll Call 



Irvlni Heller a Prisoner of War 

Oes Moines, Oct. 20. 
Lance Sergt. Irving Heller, former 
Fort Dodge (la.) theatre operator, 
and a nephew ot A. H. Blank, of Tri- 
State.i Theatres, listed as 'missing in 
action' following the raid on Dieppe, 
has been reported to be a prisoner 
of war In Germany. Heller was 
serving with the Canadian army at 
the lime of the raid. 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Stanley Adam^. 
Fred Ahlert. 
Robert Ardrey. 
Dorris Bodon. 
Walter Branson. 
Steve Broidy. 
Harry Frazee. 
Maurice Golden. 
James R. Grainger, 
Harry Horner. 
Nunnally Johnson. 
John Joseph. 
Herbert Marshall. 
Bob Mochrie. 
Ed Pcskay. 
Herb Polesie. 
Spyros Skouras. 
John Steinbeck. 
Sammy Slept. 
Charles Tobia.s. 
Arthur Willi. 
Ted Withers. 
John Clark. 
Dian Manners. 
John Zanft 



Major Ken Clark Overseas 

Kenneth Clark, formerly head of 
publicity in New York for the Mo- 
tion Picture Producers St Distribu- 
tors Assn., has landed safely over- 
seas with an active combat unit of 
the U. S. Army, according to word 
received by his wife. When Major 
Clark was in N. Y. last month he was 
awaiting assignment for active duty, 
which he had requested. He had 
been commissioned several qnonths 
ago. 

Clark originally handled public 
relations with the Service of SOpply 
In Washington, but told his friends 
he hoped to get an active duty as- 
signment. He is the first commis- 
sioned officer from the Hays organ- 
ization to arrive overseas. 

Edwin Jones, with Paramount real 
estate department IS years, commis- 
sioned Lieutenant, senior grade, U.S. 



Navy. He reported for duly in 
Washington Monday (19). 

USO Supervisor Joins 

George Oshrin, Supervisor for 
USO-Camp Shows, Inc., in the First, 
Second, and Third Service Command 
areas, into the Army via the draft 
route. Goes to Camp Upton, New 
York, this week and then is slated 
for Officers Training School. 

Bill Card, WMCA program depart- 
ment. Army. 

Joel O'Brien, director of 'Prevues 
and Encores' program on WMCA, 
into the Army next month as a Lieu- 
tenant. 

Bernie Miller, straightman and 
singer at Star theatre. Brooklyn, re- 
ceived induction notice. Takes Army 
physical this week. 



N. Y. to 

Alan Carney. 
Harry Cohn. 
Nannie Foster. 
Arthur Hornblow, 
Harry Lee. 
Mervyn LeRoy. 
Max Marcln. 
Bob Tapllnger. 



L. A. 



Jr. 



Actera in Oklaboina 

Officer's Candidate Class 34 
Fort SiU, Okla., Oct. 11, 1942. 
Editor Uncle Sam's Roll Call; 

Having been a night club per- 
former and radio actor around the 
Main Stem the past eight years. I 
feel eligible tor your U. S. R. C. 
column. 

I enlisted last Jan. IS and after 
basic training at Fort Bragg, I was 
sent to Officers* Candidate School 
at Fort Sill— will be commissioned 
as a 2nd Lt. Oct. 15 and assigned to 
Fort Bragg, Replacement Center. 

You might mention that Weslev 
Addy, Shakespearean legit (with 
Evans' 'Richard H' and Howard's 
'Hamlet') was recently promoted to 
1st Lt. and is the. Officers' Candi- 
date School's Adjutant. 

John B.-Culbertson rep and radio 
(Continued on page 63) 



VedDeBfl>y» Octobier gl, 1948 



GYPPING ON % DATES 




U.S. Fib Cof lipect British Cob 
Uns Week; Exceeds Expectatioiis 



While no furtlfer word has come 
from London, American film com- 
panies expect to receive the major 
iKirtion of presently Impounded dl8-< 
ti'ibutor revenue from Great Britain 
on Oct. 24. Latest estimates are 
that around $40,000,000 will be re- 
mitted to N. Y. at that time plus 
$S,000,000 due on that date as the 
final quarter payment under the 12- 
monlh pact (covering release of 
$20 000.000 from Oct. 25, 1941, to next 
Ocl. 24). ■ 

American companies have submit- 
ted their audited figures to London, 
per usual, showing what they be- 
lieve is still frozen there. Total for 
the eight majors is variously placed 
at $46,000,000 to $55,000,000, depend- 
ing largely on the action by the 
British Treasury officials. That the 
final amount may run $10,000,000 
higher than originally figured is 
predicated on the upbeat In film 
business in Great Bxitain during the 
past year. Year's biz originally was 
figured at about $40,000,000, with the 
agreement just about to run out be' 
Ing half of that amount or $20.' 
000,000. Instead, latest reports in' 
dioate that the revehue of eight 
oompanies may hit $90,000,000, leav 
Ing $30,000,000 to be unfrozen for 
the year, instead of $20,000,000. 

Idea back of the plan to release 
the bulk of whatever total sum is 

S greed on is to rush most of this 
rozen coin to U. S. companies as 
Qulokly as possible. Because it was 
Intimated this week that the final 
figure would not be officially ar 
rived at for several weeks, and pos 
slbly a month. 

Once the British monetary situa- 
tion is straightened out rapid strides 
are expected on the imfreezlng ne 

Sotiatlons with Australia and New 
Zealand since both have followed 
the lead taken by the parent country 
on film money. There Is about $8,- 
000,000 of American distributor reve- 
nue frozen in Australia or will be 
by the time the present freeze pact 
Is concluded early next year. New 
Zealand's total is around $1,000,000, 



Wagipier Chases Thantom' 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

George Waggner takes over pro- 
duction of 'Phantom of the Opera,' 
high-budget picture at Universal, re- 
placing Henry Koster. 

Change was made because Koster 
is busy with preparations for '100 
Girls and a Man,' another top- 
bracket film. 



FILMS NOT YET 
•ESSENTIAL' 
SAYS D.C. 



Goldwyn 



Shuts Stodio 
For 3 Mos., Holds Help 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Samuel Goldwyn studios go into a 
tiesta for three months, with no pro^ 
auction slated until early In 1943. 

Producer will retain his studio 
»taa to prevent other lots from grab- 
.Jflng hi* t^hnlfal workers to ease 
the war shortage. 

FOX LOSES APPEAL 

will Bave to Serve » Tear and a 
Day on ConsplrMy Bap 



Washington, Oct. 20. 
Except for a few technical divi- 
sions In newsreel production, the 
motion picture industry has not been 
classified as essential by the War 
Manpower Commission, largely be- 
cause the picture business has failed 
to present Us case in Convincing 
form. 

Advices from authoritative sources 
here are that no steps have been 
taken to compile an occupational 
list of essential employees since 'es- 
sential' status for film workers has 
not been proved necessary. 

To date the War Manpower Conv- 
mission has accepted a total of 92 
occupations, within its communica- 
tions services classification, as essen- 
tial to the war effort. This list Is 
in addition to personnel in news- 
reels, newspapers, radio, telephone 
and telegraph industries. Newsreel 
workers coming under the WMC es- 
sential category include cameramen, 
cutters, film editors, makeup editors, 
sound engineers, equipment main- 
tenance technicians and laboratory 
developers: 



Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 

William Fox, bankrupt film mag- 
nate, yesterday (Mon.) lost his fight 
to stay out of jail on a conspiracy 
Oharge when the U. S. Supreme 
Oourt declined to review a Federal 
district court judge's refusal to per- 
mit him to withdraw his plea of 
Juilty. Fox will have to serve a 
term of a year and a day and pay 
■ $3,000 fine. He wlU probably be 
ordered to surrender within a few 
dayg for sentencing. 

Fox was accused of 'loaning' $27,- 
500 to former U. 3. Circuit Court 
Judge J. Warren Davis at a time 
when Fox's bankruptcy cases were 
pending in Davis' court. Judge 
Davis, Fox and Morgan, S. Kauf- 
njan, an attorney, were Indicted on 
charges of conspiracy to obstruct 
Justice. 

Fox pleaded guilty. Davis and 
taufman elected to stand trial. 
Charges against the latter were 
dropped when two Juries failed to 
reach a decision, 

Fox claimed that he pleaded guilty 
on a promise by a special assistant 
to the U. S. Attorney General that 
he could withdraw the plea If the 
co-defendants were not convicted. 



PRC ALSO UNLOOSING 
GROUCH-BAG ON PROD. 



strong film biz generally through- 
oQt the country has resulted in word 
going out to Producers Releasing 
Corp. units that they can loosen 
their clutch on the grouch bag. PRC 
prez O. Henry Briggs has set a 
policy of flexible budgets, worked 
out on a formula of each Aim's po- 
tential gross, as is done by major 
companies. 

Decision to allow greater freedom 
to producer!, in coin commitments 
followed huddles on the Coast last 
week by Briggs with Leon Fromkess, 
production head, Robert Benjamin, 
counsel for the company, and the 
producers. PRC figures it has a 
number of properties coming up that 
will attract enough b. o. trade to 
merit the increased appropriation. 

PRC policy in the past has been to 
set a maximum figure for production 
cost before the budget for an in- 
dividual pic was made up and then 
make the producer adhere to the 
sum set. 

Flms .sot for .shooting under the 
new plan are 'Sweethearts of the 
U. S. A.,' whicli will go into produc- 
tion around Dec. 2, and 'My Son. the 
Hero." starting in November. Lew 
Pollack Is doing tunes for 'Sweet- 
hearts.' 



Mary Pickford's Op 

Holl.i-wood, Oct. 20. 
Mary Pickford entered a hospital 
today (Tuesday) for a major opera 
tion. 

Involved is a kidney ailment. 






TEXHIBS 



Considering Steps They 
Might Take for \Jieir 
Own Protection — Danger 
of Cheating Manpower 
During War's Scarcity a 
Factor Vast Majority 
of Exhibs Are Known to 
Be on the Level 



UNFAIR OPPOSISH 



Chiseling on percentage in the ex- 
hibition field, according to advices 
from various parts of the country, 
has so aroused the honest exhibitors 
not to mention the distributors, that 
they are beginning to mull ways and 
means of curtailing the practice 
themselves. In addition to any in- 
dividual steps they might be able 
to take to combat the evil, it is felt 
that exhib organizations in the vari- 
ous states could lend valuable co- 
operation. 

While it Is claimed gypping on 
percentage deals has shown a 
marked Inerease, especially in de- 
fense or army camp areas where 
money Is coming in fast, 'the fact 
still remains that the vast majority 
of exhibs are honest and It is for 
(Continued on page 24) 



NabesMoimtiiig 
Resentment At 
Upped Pix Price 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 20. 

Theatres here are beginning to feel 
a mounting public resentment to the 
steady Increase of late In pictures 
playing at advanced prices. Senti- 
ment so far hasn't taken any crys- 
tallized form, but managers are 
sensing it in several ways. Anony- 
mous calls taking industry to task 
'for feeding us a let of punk movies 
and then charging more when a good 
one fSmes along' are numerous every 
time a downtown spot hikes the scale. 
Lobby talk Is also ear-burning for 
the fll/n moguls, with many expres- 
sions personal as well as otherwise. 
And it's been noticed, too. that a 
growing number of people leave the 
boxofflce when regular admissions 
are hiked. 

Impression among showmen here 
is that all this could be avoided by 
raising scales everywhere and playirvg 
every attraction at the same price. 
Theatre managers seem to feel that 
public's objection Is to the fluctuating 
prices, and that alone. Very under- 
standable, too, tocally, at any rate 
in view of the rapidly rising group 
of films of late asking for more 
dough. 

Used to be that the advanced price 
was a rarity. Now it's become com- 
mon. In just the last couple of 
(Continued on page 22' 



Nationwide Admission Scale Tilt 
Being Considered; Raised Prices 
For Special Pix Always Get Beefs 



SEE $2,600,000 NET 
FOR UNIVERSAL PIX 



While there is the usual delay' in 
getting reports from foreign coun- 
tries. Universal expects to have Its 
financial statement covering the 
fiscal year ending this month to be 
ready within two months after 
books close. 

Based on current earnings rate, 
net profit for U's full year is ex- 
pected to be around $2,600,000. which 
will compare favorably with the pre- 
I vious fiscal year's $2,673,249. con- 
sidering vastly increased taxes. 



Par Pards Dickering 

Paramount partners and operators 
are beginning to coma into New 
York on product deals and for con- 
ferences with Par execs to discuss 
theatre problems, policies, etc. 

"H. B. Wilby, Bob O'Donnell, E. J. 
Hudson and Frank Rogers were in 
during the past week. 

WALL ST. LIKES 
BIG BACKLOG 
IDEA FOR PIX 



Current tendency of major film 
producers to pile up large Inven- 
tories of features so they can start 
initial 1943-44 productions Is viewed 
with favor In Wall Street, which en- 
visions this campaign as a logical 
way in which to defeat wartime in- 
roads into studio manpower. 

Yen to rush produotion schedules 
is tl«d to the knowledge that nu- 
merous male stars may soon be 
called to the colors, depleting star 
rosters. Same also applies in like 
degree to technicians. Understood 
that producers are aware of the fact 
that It will be a lot easier to make 
a picture with current male players 
now than six months hence. 

The building up of a substantial 
backlog of films la progressing so 
well at some studios that several 
major companies presently are look- 
ing forward to starting on their first 
1943-44 features soon. 

Even where companies are not so 
advanced even on the present sea- 
son's product schedule, production 
lineups are being rearranged to get 
name male stars to work in forth- 
coming pictures even'^it these are 
put away on the shelf for future re- 
lease. By following this policy, lesser 
pictures can be turned out subse- 
quently since these features as a 
rule do not require big b.o. players. 

Navy Chief Brevets 
H'wood for Aid In 
Developing Recndts 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Film industry is doing work of in- 
calculable value in the instruction 
and development of Army and Navy 
recruits through training shorts, 
produced at cost, according to Capt. 
Leland P. Lovette, Director of Public 
Relations for the U. S. Navy. 

Referring to Hollywood's activity 
in the war effort, Capt. Lovette said, 
in part: 'As a matter of fact, the film 
industry is making a great con- 
tribution on a non-profit basis. The 
sacrifices made in time, efTort and 
money are difficult to measure. But 
I do know that the indu.stry, through 
its War Activities Committee, the 
Research Council of the Academy of 
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, its 
various associations and individual 
leaders, is doing a worthy job in 
helping to win th,. war.' 



Skouras Back in N. Y. 

Spyros Skouras is due back in 
New York today (Wednesday) from 
his trek to the Coast. 

He returns from confab with 

William Goctz and olher studio 
execs. 



Present crying need for higher ad- 
mission prices, in line with increased 
production . costs and higher oper- 
ating overhead for virtually every 
theatre in the country, is forcing se- 
rious consideration in the industry 
for an overall admlsh hike. While 
acknowledging any uniform admit- 
tance tilt is diflFicult to make as a 
blanket nation-wide affair, it Is a 
subject that is being mulled both in 
distributor and exhibitor circles as 
perhaps the most logical means of 
solving a vital problem. 

Many special price tilt dates have 
not worked out too well, according 
to scattered reports received in N. Y. 
Many distributors are reportedly 
against such special price tags on 
certain features, in view of the pres- 
ent Government attitude on lifting 
prices. However, an overall price 
raise, in line with the present level 
of retail commodity prices, is viewed 
as not violating any price curb regu- 
lation. Certainly many theatres 
would violate no ceiling if they ' 
raised their admission fees to At in 
with other present commodity 
prices, according to belief in the 
trade. 

Average exhibitor Is reluctant to 
boost his admittance prices for any 
special picture even if said film jus- 
tifies the price tilt Reason is that 
he always receives the burden of 
protests from the public. Gist of 
the patrons' kicks is that i( the ad- 
mission is going to be raised for every 
extra special attraction the exhlb 
also should slash the admlsh for the 
poor pictures. There's no reasonable 
answer which the exhibitor can give 
to such request without stirring up 
plenty of trouble with the distribu- 
tor and probably finishing the year 
in the red. 

The public doesn't want to pay 
any more for anything — not even 
the finest screen attraction. While 
the advanced admission pictures ad- 
mittedly do well, all the public 
knows is that it has to pay addi- 
tional money and resists this. A 
general upping, in line with higher 
prices for everything the public 
buys, on the other hand, undoubted- 
ly would be received more reason- 
ably. 

While distributors have been fairly 
well divided on whether to advance 
the scale on special pictures, or send 
them out at usual prices, few dis- 
tribs now want to put advance scales 
on future attractions for fear of stir- 
ring up the Ire of Uncle Sam. Ob- 
ject of recently enacted legislation 
fs to stabilize prices of everything, 
and the reshuffling of the admission 
scale every few weeks Is not likely 
to be viewed with favor. 



40 OF ILL ALUED'S 
130 FORM BUYING POOL 



Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Long-heralded move to Inaugurate 
an organized booking and buying 
setup has been put into operation by 
Jack Kirsch of Allied Theatre Own- 
ers, with 40 of the 130 members In 
the association going for the Idea as 
a starter. Idea has been bandied 
at>out among local indie exhibitors 
for some 10 years, but mutual 
suspicions and distrust, together with 
lack of a sufTiciently-influential 
leader, has heretofore prevented ma- 
terializing of the plan. 

Picture rentals have increased sub- 
stantially in recent seasons, espe- 
cially since the war, with subsequent 
business not prospering in equal 
measure to tbe Loop area. 

While present group of Allied ex- 
hibitors represents only a little more 
than a third of the membership, 
Kirsch hopes to enlist entire group 
in plan before the end of the season. 
Practical demonstration of its feas- 
ibility will, he believes, bring the 
rest of the exhibitors into the scheme 
in a very few months. 



PICTURES 



Wedneedaj, October 21, 1942 



Quick, the Butterfly Net Studio 
Press Agents Threaten to Go Straight 



By DAVIS J. WALSH 

Hollywood^ Oct. 20. 
Nobody rightly knows yet whether 
It's time to call the cops, the psy- 
chiarists, the board of health or the 
man with the Lutterfly net. Maybe 
it's a case (or a reading from the 
seismograph at Fordham University 
Or a vote of confidence from the 
Christian Endeavor. Anyhow, it's 
clearly a situation where drastic 
measures are demanded. Hollywood 
flackery is going legitimate. 

That's what it says. More than 
that, department heads are said to 
be telling staff meml>ers to set to 
and un-phoney themselves at their 
earliest possible convenience. It 
seems it's all due to the War and its 
tradition-flouting influences, contrib- 
uting as they do so much to the is- 
nothing-secred department. Why, it's 
getting so nowadays that a man can't 
even depend on phoneylsm. The 
balance of authority on that point, 
as a matter of fact, was all threshed 
out and established during a pub- 
licity staff meeting at a certain 
studio several weeks ago. 

The head of the department had 
harangued his gaping crew about the 
sobered treatment of the prlnted- 
word during the war; that news- 
papers and publications in general 
wanted neither stories nor half-tones 
of frivolous and meretricious content 
in the same pages with men dying 
at Midway and desperado fighting 
at Guadalcanal. That, in fact, the 
studio that sponsors a 'silly' of some 
sort — like a bloiide eating dog bis- 
quit for her complexion — is guilty 
of bad taste and stupidity, which 
are synonymous. 

Space In the Papers 
'Nuts to that,' says a party who 
saw his stunt-man act losing char- 
acter. 'What we ,want is space in 
the papers.' 

But the department head verbally 
reached across and cuiTed down his 
subordinate's large red ears, as fol- 
lows: 'What we want Is what I say 
we want. And as of now, and here- 
after, I say we want sound, substan- 
tial copy for planting. That other 
blarney is all right for the front 
office. But it doesn't sell pictures.' 

This little speech seemingly . 4ad 
two effects. It established the speak- 
er's status — which previously had 
been somewhat anomolous — as ac- 
tual as well as nominal head of the 
office. And it chrystalized a feeling 
which had been spreading through 
other studio puljlicity departments, 
i. e., that the war, having changed 
lust about everything else, had also 
altered publicity Values— both from 
the standpoint of presentation and 
the receptivity of publishers. The 
latter, it does not need saying, have 
become very zealous about what is 
done with the limited white space 
in their columns and, therefore, are 
not at all sympathAic toward an ob- 
vious phoney. 

That Gam Suit by Shirley 
On the other hand, initiative and 
resourcefulness are rewarded by a 
position on the news pages, as was 
the case recently with Anne Shirley's 
legs. The lady, it appeared in two- 
column beads just after the war 
news on Page 3, had brought suit 
against her studio for $10,000 because 
— it appeared — those in charge of pro- 
duction had substituted another pair 
of legs for hers in a picture which 
shall be nameless. Miss Shirley (it ap- 
peared) valued her legs, not unduly, 
but just adequately and her action 
in Superior Court was sufficiently 
formal and official to give the boys 
on the rim the green light on the 
story. 

They knew, or at least sensed, it 
was probably the old bolog-nia, but 
went ahead anyhow out of tribute 
end admiration to Its originator. 
However, studio stunt-men seldom 
either discreet or sensible once they 
decide to let themselves go with a 
little free style, Graeco- Roman 
clowning — and quite often the stunt 
has less effect than the kickback. 

There was the case, for example, 
of the studio genius who had the 
emanation whereby an actress was 
to' stand at the gates daily and go 
through the symptoms of a strip act, 
until a certain producer cast her in 
a certain picture. It was one of those 
daffy antics that might be called a 
strip-down strike and, as such, it 
got a little notoriety until the novelty 
wore off, which was soon. And when 
that happened, all the value of the 
original plant was lost In the realiza- 
tion that the whole thing was more 
than ordinarily absurd and wasn't, 
(Continued on page 62) 



Travel Data on Extras 
Sought by Prodacers 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Central Casting Corp. la sending 
out a questionnaire to 30,000 film 
workers in an effort to solve the 
transportation problems when gaso- 
line rationing goes into effect next 
month. Survey was ordered by the 
Producers Association to find the 
best means of getting workers to 
work. 

Under the questionnaire the em- 
ployees will ten where they live, 
where they work, how many are 
within walking distance, what public 
transportation is available, how many 
own bicycles or automobiles, and 
how many are willing to pool their 
cars. 'Y. Frank Freeman, Producers 
prexy, recently disclosed that the 
average film worker travels 14 miles 
daily to and from work. 



Pix Drive Spred 
41 States to Pass 
SepL Bond Quota 



Official figures released by the 
Division of Research and Statistics 
of the U. S. Treasury Department 
show that 41 of the 48 states ex- 
ceeded the Treasury's official War 
Bond quota under the impetus of 
the film Industry campaign during 
September. Total sales hit 108.2% 
of the $775,000,000 the Treasury 
aimed at. In May, according to 
these statistics, 38 states reached the 
quota, in June six states reached 
the quota. In July, eight states and 
in August only four states reported 
sales at Treasury quota figures. 

U. S. Treasury officials have ex- 
pressed the opinion that the motion 
picture Industry not only helped sell 
bonds but did much to further the 
total war effort. 

North Carolina heads the list, 
reaching 145.6% of the Septeml>er 
quota. Louisiana is second with 
142.8%, New York sales at $134,032,- 
000 were 107.2% of the quota. 

California, with 01.6% of the 
quota, fell short by opproximately 
$5,000,000. "fhls is beUeved largely 
due to the export of Hollywood 
screen stars^ to other states for the 
Irive. 



Back Door Credit 



Hollywood, Got 20. 

Non-acting members of Harry 
Sherman's production ftaft often 
achieve screen credit in • round- 
about way. Their names appear 
as merchants, dentists or lawyert 
on the front of buildings In west- 
ern street scenes. 

At times, when a member of 
the staff has been consigned 
temporarily to the doghouse, lie 
finds his name emblazoned in 
gilded letters on a honky tonk. 



ACTORS VAMP 
THREADY ON 
25GEDia 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Actors are being counselled by the 
Screen Actors Guild to refrain' from 
signing term option contracts until 
a clarification comes through on the 
U. S. wage freezing directive end 
$25,000 net income maximum. They 
arc also being told not to make any 
contractual commitments beyond 
June 30, 1044. 

Now in the east in an effort to 
get a clean-cut definition of the Gov- 
ernment order are Kenneth Thom- 
son and other Guild and union execs. 

Meanwhile an agreemeht was 
reached between SAG and producers 
on a standard form for option pick- 
ups pending clatiflcatlon of the di- 
rective. 

Following is the SAG advice to 
ts members re this situation: 

'Sign no new long-term option 
contract until regulations are fur- 
ther clarified since no one knows 
whether or not option increases will 
be permitted. If you are a freelance 
player,: be cautious in making com- 
mitments. The Guild is making 
every effort to clarify your status. 
Do not take advantage of the eon- 
fusion during this Interim period to 
disaffirm your contract. If you are 
under contract and your option 
comes up before the regulations are 
completed and announced your stu- 
dio, In taking your option, will send 
you a form which the Guild has ap- 
proved.' 



Teh, So Whst Indeed 

Detroit, Oct. 20. 
So Michigan didn't get any glam- 
our. 

So the pix men work harder than 
ever during the September bond 
sales. 

So what? 

Figures just released by the Treas- 
ury Department indicated that Mich- 
igan ranked high in September War 
Bond sales for the nation. The State, 
with a quota of $5,000,000, actually 
tallied $43,378,000 in September sales, 
or 5% of the national total for the 
month. 

Exhibitors here still don't know 
how to figure out that embarrassing 
situation since they had beefed to 
Hollywood on the neglect of this 
vital area in routing the pretties out 
of the West Coast. The only film 
star sent into these parts was Jimmy 
Cagney, who did a nice job. Prob' 
able conclusion is that a male star 
is as much of a sales help as the 
glamour squad — ibut the real push 
still comes from the exhibitor him- 
self. 



Stndio Contracts 



Metro Fdm Conjures Up a Cavalcade 
Of Great Palace Vaude Era to Lefty 



By Joe Laurie, Jr. 



NARYMcCALI^JRaOOKS 
A CINCH AS SWG PREXY 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Election of Mary C. McCall. Jr., 
as president of the Screen Writers 
Guild becomes mere formality at 
the balloting Nov. 12 following ac- 
tion by the SWG nominating com- 
mittee in refusing to place any nom- 
inee on the ticket to oppose her. 
Although candidates may be. nomi- 
nated by petition or from the floor 
at the annual session, it's Indicated 
the scrjbes will vote the acting 
prexy Into office by acclamation. 

Nominees for the vice-presidency, 
held by Miss McCall before she took 
over the acting prexyship, are Les- 
ter Cole and Harry" Tugend. Jane 
Murfln and Frank Partos are con- 
testing for secretary, Harold Buch- 
man and Francis Faragoh contending 
for treasurer. 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

William Post drew player ticket at 
20th-Fox. 

Vincent Lawrence Inked writer 
pact at Metro. 

Walter Slezak, legit player, signed 
by RKO. 

Ann Blythe drew player ticket at 
Universal. 

Marcy McGuIre, nitery entertainer, 
contracted by RKO. 



Fib Chasers Again 
Poond City Park Trails 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Griffith Park, once the scene of 
silent chases in the simple days 
when the Keystone Kops went flat- 
footing through bosky dells, is com- 
ing back as the scene of sound pic- 
tures. It is a public park, belong- 
ing to the City of Los Angeles, con- 
taining hills, canyons, forests and 
any other sort of background re- 
quired by a fllm outfit. 

When sound barged into pictures 
the park wasn't so good, on account 
of the noise made by- explosive 
motors and honking motorists. With 
the restrictions in gasoline, Griffith 
Park has resumed its ancient 
quietude, ind film companies are go- 
ing back to the old terrain, only a 
few miles from Hollywood and the 
San Fernando 'Valley studios. First 
to take advantage of the silent foot 
hills was Universal, which sent a 
troupe Into the glades to shoot 
'Nightmare.' 



Coolaorea, Cal„ Oct. 20. 
Dear Joe: 

I'm playing a Metro picture this week called Tor Me and My Gal.' It's 
a honey and brings plenty of memories of vaudevllla and especially the 
Palace. The picture la • story of two kids, Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, 
a cou^la smalltlmers trying to make the Palace, "ntey ar* helped by 
George Murphy and Ben Blue who do a coupla hoofers, and Keenan Wynn 
does a swell Job aa an agent, wbUe a gal by the name of Lucille Norman 
does a coupla songs ^well. Judy and Gene are great and that Kelly guy 
Is gonna go places in pictures. There's some great aljH^ of the World 
War 1 and plenty of stuff that puts a lump in the throat ana hankies to the 
eyes. The picture has plenty of real vaudevllla touches and some not 
80 hot, but anybody that ever knew the two-a-day or the three-a-day will 
get a kick out of it. But as I said before, what got me and Aggie was 
the talk about the old Palace. There's been a lot written about the 
Palace, some true and plenty not, but here's what I got In my notebook 
on It: 

The First talMCf BUI 

The first show at the Palace was week of March 25, 1913. The bill was: 
Eight Palace Girls, Hy Mayer (who replaced Mclntyre & Heath, who were 
out after the first matinee), Ed Wynn, doing an act with two straight men| 
"The Eternal Waltz,' a flash act with 30 people produced by Joe Hart; 
Taylor Holmes (who. also was stuck in after Uie matinee); Milton Pollock 
& Co., in George Ade's comedy, 'Speaking to Father'; Four 'Vannis, a 
wire act with one of the four men doing a dame; Otto Gygi, violinist, who 
was the socko of the show; La Napierkowska, a dancer (a la cooch style), 
she was supposed to bfe stung by a bee or something so you can Imagina 
the motions she went through. Wouldn't you? 

For a few months the Palace did no business. Even the gang at Ham- 
merstein's Corner Ave blocks away sed the Palace was too far uptown. 
But on May 8 they booked Sarah Bernhardt and It klnda put the Palace 
on the map. She got $7,000 a week and her contract called for payments 
of $1,000 in gold after every night show. Not a bad hunk of publicity. 
Her first act was 'A Christmas Night Under the Terror,' with Lou Tellegen 
as leading man. She did most of her work In a chair and when she did 
move around she did so very carefully (she had only one leg). She at- 
tracted a different kind of an audience that usually went to vaudeville 
shows, and maybe made some of 'em addicts. The Palace cut their prices 
to $1 top before Sarah came but they hoisted It right back to the original 
scale of $1.50 and $2 in the boxes. She stayed three weeks and did a light 
matinee business but jammed 'em at night; on her last week she did 
$22,000 which ain't "hay. She was plenty draw. Just to prove it, I will tell 
you an instance — on her second week she was visited at her hotel by 
David Belasco. The interview was so pleasant she sen^ word^to the 
theatre that she was ill and would not appear at the matinee. An an- 
nouncement was made that those wishing a refund could get their dough 
back at the boxoffice. Only 160 people out of 1,800 stayed, and the bill 
"was one of the best the house had in months. That was the Divine 
Sarah's draw! 

Those Who Played With Sarah 

There have been luts of performers tell me that they were on the bill 
with Bernhardt, so just to kinda keep the records -straight here are the 
acts on the first week's bill at the Palace with her: McMahon, Diamond 8t 
Clemence, Harris, Boland & Holtz (yep the Lou Holtz) in a cabaret act. 
Edison's 'Talkers was next and a floppo as the machine ran several min- 
utes late with the canned chatter. Hiis was a forerunner of talkies. Jo^ 
Welsh was on No. 4, 'And They Lived Happy Ever Afterwards,' a satirical 
skit; Mile. Fregoleska, Ignatius Cardosh, a pianist, who was the big wow of 
the show, and Seldom's Poems in Marble closed. On Bernhardt's third 
week she played 'Lucrece Borgia.' The bill was Bernlvicci Bros, (they 
were out after the matinee); Lyons & Yosco, Hopkins tc Axel, Owen 
McGivney, Bessie Wynn, W. C. Fields on No. 3, Billy Gould and Belle 
Ashlyn, Robbie Gordone in a posing act closed the show. 

It was in 1613 that E. F. Albee paid Willie Hammerstein $200,000 to 
settle the franchise trouble. He offered Willie a third interest in the 
Palace, but Willie refused it and took a cash bonus instead. Keith's name 
went up over the Palace. 

In 1014 they had a sign backstage telling acts not to take over two 
bows. It didn't last long as the big hits would go up to their dressing 
rooms after the second bow and would hold up the show for five minutes, 
refusing to take another bow. They ran a fashion show at the house In 
that year showing $50,000 worth of jewels and furs. Blecho. 

Great En|lish Stars 
In \9ll the Palace ran the best shows of its career. In 1610 Wilkle 
Bard came over and flopped but came back latter part of the week and 
did great. Grade Fields opened at the Palace and was told by her friends 
to do American songs. She did and brodied. Then, on her second week, 
on the advice of Sime she did her regular English stuff and panicked the 
audience. Alice Lloyd returned to vaudeville after a three-year absence 
and got more applause than anybody ever received in the house up to 
then. In 1920 the Palace was still the kinepin vaudeville maker of the 
country at a $2 top scale on weekdays (youfhad to pay plenty more from 
the specs). The house set the style for vaudeville and It overclassed 
vaudeville . . . just silks, gowns and overdressed stages. A tramp act with 
baggy pants would have been a wow. New Year's Eve the Palace jumped 
Its prices to $3.50 top and people paid specs as high. as 10 bucks to get In. 
In 1921 Henry Santry, with Harry and Ann Seymour, started the band 
craze at the Palace and there were hundreds of bands that followed them 
in. 

In 1925 the house had trouble with clacques on Monday matinees. Agents 
and acts would spend as much as $100 for ducats and give 'em out to 
friends. Music publishers also would give out tickets to boost someone 
singing their numbers, the result was an act would get a terrific reception 
ahd a hand at the finish beyond its actual importance. The booker* 
were hep and so was the audience after awhile. In 1925 Eva TangUfX 
played the house after a year and a halfs absence and goaled 'em. She 
sang a song, 'Nobody Has My Number, Yet My Lines Are Not Bad.' 
Fix, Opposition Starts in 1926 
It was in 1926 when the Palace first started to feel the picture opposi- 
tion. Specs stopped handling their tickets. They started cutting salaries 
of all employees and dismissed porters, elevator boys, etc. On Nov. 8 of 
that year they ran a Country Store Night during the All-English bill. You 
got a lucky number from the stub of your ticket and won a box of apples. 
Brother can you imagine that corn at the Palace? Things musta been bad. 
In 1627 the house was unable to get enough headliners so played plenty 
of repeats. It was said that they were dropping from two to four grand 
a week. On March 11, 1930, E. F. Albee died and vaudeville klnda started 
going with him. There came a new change In policy. 

In 1032 the Palace started running long run bills. Units running six, 
eight and 10 weeks apiece, with headliners like Frank Fay, Lou Holtz 
and Billy Gaxton, Kate Smith, Cantor and. Jessel. The house had to pay 
big salaries on account of the opposition. Eddie Cantor got $8,500, the 
largest single salary ever paid outside of personal appearances In large 
picture houses. Palace shows ran to $16,000 limit, while the Paramount 
was bucking It with $17,000 shows and the Capitol had $20,000 layouts. 
It was a battle of names and salaries. Wowl The Palace couldn't take It 
or give It. 

The week of May 7, 1932, saw the last two-a-day show (three on Sat- 
urdays and Sundays), and after that It went Into the grind policy. Straight 
(Continued on page 25) 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



PICTURES T 






N. Y. Theatre Scrap Drive Off ; Mayor 
Fears Kids May Pilfer for Free Fix; 
Good Results From Juves ElsewHere 





FoUowing protest from Mayor La- 
Guardia that the offer of free thea- 
tre admissions for collections of 
scrap metals would lead to a quick 
increase in Juvenile delinquency, the 
scrap drive in New York city thea- 
tres was called off by the film In- 
dustry's War Activities Committee 
last Thursday (15). 'Scrap matinees" 
scheduled for Oct. 24 have accord- 
ingly been cancelled, and it remains 
questionable whether the picture 
picture industry in this territory 
will resume activities in the scrap 
campaign at a -later date. 

LaGuardia expressed fears that the 
lure of free picture shows would 
prove too strong for incorrigible 
kids, and that latter would resort to 
petty pilfering of useful metal arti- 
cles in order to swell the scrap col- 
lection as a means of promoting thea- 
tre tickets. 

During the rubber salvage drive 
kids were bringing brand new rub- 
ber overshoes to theatres in order 
to see picture shows, and fears were 
expressed last week that younsters 
would have to be dissuaded from 
tearing up street car tracks during 
current metal drive. • 

Despite the stoppage in New York, 
picture house operators in other 
parts of the country are continuing 
the scrap drive and staging 'scrap 
malinee.s' as planned. In Cincinnati 
67 suburban theatres participated in 
a drive that netted 701,600 pounds of 
salvage materials. War l^onds of $25 
denominations were given to the 
boy and girl bringing in the largest 
amount of scrap and 50.000 school 
children earned free admission to 
matinee film .showings. 

Reports of successful salvage cam- 
paigns conducted by theatres have 
also been received by the WAC from 
. California. Ohio, Virginia. North 
Carolina, and other territories. 



PAYDAY BOOMS 



Phllly BoxofTlces, Elo., Caah in; 
Gov't's Ghost Walks 



Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 
Effect of the boom in show busi- 
ness caused by influx of huge num- 
ber of Government workers is being 
shown at the boxofTices on week- 
ends. 

On Friday and Saturday nights, 
following the first and 15th of the 
month (dates of Government pay- 
days), the fllm theatres, bistros, nit- 
eries and theatres resembU New 
Year's Eve. Business is very heavy 
in picture houses Sunday nights on 
these weekends. (Niteries and tap- 
rooms and staga show theatres are 
shuttered here on the Sabbath.) 



MUCH COPPER 
SALVAGE BY 
THEATRES 



Kids Did OK In CIncy 

Cincinnati, Oct. 20. 

Amazing to exhibitors, new.^paper 
publishers, wartime salvage officials, 
school authorities, broQ,dcasters, film 
exchange executives, and projection- 
ists was the success of Greater Cin- 
cy's Scrap Matinee campaign. It 
was observed Columbus Day (12) in 
67 neighliorhood theatres. Total col- 
lection of vital scrap metals to help 
win the war was 701,600 pounds. It 
was made by 50,000 children, few of 
whom brought only the minimum 
five-pound requirement for free ad- 
mission to shows. 

At $10 a ton, the drive realized 
$3,500 for equal division among the 
USO and Draftees' Send-Off fund; 

Remarkable part of the patriotic 
effort was that it followed on the 
heels of a salvage collection which 
won for Ohio's Hamilton county the 
first national aw^rd for outstanding 
accomplishment in this line. 

The three dally newspapers offered 
three $25 War Bonds for the greatest 
conlrlbulions by boys or girls. They 
went to two boys, who gave more 
than 4.000 pounds each, and to a 
girl who carted 3,800 pounds of metal 
to her neighborhood theatre. 

Catholic schools holidayed in ob- 
servance of Columbus Day and the 
city and county public schools de- 
clared a special half-holiday for 
Metal Matinees. 

Scenario writers of kid pictures 
would have a difficult time thinking 
up even a small portion of the many 
odd stunts pulled by juves in collect- 
ing and hauling their scrap. One 
hilltop gang of boys conveyed sun- 
dry metal iten\s on an old roller iron 
bed. Trying for the honor of War 
Bond prize.'!, boys and girls, individu- 
ally and in groups, made numerous 
tf'ps to theatres with scrap piled in 
toy wagons, wheelbarrows, the fam- 
ily auto, pony carU and other con- 
veyances. 

Exiubs were furnished films of 
their own selection without rental 
fee.s by the^exchanges. Union op- 
erators donated their services, as did 
(Continued on page 18) 



Washington, Oct. 20. 

Nation's picture theatres, with the 
help of fllm carrier and theatre 
equipment and supply companies, 
will salvage thousands of pounds of 
critical copper every year, the War 
Production Board has announced. 
Saving will be brought about 
through an arrangement made Fri- 
day (16) by Christopher J. Dunphy. 
chief of the amusements section of 
the WPB services branch, for the 
collection of copper drippings and 
stripping? from carbons used in mo- 
tion picture projectors. 

This copper has been salvaged by 
motion picture theatres throughout 
the country but heretofore they 
have had no means of returning the 
material to production channels. Ar- 
rangements for collecting it have 
now been worked out in collabora- 
tion with Ray G. Colvin. secretary, 
and Joe Hornslein. eastern represen- 
tative, of the Theatre Equipment 
Dealers' Protective Association: Wal- 
ter E. Green, president of the Na- 
tional Theatre Supply Co.. and ex- 
ecutives of Altec Service Corp. The 
offices of these agencies through- 
out the country will become collec- 
tion depots for the salvaged ma- 
terials. 

Central locations of the different 
theatre supply dealers permit the- 
atres in metropolitan areas to return 
the scrap directly to the depots. The- 
atres in outlying territories may 
makS their returns through the 
same agencies that deliver films, re- 
pair and maintenance parts. 

Designated agencies will sell to 
registered juiik dealers and will do- 
nate the money received from the 
copper salvage to the local Red 
Cross. 

Drippings and strlppings .are sal- 
vaged from tha butt ends of the 
carbons used in motion picture pro- 
jectors. Last year 52,00ll carbons, 
bearing 273,000 pounds of copper, 
were used. It Is estimated that ap- 
proximately 90% of the copper on 
the carbons can be salvaged. 



WITH BEnER PIX 



Freer Wartime Spending 
Also a Major Factor — 
'Variety* Survey for First 
Three Weeks Starting La- 
bor Day Shows 200 Hold- 
overs and Extended Runs 
Against 148 for Same Pe- 
riod Last Year 



SUBSEQUENTS SQUAWK 



Seversky an Actor, Too 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Major Alexander P. de Seversky. 
airplane designer and author 61 
'Victory Through Air Power,' be- 
comes an actor in the Aiming of his 
book at the Walt Disney studio, start- 
ing this week. 

About one third of the picture will 
be live action and the rest cartoon 
animation. Film will delineate the 
rjjajor's ideas on aircraft and its uses 
In war and peace. 



Par and 20th s Victory in Govt s 
Divorcement Case May Pave Way 
For Further Theatre Expansions 



-44- 



BILL BOYD'S SILENT COP 



Keeps Cars Under 35 Miles and 
Swells Stamp Fund 



Increased employment, freer war- 
time spending and improved prod- 
uct this fall already Is reflected in a 
greater number of holdover and ex- 
tended run engagennents for 1942-43 
product than last year. Reports 
from 'Variety' correspondents in 
some 27 key cities of the U. S. 
graphically tells the story of longer 
runs in deluxe theatres of the na- 
tion, with playdates of ace product 
extending past the third week show- 
ing the greatest Improvement over 
1041. 

Resume of what the No. 1 feature 
Alms did In the principal keys cov- 
ered by 'Variety' during the first 
three weeks starting with Labor 
Day week this year shows 200 hold- 
over and extended runs as against 
only 148 in the corresponding period 
last year. These playdates that ran 
into the second week or beyond were 
registered in 511 theatres in the 
three weeks, as compared with 545 
houses in 1941. The weeks of Sept. 
9 (which included Labor Day this 
year) Sept. 16 and Sept. 23 were 
taken as basis for comparison be- 
cause typical periods when new sea- 
son product was reaching the keys. 

This year the three-week span saw 
51 pictures playing a fourth week 
or longer as against less than 20 in 
1941. Compilation also reveals that 
80 features ran three weeks or long- 
er during the three weeks this year 
as compared with some 48 last 
year. 

Plenty of Moveoverg Too 

Along with the upbeat In extend- 
ed runs and holdovers, there was a 
comparatively large increase in 
moveover date.<!. This merely re- 
flects the belief of exhibitors in the 
ability of the stronger pictures to 
play downtown houses even after 
healthy runs in the flrst-run spots. 
Besides testifying to the greater 
strength of product, it also natural- 
ly reflects increased spending in the 
larger cities. particularly keys 
where war work has hiked the pay- 
rolls and salaries of workers. 

The Sept. 9 week this year saw 
eight features playing a fourth week, 
a like number going a third, two for 
fifth ses.'ions. two for a sixth, three 
playing an eighth, one holding for 
a seventh and one for a fifteenth. 
In 1941 only 17 ran longer than the 
third week. 

Too SIqw For Subsequenls 
Prime negative aspect about the 
extended-run situation thus far is 
that subsequent-run houses squawk 
that ace product is so slow reaching 
them. The complaints are much 
worse this year than in 1941, nat- 
urally, although there were plenty 
of beefs last fall. Keeping the 
crack pictures so long In the key- 
city dehixers automatically adds to 
the clearance for these second, third 
and fouith-run theatres, keeping 
them from getting the No. 1 features 
for weeks and week.*. 

Possibly the only compensating 
part about thi.s obvious development 
Is that mo.-.t di.slributors have above 
par secondary features which are 
helping to tide over the gap. These 
lesser pictures get to subsequent- 
run spots comparatively on time, and 
are helping to take some of the 
curse from this extended-run sit 
uation. 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
An Invention which Bill Boyd is 
turning over to the Government has 
the dual purpose of keeping auto 
speed under 35 miles and aiding 
war stamp sale. Gadget, known as 
the 'Invisible Auto Cop,' is attached 
to starting switch and lets out fiend- 
ish yell when the car is traveling 
over 35. 

Motor, however, won't start until 
25c. is deposited in an attached bank. 
Stamp must be bought with coin, 
and is figured this device will save 
motorists speeding fines and loss of 
tire and gas rationing card, which 
is the penalty in this state for 
speeders. 



RKO LOOKS SET 
TO TAKE OVER 
ORIENTAL, CHI 



Chicago, Oct. 20. 

E. L. Alperson, general manager of 
the RKO theatre circuit, was in from 
New York last week looking over 
the Oriental theatre here for a pos- 
sible takeover from the bondholders' 
committee now running the house. 

Acquisition of the Oriental, an in- 
dependently operated 3,200-seat 
vaudfllmer, would give RKO a sec- 
ond large capacity house here. RKO 
Palace, under management of Tom 
Gorman, has had two of its most 
profitable years. 

Deal currently looks as if it may 
go through though no definite under- 
taking has yet been made by RKO. 



MAE WEST SETTLES 
H019TAXDUEN.Y. 



Mae West satisfied a judgment ob- 
tained by the N. Y. State Tax Com- 
mission in 1938 for $4,019. according 
to a return filed in N. Y. supreme 
court yesterday 'Tues.). TTie judg- 
ment wa.s for the balance due on 
Miss West's taxes for 1931-33, in- 
clusive. The total amount of the 
tax was not cited. 

Actress was served at her home 
in Hollywood. 



SAG'S $19,862 NET 

Actors Guild Lists Us Expenses and 
Net Profit 



Hollywood. Oct.. 20. 

Financial report of the Screen Ac- 
tors Guild for the past fiscal year 
reveal.i a total net income of $19,862, 
exclusive of entrance fees. Operat- 
ing expenses reached $7,370. En- 
trance fees amounted to $47,812. 

Included in operating expenses 
were $30,851 for executive salaries; 
$28,135 for Guild rep.; $48,007 for 
general expenses; SAG Magazine, 
$9,501. 



Dinah a Part-Timah 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Dinah Shore is working on a part 
lime schedule in her film debut at 
Warner's in 'Thank Your Lucky 
Stars.' 

Wednesdays and Fridays are de 
voted to rehearsing and broadcasting 
her own radio show and Eddie Can 
tor's. Sunday is her day off when 
not entertaining at Army camps. 



Significance of the opinion per- 
mitting Paramount and 20th-Fox to 
retain theatres they acquired since 
the decree was signed, is regarded 
in the trade as indicating consider- 
able flexibility under the consent 
agreement and may encourage these, 
as well as other major circuits, to 
expand as long as it's not for the 
purpose of squeezing someone, set- 
ting up unfair competition, etc. 

Also, it is possible that distrib- 
uting companies under the decree 
may invade towns where their prod- 
uct is shut out as long as it can be 
proved this must be done to obtain 
outlet, thereby protecting their fllm 
investments. 

However, it Is a question at this 
time whether any of the major cir- 
cuits are interested in expanding 
their theatre holdings, especially 
Par and 20th which have exception- 
ally large chains and are well en- 
trenched. Warners, RKO and 
Loew's are other decree concerns 
having theatre strings. 

The decision on Monday (19) of 
Federal Judge Henry W. Goddard 
dismissing the Government petition 
seeking to niake Par divest itself of 
14 theatres and 20th of 17, was not 
entirely unlooked for. Both Par 
and 20th, latter majority owner of 
the National Theatre' chain, had felt 
they were' justifled in acquiring the 
theatres they did despite the de- 
cree. Houses added to their strings 
were mostly in smaller situations. 

In his ruling Judge Goddard held 
in part that 'the decree does not say 
that business is not to, be permitted 
a normal growth and I could not 
make a finding that there is evidence 
of anything more than that.' 

Case had been pending for more 
than a year; 



Sol Lesser Aiming For 
All-Star Galaxy For 
'Canteen' Fifanization 



Sol Lesser, in efforts to engage as 
many of the junior hostesses and 
other performers now working at the 
Stage Door Canteen as possible for 
the fllm of the same title, plans to 
work out an arrangement with the 
Screen Actors Qruild so that they 
will be employed under Individual 
contracts. Lesser will try to get 
waivers for those who are not in 
good standing with the SAG. 

Meantime, among the topranklng 
stage, radio and picture nafnes whom 
Lesser hasn't got set for 'Stage Door 
Canteen,' are Edgar Bergen and 
Charlie McCarthy, Bette Davis, Jack 
Benny, Jascha Helfetz, Grade Field.s, 
Alfred Lunt. Lynn Fontanne and 
several others. Lesser stated last 
week that though these had ex- 
pressed willingness to appear in the 
fllm, objections from agents, studio 
intervention and previous commit- 
ments might prevent some of them 
from following through. Lesser has 
Katharine Hepburn, Fredric March. 
Helen Hayes, Katharine Cornell, 
Gertrude Lawrence and Ray Bolger 
so far set for the picture and also 
announced that he had signed Gypsy 
Rose Lee. 

Lesser plans to bring Frank Bor- 
zage and the 'Canteen' unit from the 
Coast to New York for three weeks 
shooting, seven weeks being sched- 
uled in Hollywood. Producer has 
made a deal for the use of the Fox 
Movietone Studios. New York, where 
a replica of the McCoy Canteen is to 
be reproduced. Film rolls Nov. 10 
and is expected to be ready for re- 
lease in March. 



HEIKEHAN TO COL 

Arthur Heineman, formerly on 
Paramount's New York story de- 
partment stalT as a reader, last week 
resigned to join Columbia. 

He's to be story assistant to Eve 
Ettlnger. 



8 



FltfH REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



THE BLACK SWAN 

(COLOB) 

Tweni li'ihrFox reltaM of Robert Baesler 
producllon. Stars Tyrone Powor. Maureen 
O'Hara: reatui-c« Laird CieKar, Tbom.ia 

Milt^!H-ll. Oc*<)i:i.- Sund'ira. Antllony Quinn, 
(m!>ti;c Z'UCvu. Directed by Henry KtnR. 
ti-rcenpl^iy l>y Ben lloc'lt and Seton 1. 
Miller: iidapiatlon hy Miller from novol /by 
Hnfnel Sattntlnl; cemer.i, Leon Bhamroy: 
ejiio:. H:n-1inr;i McLein. TrHileJihown :n 
Y.. U^'l. 10, -12. Hunning time, 84 MlNli. 

J:iiiii-H W'jirlitK Tyrone Tower 

M-.ii'i;.ir>'t Di^nl-y Mnurcen 0'H;ir;i 

Ciiptiiin Henr>- MorKun Laird CrCKar 

Ttiiiimy niue TbomiiH Mitchell 

Cuinnin Hilly Leech Ceorse Sanders 

\\'i,;jjin Anthony QuInn 

1.11., I Iii^nljy rie,)rKe >^Uv-co 

]{ii::(-r InKram Edward Aahley 

Dun MiKuel Porlunlo Uonanova 

('Hptaln Grahiiin Stuart Robertson 

Kenner Cliarles McNnUKlUon 

Sprnker Pretlerlck Worlock 

( liln.'se Cirtik Wllllo l-^inK 

Hi»:i:M...'. Charles Frnncle 

Bishop Arthur Shielda 

Mn)<ir-D<>nin Kellh HItrhcock 

Cnptaln Itlslne John Burton 

rj.fn;i!n .Itinph Cyril Mcl^clen 

l>;inli-l . . .Cliirpiit-e Muse 

Clcik Olnf Hytten 

rchnrles Irwin 

Sea Captnlns ( David Tharaby 

I Frank I^lxh 



Rafael Sabatinl's stor^ of sea 
piracy is an apropos, action-full au 
revolt to pictures lor Tyrone 
Power, now in naval uniform. It's 
also atting that Power's last film for 
2Cth-Fox for the duration should in- 
clude so much of a boxoSlce wallop. 

This one can't miss making the 
wickets whirl. That business of 
Power slugging Maureen OUara 
after she repulses his forced atten- 
tions, or Power crawling into bed 
with her, or some of the dialog 
anent Powers' propensity to take 
wotanen when, where, and how he 
wants 'em. Is hardly for the kiddies. 

This is a lusty story of English 
buccaneers who plunder women and 
the Spanish Main with equal facil- 
ity. On one point, though, the 
Purity Code is adhered to — some of 
the pirates reform, while the others 
meet their Just deserts at swords end 
or the gallows. Thus chief pirate 
Laird Cregar, playing Henry Mor- 
gan, winds up as the honest governor 
of Jamaica; his chief aide. Power, 
likewise turns pure, even winning 
the love of Miss O'Hara, whom he 
previously tries to compromise; 
Thomas Mitchell also winds ^p a re- 
formed pirate, while such brutes as 
George Sanders, whose bearded 
makeup makes him look like a fero- 
cious, red-headed butcher, and An- 
thony Quinn, as a one-eyed scourge 
of the sea, become dead pirates. 

Film is enhanced by the color pho- 
tography, which makes the marine 
shots especially attractive and lends 
punch to the gory battle scenes. In- 
asmuch as it's a costume picture, the 
Technicolor is all the more appeal- 
in«. 

There are several sea and personal 
battles, plus some fast sabre dueling. 
Power Is in action in most of them, 
flashing a muscled torso thafs pho- 
togenic for the femme patrons. As a 
pitch for the males, Miss O'Hara is 
facetl in low-cut dresses that more 
than once threaten to spring a major 
celluloid surprise. The color, inci- 
dentally, greatly adds to her physical 
apoearance. 

Both Power and Miss O'Hara turn 
In good acting performances, al- 
though it's left mystifying at the 
finish why she suddenly switches her 
afTectlons to Power. 

Thomas Mitchell is living up to his 
rep as a scene-stealer. Always a 
good actor, he has the faculty, by 
some motion or mujuinx. to focus 
attention upon himself. Cregar and 
Sanders are of similar type, espe- 
cially in bizarre makeup, but Mitch- 
ell outshines them iii the scenery- 
chewing department Other good 
performances areVimed in by Ed- 
ward Ashley, as Miss O'Hara's chick- 
en-hearted Bance and double-crosser 
of the Jamaica colony; George Zucco. 
playing Miss O'Hara's stuffed-shirted 
father, whom Cregar supersedes as 
govemof of Jamaica, and Anthony 
Quinn, who, with Sanders, defies 
Crcar's orders that the pirates must 
stoD their pillaging and work hon- 
estly towards the buildup of the 
British empire. Others in the film 
ere not importantly cast 

Some of the film's action stuff is 
of the plill-hanger variety, but di- 
rector Henry Khg kept the fantasy 

gretty well in hand so that it doesn't 
scome too ludicrous. He paced the 
story weU. with the Ben Hecht-Seton 
1. Miller dialog bright and peppery. 

Leon Shamroy's camera Job was 
A-1. Scho. 



the novelty angles, if nothing else, 
but on the whole is generally tepid. 
Its cast will have to carry it tor 
the boxolTice. 

The story opens in 1690 in New 
England where a strait-laced Puritan 
condemns a sorcerer and his witch 
daughter who are burned at the 
stake. As a result, a curse is laid 
on the Puritan and any of his de- 
scendants, the action then jumping 
to the present when Fredric March, 
a descendant, is running for election 
as governor. He is in love with the 
daughtiir of a publisher backing him. 
The romance is upset and it appears 
that March is going to lose in con- 
sequence of the actions taken by two 
departed spirits in hounding him, 
these being Cecil Kellaway, the sor- 
cerer, and his daughter, played by 
Veronica Lake. 

Instead the witch daughter falls in 
love with. March, losing her powers 
as a witch, and ihari;ies him after 
cinching ihe gubernatorial election, 
with the film ending in the gover- 
nor's mansion, three children mean- 
time having been bom to the couple. 

Neither March nor Miss Lake im- 
presses very importantly, while Rob- 
ert Benchley has not tieen well 
equipped with (material designed to 
afford comic relief. Kellaway does 
an excellent Job as the sorcerer. 
I^ssers Include Susan Hayward, 
Elizabeth Patterson and Robert War- 
wick, all of whom are satisfactory. 

Picture is one of three regular pro- 
gram features produced by Para- 
mount and recently sold to United 
Artists. It's the first under the deal 
to be delivered to UA. Char. 



THUNDER BIRDS 

(TECHNICOLOR) 

Hollywood, Oct 16. 

Twentieth Century-KuK rvlease of Lamar 
Trottl production. Stars Gene TIerney: fea- 
tures Preston Koster and John Sutton. Di- 
rected by William A. Wellmun. Screenplay 
by Trottl; orlKlnal story by .Melville Cross- 
nion; special comm^rnlary by John Oun- 
llier; camera, Ernest I'nimer; film editor. 
Walter Thomiison. Tiadeshown in L. A., 
Oct. IS, -rj. nunnlna time. 19 MIN8. 

Kay Saunders Qeoe Tlemey 

Steve Pritt rrejilon Foster 

Peter Stackhuuso John Sultun 

Cokinel MarDnnald Jack >lolt 

l^iT Slackhuuse Dame Uny Wliltly 

Gramps Qenrice Barbler 

Geonie Ix>ckwoi>d Richard Haydn 

Bnrrntt RCKlnald Dnnny 

Cadet Hackzi-ll Ted North 

Blonde Janls Cirter 

o""" j.^r^S'W 

Doctor llontaKue Shaw 

Mrs. Binke Nana nrvunt 

Saleswoman Iris Adrian 

Nurse Viola Moore 

Rllen Connie Leon 

MeaaenRer WnUer Tettey 

f^njt^t^ * Mlllv McGulre 

English Cadets | Ri<«uird Woodruff 



Miniatiire Reviews 



The Black Swan' (20th) 
(Color). Good boxoffice in this 
action story starring Tyrone 
Power and Maureen O'Hara. 

1 Married a Witch' (UA), 
Fredric March and Veronica 
Lake in rather draggy entertain- 
ment 

■Thunder Birds' (20tb) 
(Color). United Nations air 
cadets in familiar romantic tri- 
angle; good b.o. in all runs. 

'That Other Woman' (20th). 
James Ellison and Virginia Gil- 
more in 'B' comedy. 

'The Devil With Hitler' (UA). 
Hal Roach streamliner comedy 
that stacks up well as entertain- 
ment Runs 44 minutes. 

'Nlgtat Monster* (U). Minor 
league horror entry. 

'Undying Monster* (20th). 
Formula horror due for dual 
supporting slots. 

'Dr. Benanlt*! Secret' (20th). 
Few surprises in dull horror 
melodramatics; strictly filler. 

The Great CommnndBent' 
(20lh-Fox). Poor picture deal- 
ing with early Christian times in 
Judea. 

'We'U Smile Again* (British 
Nat'l) (Musical). Flanagan tt 
Allen starred in British click 
musical. 

The Phantom piBlnsmen* 
(Rep). Good entry in the Three 
Mesquiteers hossopry series. 

'Law and Order' (PRC). A 
little draggy but meets average 
demand for westerns. 

■Baby Face Morgan' (PRC). 
Good cast, fair story, but poor 
production. 



THAT OTHER WOMAN 

TvveDilt-ih-Fuz releua tt Walt«r Mor- 
osco pr..durllon. Kentur^s .:umee Ellison. 
Vlrsliiia Ullinore, Uan Dur. ea. Directed 
by Kay McCnrey. Screenplay by Jack 
JuBffmejrer. Jr.; camen. Josepb MacDonald; 
C'llltor, J. Waljion Webb. Jr. Tradearawn 
In N.Y.. Oct. 10, '4'J. RunnlnK tloM. 16 



Emily 

Henry Sammers. 

ruiph 

ConsUDce 

Orantlum 



PoweU. 



.Vlntlnla Ollmore 
. . . , Jamea BlUaon 

, Dan Duryaa 

Janice Carter 

..Alma Kruser 



1 MARRIED A WITCH 

rnll<.d Artists rolcnse of Here Hnlr pro- 
d".i;ini. directed by Clair. Stars FVedrlc 
>Lirf'h. Veronica Lake: featurea Rol>ert 
B^ni-hley. Sunan llayward. Cecil Kellaway. 
Ellzabelli Patterson. Rotiert Warwick. 
6tory. TboiTie .^Itb and Norman ICatann: 
adnfttotlon. Ttoherl rlrosh and Marc Con- 
nelly; editor. Bda Wnrr*n: camera, Ted 
Trtzlaff. Pf»rle\ved In N. T.. Oct. 16. 
■-l::. RunnlnR time. St MJSK 

Wallace Wooley Fredric March 

Jcnnlfrr Verontoa Ijske 

Or. Dudley White Robert Benchley 

Eslelle Mofltorson Susan Hayward 

Dnnlel Cecil Kellaway 

Mnnroret BUcabeth Patterson 

J. It. Mnslcrson Robert WarvrlcJc- 

T.Tldilin EIlT Malyon 

T,,\\ii Cricr Ilolwrl OrelB 

^Inrlha VIolu .Moore 

Nil m y Mary V'leld 

}I;irrlct Norn Cecil 

Alli n Emory Psrnell 

Viirnllsl Helen 81. Rayner 

.lustlce of Peace Aldrlcb Bowlccr 

HU Wife Bmma Dunn 



'f Married a Witch.' which deals 
■with soirits, is a fantastic type of 
story that carries some Inter^ on 



There's timely war interest and 
patriotic flavor in this offering, 
which weaves a standard romantic 
triangle against background of the 
Thunder Bird Army Air Force train- 
ing field in Arizona. Picttire will 
click for profitable biz as biUtopper 
in all nms, getting accelerated in- 
terest from excellent color pho- 
tography. 

Original story by Melville Cross- 
man (Darryl Zanuck) provides a 
satisfactory and informative display 
of the training of air cadets of the 
United Nations at the Arizona field. 
There's sufficient amount of air stuff, 
without overloading of flying stunts. 

Basic drama is that of two men 
and a girL Latter is Gene Tiemey, 
who's conveniently living on her 
grandfather's ranch near field. Pres- 
ton Foster, who went through the 
previous World War as a pilot ar- 
rives at the air base to instruct the 
new cadets — and be near the girl for 
romantic purposes. Robert Preston 
Is a British, cadet who falls in love 
with the girl; finds he's allergic to 
flying, but is finally saved from 
washout by the untiring efforts of 
Foster. Naturally the two kids get 
together, and Foster continues to 
turn out pilots for the Allied cause. 

Foster clicks solidly as the old 
pilot training flying enlistees, while 
Sutton capably handles the role of 
the English cadet Miss Tiemey is 
okay and eyeful as the girl, while 
Jack Holt is perfectly cast as the 
commanding officer of the BehL 
George Barbler supplies some com- 
edy moments as the grandfather, 
while good support includes Reg- 
inald Denny, Dame May Whltty and 
Richard Haydn. 

William Wellman catches the 
spirit of the training field In his di- 
rection and keeps the picture Tnov' 
ing at a good pace. John Gunther 
provides patriotism-arousing com- 
mentary in brief prolog and epilog. 

Picture had most of its footage 
shot at the Arizona airfield, and en- 
virons, with cameramen Ernest 
Palmer and Harry Jackson deliver- 
ing fine job. Walt 



OeoTKc Bad McAltetar 

lira. MucReady Minerva IJrecal 

Bailey Charlea Amt 

Smith Charles Halton 

LInkletter Charlea Trowbrldjis 

Laaderback Krank Perahlnir 

Zlneschwlch Oeotm Melford 

TouRh Guy Paul Fta 

Tramp syd Baylor 

Clerk Henry Roqtieniore 

Waller Leon Belaaco 



Hell, Hitler shows tip, demanding 
that as well as the rest of the world, 
so he's elected. 

Wacky in its entirety^ much slap- 
stick is included in the action, while 
for slight romantic flavor Douglas 
Fowley and Marjorie Woodworth are 
paired, former as an insurance sales- 
man, the girl as a spy. 

Roles of the Axis leaders are ex- 
ceptionally well cast Bobby Wat- 
son is excellent as Adolf, while Joe 
Devlin makes a fine Musso and 
George E. Stone a good Hirohito, 
termed here Suki YaU. Picture lias 
been ably directed by Gordon Doug- 
las and has good pace. Char. 



NIGHT MONSTER 

Hollywood, Oct. 17. 

Universal release of Ford B«ebe produc- 
tion. Featurea Bela Lunosl and Lionel' At- 
will. Directed by Beebe, OrlHlnul screen- 
plsy by Clarence Upson YounR; ciinii>i:i, 
Charles Van Enifer? film editor. Mlltun 
Carruth. Previewed in studio projettloa 
room, Oct. lU, '42, RunoInK time, 10 .MINM, 

Rolf Bela l.UKosI 

Dr. King Lionel Alnlll 

Laurie Leif ErlkH,m 

Dr. Harper Irene Uervcy 

Kurt Insaton Ralph Moricim 

Dick Daldnln Don PoMer 

AKor SlnRh Nils Asther 

Margaret ingston Fay Helm 

Dr. TImmona Frank Itelcher 

liln Jadd Dorla Lloyd 

Dr. Ptilpps Francis Plerlot 

Cap Bofta* Robert Homans 

miUe Canon Janet Shaw 

Jeb Harmon Eddy Waller 

Terqoe Cyril Delovanll 



'Night Monster' carries more hor- 
ror-thrill in the title than in its 
footage. Fabricated along the usual 
lines, and with a draggy unfolding, 
picture will drop into the support- 
ing spots to fill out running time 
where the audiences want quantity 
on the screen. 

As usual, there's the country 
manor, with a huge house and mul- 
titudinous rooms. Picture imme- 
diately sets up the weird atmosphere 
of the place, presided over by Ralph 
Morgan, who, in turn. Is surrounded 
by a group of strange and slinking 
characters. Basis for the wholesale 
murders arouhd the place is Mor- 
gan's revenge attitude against doc- 
tors, who had left him • helpless 
cripple through ■ previoxis operation. 
Suspicion is tossed widely among 
the characters until script conven- 
iently cleans things up tor the cus- 
tomers. 

Cast, headed^by Bela Lugosi and 
Lionel Atwill, Is adequate, while di- 
rection by Ford Beebe drags at 
times and he seemed to have a tough 
job in shaking up the static script 

Walt. 



Lightweight comedy, lacking any 
marquee lustre, is strictly secondary 
material in twin setups. James Elli- 
son and Virginia Gilmore carry the 
brunt of the action, which many 
times verges on the slapstick. Miss 
Gilmore comes through neatly de- 
spite the trite story. 

Weakest part of That Other 
Woman' is the screenplay itself. It 
follows the all too familiar story of an 
efficient secretary who falls in love 
with her boss. Youngish boss proves 
more obdurate than usual in realiz- 
ing she's the choicest dish in the 
picture. 

Virginia Gilmore is the efficient, 
love-lorn secretary. She manages to 
infuse vigor into a rather absurd, 
thankless role. James Ellison, as her 
young architect boss, is rather stilted. 
Dan Duryea, boasting a broad south- 
em accent is the secretary's jealous 
fiance, but has small chance to indi- 
cate it he can act Alma Kruger, 
Charles Amt, Charles Halton and 
Paul Fix head the support. 

Ray McCarey's direction is even, 
but the script permitted no origin- 
ality. Nice production values are 
largely wasted. Wear. 



They Can't Go There 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Southern Pacific, meaning the 
islands — not the railroad— is in the 
news again with Tahiti,* a Para- 
mount romance co-starring Dorothy 
Lamour and Alan Ladd. 

Picture will be filmed in Decem- 
ber when Lamour has finished her 
job In 'Dixie' and Ladd is out of 
■China.' 



The Devil With HHler 

United Artists niease of Hal Roach tin- 
ductloD. Ftaturc* Alan Mowbny. Bobbr 
Watson, Oeoive K. Stone, Joe Devlin, Ilaiw 
iorle Woodworth, Douelas Fowley, Hermao 
Bing. Directed b; Oordab Dooglaa. Story. 
Al Martin; ndaptaUon, Cortland Fltaalm- 
mons: editor. Bert Jordan; camera, Robert 
PItuck. At Qkibe. N. T.. week Oct. 17, 
■42. Running time, 44 MIN& 

The Devil Alan Mowbray 

Hitler ..Bobby Watson 

SukI TakI Oeorge E. Stone 

HasaolbU joe Devlin 

Linda Mariorla Woadwarlh 

Walter Douslaa Fowley 

l^ls Herman Blnit 

Inllua Big Amo 



Making clowns of Hitler, Musso- 
lini and Hirohito, this Hal Roach 
streamliner pokes plenty of fun at 
the Axis leaders. Its 44 minutes run- 
ning time develops innumerable 
laughs. Ideal as comedy support on 
dual bilU. 

In a foreword (Mntieming Jie three 
heels. It is announced that the story 
opens and entis in Hell, this partic- 
ular use of the word apparently be- 
ing okay with the Hays' office. One 
of the big laughs comes when Hitler 
mourns what happened to Hess, say- 
ing 'I lost my Hess.' 

Alan Mowbray plays the Devil. 
His board of directors in Hell want 
to replace him by bringing in Hitler. 
Mowbray, seeking to hold his job. 
asks for 48 hours on earth to see it 
he cannot get Hitler to do a good 
deed. He does but on returning to 



The Undying Monster 

Hollywood, Oct 16. 

■Twentieth Century-Fox release of Uryan 
t\>y production. Featurea James iEIIIson, 
Heather Angel and John Howard. Directed 
by lobb Brabm; screenplay by Ullle Hay- 
ward and Michael Jaeeby. from novel by 
Jeaale Douslaa KamMi; camera, Luclen 
Ballard; aim editor. Harry Reynolds. 
Tradeahown In L. A., Oct. IS, '42. Runnlmt 
time, M MIMS. 

Bob Curtia Jamea Elllaon 

Helga Hammond Healfter Anicel 

Oliver Hammond John Howard 

Dr. Geoffrey Covert Bramwell Fletcher 

Christy Heather Thatcher 

Inspector Craig Aubrey Mather 

Walton HaUlwen Hot>bea 

Mra. Walton Elly Malyon 

Millie..: Heather Wilde 

Btredwick Charles MoGtmw 

Will Alec CrmlK 

Constable Holmes Herbert 

Foster Cllve Morcan 

Ullea McGregor Dave Thniaby 

Charles Clagpool Donald Stuart 

Tbm Clagpool John Rcgeni 

Coroner Matt Bonlton 



Dr. Renault's Secret 

HollywtMu, Oct. 18. 
Twentleth-Foz release of Bol .M. Wurt^el 
producUon. Features J. Ciirroll Nalsh, 
John Bhepperd, Lynne Roberts. Oeortte 
Zuc'O. Directed by Harry Ijti-hman' 
screenplay by Wllllum Bruckner and Rob- 
ert F. Metzler: camera, VIrgll Miller: Aim 
editor, Fred Allen. Trutleshown In L a 
Oct. 15, 'W. RunnlnR time, W MIM8, 

.Mr. Noel J. Ciirriill N;il8h 

Dr. Lurry l-'orbes Juhn Shep-ierd 

Miidellne Renault I.ynne Ituiteris 

Ur. Itenault Ueorge ^ucco 

I'l-uprleior Den Roach 

Coroner I<;uuene llordrn 

Austin Jack .Norton 

Not much secret in this attempt 
to provide thrill-chills for the hor- 
ror customers. Boasting too fantas- 
tic a premise tor even most recep- 
tive audience, it's a slow piece that 
will get tepid audience reaction as 
filler for the^econdary duals. 

Only bright spot of the picture is 
a sterling performance by J. Carroll 
Naish, who smacks over the role of 
an ape transformed into a man 
through the brain and tissue trans- 
plantation experiments of anthro- 

galogist-surgeon George Zucco. 
tory,- more an attempt to display 
characterizations rather than action, 
moves along at a dull pace untH it 
warms up slightly when the ape-man 
turns on his tormenters to execute 
several throat-clutching murders. 

Localed on a lonely estate in 
France, picture has obvious back- 
ground for the Eiynthetic dramatic 
developments. Zucco is okay as the 
scientist, with John Shepperd and 
Lynne Roberts Inserted for minor 
romantic interest. Walt. 



The Great Commandment 

LtKh Century-kox releniw or John 'i\ t'^iyle 
prodlKtlon. Featurea John Beal, Maurice 
Moscuvltch, Albert Dekker. Marjurle Coo- 
ley, Lloyd Corrlgan. Directed by irvIng 
Flcltcl. Btorr and adaptation, Dana Bar- 
net; editor Ralpti DIxun; camera. Charles 
P. Boyle. At Mth St. I'Inylinuse. N. T., 
week Oct. IB. '42. Banning time, 1* MINH. 

Joel John Ueal 

Laniofli .Miiurlt-e Moscovlch 

Longlnaa .tlbert Dekker 

Tamar Marjorie Otoley 

Zndok Wnrren McCuUain 

Jerauel Lktyd Corrlgan 

Tax Collector Ian Wolfe 

Nnlhiin OI:if Hytten 

Singer Anthony Marlws-e 

FIrvt Zealot I.eHlFr Scharit 

Second Zealot Mbert Spehr 

Judaa Miirc Loebell 

Andrew Harold UlnJIr 

Wounded Man Earl Dunn 

Merchant tleorge Rosener 

Under Officer John Merton 

First Elder Perry Evana 

Second Rider Stanley Price 

Blind Man O'Arcy Coirlgan 

Old Uan Mas Davldaon 



This is another horror whodtmit 
of program calibre that will satisfy 
the customers who like to sit through 
horror-thrill mellers. Set up on 
moderate budget, and lacking mar- 
quee voltage, it will have to be sat- 
isfied with bookings in the dualers as 
supporting tare. 

Story drops right into the obvious 
groove, with an old English manse as 
backgroimd for the strange goings- 
on. After a phantom mysteriously 
attacks John Howard and t nurse on 
the fog-bound moor. Heather Angel, 
Howard's sister, appeals to Scotland 
Yard tor aid. James Ellison and girl 
assistant. Heather Thatcher, are dis- 
patched to investigate. After sufll* 
dent footage is coi»umed in at- 
tempts to hold up audience interest 
and confuse the customers, solution 
Is provided by exposing Howard as 
the suffeter of werewolf complex. 

Plot unfolds according to formula, 
with slinking figures and shadows 
parading throiifh low-key lighting 
effects; and tails to generate more 
than moderate attention for even the 
most avid horror patron. Cast is 
okay tor what's required — same goes 
for direction by John Brahm. Wait 



Same Deal for Ail hkers 



Hollywood, Oct 20. 

Uniform labor contracts for all 
indie cartoon plants is Indicated by 
the appointment of Anthony 
CHourke, worker contact for Walt 
Disney Productions, to handle nego- 
tiations with the Screen Cartoon- 
ists Guild tor the Leon Schlesinger 
and Walter Mantz studios. 

Guild's end of the negotiations is 
being handled by William Pomer- 
ance, business representative. 



Tliis picture was produced in 1940 
and fraught by 20th-Fox which sold 
it in various parts of the coimtry in 
1941. However it never played the 
N. Y. territory. Dealing with early 
Christian dajrs and the oppres- 
sion of Roman rule, it is a religious 
document which possesses some in- 
terest though as entertainment it 
measures tip poorly. The boxoffice 
potentialities are very slender. 

Time is 30 A. D., just before the 
teachings of Jesus began to gain mo- 
mentum throughout Judea. Love for 
thy neighbor and other teachings of 
the Carpenter of Nazareth form the 
basis for the picture, with a romance 
thrown in that tails to provide much 
strength. 

John Beal, playing the son of a 
village scholar, goes out to lead an 
uprising against the Romans only to 
lay down his arms after falling tm- 
der the spell of Jesus, saving the 'lite 
of a Roinan warrior after latter has 
killed his brother. The brother had 
been palmed off in marriage to the 
girl Beal loves, with result that when 
the murder Is committed he is tree 
to go off with the lady tor a happy 
enifing. 

"nie girl is played spiritlessly by 
Marjorie Cooley, while others in the 
large cast include Albert Dekker as 
Beal's brother; the late Maurice Mos- 
covich as 'ttie father; Lloyd Corrigan, 
Warren McCulIum and lessers. The 
recording' is faulty in spots and the 
photography generally "not up to 
standard. In view of the thinness of 
the plot, picture 'could have been cut 
down considerably. Char. 



WE'LL SMILE AGAIN 

(Mailcal) 
(BBinSH-MADB) 

London, Oct. 6. 

Anglo-Amertcan Film Cwv- release of 
Britlsti National production. .oiiira Bud 
Flanagan, Chesney Allen. Directed and 
proiluced by John Baxter. Screenplay by 
Uud Planacan, Austin Uelfonl. Barhara 
Emary; mualc composed and directed by 
Kennedy Roaaell; lyrics. Desmond O't.'on- 
nor; camen, Jamea Wilson. Arthur Grant. 
At Phoenix theatre. l.«ndun. Honnlng time, 
tS HtSH. 

Bob Parker Itud Flanngnn 

Gordon Maxwell Cheatney Alli-n 

Herr Slelner Melnhart Mnur 

OIna Cavendish Phyllis RtanU-y 

Google Peggy neater 

Mnke-Up Man Horace Kcnney 

Macnaaghton Gordon McLeod 

Holtxnian Alexander Kardiin 

Hoffman luUan Vedey 

Btitler Chiirles Austin 



Anglo-American Film. Corp. 'an- 
nounces proudly that no expense has 
been spared to save money on this 
production.' With that nifty this 
Flanagan and Allen starring vehicle 
opens with a bellylaugh, forerunner 
of plenty more during the 93 min- 
utes these erstwhile memt>ers of the 
'Crazy Gang' do their stuff against 
a background of Nazi spies at work 
in a British film studio. Americans 
may well acquire a taste for them. 

Actually here is one of the most 
lavish musicals to come from a Brit- 
(Continued on page 24) 



vyednesday, October »1, 1941. 



m 
m 

I 
1 



m 
m 



m 
m 




^^^^ 



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



For twenty-three years United Artists has distributed a 
standard of pictures unexcelled in the histoiy of motion pictures. 
This has been due to the enduring spirit of its founders who felt 
independent motion picture production was as necessary to the life 
blood of a great artistic medium as independence and freedom of 
thought are to a great nation. 

'Ee present management of United Artists desire to and 
will at all times uphold this worthy tradition. 

of United Artists further feel that this tradition can be 
best maintained and enhanced by developing a strong program of diver- 
sified picture entertainment suitable for any and every type of theatre. 

Jfe present on these following pages a program of pic- 
tures which represents the most imposing hst of productions ever 
offered by United Artists in a single year; a program highlighted 
by its splendid Ust of independent production brains, star values, 
story values, directorial genius, and withal, a consistency of supply 
which will merit for United Artists an essential place in the program 
of all theatres large or small. 



EDWARD RAFTERY GRADWELL L SEARS 

ARTHUR KELLY GEORGE BAGNALl 
CARL LESERMAN 

General Sofet Monoger 



10 



Wfldnesday. October 21, t9i2 



^^^^^^^^^ 



^^^^^^^^ 
^^^^^^^^^ 




W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM'S 



MOO 




ALEXANDER KORDA presenh 



MAYFAIR PRODUCTIONS prasMts 

FRANK BUCK 





SIXPENCE 



ttarring 

GEORGE SANDERS • HERBERT MARSHALL 
Witt DORIS DUDLEY • ELENA VERDUGO 
ALBERT BASSERMAN • ERIC BLORE 
MapM ui drwM ly Mint Liwla 
mtfi ky DnM L. Im^ 




The most talked-about picture ever 
made in Hollywood. By the author 
of "The Letter," "Rain" and "Of 
Human Bondage"! 



PredwMd ond Oiraetod by MICHAtl POWEU 
Wrm«n by 

MICHAEL POWELL and EMERtC PRESSBURGER 

Th* man who goya you "Tht fnvodart" 




James Dannaldson 

Commentary by FRANK BUCK 

Strtnplay by Tom Unnen 
Muilc Seer* by M/kloi Aoue 




The greotest thrill spectacle ever 
made with the RJK.F.I 



The first feature ever filmed in the 
Amazon jungles. Amazing — 
authentlcl 



HUNT STROMBERG presents 




Based on Katharine Cornell'* 
Broadway hit by Margaret Ayer 
Bomes and Edward Sheldon. 
Kettle Frings has done the 
screenplay of this story of a girl 
too eager for love I 



) 
) 
) 
) 
) 




GUEST 

IN THE 

HOUSE 



The powerfully dramatic Broad- 
way ploy by Hagar Wilde and 
Dale Bunion. A young couple be- 
friends o pretty girt who repay* 
them by blasting their marrlagel 




THE CINEMA GUILD 

presents 

FREDRIC MARCH • VERONICA LAKE 



HARRY SHERMAN 




present* 



LmRitm 1 America 

WITCH i 





wiih ANNE SHIRLEY* CAROLE LANMS 
KOIK mnPHY • lENNIS BAY • AUN MOWBRAY 

piM BENNY GOOOAAAN and Hit Band and 
Amarlco'i 50 Meit taauh'ful Modab 

OWw^ti by Norman 2. tAtltod 



wHk SUSAN HAYWARD • ROBERT BENCHLEY 
CECIL KauWAY • ELIZABETH PATtERSON 
ROBERT WARWICK 
A RENE CLAIR PRODUCTION 

Olrecfad by RENE CUIft 
Snpgaffad by a Oory by Thornt Smith 
Str—nplay by ftebarf Pireih ond Mar* ConnaHjr 




with 

RICHARD DIX • PRESTON FOSTER 
LEO CARRILLO • FRANCES GIFFORD 
ROBERT BARRAT • GUINN WILLIAMS 



The year's biggest showmanship 
picturel She sets the beauty stand- 
ard for all Americal 



Her father said "Be o bad glrll" 
And *he wast She got what tht 
wanted with hex appeal! 



The exciting epic of Texas a hun- 
dred years ago when fortunes were 
made on the great cattle ranges I 



Wednesday* October 21. 19*2 




"J 




HWY SHERMAN pmaMs 

MOiM MUSOUA 

BRENT • LANE 




BRUCE CABOT -LYNNE OVERMAN 
EUOENE PAUEnE • JANET BEEGHER 
GUINNWlllAIIS 
DIrecttI by LLOYD BCON 




A beautiful girl and a profe»ional 
gambler ploy for love in this ro- 
mance of old Son Franciscol 



HARRY SHERMAN 



RKHARO DIX • JANE WYAH • LOLA LANE 
MAX BAER • VICTOR JORY • LEE J. COBB 
ALBERT DEKKER 

•oMrf M ao»W bf HENRY SINCLAIR ORAGO 



The thundering story of the first 
roilroads to span America I 



THE CINEMA GUILD praiMU 

Paalette ipiAin • Ray MLLAND 



THE 

CRYSTAL 






(Tentative Title) 

_* 



The mass heroism of the Czechs 
that cllmqxed in the ossassination 
of Heydrich, The Hangman I 



Produeei Ay HARRY SHERMAN 

ttarrhv WILLIAM BOYD 
IMmm^ "LEATIER BUIHnir 

iisTcIiiTir ""^L""!*""" 

(nRMBBMBMIM) lOPPY 

IMKI PATROL" SEAES k WRIf 



HAL ROACH presents 



m 



Th« Industry's most popular west* 
emr, (iiore exciting than ever be- 
forel 



FEATURES 

THE DEVIL WITH HITLER (%rr) 
FALL IN (£») 
Ti.McGUERINSi^BROOKLYN(») 
PRAIRIE CHICKENS 
YANKS AHOY 
TAXI. MISTER 
CALABOOSE 

THAT NAZTY NUISANCE 





m 




A new group of the screen's most 
exciting short subjects, bringing Into 
focus the momentous events of to- 
day thru exclusive material un- 
matched for thrlNing dramal 



fMtod to o poftlcvlor 
•BblblUr 4a«iaiid— 
pr*4«c«dlii HoMV* 



m 



12 



ITcdncBday, Oetober 21, 1942 







SOL LESSER presMits 

STAGE DOOR 
CANTEEN 

itantai 31 ttf-raUii ctMrtttu it ttap, tam 
twt ri4l« ImIhIIiii 

KATHARINE CORNELl, NELEN HAVES, KATHARINE 
HEPNRN, EMAI BERGEN, TAUUUH BANKHEAI, 
EISA MAXWai. FREDERIC MARCH, FLORENCE 
ELDRiNE, JANE COWL. GERTRUDE LAWRENCE. RAY 
NLtER Ml 4 Nam Bails ioclilii KAY KYSER 
Hi DENNY GflODMAN. Scran pliy ky Bitaar Dates. 



A/oel QowG/ul 



in 




WE SERVE 



Produced and Directed by 
NOEL COWARD 





MICHAa BALCON presMits 

71.. FOREMAN 




Pocked with mora •ntertolnment 
thon a dozen pictures and featur- 
Ing the greatest cost of all time! 



"The unanimous reaction was that 
the film is Britain's greatesti Critics, 
editors and high ranking army and 
navy officials were 'praise crazy* 
ofter previewl" 

— Motion Picfure Daily 



ROBT. MORLEY • CONSTANCE CUMMINGS 
TOMMY TRINDER.CLIFFORDEVANSVJOHN 
WILLIAMS -GORDON CAMERON JACKSON 
Dlracted by CHARLES FREND 



i 



J. p. Priestley's adventure-packed 
story based on a real life incident 
of a man who went to. fallen 
France to recover vital onti-olrcroft 
equipment! 




EDWABDSMAU 



MICHAQ. BALCON 

PRODUCTIONS • Ealing Studios 



GregorRABINOVrrCH 

Noted European Producer 




^^^^^^^^^^ 



BENEDICT BOGEAUS 



SAMUEL BRONSTON 

prtttnts 

The life Of Jack London' 






Wednesday, October 21, 194| 



PICTUHB GROSSES IS 



Doodle' Dandy $C00O in Two CU 
Spots; 'Bambr-'Voice' Sturdy 22G, 
Tales of Manhattan' fme $23^ 



Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Bieeest business ever was enjoyed 
In ihe Loop over the pwt Saturday 
ind Sunday. Every ttieatre had hold- 
outs from early In the morning untU 
We at night 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' 
Saying day-and-date at the ApoUo 
and Roosevelt, U -the big noise cur- 
rently, with s<M!k $42,000 likely at the 
two houses. Looks set for • run. 

•Iambi', paired with 'Voice of Ter- 
ror' is goine great guns at $22,000 at 
the Palace while the A. B. Marcus 
unit coupled with 'A-Hauntlng We 
Will Go' is a smash $26,000 or near 
■t the Oriental. Tales of Manhattan' 
is getting a pleasing $23,500 at the 
jtate-Lalce. Chicago Main ispacing 
the city with close to $45,000 with 
•Desperate Journey' coupled with 
vaudeville headed by Jane Pickens. 
Estimates for Thla Week 

Apollo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) 
—•Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB). 
In day-date with Roosevelt, sock 
115,000. Last we^, 'Mrs. Miniver' 
(M-G) (13th wk), grand $8,000. 

Chicago (B&K) (4.000; 35-55-75)— 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) plus 
vaude headed by Jane Pickens. 
Pushing up near $43,000. Last week, 
'Pied Piper' (20th) with Linda Ware, 
■inging moppet. $43,100. 

Garrick (B&K) (000; 35-56-05-76) 
_'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Wildcat' 
(Par). Nice $7,500. Last week, 
^ossroads' (M-G) and Tombstone* 
(Par), mediocre $ie00. 
-Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-38- 
44-65)— 'A-Haunting Will Go' (20th) 
Mus A. B. Marcus unit. Smash $25,- 
OOO or near. Last week, "Lucky Legs' 
(Col) with Art Jarrett, Shirley Ross, 
splendid $21,700. 

PaUre (B&K) (2.500: 33-44-66-76) 
— 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Voice of Ter- 
ror' (U). Sturdy $22,000. Last week. 
Invisible Agent' (U) and 'Get Hep 
to Love' (U), sad $10,300. 

Boosevelt (B&K) (1,500; 35-65-65- 
73)— 'Yankee Doodle tmds' (WB). 
Smash business for tremendous $27,- 
QOO. Last week, finish of month's run 
ot 'Wake Island' (Par), fine $10,800, 

SUIc-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55-05- 
79)— •Tales Manhattan' (20th). Drew 
good notices with star names bring- 
ing pleasing $23,500. Last week, 
•Somewhere Find You* (M-G) (6th 
wk). $10,800. 

United ArtisU (B&K) (1,700; 35 
46-55-75) — 'Panama Hattie' (M-G). 
Big business on weekend, rating 
$14,000. Last week, 'Gay Sisters' 
(WB), okay $8,200. 

Weeds (Essaness) (1,200; 33-44-55 
75)— 'BiK Street' (RKO) plus 'Half 
Way To Shanghai' (U). Nice $7,400. 
Last week, 'Between Us Girls' (U) 
and Destination Unknown' (U), 
$9,000. 

'Orch Wives' $15,700 
In 2 Seattle Houses; 
Tacific^eat $12,000 

Seattle, Oct. 20. 
Show biz continues at a dizzy 
pace here. Admlsh scale has been 
gradually tilted at the flrst-run 
houses until 65c Is the universal take 
now. 'Orchestra Wives' Is playing 
day-and-date at Music Hall and 
Paramount for outstanding coin in 
town. 'Eileen' is rolling at a nifty 
pace at the Liberty In its second 
week while 'Wake Island' also is 
Dig on holdover at the Fifth Avenue. 
Estimate! for This Week 

<ii2!."* ..!?21f^. (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
«-50-85)-'Tale8 Manhattan' 

iS?."'^- .S^^y solo be- 

eause Moscow Strikes Back' was 
pooked elsewhere. Last week, same 
n'm. plus second week of 'Moscow' 
*Rep), great $9,200. 

(H-E) (2.349; 40-50- 

2^"«°<SS?* (2dwk). Verv 

•Si.J^riJ', '•'rS? <1'650; 30-40-69)- 
ler^M fi'SS? <2<' wk). Won- 

-^r!it"^" ^?-^} (2.800: 40-60.65) 
isnnn ft I.f^^^ i«K6). Fine 
W£00 for fifth week downtown. Last 
week, same pix $5,400. 
-^"trL ^^-^ «,200; 40-50-65) 
J^ie B!^n'*.^AX¥ <20th) and 'An- 
wi1hpt°"^y <"A>- Day-and-date 
davJ *^|""'0"nt- Solid $0,000 in six 
o?^^; rf^/'^Pi"*"" playing here the 
(Par ) .^A .fe"f* "fi^^ 'Wake Island' 
Si» rt= ^1 Plijritles Parade' (Par), 
oix days, big $7,100. 

'A?r?.'"S'" -L^^.-E) (2,600; 40-50-65)- 
to Lovp'^'tm"' c<^> 'Get Hep 
week ^Pro^i' fHSe'b $12,000. Last 
(U? anfi "cK °^ Between Us Girls' 
(U). swell lUm"" 
esTi'qllfT ^^'fjj^e) (1.850; 40-50- 
$9 0on ^ "> and vaude. Big 

000. Lost week, 'Annapolis' (Col) 



anyon' (Rep), plus stage show, 



six days, fairish 



ParamouBl (H-E) (8.039: (40-60- 
68)— 'Orchestra Wives' (5dth) and 
'Annie Rooney' (UA). Day-and-dat* 
with M\i3io Hall. Smash M,7()0. Last 
week, 'Eagle' (^B) »nd Tombstone' 

Boosevelt (Sterling) (800' 40-60- 
'U» OirU' (tJ) and 'Voice of 
)r' (U) (2d wk). Hot from 
euff. Big $4,500. Last week 
(30-40-58) 'Sgt. York' (WB) going It 
alonp on return engagement, okay 
$3,900. 

Winter Garden (Sterling) (800; 16- 
26-36)— 'Jute Girl' (Wfe) and 'Synco- 
pation' (RKO) (3d run). Tr. 
$4,000. Last week, 'Jackass Mi 
(M-G and 'Cardboard Lover' (M-6) 
(3d run), $3,800. 



65 
Terror' 
Orpheuj 



D.C.VERYDAMP; 



OK $22,000 



Washington, Oct. 10. 
Solid week of rain swelled the 
Potomac, but drained film box of- 
fices last week. All downtown housai 
were hit, but Oapitol with eombina- 
tion of 'Panama Hattie' and John 
Boles, rolled up fancy take regard- 
less. 

EstlmaU* lor This Week 

Oapltol (Loew) (3,484; 28-89-44-66) 
—'Byes in Night' (M-O) with vaude 
headed by Smith and Dale. Nifty 
$22,000. . Last week, 'Panama Hat- 
tie' (M-G) with John Boles on stage, 
fine $28,900 from the umbrella trade. 

CoIombU (Loew) (1,I»4; 28-M)-^ 
'Mrs. Hadley' (M-j^). Okay $6,900. 
Last week, 'Friendly Enemies' (UA), 
sour $4,200. 

Esrie (WB) (2,210; 28-39-44-66)— 
'Flying 'Tigers' (IFtep) with vaude. 
Looks like alright $19,000. Last 
week, 'Are Husbands Necessary' 
(Par) with vaude. poor $16,0()0. 

Keith's (RKO) (1.800; 40-50-85)— 
'Bambi' (RK(5) (Srd wk). Hit hard 
by wet weather. jPair $8,000 for fare- 
well, after smash weeks of $20,000 
and $16,500. 

Metropolitan (WB) n.600; 28-44)— 
'Wake Island' (Par) (2d wk). Okay 
$6,500. after fine $8,80d in flrst week. 

Palace (Loew) (2,242; 26-55)— 
Tales of Manhattan' (20th) (2d wk). 
Okay $16,000, after opening smash of 
$18,500. 

HENIE'S ICELAND' HOT 
$12,000 IN DIM INDPLSi 

Indianapolis. Oct. 20. 

Striking a balance between first 
city-wide diinout, which stopped 
business cold Thursday night (15), 
and state teachers' convention, which 
ought to boo-st Wednesday and 
Thursday take this week, grosses are 
holding up well. 

Ted Lewis is leading the town at 
the Circle, coupled with 'Big Street.' 
while 'Iceland,' at Indiana, is top 
straight fllmer. 

EsUmates tor This Week 

Circle (Katz-Dolle) (2,600: 33-44- 
99)— 'Big Street' (RKO) plus Ted 
Lewis band. Steady pace for very 
satisfactory $16,000. Last week. 'Are 
Husbands Necessary'." (Par) and 
Claude Thomhill orch, slipped badly 
to $13,000. 

Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3.200: 28-33- 
44)— 'Iceland' (20th) and 'Berlin Ck)r- 
respondent' (20th). Sonja Henie is 
helping this to sock $12,000. Last 
week 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) and 
•World at War' (U.S.), soared to $15, 
OOO at 40-99 scale. 

Keith's (Ind) (UOO; 28-44)— 'Tim- 
ber' (U) with vaude. Stage .show Is 
main draw for expected $4,500 in 
four days, Last week 'Parachute 
Nurse' (Col) with vaude. took $4,200. 

Loew's (Loew s) (2,450; 28-33-44)— 
'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) and 
'Friendly finemies' (UA). Poor $8,500 
In prospect. 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) 
and 'Enemv Agents Queen' (Col) 
settled for $9,800 last week. 

Lyric (Katz-Dolle) (1.850; 40-55)— 
'Pride of Yankeis' (RKO) with 
'World at War' (U.§.). Running to 
strong $5,000 on moveover. Last 



first Runs On Broadway 

(Subjtot to Chang*) 

Week of Oet. »l 
Aslor— 'For Me and My Gal' 

(M-6) (21). 
(Revietued In 'Variety' Sept. •) 
Oapltol— 'Flying tigera' (Ren). 

(Revteued in 'variety' Sept, 9) 
Orlterlon— 'The Glass Key' 

(Par) (2d wk). 
(Reuteuied in 'Variety' Sept. S) 
Globe— 'The DevU With Hitler* 

(UA) (2d wk). 

(Reviewed in ttiis issue of 'Variety^) 
Hollywood — 'Now, Voyager* 
(WB). 

"(Reviewed in •Variety' Aug. 19) 

MbbIc Hall— 'My Sister Eileen' 
(Col). 

(Reviewed in 'Varietar' Sept. 16) 

Faramonnt— 'The Forest Rang- 
ers' (Par) (21). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 30) 

Bialto— 'The Mummy's Hand' 
(U) (24). 

BlTOll— 'Wake Island' (Par) 
(8th wk). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' June 3) 

Boxy— 'Iceland' (20th) (2d wk). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) 

Strand— "You Can't Escape For- 
ever' (WB) (2d wk). 
(ReiHewed in 'Variety' Aug. 26) 
Week of Oct. 29 

Astor— 'For Me and My Gal' 
(MG) (2d wk). 

Capitol— 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) 
(Bd wk). 

Criterion— The Glass Key' 
(Par) (3d wk). 

Globe— The Devil With Hitler* 
(UA) (3d wk). 

Bollywood — "Now. Voyager' 
(WB) (2d wk). 

Moalc Hall— 'My Sister Eileen* 
(Col) (2d wk). 

Paramount — 'The Forest Rang- 
ers' (Par) (2d wk). 

BivoU — 'Moon and Sixpence' 
(UA) (28). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety* Sept. 9) 

Boxy- "Thunder birds' (20th) 
(28). 

(Reviewed in this issue of 'Variety') 
Strand— 'The Hard Way' (IVB) 
(80), 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 96) 



'JOURNEy NICE 
$23,000 IN HUB 



Boston, Oct. 20. 

Although daylight business has 
leveled off somewhat from its mid- 
summer frenzy, b.o. action is still 
highly satisfactory. 

'Desperate Journey.' generally 
smacked by the critics, is nonthe- 
less catching solid gross at Met, as is 
'Across the Pacific' in two JA-P 
spots. Strongest single bid is 'Here 
We Go Again' In combo with Jane 
Withers headlining stage show at 
the Boston. 

Estimates for This Week 

Boston (RKO) (3,200; 44-55-65-75- 
85)— 'Here We Go Again' (RKO) 
with Jane Withers, Dick Stabile 
orch. Betty Bruce. Heading for 
staunch $29,500. Last week. 'Foot' 
Ught Serenade' (20th) (2d wk) with 
Jerry Wald orch. good $25,600. 

Esquire (M-P) (950; 75-$1.10)— 
'Yankee Doodle' (WB) (2d wk). 
Fading at roadshow fares to $5,500. 
Last week, $9,000. 

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 30-44-00)— 
'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Live on 
Danger' (Par). Bogart heading for 
$6,0()0, very big. Last week, 'Wake 
Island' (Par) and 'A-Haunting We 
Go' (20th), $5,000. 

Memorial (RKO) (2,900; 44-55-65 
79)— Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 
•Highway By Night' (RKO) (3d wk) 
Satisfactory $16,000. Last week, 
$19,000. 

HetropollUn (M-P) (4.367: 30-44- 
55-65-75)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
and 'Just Off Broad wav' (20th). 
Nifty $23,000. Last week. 'Pied Piper' 
(20th) and 'Escape from Crime' 
(WB). $23,000. 

Orpbeum (Loew) (2,900; 44-65-75) 
—'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'World 
at War' (U.S.) (2d wk). Exception- 
ally good at $18,000. Last week, 
$21,000. 

Paramonnt (M-P) (1.800; 33-44-60) 
—'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Live on 
Danger' (Par). A sock dual for this 
spot and terrific at $14,000. Last 
week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 
'A-Hauntlng We Go' (20th), good 
$11,000. 

State (Loew) (3.600; 44-65-75)- 
'Panama Hattie' ,M-G) and 'World 
at War* (U.S.) (2d wk). Average 
$14,000. Last week. $16,000. 

Transluz (Translux) (900; 17-28- 
44-55) — 'Submarine Raider' (Col) 
and 'Johnny Apollo' nOlh). Above 
average $4,800. Last week. 'Moscow 
Strikes Back' (Rep) and 'Youth on 
Parade' (Rep), sock $6,000. 



N. Y.'s B. 0. Total Down: Iceland' 
Hot $60,000, 'Can't Escape'-Kenton 
Nice 406, 'Eyes'-Vaude Neat $26,000 



week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Live 
on Danger' (Par), swell $4,800 at 
28-33-44 scale. Management reports 
strong kickback on frequent price 
changes. 



Although most of the first-run 
stands in downtown New York, 
mecca ot millions on weekends, are 
doing well, the total gross for the 
week will add up considerably less 
than it has of late. 

Several new pictures entered upon 
the scene during the past week. 
Best is 'Iceland,' which finished its 
first seven days at the Roxy last 
night (Tuesday) at a strong ^$60,000 
and holds. 

Another newcomer, 'You Can't 
Escape Forever,' at the Strand with 
the Stan Kenton band. Three 
Stooges and Jack Carson, isn't in 
the 16-cylinder class, but at $40,000 
or over means a snug profit. 'This 
show also remains a second week. 

The going is muddy at the Capitol, 
with 'Yank at Eton' failing to show 
speed at around $22,000. As re- 
sult, it is not holding. 'Flying Tigers' 
having been booked to come in to- 
morrow (Thursday). 

The State, occasionally playing a 
flrst-run. this week has one that ap- 
pears to be counting. It's 'Eyes in 
the Night' and, with John Boles and 
Renee DeMarco on the stage lend- 
ing a helping hand, the gross may hit 
about $26,000. good. 

Still another new one on the 
street is '(31ass Key.' It wound up 
its flrst week at the Criterion last 
night (Tuesday) at an excellent 
$27,000 and goes another. 

Globe moved 'Devil with Hitler* 
onto its screen Saturday (17^. A 
comedy running 44 minutes, it Is 
drawing heavily and should hit 
$13,500 or better on the flrst week. 
Holds. 

The current (final and fourth) 
stanza for Tales of Manhattan at 
Itusic Hall will show good strength 
at an indicated $82,000. 'My Sister 
Eileen' opens tomorrow (Thursday). 

Paramount ushers In a new picture 
today (Wednesday). 'Forest Rangers.' 
Crene Krupa's band, which opened at 
the theatre a week ago. will be held 
over to play with It for two weeks. 
'The concluding (5th) week of 'Major 
and Minor ' first .'or Krupa. brought 
a sturdy $S0,(]00. 

'For Me and My Gal' opens at the 
Astor today (Wednesday) following 
a benefit preview last night (Tues- 
day), while 'Now. Voyager' comes 
into the Hollywood tomorrow 
(Thursday). 

Estimate! for This Week 

Astor (Loew's) (1,140; 55-6S-$1.10) 
— 'For Me and My Gal' (M-G) opens 
here today (Wed.) after a $1.10 pre- 
view last night for the benefit of the 
N. Y. Infirmary for Women & 
Children. Final five days on a 14th 
week for 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO ) 
was $8,000, fair enough. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4.620; 35-66-85- 
$1.I0-$1.25)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-G). 
Mickey Rooney failing to draw 'em. 
only disappointing $22,000, appearing 
in sight. Last week, second for 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G), $20,000. 

Criterion (Loew's (1.062; 35-44-55- 
75)— 'Glass Key' (Par) (2d wk). 
Goes into second week today (Wed.) 
after scoring a big $27,000 on the 
first seven days. Last week. 'Wings 
and Woman' (RKO), did $10,600, 
satisfactory. 

Globe (Brandt) (1,250; 35-55-75- 
85)— Devil With Hitler' (UA). Get- 
ting a big weekend play and 
should strike $13,500, or better, very 
good. Holds. Last week, third for 
'Manila Calling' (20th), $8,000, suit- 
able profit 

Hollywood (WB) (1,225; 44-05-00- 
$1.10)— 'Now. Voyager' (WB). Preems 
here tomorrow morning (Thursday) 
for a run on a continuous basis, new 
policy for house, 'Dandy' (WB), 
which went two days beyond 21 
weeks, had a highly profitable run; 
windup two days brought $4,500, 
while last week (2lBt) was $9,000. 

PaUce (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Across, Pacific' (WB) (2d 
run) and 'Get Hep to Love' (U) (1st 
run ), dualed. Looks $9,000. oke. Last 
week, 'Here We Go Again' (RKO) 
and 'Escape from Crime' (WB), both 
flrst run, $13,500, excellent. 

Paramount (Par) (3,664; 35-55-89- 
9"") — 'Forest Rangers' (Par) and 
Gene Krupa. Today (Wednesday) 
marks begmning of second week for 
Krupa and flrst for picture; last 
week, flfth for 'Major and Minor.' 
(Par) flrst for Krupa. $50,000. nice. 
The fourth week of the picture and 
Tony Pastor, Andrews Sisters, was 
$56,000. stout. 

Radio City Mnsle Hall (Rocke- 
fellers) (5.945; 44-56-85-90-$1.65)— 
'Tales' of Manhattan ' (20lh) and 
stageshow (4th-flnal wk). Holding 
up well on finale at around 
$82,000. while last week (3d) was 
$97,000, very big. 'My Sister Eileen' 
(Col) will take tenancy tomorrow 
.( Thursday). 

Rlallo (Mayer) (.194; 28-44-55)— 'Sin 
Town' (U). Doing fairly well at 



prospective $7,000. Last week, 'Boogi* 
Man' (U). was $6,500. 

Blvoll (UA-Par) (2.092; 35-5S-75- 
85-99)— 'Wake Island' (Par) (8th- 
final wk). Begins last week hero 
today (Wednesday): the seventh, 
ended last night (Tuesday), was 
$17,000, okay, while the sixth hit 
$22,000. 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) 
opens Wednesday (28). 

Boxy (20th) (5,886; 40-55-65-75-85- 
99)— 'Iceland' (20th) and stageshow 
(2d-flnal wk). Begins concluding 
holdover today (Wednesday); first 
seven days mounted to handsome 
$60,000. Last week. 'Girl Trouble' 
(20th >, pulled exceptionally well, 
$47,500, 

Stete (Loew's) (3,450); 39-44-55-75- 
99-$1.10)— 'Eyes in the Night' (M-G) 
and, on stage, John Boles and Renee 
DeMarco. This show doing over 
average at $26,000 or close. . Last 
week a very strong $32,000 was 
scored with 'Talk of Town' (Col) 
(2d run) and Martha Raye in per- 
son. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 39-55-75-85- 
99-$1.10)— 'You Can't Escape For- 
ever' (WB), with Stan Kenton, Three 
Stooges and Jack Carson on 'stage. 
Indications point to a good $40,000. 
or better, and holds, Last week, third 
for 'Desperate Journey* (WB), whalo 
of a biz-getter here, and Heidi-Carle, 
$41,500. 



Pitt Show Biz 
War Consdous; 
Tigers' Big lOG 



Pittsburgh, Oct 20. 

Show biz is plenty war-minded 
here this week. 'This Is the Army' 
just closed record-breaking Nixon 
engagement. Playhouse has legit 'Eve 
of St. Mark,' and the top films at the 
moment are 'Wake Island,' at Peiin, 
and 'Flying Tigers,' qt Fulton, both 
doing smash biz. 'My Sister Eileen.' 
one of best grossers Harris has had 
all year. Is going great in second 
week and will hold for a third, while 
'Pride of Yankees,' on moveover from 
Penn, has 'World at War' with it at 
Warner and doing fine. 

Combo of "You Can't Escape For- 
ever' and Glen Gray band at Stanley 
is only fair. 

Estimates for This Week 

FnltOD (Shea) (1.700; 30-40-55)^ 
'Flying Tigers' (Rep). Great flying 
stuff and a swell campaign putting 
picture in the big money. Shooting- 
for pretty close to $10,000, which is 
sock biz for the Fulton. Last week, 
third of 'Pardon My Sarong* (U), al- 
right $4,000. 

Harris (Harris) (2.200; 30-40-55)— 
'Sister Eileen' (Col) (2d wk). Second 
week biz here usually only about 
half of opening session's take, but 
this one proving the exception. 
Should get close to $12,000 on h.o., on 
top of $16,000 last week. Holds over 
again. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300:30-40-59) 
—'Wake Island' (Par). The news- 
paper boys went all-out for marines 
saga and public's going for it, too. 
Heading for smart $19,000. Last 
week. 'Pride Yankees' (RKO). fine 
$20,000. 

Ritz (WB) (800: 30-40-59).— 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G> (2d wk). Held 
here for second week following week 
each at Penn and Warner. Not l>e- 
cause biz has warranted It. but on ac- 
count of shortening up of hold-over 
product for this small-seater. Looks 
like around $1,800. Last week it did 
$2,100. 

Senator (Harris) (1.750; 30-40-55)— 
'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) and 
'Lucky Legs' (Col). Won't do enough 
to pay the rent. Weather break may 
give twinner $2,000. but even that's 
sad. Last week, 'Orchestra Wives' 
(20th). on moveover from Harris, 
okay $3,700. 

Stanley (WB) (3.800; 30-44-55-68)— 
'Can't Escape Forever* (WB) and 
Glen Gray-Dixie Dunbar. Around 
$18,000. just so-so. looked for. liast 
week, Billy Rose's Diamond Horse- 
shoe unit with 'Cairo* (M-G\ fell off 
to nothing after sizzling start and 
finished a little better than $19.000. . 

Warner (WB) (2.000: 40-55-65)— 
■Pride of Yankees' (RKO). Gehrig 
picture moved here from Penn and 
Government-made 'World at War* 
added fqy this engagement. Ad- 
vanced prices and swell word-of- 
mouth counting for dandy $10,000. 
Last week, 'Yankee Doodle Dandjr* 
(WB). playing at 79c-$1.10 after 
$30,000 week at Penn at same scale, 
got fair SI 2 snn 



U PICTURE GROSSES 



Wcdnesdaj, October 21, 1942 



Det Loaded With H O/s; Tork' Strong 
$12,000 at Pop Scale. Tales' 20G, 2d 



■fi- 



Detroit, Oct. 20. 

Loop goes almost solidly holdover 
this week, a One indication of uppish 
biz but sure to produce a holler 
trom the subsequents because ol slow- 
down on fllm clearance. Only new 
bill to crack into the downtown sec- 
tor is return of 'Sergeant York' at 
pop scale at the Madison. 

Current holdovers mark the third 
time since the war boom hit that 
all major first-runs held over to- 
gether. Whatever beefs result over 
a fllm blockade here are shrugged 
off on the basis that all houses have 
merited holdovers on the strength of 
last week's biz. 

Estimates for This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1,700; 50-65)— 
•Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (4th 
wk) and 'Call Out Marines' (RKO) 
(2d wk). Bill taken over from Fox 
two weeks ago still forte at $7,000 
after $8,500 last week. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 50-65) 
— Tales Manhattan' (20th) and 'Mc- 
Guerins from Brooklyn' (UA) (2d 
wk). Sound $20,000 coming op after 
$30,000 in first week. 

Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 
60-65)— 'Sgt. York' (WB) and 'Mayor 
44th' (RKO). Strong $12,000. Last 
week, 'Glass Key' (Par) and 'Mar- 
ried An^el' (M-G), bill switched in 
from Michigan and United Artists, 
nice $10,000. 

Michigan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
60-65)— 'Major and Minor' (Par) and 
'Fly by Night' (Par) (2d wk). Okay 
$18,000 likely after big $26,000 in first 
week. 

Paims-SUIe (United Detroit) (3,- 
000; 50-65)— 'Wake Island' (Par) sid 
Twin Beds' (UA) (4th wk). Taper- 
ing off but $10,000 is not hay after 
nice $12,000 in third stanza. 

United Artists (United Detroit) 
(2,000; 50-65)— 'Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G) and 'Born to Sing' (M- 
G) (2d wk). Plenty of push to this 
Gable-Lana Turner starrer at $17,- 
000 after great $20,000 last week. 



'Eileen'-'Shouiders' 
$15,000, Heads Denven 
'Go Again' Stoat $13,000 



Denver, Oct. 20. 

'My Sister Eileen' and 'Careful 
Soft Shoulders' is easily top grosser 
this week. 'Here We Go Again,' 
coupled with 'Calling Dr. Gillespie,' 
also is strong at the Orpheum and 
holds over.- 'Wake Island' is showing 
unusual strength in third session at 
the Denham, but goes out. 

Estimate's for This Week 

Abddin (Fox) (1,400; 40-50-60)— 
Iceland' (20th), after week at 
Denver. Nice $6,000. Last week, 
'Gay Sisters' (WB), after Denver 
week, good $5,000. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 75-$1.2S) 
—'Yankee Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d 
•wk). Fine $7,500. Last week, 'Dandy' 
hit $10,000, plenty big. 

Denbam (Cockrill) (1,750; 30-40- 
80-60)- 'Wake Island' (Par) (3d wk) 
and 'Priorities Parade' (Par). Re- 
markably stout $9,000, but will not 
stay past this stanza. Last week, 
"Wake Island' (Par) (2d wk), strong 
$11,000. 

Denver (Fox) (2,525; 30-40-50-60) 
—'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Soft 
Shoulders' (20th). Sturdy $15,000. 
Last week, 'Iceland' (20th) and 
wrlin Correspondent' (20th), ditto. 

Orpheum (RKO) (2,600; 30-35-40- 
80-60)— 'Here We Go Again' (RKO) 
and 'Calling Dr. Gillespie' (M-G). 
Big $13,000, and stays for second ses- 
sion. Last week, 'Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G) (2d wk) and 'Spitfire's 
Elephant' (RKO), $13,200. 

Panunonnt (Fox) (2,200; 30-45)— 
'Girl Trouble' (20th) and 'Sabotage 
Squad' (Col). Only $7,000. Last 
week, 'Sherlock Holmes Voice' (U) 
and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U), big 
^,000. 



Tankees' Blasts B'Uyn 
For Rousing $26,000 



Brooklyn, Oct. 20. 

Major hit this stanza is 'Pride of 
Yankees' and 'Manila Calling' at 
HKO Albee, with Loew's Metropoli- 
tan, showing 'Panama Hattie' and 
'Brooklyn Orchid' trailing. 

Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-50-65)— 
Tride of Yankees' (RKO) and 'Man- 
ila Calling' (20th). Off to rousing 
start and expected to snare opulent 
$26,000. . Last week, 'Here We Go 
Again' (RKO) and Between Us 
Girls' (U), minor $13,000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 30-55-65)— 
•Desperate Journey' (WB) and 
'filondie for Victory' (Col) X2d wk). 
Okay $16,000. Last week, stunning 
127,000. 

Met (Loew's) (3,618; 30-56-65)— 
'Panama mtt4«' (M-G) and 'Brook- 
lyn Orchid' (UA). AttracUve $18,- 
000. Last week, 'Pardon My Sarong* 



(U) and 'One Born Every Minute' 
(U), good $17,000. 

Faramonnt (Fabian) (4,126; 30-55 
65)— 'Talk of Town' (Col) and 'Spirit 
Stanford' (Col) (3d wk). Okay $13, 
500. Last week, good $15,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,950; 75c-$1.10)— 
'Yankee Doodle" (WB) (3d wk). 
Continues to hold up admirably; 
hefty $.3,000. Last week, good $12, 
000. 



mm HIGH 

9G, K. C. ACE 



Kansas City, Oct. 20. 

The Fairway, nabe house, joins 
with the Esquire and the Uptown 
for day-and-date showings. This trio 
probably will pace the town with 
Iceland.' Tower, with dual screen 
fare and vaude but no especially big 
names, is back to 35c top for the 
week. No holdovers now. 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire, Uptown and Fairway (820, 
2,043 and 700; 11-35-50)— 'Iceland' 
(20th). Potent $11,000, Last week, 
'Between Us Girls' (U), bright $8,500 
for day-date at Esquire and Uptown. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 11-35-50) 
—'Moon, Sixpence' (UA) and 
'Friendly Enemies' (UA). Trim 
$9,000. Last week, 'Yank at Eton' 
(M-G) and 'Agents Meet Queen' 
(Col), $10,000. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 11- 
35-50) — 'Across Pacific' (WB). 
Pleasant $8,500. Last week, 'Yankee 
Doodle Dandy' (WB), smash $15,000 
at roadshow scale. 

Orpheum (RKO) (1,600; 11-35-50) 
— 'Here We Go Again' (RKO) and 
•Falcon's Brother' (RKO). Trim 
$8,000. Last week, 'Big Street' 
(RKO) and 'Ships With Wirtgs' 
(UA), ditto. 

Tower (Fox-Joftee) (2,110; 11-35) 
—'Give Out, Sisters' (U) and 'Get 
Hep to Love' (U) with vaude. Fair 
$7,000. Last week, 'Call of Canyon' 
(Rep) with vaude headed by Smiley 
Burnette, lusty $11,000 at old 50c 
scale. 



'Flying Tigers' High 
$11,000, Ace Newcomer 
Port; 'Pride' 15G, H.O. 



Portland, Ore.. Oct. 20. 

Coming in with all guns firing, 
'Pride of the Yankees' looks like a 
winner with a holdover ticket at the 
Paramount. 'Between Us Girls' also 
is good at the Broadway. 

'Flying Tigers' coupled with 'Moon- 
light Masquerade' is rocketing to a 
high $11,000 at the Mayfair, better 
than picture and stage fare has done 
recently at this house. 

Estimates for This Week 
. Broadway (Parker) (1,900; 40-50- 
65)— 'Between Us Girls' (U) and 
'Madame Spy' (U). Good $7,500. 
Last week, 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 
■Get Hep to Love' (U), $7,300. 

Mayfair (Parker-Evergreen) (1,- 
500; 40-50-65)— 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) 
and 'Moonlight Masquerade' (Rep). 
Soaring to high $11,000, surprisingly 
big for house. Last week 'Across 
Pacific' (WB) and 'Strictly in Groove' 
(U), m. o. from Broadway, $6,000. 

Orpheum (Hami'ick-Evergreen) 
(1,800; 40-50-65)— 'Orchestra Wives' 
(20th) and 'Tombstone' (Par) (2d 
wk). Hefty $8,000. First week, 
topped town with strong $11,600. 

Paramount (H-E) (3,000; 40-50-65) 
—'Pride Yankees' (RKO) and 'Soft 
Shoulders' (20th). Going over for 
terrific $15,000. Last week, 'Talk of 
Town' (Col) and 'Our Russian Front' 
(Indie) (2d wk), big $8,400, and 
moved to Music Box. 

United ArUsU (Parker) (900; 40- 
50-65) — 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) (2d wk). Great $8,000. First 
week, grand $11,000. 



'Enemies'-C. Calloway 
Leading Omaha, $15,000 



Omaha, Oct. 20. 

Business continues good' with Cab 
Calloway's band plus 'Frieitdly Ene- 
mies,' at the Orpheum, likely to lead 
the town by a wide margin. Bran- 
deis, with 'Here We Go Agin" and 
'Spirit .of Stanford,' is fine, while the 
Omaha, with 'Parclon My Sarong,' Is 
stout. 'Sarong' holds over. 

EstbnatcB for This Week 

Orpheum (TrisUtes) (3,000; 20-40- 
55-65)— 'Friendly Enemies' (UA) plus 
Cab-<:alloway band. Sturdy $15,000 
in six days. Last week, 'Iceland' 
(20th) and 'Happened Flatbush' 
(20th), good $12,2()0 for straight pic- 
tures at 11-30-35-50 scale. 

Oluma (Trlstates) (2,000; 11-30-35- 



50)— 'Pardon Sarong' (U) and 'Af- 
fairs Martha* (M-G). Trim $9,600, 
and holds. Last week, 'Wings for 
Eagle' (WB) and 'Pacific Rendezvous' 
(M-G), $8,400. 

Brandeb <Mort Singer) 1,500 
H-30-44-50)— 'Here We Go Again' 
(RKO) and 'Spirit of Stanford' (Col). 
Fine $6,500. Last week, 'Desperate 
Journey' (WB) and 'Lucky Legs' 
(Col) (2d wk), big $4,900 a fine figure 
for any second week here. 

Town (Goldberg) (1.400; 11-20-30) 
— "Call Canyon" (Rep), 'Raid by 
Night' (PRC), "Yank In Libya" 
(PRC), triple split with "Masked 
Rider' (U), 'Burma Convoy' (U), 
'Campus Capers' (U) and 'Silver 
Bullet' (U) (first run), 'Badlands Da- 
kota' (U), 'Fly by Night' (Par),. with 
special one-day program- Saturday — 
Smiley Burnette in person, with 
'Back in Saddle' (Rep), 'Law of 
Range' (RKO), 'Jailhouse Blues' 
(U). Good $1,200. Last week, 'Rid- 
ers West' (Mono), 'Almost Married' 
(U), 'Sabotage Squad' (Col), triple 
split with 'Outlaws Cherokee' (Rep), 
'Bombay Clipper' (U) and 'Shadows 
Sage' (Rep), 'Moonlight Serenade' 
(Rep), 'Wolf Man' (U), plus Saturday 
stage revue, $1,000. 



'Espionage'-Bamet 
Hefty $16,500, Balto; 
Tacific' Bright 15G 



Baltimore, Oct 20. 

Torrential rains have slowed down 
doings on the getaway here this 
week. But with clearing weather 
on the weekend, biz took a decided 
turn upwards to okay figures all 
around. Strong response being 
chalked up by 'Orchestra Wives' at 
the New. Charlie Barnet and orch 
plus .'Counter Espionage' is faring 
exceptionally well at the combo 
Hipp. Rest of town is better than 
average. 

Estimates for This Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 17- 
28-35-40-55)— 'Moon and Sixpence' 
(UA) (2d wk). Holding very stead- 
ily at $10,000 after very healthy $16,- 
200 on first round, aided by rave 
reviews from local crix. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
17-28-38-44-55-66 ) — 'Counter Espi- 
onage' (Col) plus Charlie Barnet and 
orch on stage. Leaning entirely on 
flesh portion for healthy V16,500. 
L>ast week, second of 'Sister Eileen' 
(Col) and h.o. of strong vaude lay- 
out, brought two-week flgure to solid 
$31,600. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,406; 17- 
28-35-44-55)— 'Invisible Agent' (U). 
Attracting nice response at $10,000. 
Last week, 'Reap Wild Wind' (Par) 
(2d wk), in moveover after previous 
three-week run earlier in season at 
the Stanley, brought surprisingly 
strong grand total of $21,200 for the 
added brace. Slight tilt in scale 
helped. 

Mayfair (Hicks) (980; 25-50)— 'Fly- 
ing Tigers' (Rep) (2d wk). Holding 
nicely at $5,500 after ringing the bell 
with house record of $8,600 for ini- 
tial sesh at upped admish. 

New (Mechanic) (1,680; 17-28-40- 
55)— 'Orchestra Wives' (20th). Swing- 
ing to $9,500, very good for limited 
seating here. Last week, fourth of 
'Tales Manhattan' (20th) at advanced 
scale brought grand total for run to 
sock $35,900. 

Stanley (WB) (3,286; 17-28-38-40- 
55)— "Across Pacific' (WB). Clicking 
at bright $15,000. Last week, 'Blue 
Horizon" (Par) fared better than ex- 
pected at $11,700. 

Valencia (Loew's-UA) (1,450; 17- 
28-44-55)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) (2d 
wk) (moveover). Holding up in good 
style at $4,000 after highly pleasing 
$5,900 on first round. 



Gov t Payday Strong Took for Hiiily 
B.O,s;'Eaeen'Big2iiG.'EagleN.G.17G 



BERGEN-FIBBER NOTY 
112,000 IN LOUISVILLE 

Louisville, Oct. 30. 

Biz is back to normal this week 
and competish is not as strong as 
last week, when the Army War Show 
at DuPont Stadium put quite a dent 
in the usual b.o. trade. 

Currently topping the town is a 
combo of 'Here We Go Again' and 
'Scattergood' at the Rialto. Fibber 
McGee and Molly plus Edgar Bergen 
and Charlie McCarthy spell good 
grosses, although 'Go Again' was 
treated roughly by the critics. 

National, taken over by John Lair, 
manager of Renfro Valley Barn 
Dance, opened with stage policy to- 
day (Tuesday) with Blackstone. 
Will book stage shows if and when 
available, keeping the Renfro Valley 
hillbilly shindig on Saturday nights. 
Estimates tor This Week 

Brown (Fourth Avenue-Loew's) 
(1,400; 15-30-40)— 'Iceland' (20th) and 
'Just on Broadway' (20th). Doing 
average moveover business after 
brisk week at Rialto. Moving toward 
satisfactory $2,500. Last week, "Wake 
Island' (Par) and 'Blondie Victory' 
(Col), strong $3,500 on moveover. 

Kentucky (Switow) (1,260; 15-25) 
— 'Maisle Gets Man' (M-G) and 
Eagle Squadron' (U). Average $1,- 
800. Last week, This Above AH' 



-if 



(20th) and 'Sweater Olrl* (Par), firm 
$1,900. 

Loew'a SUle (Loew's) (8,300; 16- 
30-40)— 'Eyes in Night' (M-G) and 
'Seven Sweethearts' (Col). Indica- 
tions are for fair $8,600. Last week, 
'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) and 
'Friendly Enemies' (UA), nice $9,000. 

Mary Anderson (Libson) (1,000; 
15-30-40)— 'Desperate Jbumey* (WB). 
Figures for medium $3,600. House 
sticking to single feature policy. Last 
week, 'Across Pacific' (WB) (2d wk), 
good $3,400. 

RIallo (Fourth Avenue) (3,400: 
15-30-40)— 'Here We Go Again' 
(RKO) and 'Scattergood Survives 
a Murder' (RKO). Pointing to 
bumper $12,000. Last week, 'Ice- 
land' (20th) and 'Just Oil Broadway' 
(20th), virile $11,000. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 16- 
40-60)— 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) (3d 
wk). Held ov4r for four additional 
days through Monday (10). House 
taken over by Masonic Grand Lodge 
of Kentucky Tuesday-Wednesday- 
Thursday. New bill will open Thurs- 
day night (22). Current week's out- 
look is for excellent $3,000 on four 
days. Last week, second, fine $6,000. 

OEVrDKES 
mOON', $14,000 



Cleveland, Oct. 20. 

'Moon and Sixpence' is shining 
golden rays over the State for the 
best straight film gross. With aid of 
'Here We Go Again,' Claude Thorn- 
hill's orch and Mary Brian are doing 
just okay at Palace. 

Estimates for This Week 

Allen (RKO) (3,000; 35-40-45-55)- 
Pardon My Sarong' (U). Trim $6,- 
000 on moveover. Last week, 'Talk 
Town'. (Col), hearty $8,400. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45- 
55)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB). Got 
bad break on opening day by break- 
ing of story on Errol Flynn case. 
Only so-so $9,500 in sight. Last 
week. 'Pardon My Sarong' (U), fine 
$15,000. 

Lake (Warners) (800; 35-40-45-55) 
— "Talk Town' (Col). Excellent pace 
on moveover, galloping along to $3,- 
000. Last week, 'Eagle Squadron' 
(WB), fair $2,000. 

Palace (RKO) (3,700; 40-60-70)— 
'Here We Go Again' (RKO) plus 
Claude Thornhill's orch. Mary Brian 
and Marion Hutton unit. Fair $20,- 
000 at best. Last week, 'Girl Trouble' 
(20th) with Lucky MiUinder's orch 
and Ink Spots, fine $26,000. 

State (Loew's) (3,430; 35-40-45-55) 
— 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA). Al- 
though a class film, pulling well in 
evenings but not so hot at matinees. 
Good $14,000 indicated. Last week, 
"Yank at Eton' (M-(S), satisfactory 
$13,000. 

Stillman (Loew's) (1.872; 35-40-45- 
55)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-G). Move- 
over likely to grab smart $7,000. Last 
week. Wake Island" (Par), good 
$7,100. 

'TIGERS,' 16G, TACinC,' 
$14,000, PROY. CUCKS 



Providence, Oct. 20. 

All's well hereabouts, with Loew's 
State's 'Flying Tigers' leading the 
parade. In a neck and neck ti^ for 
second are Strand's holdover "My 
Sister Eileen' and Majestic's 'Across 
the Pacific' Not far behind is RKO 
Albee's 'Here We Go Again.' 
Estimates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (2,300; 30-40-50)— 
'Here We Go Again' (RKO) and 
'Sunday Punch' (M-G). Stepping 
along nicely to swell $10,000. Last 
week, 'Big Street' (RKO) and 'Sher. 
lock Holmes Terror' (U), good $7,500. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 30-40- 
50)— 'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Gal- 
lant Lady' (PRC) (2nd run). Hold- 
ing own for good $3,500. Last week, 
'Tales Manhattan' (20th) (2d run), 
nice $4,000. 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 29-39-50)— 
'Bells Capistrano' (U) and vaude. 
Still a drawing card hereabouts and 
pulling nifty $7,500. Last week, 
^Manila Calling' (20th) and vaude, 
swell $7,200. 

Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 30-40-50)— 
'Across the Pacific' (WB) and 'Get 
Hep to Love' (U). Nothing to com- 
plain about here, with present pace 
promising zowie $14,000. Last week, 
'Pied Piper' (20th) and 'Gallant 
Lady' (PRC), swell $12,000. 

MetropQilUn (Indie) (3,200; 30-55) 
—'Phantom KUler' (Mono) and 
Jerry Wald Orch, Johnny Downs, Al 
Gordon and Borrah Minevitch's 
Harmonica Rascals on stage. Though 
not bad, $7,000 not up to better fig- 
ures for Friday, Saturday and Sun- 
day run. 

State (Loew) (8,200; 30-40-50)— 
Tlying Tigers' (Ren) and 'Apache 
J,'/;i^„<H-">- Looking for healthy 
$16,000. Last week, 'Moon and Six- 



Philadelphia, Oct. 20 

The past weekend followed on the 
heels of the mid-month (15th) pay. 
roll at Government ofiTices, Navy 
Yard and many war plants, and con- 
sequently the filmers were jammed. 
Grosses at most downtown houses 
are zooming as a result. 

Getting the heaviest play is 'My 
Sister Effleen * which is having 
preem at the Fox. Also in the heavy 
sugar is the Earle with Billy Rose's 
Diamond Horseshoe unit paired with 
'Secret Enemies.* Holdovers of 'Holl- 
day Inn,' Flying Tigers' and 'Some- 
where I'll Find You' are faring hand- 
somely. 

Estimates for This Week 

Aldlne (WB) (1,303; 35-46-57-68-76) 
—'Pied Piper* (20th) (2d wk). Net- 
ting okay $10,500, after bright $14,506 
for Inltlaler. 

Aroadla (Sablosky) (600; 35-46-67* 
68)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) (3d run). 
Garnering okay $3,200, after long 
term downtown. Last week, 'Eiagl^ 
Squadran' (U), fair $3,000 for second 
run. 

Boyd (WB) (2,569; 35-46-57-68-76) 
-'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) (4d 
wk). Solid $18,000 for holdover. First 
week, good for sock $24,000, plus sen> 
satlonal $4,500 for 'bonus' trip at 
Earle Sunday. 

Earle (WB) (2,768; 35-46-57-68-76) 
—'Secret Enemies' (WB) with Billy 
Rose's Diamond Horseshoe Revue. 
First non-band show in months get- 
ting nice play at $20,500. Last week, 
'Can't Escap^ Forever' (WB) with 
Frank Fay, Bonnie Baker, Una Mer- 
kel, Betty Keen and John Kirby 
orch, also breezed in with good $2o,- 
500. 

Fox (WB) (2,426; 35-46-57-68-76)— 
"Sister Eileen* (Col). Leading the 
pack with hangup $26,000, in addi- 
tion to 'gravy* take of $4,200 for Sab- 
bath showing at Earle. Last week. 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G) bowed out 
after second week with fine $13,806. 

KarltoB (WB) (1,066; 35-46-57-68) 
-'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (2d 
run). Following up successful ste^ 
at Mastbaum with nice $5,000. tfiji 
week, 'Orchestra Wives' (20th), fair* 
ish $4,200 for second run. 

Keith's (WB) (2.220; 35-46-57-68 )-r 
'Talk of Town' (Col) (2d run). Neat 
$4,000. Last week, 'Gay SistereP 
(WB), profiUble $5,000. 

Mastbaum (WB) (4,692; 46-67-76) 
—'Wings for Eagle' (WB). So-so 
$17,000. Will be pulled at end of 
week for "This Is the Army.' Last 
week, "Prida of Yankees" (RI(0) 
wound up third week with satisfac- 
tory $13,500. 

Stanley (WB) (2,916; 35-46-67-68- 
75)— "Holiday Inn" (Par) (3d wk). 
Plenty of zing with $12,000 in the 
till. Last week's take was tuneful 
$15,500. 

Stanton (WB) (1.457: 35-46-57-68) 
—'Flying Tigers' (Rep) (2d wk). 
Fine $9,000, after sm.?shing $13,500 
last week. 



'Hattie'-'Rooney' Tops 
SL Louis, Big $19,000; 
'Big Street' Nice 15G 



St. Louis, Oct. 20. 

Biz at the deluxers Is still hold? 
ing own currently despite plenty Of 
counter attractions. Loew's, wltA 
'Panama Hattie' and 'Annie Rooney,' 
figures to lead the parade. The rtUjir 
nerup will be the Fox, with 'Big 
StreeT and "Magnificent AmbersonC 
Estimates for This Week 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-60)— 
'Panama Hattie* (M-G) and lulsi 
Annie Rooney' (M-G). Swell get* 
away points to a nifty $19,000. iMi 
week, Tlsh' (M-G) and 'Calling py. 
GiUespie' (M-G), faltered at windup, 
$13,000. 

Ambaiaador (F&M) (3.000; SO-W- 
80)— 'Bambl' (RKO) and 'Highwa/I 
by Night' (WB). No better thai 
$12,000, fair, for this combo. Last 
week, "Talk Town' (Col) and 'Moon- 
light Masquerade' (Rep), $11,500. 

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 30-40-50)— 'Big 
Street' (RKO) and 'Magnlflewit 
Ambersons' (RKO). Good $15,1 
Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) ai 
'Give Out Sisters' (U), solid $19,0( . 
but less than anticipated. 

Mlssonri (F&M) (3,570; 30-40-50)-r 
'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Give Out 
Sisters' (U). Moveover from toft, 
good for another $9,000. Last week, 
'Iceland' (20th) and "Girl Trouble' 
(20th), $8,000. 

St. Louis (F&M) (4,000: 30-40)-r 
'Eagle Squadron' (U) and 'In Old 
California' (Rep). Average $6,500. 
Last week, 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) 
and 'Spitfire Elephant' (RKO) (30 
wk), nice $6,000. Run established i 
record for this house, estimated 
$32,000. 



pence' (UA) and 'Affairs of Martha' 
(M-G), drew nifty $16,000. 

Strand (Indie) (2,000; 30-40-50)— 
'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Atlantic 
Convoy' (Rep) (2d wk). Present 
pace* should give house another big 
week, |12,0()0. Last week, great 
$14,000. 



Wednesday, October 21, 1941 



PICTUBE GROSSES 



IS 



Yank at Eton Paces Frisco, $%000; 
'Go Again^Fio Rito, Socko $30,000 



San Franctsoo, Oct. 20. 
'Vank at Eton,' only new entry at 
the pix-only houses, is drawing a big 
128 000 at tlie Fox. 'Wake Island,' 
holding Its own at the Warfleld, and 
Talk of the Town,' at the Orpheum, 
both are steady to their fourth 

'^Golden Gate theatre with 'Here We 
Go Again,' coupled with Ted Fio 
Bito's orch on the stage, is getting a 
nice $24,000. 

Estimates for This Week 
Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 50-65)— Yank 
at Eton' (M-G) and 'Calling Dr. 
Gillespie" (M-G). Hitting $28,000. 
Last week, 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and 'Escape from Crime' 
(WB) (2d wk), terrific $18,000 in five 

'^^Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850: 44-55- 
75)_'Hcre WeGo Again* (RKO) plus 
Ted Fio Rito's orch, other acts, on 
stage. Smash $30,000. Last week, 
'Wings and • Woman' (RKO) and 
Count Basic's orch, disappointing 
$21,000. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,440: 50- 
65)— "Talk Of Town' (Col) (4th wk) 
and 'Blondie Victory* (Col) (2d wk). 
Holding up to $8,300. Last week, 
grand $12,700. 

Parsmoant (F-WC) (2.470; 50-65) 
—'Wake Island* (Par) and 'Priorities' 
Parade' (Par) (4th wk). Fine $11,000. 
Last week, $15,000, socko. 

St Franels (F-WC) (1,475; 50-85) 
—'Somewhere Find You* (M-G) and 
"Escape from Crime' (WB) (move- 
over). Still good for $10,000. Last 
week. 'Gay Sisters* (WB) and 'Pierre 
of Plains' (M-G), $8,200. 

United ArlisU (UA-Blumenfeld) 
(1.100; 33-40-55) — 'Invisible Agent* 
(U) and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U) (3d 
wk). Clocking $6,100 on third sesh. 
Last week. $10,800. 

Warfleld (F-WC) (2,650; 50-65)— 
'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) and 
'Lady Gangster* (WB) (2d wk). 
$11,000 for five days. Last week, 
118,000, big. 



Tales' Hefty $12,000, 
Minneapolis Topper; 
ran' Stout 8G 



Key City Grosses 

estimated fetal Gromr . 

This Week $2,298.9«0 

(Based on 26 cities. 169 thea- 
tres, chiefly Arst runs, mcrudtng 
N V.) 

Total Gross Same Week 
Last Tear $1,808,50« 

(Based on 25 cities, 174 theatres) 



'Sqnadrc 



Minneapolis, Oct. 20. 

Principal attraction currently is 
"Tales of Manhattan.' It will put 
the State well out In the front. 
'Eagle Squadron.* second most im- 
portant newcomer, is getting a nice 
play from the men, but lack of nor- 
mal feminine patronage will miti 
gate against a higher gross. 

'My Sister Eileen' and 'Major and 
Minor* are in their third and second 
moveover weeks. 'Eileen* is still 
rolling. Aside from the Alvin*s bur 
lesque, the town is without stage 
entertainment this week. 

Estimates lor This Week 

Aster (Par-Singer) (900: 17-26)— 
"Live on Danger' (Par) and 'Highway 
By Night* (RKO). Good $1,800 in 
five days. 'Counter Espionage* (Col) 
and "Loves of Edgar Allan Poe' 
(20th). also dual first-runs, opened 
Tuesday (20). Last week. 'Spy Ship' 
(WB) and 'Pierre of Plains' (M-G). 
line $1,900 In^ve days. 

Century (P-S) (1.600; 30-40-50)— 
•Major and Minor* (Par) (2d wk). 
Moved here from State after big 
week there. Hitting fine $7,000. 
Last week. 'Sister Eileen' (Col) (2d 
wk). great $7,000, and moved to the 
World. 

Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 28-30)— 'A- 
HauntingWUl Go' (20th). Neat $4,000 
in prospect. Last week. 'Wings and 
Woman' (RKO), yanked after six sad 
dfiySf ^2 000 

Or'pheom' (P-S) (2.800; 30-40-50)— 
"Eagle Squadron' (U). Sterner sex 
goes for this one hard, but gals seem 
to be shying away. Fairly good 
$8,000, however. Last week, "Lady to 
Jam* (U) and Bob Crosby orch on 
stage (40-44-55), good $16,000. 
. Slate (P-S) (30-40-50)— Tales Man- 
hattan' (20th). Sure-fire with its 
cast Une-up. Heavily advertised and 
publicized. Hefty $12,000. Last week, 
Jlajor and Minor' (Par), swell $12.- 
000. 

. Optown (Par) (l.lOO; 30-40)— 'HoU- 
day Inn' (Par). First neighborhood 
i^owlng. Swift 94,200. Last week. 
Tootlight Serenade' (20th), jood 
$3,800. 

World (Par-Steffes) (350; 30-40-50- 
85)— 'Sister EUeen' (Col) (3d wk). 
ThU one started at SUte, then moved 
to Century and U flnlshtog here. Fhie 
JOj200. Last week, 'Ships With 
Wtags' (UA), blah $1^00. 

Ivens' GM*vettes Film 

Joris Ivens, the Dutch maker of 
documentary films, is currently 
working for the Canadian govern- 
ment maktog a flhn on the activiUes 
of the escort vessels, corvettes and 
destroyers, that convoy merchant 
men overseas. 

The unit goes out and makes a 
round trip on the boats In question 
No release date set as yet. 



Tankees' Big $25,500; 
Newark, Now Booming, 
Sees Even Better Business 



Newark, Oct. 20. 
Business continues great, with 
even greater boom due next month, 
when War Department transfers 
thousands of employees from Wash- 
ii-.gton to Newark to stall the new 
Dependency Benefits office here. 
With theatres here already jam- 
packed every night, town faces an 
acute seattog deficiency. 

Proctor's, batting out terrific 
gross with 'Pride of the Yankees.' 
has tilted its afternoon and evening 
prices 10c. marking second time 
withm two months thct house has 
jacked up its rates. Only other new 
fi" . is 'Pardon My Sarong,' garner- 
ing fine coin at the Branford. 
EsUmates for This Week 
Adams (Adams-Par) (1,950; 25-40- 
65-75-99)— 'Not Ladies Man* (Col) 
and sUge show headed by Sammy 
Kaye orch. On /ay to boft $19,000. 
Last week. 'Pacific Rendezvous' 
(M-G) plus Charlie Barnet's band. 
Smith and Dale and Frances Faye. 
trim $17,200. 

Branford (WB) (2.800; 30-44-55-60- 
75) — 'Pardon Sarong' (U) and 'Secret 
Enemies' (WB). "iRhting robust 
$18,000. Last week, 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy* (WB). great $32,000. 

Capitol (WB) (1.200; 20-30-35-44- 
55)— 'Gay Sisters' (WB) and 'Sher- 
lock Holmes Terror' (U). Comfort- 
able $2,700. Last week. 'Mrs. Mini- 
ver' (M-G). slow $2,000. 

Panunonnt (Adams-Par) (2,000: 
35-45-55-60-75)— 'Major and Minor' 
(Par) (4th wk) and 'Moscow Strikes 
Back' (Rep) (3d wk). Looking for 
fat $11,500 in fine sesh, after great 
$14,200 last week. 

Proctor's (RKO) (3.400; 45-54-70- 
80-95)— Pride of Yankees* (RKO) 
and 'Girl Trouble* (20th). Will wind 
up with terrific $25,500. helped by 
two nights of vaude. Last week, 
'Here We Go Again' (RKO) and 
'Falcon's Brother' (RKO) $19,500, at 
85c top. fine, bolstered by two eve- 
nings of vaude. 

Slate (Loew's) (2.600; 30-40-55-65- 
75)— Talk of Town' (Col) and 
'Spirit of Sanford' (Col) (2d wk). 
Good $13..'i00 indicated. Last week, 
bright $17,300. 



MONT'L FULL OF H.O.'S 

'Ftod Ton' $111,000, Best Newcomer— 
'Hattie' Nice 60 In 2d 



Montreal. Oct. 20. 

Three out of five first-runs locally 
are repeating currently for good 
grosses, leaving "Somewhere I'll 
Find You' at Loew's to lead city with 
a smash total. 

Estimates for This Week 

PaUce (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Tales Manhattan' i20lh) t3d wk). 
Good $5,500 after handsome $8,000 
last week. 

Capitol (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Apache 
Trail* (M-G) (2d wk). Nice $6,000 
followtog socko $9,500 last week. 

Loew's (CT) (2.800; 35-53-67)— 
'Somewhere I'll Find You' (M-G). 
Town's big draw, wham $10,000. Last 
week, 'Holiday. Inn' (Par) (3d wk), 
$6,000. 

Princess (CT) (2.300; 30-40-52) — 
'Tish' (M-G) and 'Lucky Legs' (Col). 
Pointing to average $4,000. Last 
week 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'One 
Born Every Minute' (U), $4,500. 

Orpheum (Ind) (1,100; 30-40-60)— 
'Moon St Sixpence' (UA) (4th wk). 
Sighting good enough $2,500 after 
nice $3,500 last week. 



L A. Hits Road Via Autos Bopping 
Biz, But 'Major-Minor Fme $40,000; 
'Go Again' W/-^ Troubk' Sad 19G 



Broadway Grosses 



Bxtlmated Total Orou 
This Week $3ee.00t 

(Based on 13 tneatres) 
Total Gross Same Week 
Last Tear r. .$325,500 

(Based on 13 theatres) 



'Major-Minor' Smash 
$14,000 in MOd Cincy; 
'Here We Go' Nice lOG 



'SWEETHEARTS' AND AMS 
NEAT $18,000 IN BUFF. 



Buffalo. Oct. 20. 
'My Sister Eileen' is developing 
one of the most sensational runs the 
Lafayette has had in its history. 
After a record-breaking initialer, 
which broke all house records, the 
second stanza is well up among the 
leaders. 

'Seven Sweethearts,* with Major 
Bowes Amateurs at the Buffalo, 
should get nifty gross, and holdover 
of 'Wake Island,* at Lakes, is plenty 
powerful. 

EsUmates for This Week 

Buffalo (Shea) (3,500: 35-55)— 
'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G) and 
Bowes* unit. Should strike around 
$18,000, fine. Last week. 'Desper- 
ate Journey' (WB) and 'Lady Gang- 
ster' (WB). nearly $19,000. sparkling. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000 ; 35-55) 
—'Wake Island* (Par) (2d wk) and 
TTiru Different Eyes* (20th). Sus- 
taining strong stride for very bright 
$15,000. Last week, grand $18,000. 

Hipp (Shea) (2,100; 35-55)— 'Des- 
perate Journey* (WB) and 'Lady 
Gangster* (WB). Moveover due for 
fine $10,000. Last week, 'Girl Trou- 
ble' (20th) and 'Just Off Broadway' 
(20th), neat $8,700. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3.300: 35-50) 
—'Sister Eileen* (Col) (2d wk) and 
'Desperate Ellery Queen* (Col) (1st 
wk). Potent profit item at $15,000. 
Last week, 'Eileen' with 'Spirit Stan- 
ford' (Col), $19,500. new house rec- 
ord. 

2aUi Century (Ind.) (3.000: 35-.55) 
—'Here We Go Again* (RKO) and 
'United We Stand* (20th). Building 
to very substantial $13,000. Last 
week, 'Spy Ship' (WB) and 'Isle 
Missing Men' (Mono), nice $8,000. 



Cincinnati, Oct. 20. 

Collective biz Is down under for 
the second successive stanza. Cur- 
rent schedule has five fresh releases. 
'Major and Mtoor.' at the Albee, is 
topping with an excellent total. Next 
best is 'Here We Go Again,' at the 
Palace. Shubert has a no-dicer in 
'War Against Mrs. Hadley.* 

EsUmates for This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3.300: 33-40-50)— 
'Major and Minor* (Par). Great 
$14,000. Last week, "Yank at Eton' 
(M-G), slow $9,500. 

Capitol (RKO) (2.000; 33-40-50)— 
'Sister Eileen' (Col). Moveover from 
Palace, big $9,000. Last week. Tales 
Manhattan* (20th) (3d wk), okay $5.- 
000. Pic got nifty $25,000 on the run 
at 40-44-50-60 scale. 

Family (RKO) (1.000; 17-28)— 
'Counter Espionage* (Col) and 'Half- 
way to Shanghai* (U), split with 
'Phantom Killer' (Mono) and 'Buses 
Roar' (WB). Seasonal $2,100. Ditto 
last week for 'Sabotage Squad' (Col ) 
and 'Spirit of Stanford' (Col), divid- 
ed with 'Secret Enemies' (WB) and 
■'Continental Express' (Mono). 

Grand (RKO) (1.430; 33-40-50) — 
'Sherlock Holmes Voice* (U). All 
right $5,000. Last week, 'Iceland* 
(20th) (2d run), $5,000. 

Keith (Libson) (1.500; 33-40-50)— 
'Flight Lieutenant' (Col). Nice $5,- 
000. Last week, 'Wake Island' (Par) 
(2d run), big $7,000. 

Lyrlo (RKO) (1,400; 28-33-42)— 
'Wake Island* (Par). Second trans- 
fer for thlrc^ week on main line. 
Fairly good $3,500. Last week. 'Be- 
tween Us GirU' (U). sad $2,500. 

Palace (itKO) (2,600; 33-40-50)— 
'Here We Go Agato* (RKO). Favor- 
able $10,000. Last week. 'Sister 
Eileen' (Col), gained momentom in 
last half, smash $18,000. 

Shnbert (RKO) (2,100; 33-40-50)— 
•War Vs. Mrs. Hadley' (M-GT A dud, 
$3,500. Last week, 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy' (WB) (2d wk), at 25-40-75c 
scale, pleasing $10,000. 



NATIONAL BOXOFFICE SURVEY 



Flock of New Product But Currently Only 'Here We Go,' 
*Moon-Sixpence,' Tlying Tigers' Hint Stamina 



There's a string of newcomers this week but most 
of them are getttog auch Mattered boolctogs It is dlSi- 
cult to tell how they will far* at the bozoSice. Fresh 
entries in current session are 'You Can't Escape For- 
ever' (WB), 'Eyes in the Night* (M-G), 'Devil With 
HiUer' (UA), 'Not a Ladies Man' (Col), 'Fly tog Tigers' 
(Rep), 'Here We Go Agato' (RKO), 'Seven Sweet- 
hearts' (M-G) and 'Sin Town' (U). 

'Here We Go* heads the list in number of bookmgi 
from this Itoeup. Topping Louisville with fine $12,- 
000, it's a nice $24,000 to San Francisco, aided by stage 
show, staunch $29,000 in Boston with same support, 
trim m K. C; neat $10,000, CtoctonaU; substantial $13,- 
000, Buffalo; big $13,000, Denver; solid $10,000, Provi- 
dence; mild $20,000. to Cleveland despite band support 
and disappointtog to Los Angeles with $24,500 to two 
spots. Like several other pictures, 'Eyes' is getting 
nice Support from bands or vaudeville. It's a flme 
$16 000 m N. Y. backed by vaude, nice $22,000 in Wash- 
ington with same aid but only fair to Louisville. 
'Devil With Hitler* Is being well ballyhood to $13,500 
or better in N. Y. 

Appearing m only one spot. 'Ladies Man' is a trim 
$19 000 in Newark with band. 'Escape* doing good 
$4o!oOO in New York's Strand (with stage poUcy) but 
only so-so $18,000 to Pittsburgh with band, and thin 
$24,000 in two L. A. houses. 'Seven Sweethearts' looks 
a fline $18,000 to Buffalo. 

'Flytog Tigers' is best new film in Portland with 
high $11,000, stout $16,000, Providence: okay $19,000. 
Washington plus vaude; nice second Baltimore sesh 
and domg sock $10,000 m Pitt 'Sin Town' Is big in 
Seattle aided by vaude and fairly good in N. Y. 

Many of last week s best beta are shaping up accord- 
ing to initial promise. 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA). 
which got erix raves in Baltimore, is healthy $10,000 
m its second stanza, pacing Kansas City with trim $9,- 



000, good $14,000 in Cleveland, nice on Its fourth 
Montreal week but only $8,500 in Indianapolis. 'My 
Sister Eileen' (Col) leads Denver with $15,000 and is 
fine to smash in Seattle, Buffalo, Pitt and Providence 
on holdover sessions. 

'Major and Minor' (Par) wound up with nice $50,000 
in its fifth stanza at the big N. Y. Paramount, is $18.- 
000 to second Detroit week, great $14,000 in CIncy. 
great fourth Newark sesh, ditto initial Jersey City 
week and sock $40,000 to offish L. A. 'Desperate Jour- 
ney' (WB) will climb to nearly $45,000 in Chicago 
aided by vaude, apt>ears a nice $23,000 in Boston 
and giant $20,000 to Jersey City. 

'Girl Trouble* (20th), encountering plenty of trouble, 
is thin to Denver and a sad $19,000 in two L. A. houses. 
'War vs. Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) also is disappointing 
currently, betog rated a dud in Cincy and just okay 
on Washington moveover. 'Across Pacific' (WB) rates 
mild in K. C. but $20,000 to Boston and smash in Balto, 
Providence and Seattle. 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) will 
get only $22,000 In N. Y., but looks big in Frisco. 

'Panama Hattie' (M-G) continues racking up big 
totals, outstanding being $10,000 in St. Louis. 'Wake 
Island* (Par), now mostly on extended run or move- 
over, should get $19,000 on its first week In Pittsburgh. 

From key cities: 'Iceland' (20lh) handsome $60,000 
for second sesh In N. Y. Roxy but not too strong in 
three K. C. theatres. It's a sock $12,000 in Indianapolis. 
'Glass Key' (Par) big $27,000 on first week in N. Y. 
'Tales of Manhattan' (20th) still doing fine on ex- 
tended dates in some six cities. 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' 
(WB) is climbing to grand $42,000 In two Chi theatres 
but faded on second Boston sesh. Al.so fine on ex 
tended runs in Denver and Brooklyn. 'Pride of 
Yankees' (RKO), largely extended-run now, hefty 
in Brooklyn and big $25,500 In Newark. 'Friendly 



Los Angeles, Oct. 20. 

Trade here is at the lowest point 
in several months excepting at th« 
two Paramount theatres whcra 
'Major and Minor* is rolling up a 
sturdy $40,000. and holds over. Par's 
Hollywood contributed $17,000 to 
this total for a new high at house. 

Contributing to the letdown is th* 
mild weather and lack of outstand- 
ing attractions. Looks like public is 
taking advantage of balmy outdoors 
before gas rationing becomes effec- 
tive next month. Auto traffic was 
heaviest in years over the weekend, 
and is refiected at the boxoffices. 
Estimates for This Week 

Carthay Circle (F-WC) (1.516: 33- 
44-55-65-75) — 'Somewhere Find You* 
(M-G) and "Just Off Broadway* 
(20th) (3d wk). Heading for $4,200, 
okay after second stanza's $3,900. 

Chtoese (Grauman-WC) (2,034; 
33-44-55-65-75) — 'Girl Trouble' 
(20th) and 'Loves of Poe" (20th). 
Thin $8,000 being chalked. Last 
week. 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 
'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). okay 
$11,500. 

Downtown (WB) (1.800: 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Can't Escape Forever' (WB). 
Rather sad at $13,000. Last week, 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) (3d wk), 
modest $10,000. 

Four Star (U-WC) (900: 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Between Us Girls* (U) (2d 
wk). Gauged thin $2,500 after col- 
lecting nice $4,500 on toitial week. 

Hawaii (G&S) (1.100; 33-44-55-65- 
75)— 'Wtogs and Woman* (RKO) and 
'Submarine Raider* (Col) (3d wk). 
Only $2,200 in view, following sec- 
ond week*s smooth $3,500. 

BoUywood tWB) (2,756; 33-44-59- 
65-75)— 'Can*t Escape Forever* (WB). 
Not much at $11,000. Last week, 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) (3d wk), 
$6.0()0. 

brphenm (D'town) (2,200: 33-44- 
55-65) — 'Pled Piper* (20th) and 
'Priorities on Parade' (Par) with 
vaude. Struggling for $11,000 and 
that's bad news. Last week, 'Spy 
Ship' (WB) and 'Affairs of Martha' 
(M-G), with Ersklne Hawkins' band 
on stage, spurted to $16,000 at finish 
but stiU OAg. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 33-44-55-65- 
75)— 'Here Go Again* (RKO) and 
'Get Hep to Love^ (U). Only get- 
ting $10,000, disappointing. Last 
week, 'Pardon Sarong' (U) (2d wk) 
and 'Highways by Night' (RKO) (1st 
wk), $8,800. 

Paramonnt (F&M) (3,596; 33-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Major and Mtoor' (Par) and 
'Wildcat* (Par). Opened strong and 
should hit sock $23,000. Last week, 
•Wake Island* (Par) and "Youth on 
Parade* (Rep) (3d wk), closed in 
clover with $14,500. 

Paramoant Hollywood (F&M) (2.- 
204; 33-44-55-65-75)— 'Major and Mi- 
nor' (Par). Will garner sock $17,000 
on initial week, new house record, 
L.nst week. 'Wake Island' (Par) (3d 
wk), $8,000. 

RKO Hlllstreet (RKO) (2,873; 33- 
44-55-65)— 'Here Go Again' (RKO) 
and 'Get Hep to Love' (U). Not 
much here at $14,500. Last vir,euk. 
'Pardon Sarong' (U) (2d wk) and 
'Highways by Night' (RKO) (1st 
wk). moderate $12,800. 

State (Loew-WC) (2.204; 33-44-55- 
6>-73)— 'Girl Trouble' (20th) and 
'Loves of Poe' (20th). Blah $11,000 
being ticketed. Last week. 'Yank 
at Eton' (M-G) and 'Berlin Corre- 
spondent* (20th), neat $17,000. 

United ArUsts (UA-WC) (2.100; 
33-44-55-65)— 'Yank at Eton* (MG) 
and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th). 
Mild $5,000. Last week. 'Somewhere 
Find You' (M-G) and 'Just Off 
Broadway* (20th). stout $10,000. 

WllsUre (F-WC:) (2,296; 33-44-55- 
65)— 'Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Ber- 
lin Correspondent* (20th). So-so 
$G,000. Last week, 'Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G) and 'Just Off Broadway* 
(20th), $7,400. 



Enemies' 
band. 



(UA), sturdy $15,000 In Omaha, aided by 



'Journey,' 20G, 'Major,' 
$16,000, Great in J. C. 

Jersey City. Oct. 20. 
Couple of zowie newcomers, 
'Desperate Journey,* at the Stanley, 
and 'Major and the - Minor.' the 
State film, are shartog the coin this 
week. 

Eatlmatea for This Week 

Loew's (Loew's) (3,205; 30-35-40- 
55-60)— 'Talk of the Town' (Col) and 
'Spirit of Sanford* (Col) (2d wk). 
Cjettine nice $11,500 second time 
around. Last week, smash $19,000. 

Stanley (WB) 130-35-40-55-60)— 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Get 
Hep to Love' (U). Getting sur- 
prisingly good returns and figures 
for boff $20,000. Last week, 'Yankee 
Doodle Dandy' (WB) (2d wk) (75- 
$1.10). blazing $20,000. 

State (Skouras) (2,200: 30-35-55-60- 
70) — 'Major and the Minor* (Par) 
and 'Manila Calling' (20th >. Climb- 
ing to great $16,000 and may hold. 
Last week, 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) 
and 'Just Off Broadway' (20th), 
very big $15,000. 




+^e keeps tabs o^ 
whet 45 happening 
arovna before he 
books) A srraH- 



Wednesday. October 21, 1942 



P^filETY 



17 





,alce another P^^^Jifffl^. 

another guffaw. 

-V. for NOW VOYAQBBl 
Keep an open fy'^E'^can, Red 
ade breaking *?*'vomaA'e Ho«« 
Book, ?°»°S°ii*HSieek«plng. 

°L°oT"anru'"nttloSSl 
Ditto DE3PEHATE JOUBHBX In tlf* 
ana took and M -"S"' 
Ditto THE HABD next. 

ttlve aeek weight to eorap col- 
lection* 




18 



EXPLOITATION 



Wcdaeedaj* October 21, 1942 



More V More Femme Managers; 
Theatre and Exchange Briefs 



St Louis, Oct. 20. 
Latest addition to the femme ranks 

is Viola Frank, manager of the 
Dakota, Fred Wehrenberg house. 
Another femme who is holding down 
a managership stint is Mrs. Frank 
Tabler at the Ivanhoe. indie house in 
Bi .iihwest sector of this burg. 

Femme managers are no novelty 
here as in the pioneer days of the 
flickers Mrs. M. Cornelius success- 
fu'ly managed the downtown Lyric 
and Mrs. Frank Tablott clicked in 
the dual role of manager of the old 
Hippodrome and the Gem theatres. 
Ill recent vears Mrs. Bess Schulter 



R. A. McGuire, Harry Mayer, Ruth 
Weisberg and F. L. Gates were made 
vice presidents, while Robert Salo- 
mons was elected treasurer, Sam 
Wolowitz. assistant treasurer, and 
Stuart H. Aarons secretary. 

Organization has local clubs in all 
Warner exchange and theatre cen- 
ters. I. H. Birnbaum Is administra- 
tive secretary over all of the clubs. 

They Walk to Fix Now 

Rochester. N. Y., Oct. 20. 
Schine's Lake, small nabe which 
has been open only two days a week, 
I...... ^v..v...^. will open four days on the theory 

ha clicked in the management of ! moic people are walking to their en- 
the Avalon and Columbia theatres in ( icrtainmenl. Neil Henry switches 
South St. Louis. I from the Liberty, becoming assistant 

Mrs. Mildred Rauth, Rolla, Mo., is , to Al Hostler, who has charge of the 
siK-ccssfully operating flicker houses Riviera and Lake. Melvin Aaron- 
' ~' son moves in from Syracuse as man- 
ager of the Liberty. 



Ill Rolla, Newburg, Lecdwood, Dixon 
and Crocker, Mo. Othere femmes in 
the St. Louis area who are scoring in 
the operation of flicker houses are 
Mrs. Grade Rodgers, Cairo, 111.; 
Lottie Wohl^rt. AlUmont, 111.; Ethel 
ivr.' Hogue. Brookport, 111.; Mrs. 
Alpha M. Hissy, Nashville, 111.; Mae 
P'-eston, Campbell, Mo.; Miss B. 
M -ntgomery, Chaffee, Mo.; Mrs. Roy 
H-inter, Cuba, Mo.; Mrs. Charles 
Goodnight, DeSoto, Mo.^ Mrs. C. W. 
Cannon, Elsberry, Mo.; Mrs. D. E. 
'Williams, who h;is houses in Her- 
mann, Owensville and Union. Mo.; 
Eara Muchneck, St. Louis; Pauline B. 
Ayers, Steelville, Mo., and Mrs. J. C. 
Shannon who owns and operates two 
houses in PortageviUe, Mo. 

Danz's 2d Femme Bfanager 

Seattle, Oct. 20. 

Sterling Chain (John Danz) has 
n second woman manager, Mabel 
Randolf, boss at the suburban 
Arabian. Lillian Saxe named manager 
et the West Seattle Granada theatre 
e few weeks ago was the first. 

Irving Barry resigned as booker 
for Hamrlck-Evergreen houses in 
Seattle, due to be Inducted into 
Army. Successor not yet announced. 

WB'i Jersey ShUta 

Passaic, N. J., Oct. 20. 

Transfers and promotions of man- 
agers in six Warner houses: 

Garrett Voorman, manager of the 
Montauk 14 years, succeeds Cameron 
Dooley, resigned, as manager of the 
Fabian, Paterson. William Weiss. 
'A'ho managed the Capitol for 13 
years, shifts to Montauk. Frank Halt, 
manager of Rivoli. Paterson, moves 
to Capitol. 

George Birkner, manager of Play 
house, Passaic, goes to Regent, Pat 
crson. Edward Molteni, Newark 
Regent manager, moves to Rivoli, 
Paterson. 



Dlpsan's Buflalo B.O. 

BuSailo, Oct. 20. 

Due to labor shortage, N. Y. state 
and Pennsylvania offices of Dipson 
Enterprises, comprising over 25 
houses, are being merged and movea 
to Buffalo. 

Third floor of Erlanger Theatre 
Buildint; (legit), a Dipson operation, 
is being remodeled with formal 
opening of the quarters due Nov. 1. 

Bill Soisman ScovUng Hoases 

Bill Sussman, until recently east- 
ern-Canadian division sales manager 
fur 20th-Fox, returned to New York 
during the past week from Florida 
where, it is said, be looked over the- 
atre properties he may acquire in 
association with bis uncle, Herman 
Sussman, who operates houses in 
We.<;tchester county, N. Y. 

The Sussmans recently opened 
nejiotiations for the acquisition of 
two theatres In Cumberland, Md. No 
deal has been closed so far. 



A. B. DIetz's Astor Pis 

A. R. Dietz. booker for Fox-Wis- 
consin circuit, headquartering at 
Milwaukee, has resigned, effective 
Oct. 31. to enter the independent 
distribution fleld. In association 
with Henri Elman, who owns the 
Capitol flim exchange in Chicago, he 
has obtained a franchise on Astor 
Pictures product for the St Louis, 
Kansas City and Milwaukee terri- 
tories. Astor specializes in reissues. 



L Scrap Drive 
C«BtlBiMd from page T i 'I 

all Mhlbs and theatre personnel. 

Frank Wes Huss, bead of the 
Greater Cincy Exhibitors' League, 
and Willis Vance, chairman of the 
Exhibitors' Forum, supervised the 
drive. 

The dailies and radio stations were 
generous with advance and follow- 
up publicity. 



412 Scrap Matinees 

Memphis, Oct 20. 

Plans for 412 'Scrap Matinees* in 
the Memphis film exchanges area 
were announced last week by J. F. 
Willlngham, Metro branch manager 
and district chairman of the indus- 
try's War Activities Committee. A 
piece of scrap will be the sole price 
of admission at each of these mati- 
nees. Willingham named Al Avery, 
RKO branch manager, to have full 
supervision of arrangements. 

Every theatre in this area, embrac- 
ing parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, 
Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and 
Louisiana, has been asked to give a 
Scrap Matinee,' with the distribs 
promising to furnish the full program 
without cost. 

Days will be picked in each locali- 
ty that are the most likely to draw 
large crowds, it was stated. 



Vic Bnnz Back In Harness 

Albany, N. Y., Oct. 20. 
Victor Bunz, who for years did an 
aerobatic-dancing-comedy act with 
his wife in vaudeville and who later 
ran the Ca.<;ino, Waterford, is back 
in harness as assistant manager of 
the Strand, Warners' top Albany 
house. Bunz. considered well-to-do, 
was not happy away from show busi- 
ness, Bccordipg to friends. He had 
been inactive for about a year after 
his lease on the Casino expired. 
Mitchell Conery, of Ravena, took the 
Casino when Bunz stepped out. 



New Carolina Opens 

. Charlotte. N. C., Oct. 20. 

Chapel Hill's new theatre, the 
Carolina, seating 1.I4S, opened Oct. 
15: E. Carrington Smith manager. 

The old Carolina, built in 1926. has 
been renamed the Villa Village, at 
V'hich only Pre-flight school Alms 
will be shown. The Pick theatre will 
continue uhder its present manager- 
ship. 



Metro's Denver ShUta 

Denver, Oct. 20. 

J. B. Micheletti, office manager for 
Metro, has been made a salesman, 
and will go on the road as soon as 
his successor is named. Micheletti 
suceeds Dan Foley, resigned to take 
selling job for UA in Atlanta. Ga, 

Edna Kelloff, managing the Ute at 
Aguilar, Colo., since her two broth' 
ers. Mitchell and George, have 
joined the Navy. 

Jean Gerbase, daughter of Gene 
Gerbase, Republic exchange man 
ager, made student booker at Metro 
exchange. Elise Schulte, secretary 
to Robt. Hill, Columbia exchange 
manager, promoted to assistant 
booker. 

William Gaines made poster clerk 
at Columbia, succeeding Elmer War- 
dell, who moves to Metro as shipper, 
succeeding Lynn Fetz, to the Navy. 

J. T. Sheffield, owner of the Repub 
lie-Sheffield exchanges, here for few 
days from his Seattle headquarters. 

Tommy Parr, 20th-Fox assistant 
shipper, to UA as shipper, succeed 
ing Owen Clough, to Coast Guard. 

Warner Bros, and National Screen 
signed contract with the Film Em- 
ployees Union covering their front 
office employees b^low head booker. 
Negotiations are said to be progress 
ing satisfactorily with other ex 
changes. 

C. V. Hoke, 20th-Fox exchange 
manager, to N. Y. for a few days. 

Hugh Rennie, 20th-Fox salesman 
recuperating from serious illness 
now seen on row daily. 



Geo. Hollander's L. A. ShiH 

Omaha, Oct. 20. 

George Hollander, 38 years an 
Omaha showman and for the past 
10 years manager of the Town 
(Goldberg) has resigned and leaves 
Oct. 26 for Los Angeles where he 
may make his future home. 

Hollander started with the old 
Krug theatre which played the big 
Shubert road attractions right after 
the turn of the century, then swung 
to Stair & Havlin melodramas, fol- 
lowed with burlesque and wound up 
with big sport shows bringing in 
wrestling and boxing celebrities. 
Hollander was also formerly treas- 
urer of the Omaha Auditorium, a 
city-operated house seating 6,000. 



Bennett Heads WB Clubs 

Martin F. Bennett, in charge of 
the sound and projection department 
at Warners' homeoffice, reelected 
president of the national Warner 
Club at the annual meeting held 
Saturday (VJ). Bernard Goodman, 



Tom Bailey Checks Into Hub 

San Francisco. Oct. 20. 

Tom H. Bailey, former district 
manager for 20th Century-Fox in 
Boston, checked in at RKO exchange 
here as salesman. A onetime man 
ager of the Paramount branch here, 
he left Frisco in 1927 to take over 
reins of Paramount's northeast dis- 
trict, at Boston, and later assumed 
same job for 20th. 

At request of Golden Gate thea 
tre. the Board of Supervisors here 
gave initial passage to a measure 
permitting vaudeville houses to ex 
hibit pictures for the one license fee 
provided for vaudeville theatres. 
Golden Gate, only local vaude-pix 
house, said that under existing regu- 
lations it had been requested to pay 
both the $300 a quarter for staging 
vaudeville and the $200 for operating 
a film theatre. 



Jacbn. Miss^ Apm Showkss On 
Sundays Due to Ancient I9ne Law 



'DANDY'S^ LONDON BOND 
PREEM NETS $3,500,000 



London, Oct. 20. 

British War Bond preem of 'Yan- 
kee Doodle Dandy' at the Warner 
theatre here last Thursday (15) 
night proved so successful it will 
be used by Warners at all future 
openings of the George M. Cohan 
picture in United Nations countries. 
The London preem patterned after 
the N. Y. and Hollywood openings of 
'Dandy.' was originated and super- 
vised by Max Milder, company's 
managing director in Great Britain. 
Approximately $3,500,000 In British 
war bonds and national war savings 
certificates were sold. 

Numerous banks and Insurance 
companies bought blocks of bonds 
and certificates amounting to 100,000 
to 200,000 pounds. Admission was 
strictly through the purchase of the 
bonds and certificates. Other firms 
bought large blocks and gave them 
to employees for meritorious . war 
service. 



Barn Dance's 6,004 Tons 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 

WLS National Barn Dance, whicli 
has been playing theatre dates in 
Danville, with 100 pounds of scrap 
metal and rubber as individual ad- 
mission, played to 9,242 people. 

Over 5.000 tons of scrap was col- 
lected and sold at a half-cent a pound, 
netting $4,400. which was turned over 
to the local USO. 



Monrnful Dirge 

Elyria; O., Oct. 20. 
A $1,000 pipe organ in the Capitol, 
Elyria, O., originally installed at a 
cost of $25,000, has l>een donated to 
the city's metal scrap collection by 
the theatre management. Installed 
in 1926, the organ was played until 
the advent of talking pictures, and 
has not been used since 1931. M. H 
Greenwald. manager, said it con- 
tained various metals valuable to the 
war effort, and since it no longer 
makes music for Americans, it might 
be used to play a mournful tune for 
the enemy. 



Warshauer at Metro 



Hollywood, Oct 20. 

Allen Warshauer, who recently 
resigned as manager of th^ Para- 
mount theatre in San Francisco, 
moved into Metro as aide to Frank 
Whitbeck, chief of the studio ad- 
vertising department 

Warshauer will function as spe- 
cial contact with Fox-West Coast 
first runs in this district, hypoing 
publicity and exploitation. 



Pola Negri 

S Continued from page 2 Bi 

grams, cables, physician fees, post- 
age, telephone calls, and for goods 
delivered to Miss Negri C.O.D. 

In an examination in supple- 
mentary proceedings Miss Negri told 
the attorneys for the hotel that she 
arrived here from France in Au- 
gust, 1941, and that while she had 
some real estate in Paris and 
Switzerland the property was 
'frozen' and that she could realize 
no cash on any of it 

She said that the last picture she 
made was in Berlin in 1938 for UFA 
and that since then she hadn't made 
'one cent.' She had no cash, no 
jewels or furniture, she told the at- 
torneys and gave her present address 
as 995 Fifth avenue. „ 

Justice Louis A. Valente reserved 
decision on the hotel's motion for 
the attachment 

The actress i.s also being sued in 
supreme court by the ' estate of the 
late Col. Howard Thayer Kings- 
bury, an attorney, on a promissory 
note for $5,000 which she made out 
to him in California on Sept. 14, 
1934, and which matured 90 days 
thereafter, but on which, according 
to the complaint, no paympnt has 
been made. 

The executors of the estate en 
tered a Judgment against Miss Negri 
for $7,277.95, representing the prin- 
cipal, interest and court costfc 

Hattie Carnegie, Inc., the coutu 
rieres, is also dunning Miss Negri 
for $1,705.30. according to a judg- 
ment filed in city court, represent- 
ing unpaid balance of a bill for $2,' 
077.45 for apparel sold the actress 
between July 8, 1932, and Jan. 3, 
1933. The list of purchases ran 
from $10 handkerchiefs to white 
satin dresses at $425 each as well 
as a 'two-piece chiffon lace chemi.se 
and pants for $55.' The judgment 
was filed la.st December, but the 
records do not show that it has been 
.sali.sfled. 



CIRCUS. RADIO 
BOYSTOBALLY 
FOR20TH-FOX 



Men of circus or legit experience 
are being rounded up by 20th-Fox 
for exploitation spots. Al Butler, con- 
tact agent of the Ringling circus, has 
been signed up together with Frank 
Braden who has been with the Big 
Top for many years. Butler joins 
20th next week while Braden comes 
in two weeks later, 

Ned Alvofd, veteran press agent 
in the legit field, who has been In 
advance of Shubert shows, has 
already joined and is in the midwest 
for 20th. 

Gil Boag, also of legit and night 
clubs, is In Montreal for 20th in 
charge of exploitation from that 
point. 

Edith Prigosky, formerly at United 
Artists, has joined 20th as assistant 
to Leslie Whelan, head of foreign 
ad -publicity. 

Radio Plugging Setup 
Hal. Home, 20th-Fox ad-publicity 
chief, announced an expansion of 
the company's radio department last 
week, naming Robert Montgomery 
and 'Ted Lloyd to divide responsi' 
bilities for the expanded depart- 
ment. In handling their separate 
units, Montgomery and Lloyd will 
cover all .sorts of radio production 
tieups for pre-release engagements, 
special programs for first-run . ex 
hibilors and national niusic tieups 
for records and cheet music on tunes 
in 20th-Fox films. 

Lloyd will concentrate on radio 
and commercial tieups In the east, 
and on personal appearances of fllm 
stars coming east for preems and 
patriotic drives. Montgomery will 
be in charge of all radio activity 
designed for exhibitor service, espe 
cially when keyed to first-run en 
gagements. He also will aid cam' 
paigns of first-run exhibitors and 
have charge of music exploitation. 
Myra Miller, previoasly as.sistant 
to Irving Kahh, will assist him. 



VAUDEFUYORSN.Y. 
PREEM OF m GAL' 



A tricky campaign has been 
worked out for the opening of 'For 
Me and My Gal' at Ihe Astor, N. Y., 
today (Wednesday), with the accent 
strongly on vaudeville flavor and 
talent that has come up from, or at 
some time or other appeared in the 
two-or-more-a-day. 

Metro has Invited all the vaude- 
vllllans of the present or past it 
can dig up to attend a special per 
formance that will begin shortly 
after midnight, following a midnight 
community sing to be sta^d In 
Times Square, The public will be 
Invited to chime in with the vaude 
ville folk who are expected to be on 
hand for the stunt. A similar song 
fest is planned for other cities. 

The community sings in all towns 



Memphis, Oct 20, 
Jackson, state capital of Missis- 
sippi, is again showless on Sundays 
as the fight over the state's 120-year> 
old Sabbath blue laws flares 'anew. 

Believed won several months ago 
when county courts heeded wishes 
of a determined citizenry and re- 
fused to convict management of the 
Kennington-Saenger circuit for Sun- 
day operation, the struggle flared 
anew the past week as a -group of 
church leaders succeeded in gaining 
a contrary decision in a h>«!her trib- 
unal, the state circuit court. ^ 

At the time of the previous ruling 
by a magistrate, the Jackson police 
chief declared that thereafter all 
Jackson theatres would be permitted 
to operate on Sundays without mo- 
lestation. That was thought to be 
that, at the time, and Mississippi lib- 
erals heaved a long sigh of relief. 

But a self-styled 'Citizens' Com- 
mittee' of church workers, descend- 
ing upon District Attorney Hbgh 
Gillespie, forced action in the state 
court on quo warranto prq^edings, 
demanding that the franchise of the 
Kennington-Saenger enterprises b« 
revoked altogether because of their 
seven-dnr operations at the Para- 
mount, Majestic Century and Buck 
theatres, all- in Jackson. 

At the hearing last Thursday 
(19). Judge J. F. Barbour ruled that 
the Sunday operation is still a vio- 
lation of the state's ancient statute, 
cancelled the Kennington-Saenger 
franclilses Insofar as any Sunday 
opening is concerned, though declin- 
ing to throw out the franchises for 
the balanca of the week. 

In opposing the closure order, 
counsel for the pix interests pointed 
out for the umptieth time that the 
statute also prohibits such Sunday 
operations as filling stations, fruit 
stands, golf courses, drugstores, flor- 
ists, baseball, etp., all of which are 
permitted to flourish without inter- 
ference. Judge -Barbour said, how- 
ever, that other violations were not 
being brought to his attention and 
that he could rule only on the flbn 
matter under the law which the 
state legislature had come so close 
to repealing in three different tries 
during the January-April session, re- 
i'-i I'Hvocates basing their appeal 
primarily on the need for entertain- 
ment for thousands of soldiers train- 
ing in the Jackson area.. 

All four of the circuit houses im- 
mediately affected by the court's 
ruling are expected to abide by the 
order, although it was announced 
that an appeal will be taken to the 
State Supreme court. There, for the 
flrst time in years, the question of 
Sunday Blue Laws will bie thrashed 
out 

Indications are that the independ- 
ent houses in Jacluon will also close 
on Sundays pending this higher 
court settlement. Virtually every 
theatre In the city had been operat- 
ing- throughout the summer and fall 
on the strength of the temporary 
victory In the county court. 



Petition for Sunday Pix 
During Non-Church Hrs. 

KnoxvUle, Tenn., Oct. 20. 
A committee representing the 
church, theatres, grocery stores, city 
council and the public is studying 
the proposal to permit showing of 
films here during non-church hours 
Sundays. 

The city's Blue Law which would 
close everything on the Sabbath has 
been repealed after more than 79 
years, birt a special enabling ordi- 
nance Is necessary for Sunday pix. 

The Central Labor Union-AFL 
obtained more than 19,000 signers to 
a petition asking Sunday movies, 
largest petition roll^in history. 



played by Tor Me and My Gal' will 
be sponsored by the National YMCA, 
In view of the fact Judy Garland 
Is spotted In the fllm as a YMCA 
cantieen worker who tours the bat- 
tlefields and leads the soldiers in 
group singing. John R. Jones, one 
of the YMCA sing leaders, will be 
on hand tonight (Wed.) in Times 
Square to conduct the vocalistlcs. 

A special preview of the ■ picture 
was held last night (Tuesday) for 
the benefit of the New York Infirm- 
ary for Women and Children. Price 
of tickets was $1.10, though in many 
cases contributions over this amount 
were made. 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



I 



19 






Orpheum, Montreal 



Loew's State, Norfolk 



^ Loew's Century, Baltimore 




Atlanta, as picture moves 
over from Loew's Grand 
to the Rhodes I 



Tilt WAti 



4 



fir- 

5'' 



mmc SANDEste :>*(BEfr; ;<iARSHAl 



10 nfTERNATIONAL 



llartla's Plae*, TrBfUBWHqur* 



IB-min. Pix Sent By U.S. Industry 
To Yank Troops in Aussie Hailed 
By Cowan As Big Morale Factor 



Sydney, Oct. 13. 

The greatest goodwill gesture 
towards the American armed forces 
in Australia made by the U. S. film 
Industry was sending a supply of 16- 
niiUimcter pictures to this zone, ac- 
cording to Major Lynn Cowan, 
former American vaudevillian but 
now morale officer with General 
Douglas MacArthur's troops here. 
Cowan was emphatic in saying that 
these pictures are one of the biggest 
factors in building morale. 

American Army's cinema loop, 
under Cowan's direction, now plays 
every camp. Often the pictures are 
shown outdoors within the sound of 
Jap planes and their own anti-air- 
craft Are. 

The American industry several 
months ago made the arrangement 
whereby a steady flow of new prod- 
uct in 16-m.m. could be offered gratis 
to the U. S. armed forces. 

Cowan has scripted a revue cover- 
ing 28 scenes. He will use all soldier 
talent from available Yankee vaude- 
ville, radio and band names available 
in this area. He is dickering for a 
Sydney legit theatre via William- 
Gon-Tait and Dave Martin. After Its 
run in the city, the show will play 
the entire U. S. camp circuit. 



Off iciak At Odds 
On Film Policies 
Under BriL Setup 



Ex-Mgr. for WB in Japan 
Freed From Ellis Island 

Michael Shathin. formerly War- 
ners manager in Japan, has finally 
secured his release from. Ellis Is- 
laad. Although he arrived in N. Y. 
more than six weeks ago on the 
Gripsholm, several of his necessary 
entrance papers were missing. 

The Japs took some valuable pa- 
pers stating his citizenship, etc., 
when he was interned in Tokyo. 



A.C. 'Saved 

Continued from paie 



□ 



completion of the organization rot- 
ter, fully a score of theatre opera- 
tors, night club proprietors, amuse- 
ment pier executives and other 
entertainment men are expected to 
t>e included. 

Businessmen feel that Atlantic 
City can maintain its reputation and 
facilities as a vacation spot while 
still supporting air force trainees, 
providing non-political action is im- 
mediately taken, the organizers say. 
They point out that the city still has 
over 450 side avenue hotels since 
Army pre-emption of its Boardwalk 
spas, and that only those beachfront 
entertainment spots needed by the 
Air Forces for space requirements 
have been usurped. 



ANZAC THEATRE 
BIZ 2S4((fo OFF 
VIA NEW TAX 



B. A. PICTURE BIZ OFF; 
KISSED BRIDE' $7,000 



British o^cials, handling the gov- 
ernment's film setup In England, and 
picture Industry heads on the other 
side are reportedly at odds over 
current production and distribution 
policies. Criticism of soma of the 
Alms made under aegis of offlcial 
departmental direction has been 
openly voiced. 

Opinion within British Aim trade 
eircles Is inclined to favor the se- 
lection of more talented manpower 
for important positions In the gov- 
ernment's production units. 

Sir Alexander Korda has been 
mentioned in this connection but 
such appointment has not material- 
ized. Korda's standing would call 
for a spot of prime importance and 
whether government of&cials guid- 
ing Aim activities would be willing 
to allow a producer to introduce re- 
vamped method.s has l>een ques- 
tioned. 

Picture men in England, as in the 
U. S.. have however failed to take 
into account the problems confront- 
ing film Coordinators in establishing 
a feeling of confidence between the 
Kovernmenl and the film industry. 
Government officials have not yet 
shown themselves disposed to recog- 
nize pictures as the powerful propa- 
ganda adjunct of modern warfare 
which film men consider it. 



Sydney, Oct. 13. 
Motion picture theatre business 
dipped 25<:c-40';c during the first 
week's operation of the government's 
new entertainment lax. One direct 
result of the Australian thciitre tax 
is that the public is shopping for 
outstanding pictures. Top clicks cur- 
rently are 'Mrs. Miniver,' sensational 
everywhere: 'Eagle Squadron.' 'Sgt. 
York' and 'Ride 'Em Cowboy.' 

Hoyts circuit may experiment by 
having one house in key cities run 
five shows daily in place of the usual 
four. The Aussie government may 
revise the tax scale if it proves too 
high, or so high that it defeats the 
money-raising purpose of the meas 
ure. The government Ls seeking 
$12,000,000 annually from Anzac 
motion picture theatres. 

There also is a possibility that 
different circuits will agree to lower 
admission prices in hopes of making 
cinema attendance stronger. The 
public is accustomed to paying five 
shillings (80c) for the best seat in 
city spots on Saturdays' and now this 
same seat costs seven shillings or 
about $1.12 at the present rate of ex- 
change. 



Eddie Cantor 

Contlnaed from page 1 

Steve Early (F. D. R.'s secretary) 



U. S. Distribs Face New Difficulties 
In Argentina; Odier Forep Headaches 



Chinese Thei^ For 

Occidentals in Mex 

Mexico City, Oct. 20. 

Ah Fung Ho, Chinese theatrical 
Impressario who has had experience 
in the U.S. and elsewhere abroad, Is 
readying something new In the way 
of stage fare, a Chinese theatre 
slanted for Occidentals. 

Venture is to make a start soon in 
the historic Teatro Hidalgo, which 
Is government-owned and has been 
used as a vehicle for oflieial propa- 
ganda in the form of stage dramas 
and pix. 



LINK ANTAGONISM TO 
JOUVET TO B. A. HRE 



Buenos Aires, Oct. 1. 

Possibility that flre which badly 
damaged the Teatro Ataneo here 
may have l>een started as a protest 
against performances by Vichy 
French actor Louis Jouvet is now 
being investigated by Federal 
authorities. 

House, opened in April, 1925, for 
the last couple of weeks has been 
running Jouvet's French repertoire. 
Jouvet has been charged in the local 
pro-democratic press with being a 
leading fifth columnist out to plug 
Vichy and the Axis here. Munici- 
pality not long ago was all set to 
subsidize him to the tune of 10,000 
pesos but backed down because of 
the storm of comment by press and 
theatre organizations that Jouvet's 
alleged anti-democratic sympathies 
were well known. 

Company has been doing fairly 
good biz despite the allegations, with 
carriacc trade which speaks French 
particularly in evidence. 



enclosing a column from the Balti 
more Sun (expressing Cantor's sen 
timents on the subject). I asked 
Early to take it up with the Presi- 
dent. I feel in my heart that if. in 
ope of his future talks, he (Roose- 
velt) makes mention of this all-im- 
portant factor, so necessary for the 
home front, that you will hear no 
more, 'Why aren't you in uniform?' " 
Cantor's plea to the White House 
is in line with a growing problem in 
show biz that has even manifested 
itself in a couple of instances with 
USO'Camp Shows, Inc., units. 
Younger perfurmers. regardles<i of 
their name .<^ture. have been 
heckled by soldiers, sailors and de- 
fense workers with 'why aren't you 
in uniform?' Most of the actors are 
family men. but they have no way of 
imparting that to their audiences. 

It's frequently been stated by 
U. S. officials that the man-behind- 
the-man-bchind-the-gun is of vital 
importance to the war efTort. but as 
yet the Government has made no 
effort to clarify the status of those 
actors who can )>e more useful where 
they are. 

Why Maestro* Bom Up 
Problem facing many bandleaders 
today is exemplified by an Incident 
involving Benny Goodman at the 
New Yorker hotel, N. Y.. last week. 
Leader was approached by a fan for 
an autograph and after it was eiven 
the young recipient said, 'Mr. Good- 
man, when are you going into the 
Army?" Goodman simply stared and 
asked, 'When are you?' 

Many leaders take such things to 
heart, and the con.'^tant repetition of 
similar remarks is behind the en- 
listment of some of the leaders who 
recently have gone into ser\'icc. 
Goodm.in i.« in a 4-F clsissincjilion 
due to a b.-id bark. 



Buenos Aires, Oct, 16. 
B. A. Arat-tiin grosses were again 
off last week and exodus of crowds 
for weekend sport out of town seems 
likely to cripple the take even more. 
To the Shores of Tripoli' (20th), 
which brought 16,000 pesos (over 
$4,000 to the Ocean, was disappoint- 
ing, and the only decent business 
registered during the week was 
They All Kissed the Bride,' which 
rated 28,000 ($7,000). 

Other estimates, all given in Ar- 
gentine pesos, currently at about 27c 
U. S., follow: 

Ambassador (Lauturct & Cavallo) 
(1,400; 2.50; 2.00). 'They All Kissed 
the Bride' (Col). Neat 28.000. Last 
week, 'Man Who Seeks the Truth' 
(French made), fair 9.000 on split 
third week. 

Ideal (Lococo) O70: 3.0O; 2.50). 
Eagle Squadron' (U). Weak 9,000 for 
third stanza, but holding. Last week, 
offish 12,000 following strong double 
opener which brought 20,000 to this 
house. 

Rex (Cordero, Cnvallo ti Lauta- 
ret) (3,305; 2.50; 2.00). Ship Ahoy* 
(M-G). 20.000 is givini; this one a 
break. Last week, 'Nazi Agent' 
(M-G) did about the same. Musicals 
and U. S. name bands don't interest 
local audience over much. 

Ocean (Coll, Gatti & Cia.) (2.800; 
2.00; 1.50). 'To the Shores of Tripoli' 
(20th). Fair 16.000. Last week 
'Dangerous Moonlight" (RKO). .so-so 
18.000. 

Opera (Lococo) (2.400; 2.50; 2.00). 
Take a Letter, Darling' (Par). Neat 
21,000 for the second week after a 
smash 35,000 on the oiicncr. Carmen 
Salazar stage show also helped. 

Normandle (Lococo) (1.400; 2.00; 
1.50). 'What's Cookin' (U). Indif- 
ferent 10,000. Last week. 'Mister V 
(UA), neat 14.000 for first week of 
pop-priced run. 

Monumental (Coll. Gatti & Cia.) 
(1,300; 2.00; 1.50). 'Incertidumbre' 
('Uncertainty') (Sono Film, Arg. 
made). Strong 14,000 and due for a 
holdover. Last week, 'Manana Me 
Suicido' (Lumiton, Arg. made), lusty 
15,000, exception for this national 
comedy. 

Broadway (Lautaret <c Cavallo) 
(2.8«3; 2.00: 1.50). 'CourUhip of 
Andy Hardy* and "We Were Dancing' 
(M-G). Disappointing 10.000 for this 
pair. Unusual in view of sock busi- 
ness o^ previous parties. Last week, 
'Ven. Mi Corazon Te Llama' (Lumi- 
ton. Arg. made), strong holdover for 
14,000 on second week. 

Snipscba (Lococo) '950; 3.00; 
2.50). 'Chaplin Festival' (Guaran- 
teed Picts). Still the surprise of the 
downtowners with a nifty 15.000 for 
second week. Last week, 20,000. 



TRINDER STARS 
IN LONDON 
REVUE 



London, Oct. 1. 
After many ins and outs, George 
Black has finally prevailed upon 
"Tommy Trinder to star in new Pal- 
ladium show, for which rehearsals 
start Oct. 19. Current Palladium 
revue, 'Gangway,' clo.-ies 0*t. 17, 
with new one skeddcd to open 
Oct. 26. 

Lineup, besides Trinder, comprises 
Jackley and Clifford, provincial 
comics making their debut in West 
End; Rawicz and Landauer; The 
Cairolis, continental clowns, who 
made big hit in current Hippodrome 
show, "Get a Load of This'; Lamar 
and Rosita. ballroom dancers, held 
over from present Palladium show; 
Zoe Gail. African soubret. and Eddy 
Ready. American, who was oriRinally 
with -Hibbcrt & Bird <ict now in 
.\nicrica. 

'Lot'.-; Face II.' originally owned 
by Tom Arnold and Jack Waller, 
with both haviiifj been bought out 
by George Black, is destined for 
London Hippodrome, replacing 'Get 
a Load of This.' which, though in 
it,<; 44lh week, is still packing "em 
in. finally folds middle of Novem- 
ber, with 'Face It' due to replace 
Nov. 18. 

Latter is being recast, with Jack 
Stanford and David Hutcheson, just 
discharged from the navy, already 
substituted. Among those definitely 
staying are Bobby Howes. Pat Kirk- 
wood and Joyce Barbour. 



Latest io the string of new prob- 
lems confronting major film com- 
pany foreign managers has devel- 
oped In Argentina, which has held 
up all U, S, film shipment on Ar- 
gentine boats. No explanation given 
thtu far, but forelffi departments 
fear It results from pressure exerted 
by the German government. 

Argentina has been tough on all 
American plcttires, criticizing the 
Nazi regime,^ apparently leaning 
backwards in Its neutrality stand. 

Other problems facing foreign sales 
chiefs recently were discussed at the 
Hays office. While some progress 
was reported on shipping priorities, 
especially to the Latin-Americans, 
there were new threats to foreign 
business in other Latin-American 
countries. Colombia would force 
U. S. distributor^ to use only native 
workers in the exchanges. Mexico 
is kicking up a fuss over the han- 
dling of advertising. 

South Africa also is cracking 
down on ad matter, insisting that 
American distributors halt ship- 
ments of advertising Into that ter- 
ritory. Teddy Carr, United ' Artists 
managing director in Great Britain 
explaining btisiness in Britain, 
stressed the manpower shortage 
there. 

Foreign managers have brei\ 
tipped that the Unoccupied France 
officials have banned shipntents 
across France to U. S. distribs. The 
matter is being handled by the U. S. 
State Department. If an' official 
edict is in effect, it will be pro- 
tested liecause if shipments are not 
allowed through France, American 
distributors will lose t^eir market in 
Switzerland. Distributors have been 
shipping prints regularly to Swi.vs 
exhibs by this route. 

Distribution of U. S. films in Un- 
occupied France is supposed to ce;ise 
by the end of this year by edict of 
the Vichy government Situation 
there is said to be tense, with the 
edict against shipping to Switzer- 
land as part of the setup. Some of ' 
U. S. films were ordered out on Oct. 
15; others, will be on Nov. 15, with 
last of. December .set as the final 
withdrawal of American distribution. 



c 



Bob Hope 

Contlnned from pa(e 1 



Tnrst' London 
Ticket Agency 
Returns to Biz 



'Father' 

ContlBued from pate I 



the basis of the sock biz t>eing done 
by 'My Sister Eileen,' current Col 
release, but the Oscar Berlin terms 
are called 'ridiculous' by the film 
head. 'We would have to gross $8,- 
000,000 to break even und«r Berlin's 
terms,' says Cohn. 

Cohn is also dickering with A] 
Woods for a new play, and l<< like- 
wise interested in 'Eve of St. Mark,' 
negotiations being handled for him 
via Max Gordon, who produced 'My 
Si.'iter Eileen' in .stage and film form. 

'Eileen' is topping all Columbia 
records at the boxoffice with Cohn 
attributing much of this to the fact 
that the legit road troupes played 
and replayed almo.st every legit 
house in the country. He feels that 
since 'Life' has also had exceptional 
ro;i(l showings it can be just as big a 
click ns n lllm. 



a heart-to-heart chat will serve the 
same purpose. 

Seek Coast Bcpsratlen 

Helen Menken, representing the 
American Theatre Wing, and Roger 
White, representing Corn Products, 
which sponsors the Stage Door Can- 
teen program on CBS, are due on the 
Cpast this weekend to make de- 
mands for the cessation of broadcasts 
from the Coast site. 

Value of the sponsor tieup with 
the N. Y. Canteen is reporte<lly im- 
paired by the Coast airshow using 
the Hollywood Canteen as an origin- 
ation point and paying for the privi- 
lege. 

N. Y. Canteen chiefs are also 
steaming over the 'filching' of their 
■busboy' and 'angel table' features by 
the Coast crew who deny any idea of 
pirating and clainT that the name and 
table designations were arrived at 
by consulting a dictionary. « 

Entire muddle will probably be 
solved by the sponsor of the New 
York show. Corn Products, arrang 
ing to originate some of its Stage 
Door Canteen programs from the 
Hollywood Canteen. 



Korda May Produce 



London, Oct. 8. 

First of London's ticket agencies, 
Ashton & Mitchell after an absence 
of 13 years, has resumed businr.'.'s. 
The firm was started by William 
Sams, who, at the end of the 18th 
centtiry, had a book shop in the 
West End, forerunner of the modern 
lend' libraries, "where one could buy 
or borrow books. When Sam.s' tilled 
patrons began to ask him to get them 
places at the opera or the thenlre 
he decided to cash in on this dcmnnd. 

After John Mitchell joined Sams 
in 1806 the business moved tn 33. 
Old Bond Street, where the booking 
of theatre tickets and the provision 
of bands for dancing and artists for 
high class after-theatre music rap- 
idly led to the disappearance of 
books from their shelves. But- the 
name 'library' still , stuck, and from 
that day to this all the rival con- 
cerns have called themselves 'libra- 
ries.' The revived company is re- 
suming at the old stand on Bond 
street. 

George Ashton, who joined Mit- 
chell in 1872, was the outstan.'linK 
figure in the business. Whenever 
King Edward VII and. later. King 
George V, attended a theatre it was 
Ashton who arranged it and. by 
Royal Command, was in attendance. 
In 1901, when the office of the Miis- 
ter of the Buckhounds was abolished 
at courtj Ashton became the sole 
agent for the issue of badges for the 



Pair fnr Two C\k\t^ ""^ 

rair lur IWO values Royal Enclosure at Ascot, a preroKO- 



London, Oct. 13. 
Sir Alexander Korda is reported 
to be in conferences with Major Bas- 
soon, head of Two Cities Films, to 
produce two pictures. 

Korda originally was scheduled to 
leave by this time for ihe U. 3. 



five now in the hands of Lord Gif- 
ford, present chairman of Ashlon 
& Mitchell. 

Contemporary records have lillle 
to tell of Sams, but for years Ashlon 
was a never-to-be-foi'Kotltn .-ifiht at 
every London first night. 



Wedneaday. October 21, 1941 f^ GilEfr 21 



YOU TELL m, 
TRADE CRITIC 

WFRE BUSY 

wm m 

BOOKING 





leave*' 



top «>»^JlJrt ceisw* *P jf^cv McG»*^,5niin» » 



Drown ""o-,- and ***'^medy 



those i»Bl~:r Jl-tin* *»*«»^';^dv to ** 



-Tc- d,n(.l« 9^ 



film Daily . . . 

"A solid load of entertainment 
that should please filmgoifers in a 
big way." 

Box Office . . . 

"This is really somethin'and can't 
miss at the biox office." 

Hollywood Reporter . . . 

"Will coin a fortune in the theatres 
that play it." 

(hvoieifs Tiraife Review . . . 
"Op^t let your competitor get this 
|lliure away from you because it's 
a hit comedy and laugh riot... Will 
pay off in much box-office coin." 

ollywooJ Voriety . . . 
^ "A nioney entry to please all con* 
cemed...it's in the entertainment 
groove." 

The Exhibitor • . . 

"Has names and radio angies...new 
twists will sell it to better returns." 

M. P. HeraU ... 

"Romance, comedy and music . . . 
from box office standpoint proba- 
bly will be highly successful." 



J 



the r-- , 
-Court 01 



lActor Jducltte 

MATURE * BAIL 

mm iMin msm 
mytBiBiwMmmr 



^^^^^^^ 



* 1 



'^«e«l and OfrtcM by TIM WHiUN 

623? areas aw-?sa"a 



wk,«lf *heje fop enferfo/nmenf and rad/o nomet 

THt fi^EAT GILDERSLEEVE (HAROLB PEARY) 
M4PY CORTES ^ ilNNY SIMMS WREDDY 
MARTIN .K. * lEl BROWN .» * PETER 
UNO HAYES^ MARCY McGUIRE « THE COURT OF 
MISSIIG HEIRS" * TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES" 
ARNOLD STANG * LYNN. ROYCE AND VANYA 



22 



Wednesdaj, Uctober 21, 1942 



Inside Stuff-Pictures 



Major Robert S. Sparks, World War 1 veteran and former director lor 
Columbia Pictures, and Lieut. Louis Hayward, also from Hollywood, were 
listed among the officers of the Marine Corps Photographic Section at 
Quantico, Va., by Major Wallace M. Nelson, in charge of photographic 
activities for the Marines, during an interview with Joan Harding over 
the Blue web Oct. 18. These two, whom Major Nelson identified as hus- 
bands of Penny Singleton and Ida Lupino, respectively, and another erst- 
while Hollywood director are included in the 16 officers, who, with 65 
enlisted men, comprise the shutter contingent at Quantico where all 
Marine Corps photographers go for one or two weeks of special training 
if they are professionals, and for eight weeks M they are not. A map- 
reproduction school is located at a Marine base in North Carolina. 

Major Nelson eniphasized that all Marine photographers undergo com- 
bat training before reporting to the camera section at Quantico. He 
declared: 'A Marine combat photographer must be able to fight.' The 
lensmen carry some war-making material — hand grenades, for instance. 
During a battle, he said, they take pictures 'if they have a chance,' but 
their main job once the scrap starts, is to flght. 



Theatre Seats Replace 
Store Shelves Oat West 



Bishop John Mark Gannon, of Erie, Pa., Episcopal chairman of the 
National Catholic Welfare Council Press Department, in an article written 
for its News Service to report on a month's visit to Brazil, mentioned 
among the factors which made him 'conscious the score between Brazil 
and the United States was against us' was American motion pictures. This 
is first on his list. , Stated Bishop Gannon, in a story front-paged by Cath- 
olic papers: 'Our ixiotion picture magnates fiave built in Brazil luxurious 
theatres where many American films bordering on indecency, with themes 
having to do with gangsterism and questionable morals, have nightly been 
displayed.' 



Insiders in political circles are giving the motion picture industry a big 
hand for its part in remarkable showing Tennessee made in September 
In War Bond sales. State, though far from the top bracket among the 
wealthy commonwealths of the union, ranked fifth in the nation in war 
bonds sold during September, and it is believed the film industry's spon- 
sorship of the drive for the month had much to do with this amazing 
record announced by the Treasury Department in -Washington. 

State disposed of $10,785,000 in bonds for September, exceeding its $8,- 
£50,000 quoU by $2,500,000. 



Metro has coupled 'Cairo' and 'Apache Trail' as a package for double- 
bill houses and is booking the two together with its accounts, meantime 
selling it as 'the perfect pair'. Company is getting out a new set of press- 
books and other selling matter in line with the teaming of the two films. 

In a couple dates on the Coast, Metro paired the pictures and sold them 
on the strength of 16 stars in one show, trying to make it appear in ads 
and otherwise that the bill consisted of one picture rather than two. 



The Levin Family Tree, including 260 cousins, whose endowments in- 
clude hospitals and various charities, has erected a large granite monu- 
ment to perpetuate the memory of their first leader, Sophie Levin. J. H. 
Levin, in charge of the Copyright Protection Bureau of the Hays or- 
ganization, Is a member of the Levin Family Tree, founded 75 years ago. 



Ted Collins^Kate Smith 
Wind Up Their Shorts 
For CoL With 2d Subject 

Ted Collins last week revoked his 
previous voiding of his pact with 
Columbia Pictures for the 'America 
Sings With Kate Smith' series of 
Ehorts. Contract called tor two 
shorts and options on another 10 
within one year, all profits to the 
VSO. First short was finished early 
this stmmier and clicked, the USO 
slated to net about $30,000. Conse- 
quently, when Collins ignored the 
July 19 starting date tor the second 
Kate Smith briefie, without any 
reason, the Col execs were puzzled. 

Understood that Collins wasn't 
enthusiastic about the first of the 
series, despite the good press. With 
the series strictly a patriotic gesture, 
ell profits going to USO, Columbia 
was not willing to go into litigation 
over the contract and had ap- 
proached other names as replace- 
ments. 

However, late last week, Collins 
did an about-face and the deal Is on 
again. Bob Tapllnger, Columbia 
press exec who conceived the idea, 
pulled into town and huddled with 
the singer, whom he publicized many 
years ago, and her manager. The 
VSO also didn't relish the idea of 
losing a possible total of $250,000. A' 
third factor was the various ofTlcial 
propaganda and public relations 
bureaus which okayed the short as 
a prime example of good propa- 
ganda. (The short was shipped over- 
seas for troop showings on 16 mm. 
film). 

.'liss Smith will probably wash up 
the pact after the second short, 
which goes into production within 
two weeks, with Columbia's appro- 
val. Balance of the series will use 
name singers and choral groups, 
with the talent taking billing after 
the 'American Sings With' portion of 
the title. 



CoL's Chi Regional 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Columbia regional meeting to dis- 
cuss advance plans for presenting 
company product, will be held at 
the Drake hotel Nov. 12-13. 

Jerry Saffron, western division 
manager, and Abe Montague, gen- 
eral sales manager, as well as rep- 
resentatives from regional offices, 
will be present 



Chaplin 

Contiiiaed from page 3 



that if we are to pay for this war 
with bI6od and tears, if our children 
are to have life and liberty, then I 
and every man and woman must 
speak from heart and mind — whether 
the columnists, or the fifth column- 
ists like It or not.' 

Not Afraid of Pans 
Among other remarks made by 
Chaplin at that iheeting were, 'I 
think recognize the voices that 
don't want a second front. We rec- 
ognize them in the N. Y. Daily News, 
we recognize them throughout a cer- 
tain press. I won't mention all their 
names, but it is not because I am 
afraid they will pan my future pic- 
tures.' 

He was Introduced by Orson 
Welles who came on the stage just 
before Chaplin, made a few brief 
remarlu and then sat down. Other 
speakers were Sam Jaffe, actor and 
chairman of the committee; Max 
Yergan, chairman of the National 
Negro Congress; Jan Struther, novel- 
ist and authoress of 'Mrs. Miniver'; 
Carl Van Doren, biographer; Lillian 
Helman, I. P. Stone and Joris Ivens, 
latter being the Dutch maker of 
documentaries. 

Also on the roster were Bockwell 
Kent^ the artist, who quipped what 
Marshal Tlmoshenko might say to 
the United States and England 
(paraphrasing what President Lin- 
coln once wrote to General McClel- 
lan during the Civil War), 'Dear 
General, If you're not using your 
army this winter, please lend it to 
me.' 

Norman Corwin, the radio pro- 
ducer, was piped in from London via 
the BBC. He was heard io' a five 
minute talk about present conditions 
in England and mentioned that top 
performers in England are giving 
daily cuifo concerts for workers at 
the National Museum in London. In 
mentioning the new Noel Coward 
show in London, Corwin said, 
"Coward borrowed heavily from the 
technique of Orson Welles.' 

Joe Julian, radio actor just back 
from England where he narrated the 
Norman Corwin series about England 
aired over CBS, read a roll call of 
honor of the artists killed by fascism 
for the outstanding dramatic event 
of the evening. 

Another dramatic highlight was 
the playing, by Margaret Webster, 
Selena Royle and Hester Sonder- 
gaard of the 'My Brother Lives In 
Stalingrad' skit, written by Sandra 
Michael, and heard on the Kate 
Smith program the previous week. 



Los Angeles, Oct. 20. 

What once was a super-market in 
Lompoc, Cal., is going to be an 800- 
seat film house, slated for opening 
before Thanksgiving Day. 

Earl Calvert, operator in that 
neighborhood, bought the market 
when it went out of business last fall 
and ordered aU the equipment for 
a theatre before the priorities went 
into effect. Rebuilding starts next 
week, with the approval of the War 
Production Board. 

Ebes* Resentment 
Continued from page S —J 

months half a dozen pix have come 
in above the regular scale. 'Reap 
the Wild Wind' started the recent in- 
flux of them, then right on its heels 
'Eagle Squadron,' Tales of Manhat- 
tan,' 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' and now 
'Pride of the Yankes.' Fulton had 
'Squadron,' and it was the first time 
in house's history, outside of road^ 
show 'Fantasia,' that theatre veered 
from usual scale, and same was true 
of 'Manhattan' at Harris. 

But if the downtown houses are 
getting only a mild dosage of pro- 
tests, the nabes are taking it with a 
vengeance when they have to up 
prices. Circuit operations can shrug 
their shoulders and say it's a manage- 
ment policy, but the indie spots, per- 
sonally managed by the owners, can't 
get to first base when they tell their 
patrons they're forced to ask for 
more dough. Invective heaped on 
them, they say. by their steady 
neighborhood patrons is sometimes 
unbearable, and they're called every- 
thing from profiteers to money- 
grubbers. 

Indie boys feel the same way, that 
a general increase would be accept- 
able after the first flush of resent- 
ment had passed off, but can see 
nothing but harm for the industry, 
good-will and the movie-makers if 
advanced-price pix continue at their 
present pace. 



H'wood Canteen Success Seen 



ContlBoed from page 4 



Balk at 'Pride' 

Minneapolis, Oct. 20. 

Refusal of the Paramount-affili- 
ated circuit here to book 'Pride of 
the Yankees' because of RKO's de- 
mand for increased admissions has 
precipitated the second conflict be- 
tween the distributor and big chain 
in the past year. The picture is re- 
ported to have been offered to a 
de luxe independent suburban house 
for its Twin City first-run as a re- 
sult of the clash, with the offer be- 
ing turned down. 

Paramount circuit officials refused 
to comment on the incident and 
would neither confirm nor deny the 
existence of 'strained relations.' 
Some time ^ ago John J. Friedl, the 
circuit's' president, made known that 
he was opposed to raising admissions 
for pictures, except in infrequent 
unusual circumstances. He was 
fearful at the time that the conv- 
panies would present an excessive 
number of such demands and that 
injury would be done to the box- 
office. Only such oustanding pic- 
tures as 'Reap the Wild Wind' and 
'Sergeant York,' for example, he felt, 
should call for admission boosts. 

The other tilt between RKO and 
the Paramount circuit occurred 
when the distributor charged that 
the circuit was discriminating 
against It unfairly In not dating Its 
pictures, although two Twin City 
RKO-affiliated houses, the Minne- 
apolis and St. Paul Orpheum, are in 
the Paramount booking pool. Hard 
feelings that arose at that time later 
were smoothed over. 

Northwest Allied also is on record 
against increased admission pictures 
and its members, acting as individ- 
uals, are supposed to boycott them. 
However, present .indications are 
that the body's ranks will fail to hold 
in this fight Just as in the case of 
'Mrs. Miniver,' when the complaint 
was over the high percentage split. 

Metro only last week started to 
sell 'Gone With the Wind' to the 
Twin City independents for show- 
ing at the nabe houses at an ad- 
vanced 50c admission and on the 
very first day. It was announced, 
Bennie Berger, a former Northwest 
Allied president and prominent 
member, bought it for his Paradise, 
local neighborhood theatre. Other 
dealS also are said to be pending. 
Previously, it had been stated that 
the Twin City independents would 
be practically a unit in passing up 
'Wind.' Now it's asserted 'a sub- 
stantial majority' will turn It down. 

'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' another 
advanced admission picture, hasn't 
been offered In the Twin Cities yet. 



Hollywood & Vine, olose to the radio 
broadcasting studios and ^various 
other amusement emporiimis around 
Sunset & Vine, and the boys In uni- 
form' who head for HoUj'wood on 
leave have a great recreational pe- 
riod In this short radius. It's smartly 
furnished with war motive theme 
prevailing in decorations, practically 
laid out with food bars, service rooms 
and other conveniences handy, cap- 
able of holding around 600 uniformed 
men and some 300 hosts and hostesses 
on a shift, and from the start has 
operated to capacity. 

Garfield, Dayls and Stein 

Miss Davis and Garfield are around 
at every session, as is J. C. Stein, 
who provides two and three bands a 
night for the dance portion of the 
evening, and they get around among 
the boys and workers to keep things 
going smoothly and see that the lads 
in uniforms have nothing to com- 
plain about. ' 

Financially the setup is healthy, 
They had a jump-off bankroll, have 
added to it through the $100 a night 
donated for the 'Angel' tables, and 
besides are getting donations from 
guest artists who broadcast from 
within its walls about once a week. 
L.ast week Bob Hope did his stint, 
and this week Eddie Cantor will do 
his from there. 

Food stuff, etc., is being donated 
by local merchants and supply 
houses and when some articles are 
short, chef Milani, greatly interested 
in the Canteen, goes out and gets 
them. Other day they had a bakery 
problem on cakes and pies. Matter 
of sugar. So Milani got a priority 
order and is able to supply the mak- 
ers of these sweets with 250 pounds 
of sugar a week and that problem is 
taken care of. Milani is a natural 
promoter and it looks as though 
plenty of cigarets will be coming 
from the east with the compliments 
of the makers for the guests of the 
Canteen. 

Behind the bar one finds the 
matrons of Hollywood. Many of 
them are women of the screen in the 
character and former star division, 
who, for from three to six hours a 
night and five hours on Sunday, pre- 
pare the food and dispense it to the 
boys. Many of these women are 
wives of film executives, directors, 
etc., and never a squawk from them 
that they are foot or hand weary. 

Then there are the dancing 
hostesses. Blach has her day a week 
assignment. They Include fUm play- 
ers, extras, gals working In the 
studios, members of unions, and 
wives of union men, and each ses- 
sion, as there are two a night for 
these workers, they trip around 
the floor with the boys, sit around 
and talk with them, and many a boy 
has found his entertainment further 
than the Canteen as they get invites 
to homes for meals, swimming par- 
ties, etc. 

Pearl-Dlving Stars 

And the hosts, with aprons tied 
around their frames, are busy as 
busboys. Many a prominent HoUy- 
woodite from star to executive, 
agent, and extra man trudges along 
all evening carrying heavy trays to 
the kitchen. There one finds the 
dishwashers, and strange to say, 
they are mostly the modest and shy 
ones of the industry. Important in 
name too. Jean Gabin, Marlene 
Dietrich and others work away hap- 
pily, cleaning the dishes for repeat 
trips back to the food dispensing 
source. And there Is no scarcity of 
this type of worker, for many a 
night one will find a dozen or more 
of big names back there toiling 
away. 

Though there is no contact with 
the Hollywood Victory Committee 
for talent, supply is plenty. The 
volunteer workers round it up, Bert 
Levey and other agents send it out, 
and every night the boys get a 
corking vaude show to boot 

And with it too, blended In Is 
some star of potent b.o. significance 
who has dropped in for a looksee 
and adds to- the jubilance of the 
show. Eddie Cantor gets arotmd 
twice or three times a week with his 
pianist Cookie Fairchild, and they 
are always good for half an hour 
of laughs and song. Hope drops 
around occasionally and does his 
stuff, as do many others. 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday af- 
ternoon are over-capacity, so to give 
all the boys possible a chance to get 
in, the Canteen is cleaned out of Its 
guests every hour to let another 800 
or so get In. And then there are 
some tiiat must wait for another 
leave perfod as they cannot make 
the grade, since arQund 2,600 or so 
each weekend find that they are Just 



out of luck because there was a 
luckier fellow ahead of them. 

But Hollywood Canteen Is- here to 
stay and will, from Indications, be 
self-supporting and more important 
as age creeps on It. 

Pttt PUns ^Miteen Pronto 

Pittsburgh, Oot 20. 
Variety Club, the showmta's or- 
ganlzatlon, plans to sponsor a Stage 
Door Canteen In Pittsburgh modeled 
after American Theatre Wing's N. Y. 
spot. Up until a couple of months 
ago, there was no idea of a local Can- 
teen due to the few men In service 
around town, but their numbers have 
grown by such leaps lately that Va- 
riety Club, after learning that aa 
many as 900 soldiers, sailors and ma-i 
rines were glimpsed in downtown 
streets in one day, took steps im. 
mediately. 

Pittsburgh Canteen won't be under 
ATW but will be sponsored and 
financed entirely by Variety Club. 
Location Is now imder consideration, 
and showmen expect to have the 
room in. operation within the next 
30 days. Joe Killer, chief barker of 
Variety Club, has appointed Moe 
Silver, WB zone manager, and John 
H. Harris, head of Harris Amuse- 
ment Co,, his co-chairmen in the 
venture. 



Cleveland's Canteen 

Cleveland, Oct. 20. 

Exhibitors in 120 theatres in this 
county got behind the Cleveland 
branch of the Stage Door Canteen, 
which will be preemed early next 
month, by holding scrap matinees 
Saturday (17) to raise funds for 
the servicemen's club. Scrap metal 
and rubber was accepted as admisr 
sion tickets. Variety Club sponsored 
the campaign, with Jerome Fried- 
lander as chairman of committer 
that coordinated It and handled sale 
of material collected. 

Canteen will have headquartei's in 
the old Music Box Cafe, where Guj^ 
Lombardo started his career, which 
was once the site of Sophie Tucker's 
Terrace Gardens. It was donated to 
the project by Loew's, which owns It, 
as result of the missionary work 
done in canteen's behalf by Charles 
Raymond, local Loew's zone man- 
ager. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nicki Burnett of 
WHK are co-chairmen of organiza- 
tion. Cleveland Federation of La'bor 
and American Theatre Wing have 
underwritten it to tune of $5,000 and 
three benefit shows for It are lielng 
planned by downtown niteries. 



Frlaoo'a Canteen 

San Francisco, Oct. 20. 

The talk floating around for t 
Stage Door Canteen here has reached 
the stage at which it is pretty sure 
plans will be rolling within a week 
to set one up. 

A local coriunittee is composed 
of many who have been Interested 
in the Canteen idea, among then> 
Ina Claire, Lois Moran, Armand 
Girard, Robert Graham Paris, Bar- 
ney Gould, and the drama editors of 
the four local sheets, Fred Johnson. 
Claude IiiaBeUe, Kevin Wallace and 
Dwlght Whitney. 



PhlUy's Colored Canteen 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 
The Canteen for Negro servicemen 
will probably be opened on the site 
of the old Club Alabam, sepia niterv 
of the Prohibition era in South 
Philly. 

A committee, headed by Magistrate 
Edward Henry, has a tacit promise 
for the use of the club from Albert 
M. Greenfield, realtor, who controls 
the proper^. A few technicalities 
have to foe ironed out, Henry said, 
before formal okay is received. 

As soon as the deal for the cluji 
jells, the committee is all set to 
renovate the property, equip it and 
open it for entertainment of col- 
ored soldiers and sailors. The oom- 
mittee hopes to have it open before 
Dec. 1, Henry declared. 



Sight Soh, Shoot Same 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Launching 'of 'Destroyer,' tale of 
submarine himtlng, Is slated for 
Nov. 9 at Columbia, with a special 
camera unl# already at work off San 
Diego shooting backgrounds. 

Edward O. Robinson, Glenn Ford 
and Jan^t 9Ulr are cast for top 
roles, with WllUagi A. Belter ditect- 
Ing and I<ou Edelman producing. 



Wednesday. October 21, 1942 



PSfilETY 



23 




in 



LAKE 

Dashiell Hammett 



'THE GLASS KEY' 



wMi William Btndix • Bonita 
Granville • Richard Denning 

Joseph Caileio • Screen Ploy by 
Jonathan Latimer • Bated on 
the novel by Dashiell Hammett 
Directed by STUART HEISLER 



24 PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



Film Reviews 



CoDtlnaed from page S 



We'll Smile Again 



ish studio since the war started. A 
particularly spectacular number dur- 
ing this melodramatic tale about the 
making of a film presents the pag- 
eantry of an Asiatic temple proces- 
sion several hundred strong, led by 
Malcolm MacEachern, whose power- 
ful basso has never been heard to 
better advantage. In another equally 
colorful sequence, a costume ball in 
a modern setting, Gwen Catley's top 
notes seemingly begin where most 
high 'C sopranos quit The dance 
orchestra used in this set, ingeni- 
ously grouped behind a sextet of 
women harpists, includes Billy May- 
erl at the piano where, for a few 
hundred feet of film, he has a chance 
to show why he is one of London's 
most popular composer-performers. 

In an especially long supporting 
cast, Horace Kenny (a lugubrious 
comedian with a big BBC following'), 
as a studio makeup man, and Mem- 
hart Maur, as Herr Steiner, film di- 
rector and Nazi head spy, take such 
acting honors that can't be diverted 
to the stars. "The chief fault with 
this picture will be found in the mis- 
casting of the two principal females. 
Phyllis Stanley, as a film star and 
a leader of the spy gang, is not only 
almost a head taller than Chesney 
Allen (with whom she plays a num- 
ber of altogether unconvincing love 
scenes), but she has a poor singing 
voice, cannot dance, and is sadly 
lacking in the required glamor. As 
Googie, an extra girl supposed to 
have what it takes, Peggy Dexter 
acts much too much like an extra 
suddenly shoved into a part worthy 
of a Barbara Stanwyck. 

Flanagan and Allen fans are satis- 
fled to take their F & A straight, 
the surroundings being of little tm- 

fortance. And 'Well Smile Again' is 
lanagan and Allen plus. It ought to 
be. Bud Flanagan gets screen credit 
,for being one of the three writers 
of the screenplay. And, having had 
a thorough grounding in several 
years of touring the sticks on an 
American burlesque wheel, there 
isn't much he doesn't know about 
bellylaugh technique. 



The Phantom Plainsmen 

Republic ri^lense of Louis Gray pmdPnMon. 
Btani Bob St^ete, Tom Tjier, Rut« Davis. 
Directed by John Enicllah. Scm-npUy by 
Robert Toat and Barry Shlpman, from oris- 
Ina) by Robert Tost: baaed on cbaracten 
created bv 'VVflllam Colt MacDonald: cam- 
era. Bud Tliaokery: editor, Wllllnm Ttiomp- 
Bon. Reviewed at New TorV-. T. ■ dual. 
OcL 14, '«2. Runnlni time: «7 MIM8. 

Tucaon Smith Bob Steele 

Stony Brooke Tom Tyler 

Lullabv Joplln Rufe Dnvis 

Col. Hartwig Robert O. Davia 

Judy Lola Collier 

Cap Marvin Charles Miller 

Kort Redmen Alex Callam 

Muller Monte Montairue 

Llntlrlck Henry Rowland 

Tail Richard Crane 

Joe Jack Klrh 



BABY FACE MORGAN 

Producers Relcaslnv Corp, release of 
Jack Schwartx protluctlon. Stars Mary 
Carlisle, Richard Cromwell; features Robert 
AnDStroDff, Chick Chandler. Warren Hy- 
mer. Charles Judels, VInce Bamett, Ralf 
Harolds. Directed by Arthur Drelfuas. 
Screenplay by Edward Dein, Jack Rubin 
from atory by Oscar Brodney and Jack 
Rubin: camei^. Art Reed: editor, Dan Mll- 
ner. Reviewed at New Tork. N. T.. dual. 
Oct. 14, '42. Runniss time: M MIMS. 

Vlrclnla Clark Mary CarlUle 

Baby Face' Moiran Richard Cromwell 

Doc' Rogers Robert Armatnng 

Oliver HarrlaoD Chick Chandler 

'Deacon' Davis Charles Judela 

Wlae Wfllle Warren Hymer 

Lefty Lewie VInco Bamett 

Joe Torelll Ralf Harolde 

J. B. Brown Hal K. Dawson 

Mabel Toddy Peterson 

HMouse' Kenny Chryst 

Gap Pierce Lyden 



Latest entry in the Three Mesquit- 
eers series puts the boys on the trail 
of a group of pre-war Nazis who are 
buying horses for shipment to the 
German army. It's okay for the hoss- 
opere fans. 

The boys are wranglers on a horse 
ranch. Owner of the ranch. Charles 
Miller, hates all armies (this Is pre- 
war vintage) and always stipulates, 
In his contracts, that his stock will 
not be resold for military use. The 
Mesquiteers stumble onto the game 
and try to wreck the plotters. Only 
trouble is that the boss' son is tour- 
ing in Germany and gets jugged by 
the (Gestapo until his dad goes 
through with the deal. Plenty of 
razzle dazzle and scrapping before 
the trio of boss wranglers comes out 
on top. There's good riding, much 
shooting, some nice camera shots of 
night chases and enough fisticuffs to 
make everything Jell. 

Best scene in the picture has Vlnce 
Bamett, who gets no billing, as a 
deputy sheriff guarding the trio 
who've been iailed for assault and 
battery. Bamett eats heartily and 
falls asleep at his desk. The boys 
get hold of a lariat, rope the chair, 
pull it over to the cell, open the door 
and plant the deputy in the jug. 
Bamett awakes and does as expert a 
delayed take as has hit the <:creen 
In many a reel. Fron. 



LAW AND ORDER 

Pro4lucer Releasing Corp. releaiie of 
SIgmund Neufeld productli.fi. Stars Duster 
Cnibbe. features Al SI. John. Tex O'Brien 
Sjirnh Padden. Wanda McKay ond Charles 
King. Directed hy Sherman Scott. Story 
and adaptation. Sam Roliino; editor. Hol- 
brook N. Todd; photography. Jack Qreen 
halgh. At New Tork. N. T.. dual, week 
Oct C. 'i'i. Running time-. .">'; ^11N9. 

BLIly the K\'\ l)u."ler Crnlihe 

Fuiv.v Jono.H \I St. John 

Jen Tex O'Brien 

Aunt Miiry '. .Snrnh Pndden 

LIniln W.nndn McKay 

rr-nwford Charles King 

fllniDis Hal Price 

Turilp John Merton 

Pungiin Kon Punrnn 

Sheriff 'I'ed Adams 



Plot of this one is stretched a bit to 
fill out, causing some dragginess, but 
generally it is worthy western ma- 
terial, suitable for average demands. 

Buster Crabbe, starring, plays a 
dual role, that of a man wanted by 
the authorities, one who is strikingly 
like a cavalry lieutenant. He and 



two friends upset a plan to put over 
a phoney marriage on a blind old 
woman in order to nab her money. 
The story has been well mapped out, 
holding interest nicely, while all 
along the route there is considerable 
action. 

Doing a satisfactory job, Crabbe 
has able support from Al St. John, 
comedy character; Tex O'Brien, 
Sarah Padden, Wanda McKay and 
Charles King, among others. Miss 
McKay does not come into focus un- 
til the final reel, but is rather at- 
tractive. Char. 



"Baby Face Morgan' is slated 
for the lesser duals. The photog- 
raphy and lighting are poor in sev- 
eral sequences (in one scene Vince 
Bamett's bald pate reflects the 
floodlights like a mirror). Another 
glaring fault has the secretary wear- 
ing the same garb every day. 

The story has a basic comedy idea 
that gets lost in the shuffle of wooden 
direction. It's about a hicktown son 
(Richard Cromwell) of an ex-rack- 
eteer who is made the figurehead of 
a mob that is out to revive the good 
old days. They figure the time is 
ripe, since the FBI is concentrating 
on nabbing spies and saboteurs. The 
kid, unaware of the scheme, and fig- 
uring his insurance firm is legit, 
writes policies on trucks that ue 
mob wrecks in httempting to collect 
tribute. So the outfit winds up broke 
and actually in the clear so far as 
the law is concerned. Mary Carlisle 
as the head of a trucking outfit, Is 
the romantic interest and uninten- 
tionally Responsible for Cromwell's 
actions. 

Performers are all good, but han- 
dicapped by their material. Fran. 



boss' bidding when it comes to cut' 
ting down the distribs' take. 

There are other cases where the 
employee, in on the dishonesty, does 
so through getting a cut on what's 
stolon. Then it is believed there may 
be others who know the exhib is 
chiseling and threatens to squeal on 
him if not taken care of. 

In the opinion of the trustworthy 
theatre operator who wants to pay 
his share of film rental, all these 
things combine- to not only injure 
his own business, if in a competing 
position, but 1. ys him open to doubt 
as to what managers, cashiers, door- 
men, etc., he can rely upon. This is 
accentuated in these times when 
there is a shortage of manpower and 
a dishonest employee happens to be 
available. As a result, the on-the- 
level exhib, circuit operator or man- 
ager, is expected to carefully in- 
vestigate everyone employed in the 
theatres from now on. In that con- 
nection, the honest account would 
not only be doing himself a service, 
but also the distributor who has had 
trouble with chiseling exhibs ever 
since percentage came in. 



USD's Ron-Pros 

ConUaoed front page 4 



Gypping on Pix 

CoBttaned from page 5 ^^s^ 

their own protection that they are 
finally becoming alarmed. 

Some of the cheaters, now enjoy- 
ing more business at their boxoffices 
than ever before, avoid showing 
their receipts, which is a main rea- 
son for avoiding percentage deals, 
and will go to any extreme to keep 
the figure down. 

How It Hmrts Uie Hencft Exhib 

When they gyp by one means or 
another in order to do that, they are 
taking what amounts to an unlawful 
advantage over the truthful exhib, 
possibly a close competitor, who 
turns in his proper share 6f profits. 

Also, according to various com- 
plaints voiced, a competing theatre 
operator may be bearing the same 
overhead as his opposition but com- 
ing out more poorly on pictures, 
thus is forced to try to get higher 
admissions or, in some other man- 
ner, seek to increase the take. 

Prevention rather than detection 
is one of the things that seems to be 
interesting exhibs who are on the 
level in the playing of film on per- 
centage, so that it would not be nec- 
essary to cause arrests such as oc- 
curred in Canada. Up there, four 
dishonest employees of a theatre re- 
cently were sent to jail. There have 
been others from time to time but 
generally a circuit or- an Individual 
owner catehing a manager or others 
stealing receipts, at the same time 
Uking distributor money, are loath 
to prosecute. 

Vlclooa Cycle 

While they simply discharge dis- 
loyal managers, cashiers, doormen 
or others on being caught grabbing 
money through palming of tickets, 
and in other ways that doesn't show 
on the ticket rolls or machines, such 
dishonest employees may get a job 
with some other theatre and do the 
same all over again. 

There are cases where an honest 
exhib is at the mercy of a dishonest 
manager or others until caught. The 
trouble is that very often employees 
are contaminated by the gypping ex- 
hib who needs their cooperation in 
stealing from, the distrib. These 
people may not want to lose their 
Jobs and thus are willing to do their 



ances for simdry war effort or- 
ganizations, how to decide what non- 
pro talent is usable and how to book 
and transport such performers to the 
playdates. Directors of USO club- 
houses have learned from experience 
that servicemen are tough audiences 
and require more than the prosaic 
enterteinment provided by USO 
staffers. 

For aid In solving the problem 
Robert M. Heininger, USO executive 
for programs, early last week in- 
vited CSI execs to sit in on a con- 
fab since CSI has been studying 
the problem for some time. 

Problem originally came to the at- 
tention of CSI via an offer from the 
National Theatre Conference of the 
use of its member groups In CSI 
schedules. CSI organized a com- 
mittee to look into the mattw and 
put Norris Houghton, author of a 
book on the non-pro theatre, on the 
payroll to handle this activity. 
CommHtcc 
The committee is headed by Ralph 
P. Buell, a New York attorney, who 
is treasurer of the Amateur Comedy 
Club; Prof. Barclay I/eatham, exec- 
utive secretary of the National Tliea- 
tre Conference and chairman of the 
dramatic department of Western Re- 
serve University, Cleveland; Dr. 
Lee' Norvelle, director of the thea- 
tre at the University of Indiana; 
Prof. Warner Bentley, of the dra- 
matic department at Dartmouth 
College; Rosamond Gilder, associate 
editor of Theatre Arts Monthly; Rob- 
ert N. S. Whitelaw, biz manager of 
the Dock St. Theatre, CHiarleston, 
S. C; Alfred Rowe, director of the 
Harrisburg, Pa., Community Thea- 
tre; Walter Kerr, assistant professor 
of dramatics at Catholic University 
in Washington, D. C; and Abe Last- 
fogel of CSI. 

Typical of the problem confronting 
USO is its situation in Detroit where 
it has six clubhouses, one alone 
handling 60,000 men each month. To 
keep these men entertained, and out 
of the honky-tonks, the Detroit USO 
is planning to stege weekly musical 
and vaude shows with financing ex- 
pected from funds being raised In 
the current war chest drive in De- 
troit. In other towns where local 
funds are not available the only 
apparent solution is the use of non- 
pro talent. 



BoUyweed's Overseas FMr* 

HoUywood, Oct 20. 

Hollywood's top stars and fea- 
tured players have pledged their 
services to the Victory Committee 
for assignment in any part of the 
world where our troops are quartered. 
Within a few hours after volunteers 
sought pledges, 109 players declared 
they would travel by any available 
means, including submarines. 

Overseas enterteinment program 
of the Hollywood Victory Commit- 
tee is being intensified, following 
reports from those who have en- 
tertelned troops in England and 
Ireland. They are Al Jolson, Merle 
Oberon, Patricia Morison, Frank 
McHugh and Allen Jenkins. Tenta- 
tive plans call for each unit to spend 
three weeks on tour abroad, produc- 
tion schedules at studios being 
spaced to permit such morale ac- 
tivity. 



Lubin's South Sea'er 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Directoc chore on Universal's Tech- 
nicolor feature of the south spas. 
•White Savage,' goes to Arthur Lubln. 

Filming starts next week with 
Maria Montez, Jon Hall and Sabu 
in the top spots. 



This Week's New Shorts 



•Private Smith of U.S.A.' CThis Is 
America' series, RKO-Pathe, 19 
mins.) — Frederic Ullman, Jr., head 
of Pathe News, nas turned out a 
solid hit with his initial subject in 
This Is America' series, added to 
RKO's distribution lineup this sea- 
son. It looks like a moneymaker 
both for RKO and exhibitors. 
Understood that this lineup of short 
subjects has been Ullman's ambition 
for some time, whole conception and 
execution being his own. 

'Private Smith' is a clear-cut ver- 
sion of a typical American who joins 
4he U. S. Army, film tracing his life 
fEom the time he's inducted until 
promoted to private-first class, 
while obviously a terrific plug for 
recruiting and building Army 
morale, it never falters as an enter- 
tainment brlefie. It's the most' 
human, realistic doseup of the 
World War No. 2 rookie yet con- 
cocted. 

Phil ^elBmnn, Jr, has contributed 
a slick scripting job, his best to date, 
and one that goes far in putting the 
entire subject across. Slavko Vorka- 
pich's diiectlDB is Intelligent and 
swift moving. Larry O'Reilly's 
camera work, John Hoffman's edit- 
ing and Francis U Wooley's record- 
ing job are all topflight. Dwight 
Weist, radio actor, does fairty well 
with the occasional spoken narrative. 

Bill Terry, former legit player, 
who portrays Private Smith (sole 
actor in piece), has' turned in such a 
trim acting job that he already has 
been optioned by RKO for future 
work. 

Hanpower* (Office of War In- 
formation production, released by 
War Activities Committee, 10 mins.) 
—Clarifying the U. S. manpower 
situation, this is the No. 2 bell-ringer 
from the OWI film unit headed by 
Sam Speewack. With everybody in 
the nation thinking today in terms 
of manpower, the OWI gives a fine 
closeup of the national problem. 

Employing a newsreel type of re- 
porting, this one-reel documentary 



points up the terrific undertekine 
given to Paul V. McNutt to handle 
One of McNutt's first steps on teking 
charge of the U. S. Manpower setup 
was to esteblish a policy committee 
this being set to work in the test 
area near Baltimore. Much of the 
deft recital covers what was accom- 
plished in this test How U S 
Employment Serv:ce and other Gov- 
ernment agencies strive to prevent 
labor pirating, to keen workers in 
their fitted task insteatl of migrating 
to other areas, and how workmen 
(some having establishments of their 
own) are encouraged to return to 
former lines or be trained in war in- 
dustry jobs is vividly pictured. 

Results of the George Gallup poll 
on manpower are given as well as 
the use of women in many spots 
Surprising part about this short is 
the gripping manner in which an 
admittedly routine subject has been 
handled. 

The Blaak ef Nippon' (World in 
Action. United Artists, 20 mins)— 
Maintai|is heady gait of recent deft 
doRumentaries in this series made 
by John Grlerson's Canada unit 
Probably the finest film summation 
made thus far of the Japanese race 
and the tough job confronting the 
Allies in the Pacific. It's type of 
documentary calculated to make 
tough fighters of Allied troops going 
out to battle the Nipponese. Here is 
a short suited for any theatre. 

Opening sequence, picked out of 
previous newsreel shots or hereto- 
fore edited out of them, showing 
torture, slaying and burying alive of 
conquered Cbmese is mighty tough 
screenfare, but obviously not faked. 
Film traces the rise of the Japanese 
race fro^n feudal system of 1866 to 
the modem, streamlined -nation ab- 
sorbing all of the western civiliza- 
tion. Also shows how this modern- 
ization merely was a cover-up for 
preparation for world conquest. 
Stuart Legg's fine editing and pro- 
duction Jot) makes this one click. 

Wear. 



Propaganda Problem 



CeaUaned from pace 4 



them get a gander at those lovely 
torsos; they'll appreciate the serious 
part of the newsreel so much for it; 
they'll get bored and walk out or 
never come back to see your news- 
reel again If you don't make it in- 
teresting. 

Which side is right? Who knows? 
Why don't we let the Iranians decide, 
you query? Because if you ask any 
two Iranians youll probably get two 
divergent answers. One guy likes 
legs and the other's afraid to admit it 

I n t e r-American Affairs Office, 
which also puts out its own newsreel 
as well as keeps close tabs on what the 
commercial reels export, has an eas- 
ier problem. It holds the glorious 
gams to a bare minimum, letting leg 
art through very rarely. Letters and 
memoranda have indicated that that 
policy disappoints many a Latino 
who has as much of an eye for a 
fair figger as the next fellow. But 
by and large Latin Americans are 
closely tied to the Catholic Church 
and are deeply religious. So it's no 
cheesecake. 

In re: 'Wake Isfauid' 

A problem on a more serious plane 
is whether such a picture as 'Wake 
Island' (Par) should be eligible for 
export Wake Island was a glorious 
defeat But a defeat, sez one school. 
But glorious, sez the other. 

The question becomes shall we 
publicize a trouncing at our own ex- 
pense, even though no one could have 
expected 387 Marines (by actual 
count) to hold out two weeks against 
most of the Japanese Navy. That's 
real he-man fighting, comments one 
side. But in the meantime the Japs 
have Wake, comments the other. 

As a matter of fact, the majority 
of decision-makers in the OWI and 
CIAA are in favor of 'Wake's' being 
exported. Although Dr. Cioebbels 
woiild never sanction it w:ere he the 
boss. But that's the basic difference 
between Nazi and Yank persuasion 
methods — the Nazis pervert facts or 
make public only those that are 
strictty favorable, while the U. S. 
plan is to tell the truth, even if it 
hurts. 

Although the American method 
hasn't really had a 100% trial (there 
are perverters here, too), it definitely 
has proved superior for the long pull. 
Hitler and Goebbels, who once were 
considered the ne plus ultra of prop- 
agandists, have recently become dis- 
credited in the profession. All the 
lies that bounced back at them, only 
to be covered up by bigger lies, have 
now become so tremendous that 
Hitler's best friends can't even be- 
lieve them anymore. 

In the meantime, the American 



shortwave radio has become more 
and more respected and listened to. 
Even Hitler's cohorts in Latin Ameri- 
ca, it has been shown, tune to Berlin 
to get the party line, but to New 
York to get news of what's really 
going on. 



Church Pressure 



— CoBllBiMd from page 1 s 

tion taken and closing with the 
words: .'It is the Intention of the 
Central Broadcasting Committee to 
see this matter through and the help 
of all of you and of every serious- 
minded citizen will in due course be 
invited.' 

The local Council of Women, is 



Want No Riyalry 



Ottewa, Oct 20. 

United church officials regis- 
tered a kick against the war 
chest radio show. 'Nazi Eyes on 
Canada,' on which many stege, 
screen and radio names appear, 
being aired at church time, 7:30 
p.m. Sundays. Asked that show 
be put on later the same night so 
churchgoers will not stey home 
to listen. 

Same church group urges clos- 
ing of hotel beer parlors and tl 
strictions on liquor trade. 



considering the situation and the St 
George's Society has appointed a 
sub-committee to look into the mat- 
ter. A CJhristian Endeavor conven- 
tion held in one of the churches sent 
copies of a resolution on the question 
to the Prime Minister of Canada and 
the chairman of the CBC. 

It is pointed out on the other .side 
that a local broadcasting stetion has 
half an hour available from 7 to 7:30 
presently used for a susteining fea- 
ture. But to this suggestion the com- 
mittee replies that the coverage of 
this stetion is much below that of 
the CBC stetion and that it would 
be limited strictly to the city of 
Montreal. 

Church services broadcasts have 
been carried by CBC on its CBM 
station since December, 1937; on 
French independent stetion CKAC 
from 1930 to 1937 and from 1926 to 
1930 on the now discontinued stetion 
CH'yC operated by the Northern 
Electric Co. The broadcasts are the 
longest without break in the history 
of radio operation in this city. 



Wednesdar, Oetob«r It* iMt 

_ — » — I' J " ■ . 



PICTURES 



23 



Laurie On Palace 



CoBtlnmd from pag* i 



vaudeviUe in the spring, vaudfllmi In tha faU, than straight platurat In 
November. VaudeviUe never knew what the Palace meant to vaudeville 
in the way of prestige until the Palace closed. The vaudeville aotor 
stopped making the Palace his ambition when it went into the grind 
policy; to him it was just another week. Vaudeville had 70 weeki at 
the start of 1932 end finished with 10 and a load of aspirin. 

But me and Aggie, as I said before, can't forget a lot of things about 
the old house. For Instance the first manager was Frank Thompson, the 
son of Denman Thompson of 'Old Homestead' fame. Then came Elmer 
Rogers from Keith's Union Square and took over until the Palace folded. 
There was James McBride at the front door; he knew everybody In show 
business and how to tip the actors off who was in the house. The first 
booker waa Carlton Hoagland, then came George Godfrey, then Eddie 
Darling, who was one of the greatest bookers of big time in the world. 
Then Arthur Willi took over and was foUowed by Bill McCaffery. AU 
knew their business and booked the bluebloods of show business. The 
boxoffice men were George Morley, Dave' Mayer, Sanders, Goldie and 
Baldwin. May Dowd was the phone girl. 

Characters All 

Backstage the firat stage manager was BUI Clarke and was followed by 
Bob Altman. They knew more about a stage than anybody I ever met 
The elevator boys were Louie, the Great Morris and Cookie. They were 
terrific characters. Louie could never be found at post time, Cookie 
joined Joe Cook's act later on as a stooge, and Morris stuck until near 
the end. It was Morris that would run over to the Strand theatre and 
wake up Bert Fitzgibbon in time for his act. Bert would sleep there 
every day. Bert was the first to break globes in the foots for laughs. 
Other comics followed him and the managers started to charge 'em for 
breakage. They stopped. The pressagents of the house were Carrol 
Pierce, Mark Luescher and the well liked Walter Kingsley. The first 
leader was Fred Schindler, followed by Fred Dabb, Lou Forman and Ben 
Roberts, all great stick men. 

The- acts that played the Palace most were Mosconl Bros., Van & 
Schenck, Belle Baker, Sophie Tucker. Ruth Roye was the first to have 
a summer run of al>out seven weeks, Bert Fitzgibl>on was the first single 
man to close the show. Belle Baker was the first single woman to close 
the show, and Savoy & Brennan was the first act to be held over. 
That Hendsy Mat Back BaU 

The back rail on Monday matinees held the big shot agents rooting for 
their acts: Harry Wel>er, Max Hart, M. S. Bentham, Eddie Keller, Alf 
Wilton, Bill Norris, Pat Casey, Rose ti Curtis, Abe Lastfogel, Arthur 
Klein, Marty Forkins, Charlie Allen, Frank Evans, Gene Hughes, Blax E. 
Hayes, Marinelli, Harry Fitzgerald, Claude and Gordon Bostock, Paul 
Durand, Fltzpatrick Bros., Benny Burke, Rosalie and Lee Stewart, Morris 
& Feil, and dozens of others, and of course, Sime Silverman, founder of 
'Variety,' and father confessor of them alL 

There was always plenty o( laughs in front and back of the house when 
acts like Duffy & >Sweeney, Jim Thornton, Bert Fitzgibbon, Innis Bros., 
Walter Weems, Walter Brbwer, Harry Breen, Jim Barton, Lew Dock- 
stader, Joe Frisco and hundreds of others played the house. Yes, laughs 
and excitement. 

Memories of the excitement on opening day. All the firstimers would 
get all new stuff— shoes, hats, wardrobe and even makeup. By the time 
they played the house a few times they'd get over being nervous and wear 
their old clothes, cleaned up. If you were a hit or a flop at the Palace 
it would travel faster than a cat with turpentine on it. There were acts 
that played the Palace once and never were heard of in show business 
again. There were quite a few acts that would never accept the Palace 
booking; they were scared of it or didn't think the ordeal was worth it 

Yep, be sure and see the picture 'For Me and My Gal,' it will kinda 
give you a rush of memories. If an old vaudeville actor sees it he will 
rush out and call up his agent thinking they are both still in the business. 
Sez 

Your pal. 

Lefty- 



METRO'S FILM-PLAY 
BID FOR ^SOLDIERS' 



Unusual deal is under discussion 
by Metro involving the purchase of 
the screen rights to a novel plus a 
financing arrangement for produc- 
tion of the legit version of the same 
yarn. 

Metro is reported dickering for 
the film rights to book entitled 'Old 
Soldiers Never Die,' by James Ron- 
ald, and also to finance the play. 
Film rights to the play would stiU 
have to be offered on the open mar- 
ket, however. 

It is understood that George S. 
Kaufman and 'Max Gordon have at 
variou.s times l>een interested in the 
property. 



Making Goessiiig Harder 

HoUywood, Oct. 20. 

George Sherman, producer and 
director of 'London Blackout Mur- 
oers' at Republic, is picking prin- 
cipal and supporting players jin- 
lamiliar to the customary run of 
mystery film fans. 

Idea is tliat a whodunit, particular- 
ly in the darkness of a London night, 
will.be more whodtmitlsh if the cus- 
tomers can't figure in advance who 
W going to be the hero or the heavy. 

It's Tuttle't Turn 

Hollywood, Oct 20. 

Final sequence in 'SUr Spangled 
«nythm' at Paramount showing Bob 
«ope as an air raid warden, will be 
directed by Frank TutUe. 

George MarshaU, originaUy slated 
« pilot, is busy directing "Trtie to 



Jean Arthnr's Hobby 
Prodncing Her RKO'er 

Hollywood, Oct 20. 

John Wayne co-stars with Jean 
Arthur in 'Free for All,' action pic- 
ture, at RKO, starting Nov. 21. 

Frank Ross, Miss Arthur's husband 
and business partner, is producing, 
from a screenplay by Robert Ardrey. 



Cartoons to Jolt Us 

Out of Complacency 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

'We Can Lose' is the first of a 
series of a dozen cartoons to be pro- 
duced under United Artists release 
by Hugh Harmon under the general 
title, 'History in the Making'. 

It is a warning against American 
complacency in the war effort 



'Soaplcien' Leads Set 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
■ Joan Crawford and Fred Mac- 
Murray draw the co-ster spots in 
Aoove Suspicion,' a novel by Helen 

Metro",'''' .."'•s'' "^'y 

Metro for Myma Loy. 

RimI w'" produce, with 

Richard Thorpe a,- director. 



Extra Ranks Thinnmg 

Hollywood, Oct 20. 
Motion picture extras have dwin- 
dled to 4,200, a drop of alxtut 1,500 in 
the last year, according to Kenneth 
Thomson's annual report as execu- 
tive secretary of Screen Actors 
Guild. 

Heavy decrease was occasioned by 
the draft enlistments and high wages 
in defense plants. During the year 
only 155 new Class B members 
Joined SAG. 

Romance of the Road 

Hollywood, Oct 20. 

Adventures in the building of the 
new military road connecting the 
United States with its Arctic out- 
posts form the basis of 'Alaskan 
Highway,' to l>e produced by Bryan 
Foy at 20th-Fox. 

Backgrounds will be shot in the 
Dominion of Canada, through which 
most of the road is laid. 



'Bemadette' for King 



Hollywood, Oct 20. 

20th-Fox assigned Henry King to 
direct the religious picture, "The 
Song of Bemadette,' to be produced 
by William Perlberg. 

Franz Werfel, author of the book, 
ia collaborating with George Seaton 
on the screenplay. 



11 MUSICALS AT 
M-6, HIGH FOR 
ALL TIME 



Hollywood, Oct 20. 
Metro added 'Anchors Aweigh' to 
its 1042-43 production schedule, mak- 
ing a total of 11 filmusicals, the 
largest number In the company's his- 
tory for one season. Arthur Freed 

will produce 'Anchors.' 

Finished are 'Panama Hattle' and 
'For Me and My GaL' In work are 
•DuBarry Was a Lady,' 'Presenting 
LUy Mars' and "Cabin in the Sky.' 
In preparation, in addition to 'An- 
chors,' are 'Private Miss Jones,' 'I 
Dood IV 'Girl Crazy,' 'Best Foot For- 
ward' and 'High Kickers.' 



20TH DELIVERS TALES' 
FUT AND FOR THIS YR. 



Minneapolis, Oct. 20. 

20th-Fox is complying with the 
demands of Northwest Allied to de- 
liver "Tales of Manhattan' on this 
year's contracts. In the case of 
Twin City independent exhibitors 
this means that there will be no 
percentage or demands for boosted 
admissions. All Twin City indepen- 
dents' current contracts with Fox 
call for flat deals and, thus, the Min- 
neapolis and St. Paul will have the 
picture without any percentage. 

Even before the Northwest Allied 
demnads, there had been no an- 
nouncement from Fox that it in- 
tended to withhold the picture which 
Northwest Allied claimed it was ob- 
ligated to deliver this season. How- 
ever, reports were current in trade 
circles that the company was con- 
sidering whether its contracts with 
the territory's independents, and 
particularly those in the Twin Cities, 
required such delivery. These re- 
ports led to a Northwest Allied stand 
in the matter. 

While in Minneapolis the past 
week, W. C. Gehring, Fox western 
sales manager, informed the trade 
that "Tales' would be included in 
the current season's deliveries. Com- 
menting on the Fox position, Fred 
Strom, Northwest Allied executive 
secretary, asserted that the company 
apparently decided this was the pro- 
per policy and that it would gain 
exhibitors* good will in consequence. 



Sales Plans for 'Serve' 



Merchandising plans for 'In Which 
We Serve', Noel Coward's British- 
made film, are l>eing considered by 
United Artists execs with road.show- 
ing among possibilities imder dis- 
cussion. 

UA fleures to release 'Serve' 
around Christmas. Theatre avail- 
ability In New York will likely de- 
termine booking policy In this ter- 
ritory. 



Hand-Picked Title 



Hollywood. Oct 20. 

First production for Kenneth Mac- 
gowan, following his long leave of 
absence from 20th-Fox, is 'Happy 
Land,' based on a novel by MacKin- 
lay Kantor. 

For the last 20 months Macgowan 
has been working as film program 
director for Office of Coordinator of 
Inter-American Affairs, promoting 
the Good NelghlMr policy south of 
the border. 



COL'S REOTTLAB DIWT 

Columbia Pictures has declared Its 
usual quarterly dividend of 6SVic on 
its covertible preferred stock. 

Diwy is payable Nov. 16 to stock 
on record Nov. 2. It maintains the 
$2.75 annual rate. 



Byron Price Wfll Have to Decide 
Film Censorship on Both Coasts 



Col's Griffith Deal 



Columbia has signatured a deal 
with the Griffith Amusement Co. of 
Dallas, which involves the full 1942- 
43 product and- the following .sea- 
son's lineup, according to announce- 
ment by A. Montague, sales chief. 
Circuit covers several hundred the- 
atres in Texa:: and other southwest- 
em states. 

R. E. Griffith and Raymond Hig- 
don represented the Griffith circuit 
in the deal, while negotiations for 
Columbia were handled by Rube 
Jackter, assistant sales manager. 



SEVERAL BROKERAGES 
GO BULQSH ON ZOTH 



Several brokerage houses in Wall 
Street went bullish on 20th-Fox's 
future outlook last week, pointing to 
the rise in the conunon from the 1942 
low to the present price around $15, 
which is virtually double the worst 
figure last year. 

Pointed out in some circles that 
the company's position and future 
outlook had prompted several In- 
vestment trusts tc Include 20th-Fox 
shares in their portfolios along with 
other film shares. Lehman Bros. Is 
reported to have added more shares 
by acquiring S,000 common last 
month. Massachusetts Investors' 
Trust also is credited with having a 
batch of 20th-Fox, report In June 
showing It held 60,000 shares. Few 
preferred shares presently are in the 
hands of the public. , 

Fact that 20th-Fox presently is 
rushing production on the 1042-43 
feature lineup also is viewed as fa- 
vorable because this likely will en- 
able it to push ahead soon on the 
1943-44 features while male stars are 
still on company rolls, and not in the 
service. 



Negro Seafarers Draw 
Tribnte b WB Short 



Hollywood, Oct, 20. 

Negro mariners will be the theme 
of The Launching of the Booker T. 
Washington,' a two-reel patriotic film 
which Gordon Hollingshead wUI 
produce for Warners. 

Story, based on the building of the 
first cargo vessel to be manned by 
an all-Negro crew, including officers, 
was written by Lillian Hellman and 
will be directed j>y Vincent Sherman. 
Background shots were made yester- 
day (Mon.) at Terminal Island, 
where the ship is t>eing rigged. 



BYRNES FIGURIN' 



Economic Stabillaatlen Director 
Makes With the Statlstl««. 



Washington, Oct. 20. 

Economic Stabilization Director 
James F. Byrnes announced Friday 
(18) that he was working on regula- 
tions to limit salaries to $25,000 a 
year. It is assumed that in drawing 
up these regulations he is cooperat- 
ing with the Treasury Department. 

At the same time he revealed that 
control over salaries was being split 
between the War Labor Board and 
the Treasury, with WLB getting ju-. 
risdiction over all salaries imder $3,- 
000 a year and those salaries up to 
$5,000 a year covered by wage agree-, 
ments. All other salaries were placed 
in the hands of the Treasury Diepart- 
ment 

The original executive order made 
no mention of salaries under $S,000, 
but gave Byrnes jurisdiction over 
salaries above that figure. 



The Phnn to Sir Cedric 



Hollywod, Oct. 20. 
Sir Cedric Hardwicke was signed 
to a term contract by William Goetz 
at 20th-Fox, beginning with the 
role of Col. Lanzer in 'The Moon Is 
Down,' a part variously assigned by 
various role pickers to practically all 
the prominent heavies in the film 
business. 

Contract gives Hardwicke the 
privilege of appearing in stage plays 
on Broadway when It does not inter- 
fere with his work In films. 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Muddle in the Office of Censor- 
ship as to whether films leaving tha 
country are to be o.o.d. in New York 
or here has producers uncertain and 
annoyed. A new ruling was issued 
recently, it is understood, still fur- 
ther complicating the already bad 
situation. 

Byron Price himself probably will 
have to render a final decision 
straightening out the whole affair. 
It's said that he was in a way 
responsible for the recent ruling but 
hadn't had the whole proposition ex- 
plained to him. Foreign managers in 
New Vork are reported anxious to 
lay before him the whole situation. 

Price's decision gave entire 
responsibility for Hollywood films 
leaving the country to the Los An- 
geles Board of Review of the Office 
of Censorship. New York Board 
hereafter will be authorized to fix 
its seal only to films made In^the 
east — ^which' consist practically 100% 
of newsreels and shorts. 

New York Board, headed by R. R. 
Smith has been taking jurisdiction 
over films of which foreign titled or 
soundtracked versions have been 
prepared in the east. Most com- 
panies have their versions 'prepared 
in New York and have been submit- 
ting them to Smith although the 
L. A. board, over which Watterson 
Rothacker reigns, has previously 
oltayed the English-language prints. 
Coast's Antonomy 

New ruling is that if a film is made 
in Hollywood, the L. A. lioard must 
handle It from start to finish. Inas- 
much as Office of Censorship rules 
demand that anything be resubmit- 
ted if it has been changed in any 
way from the originally okayed ver- 
sion, foreign titles and commen- 
taries will have to come from New 
York back to the Coast for the stamp 
of approval 

As a matter of fact studios arent 
certain whether they're glad or 
sorry about the new switch. On the 
one hand, sending title and narration 
copy here from New York and wait- 
ing for it to be returned, will be 
time-wasting. Recording and ship- 
ping Is done from New York. On 
the other hand, experience to date 
has shown Rothacker's organization 
somewhat more lenient than Smith's. 
Proximity to Hollywood apparently 
makes the L. A. group more sympa- 
thetic with the blood, sweat and 
tears that goes into even a 'dog* 
picture. 

Although there has been no kind 
of dispute between Rothacker and 
Smith over jurisdiction, both being 
perfectly willing to abide by any 
Washington decision, at least mild 
fireworks appeared to l>e a certainty. 
They would occur when Rothacker 
had okayed a picture and then 
Smith held it up on the basis that 
commentary or titles were not suit- 
able. A number of such cases are 
understood to have been on the 
verge of flaring forth when last 
week's order ended the divided Ju- 
risdiction. 

Although it would seem logical 
for Smith to have the censorial 
power on films leaving the country 
through the Port of New York, mo- 
tion picture censorship is in the 
Postal Division of Price's outfit and 
technicalities concerning postal dis- 
tricts apply. 



SEATTLE'S AU-NIGHTER 
FOR DEFENSE WORKERS 



Seattle, Oct. 20. 

Seattle, due to the thousands of 
workers on the graveyard shift esti- 
mated at 40,000, will have a new all- 
night house, in l>est part of the 
downtown biz area — the CoUseiun 
(Hamrlck-Evergreen), seating 
around 1,900. House opens daily at 
11 a.m. and with night policy runs 
until 5 a.m. 

Not only do the shipyards, Boeing's 
and iron works have graveyard 
shifts, but also machine shops, metals 
works and allied war industries 
where payrolls count up in the ag- 
gregate. 

Touch 'Er Off 

Hollywood, Oct 20. 

Betty Hutton and Alan Ladd draw 
top roles in 'Incendiary Blonde,' 
based on the career of Texas Gulnan, 
at Paramount. 

Filming starts In December after 
Ladd finishes his current chore In 
'The Miracle of Morgan's Creek.' 



Wednesday. October 21, 1942 



PIGTU1IZ8 



27 



Niagara's Daredevils 



a ConUnned trom page t 



and abroad gave his project wide 
publicity. On his way to America, in 
1658, he dived from the steamship 
and rescued a seaman who had fallen 
overboard. 

r 



Gave Exhibitions 



Blondin spent his first season here 
in giving exhibitions and in laying 
bis plans. In the sprmg ot 1859 he 
get up his rig at Niagara. A three- 
Inch rope was anchored on the Ca- 
nadian side to axeltrees Implanted in 
the rock. On the American side a 
horse-powered wlniHass kept it teut 
Even so, the rope sagged 50 feet at 
the middle of Its 1,100-foot length. 
Pairs of guy ropes every 20 feet an- 
gled off from the main rope to the 
river banks. Sacks of salt bung from 
these guy ropes to help keep them 
tight Still, there was a space above 
midstream which the guy ropes 
could not reach, and it swayed in 
the wind like a giant baounock. 

Blondin announced that he would 
walk the rope on June 30. The 
newspapers printed columns of dope 
and speculation, and the whole coim- 
try was excited. On the great day, 
spectators blackened the cliffs on 
both sides of the river, filled the 
crude grandstands which had been 
Improvised, and paid lavish prices 
for vantage points on housetops. 
Wagering was heavy, not only on 
whether Blondin would succeed, but 
whether be would even attempt the 
feat, or would lose his nerve at the 
last moment. • 

But Blondin had no nerves. At 
the appointed hour, he started from 
the American side and waUced to the 
middle of the rope. Ibere he sat 
down for a few seconds, got. up, 
walked a short distance, and lay 
down lengthwise along the rope with 
his pole resting across his chest. He 
arose, stood perfectly still, turned a 
back somersault, then walked on to 
the Canadian shore. A Canadian 
band struck up the 'Marseillaise.' its 
music drowned in the cheers. Aftjr 
a 20-minute rest, Blondin started 
back, carrying a chair. Midway, he 
balanced it on the rope and sat in 
It. He was back on the American 
shore an hour from the time he 
began his performance, and looked 
as fresh and unwearied as he smil- 
ingly asserted himself to be. 

Blondin walked his great rope the 
second time on the Fourth of July, 
the third on Bastille Day in the 
presence of former President Fill- 
more. Many other performances 
followed. Blondin's imagination was 
as agile as his feet; he was always 
thinking up a new stunt. He would 
stand on his head, or dance a lig, or 
carry out a chair and table and sit 
down to a meal half-way across, 
where the rope swayed widest. He 
crossed at night in the glare of loco- 
motive headlights; when he was part 
way across, they were extinguished 
and he finished the stunt in dark- 
ness. He crossed many times blind- 
fold, or with his feet in baskets; 
twice he crossed walking backward. 
He lowered a flask on a rope to the 
steamer Maid of the Mist and nuMcd 
up a drink. He crossfed on st-lts. 



mous pistol shot, on its deck. He 
fired. Blondin examined his hat— 
and signalled 'no.' Travis fired 
again; another miss. Then a third 
shot. Blondin gaily waved his hat — 
pierced by the bullet 

In mid-stream was the swaying 
span with no guy ropes to steady 
it The balance pole jittered. Blon- 
din started to run. He made the 
first guy rope ahead, expecting there 
to pause and regain steady balance. 
It was limp. Some one had cut It 
at its anchor. This was the life- 
or-death second. 

Blondin strained forward with his 
human cargo, his 50-pound pole at 
arm's length. By a hair's breadth, 
it seemed, he kept his balance, 
gained speed and better equalibrium, 
raced to the next guy rope, which 
held. Here Colcord dismounted 
again for a rest Seven times in all 
Blondin had to rest. Finally they 
made shore. Weeping, hysterical 
men helped them to the ground. 



M Tears Later 



The Supreme Thrill 



L 

But the supreme thrill was when 
he carried a man on his back. 
Blondin offered a large sum of 
money to anyone who would dare 
the ride. Several men volunte»rccf. 
t(\-k a look, and changed their 
minds. Eventually Blondin an- 
nounced that his assistant, Harry 
Colcord, had agreed to go. Blondin 
had carried Colcord many times in 
European performances. 

Crowds had been growing stead- 
ily for each appearance. On this 
August day, all records were broken. 
The multitude was estimated at 
800,000. 

Blondin appeared in gay tights; 
Colcord wore formal evening clothes. 
He climbed on Blondin's back, put 
nil feet in stirrups and clung to a 
harness. With a flourish they start- 
ed out. This was something new, 
more hampering than shackles or 
stilts. It was 145 pounds of human 
flesh, and another life to think about. 
It made Blondin cautious. They 
wched along. Out 150 feet or so. 
Blondin had to rest. He told Col- 
cord to climb down for a moment. 
Colcord's heart nearly failed him. 
This was not in the program. But 
the probable alternative was death. 
5>o Colcord dismounted, and stood 
frasplng Blondin's hips, agonized and 
helpless. 

'Get back on!' Blondin ordered 
«ter a moment. Colcord did. At 
the second halt for rest, Blondin 
held out his hat at arm's length. 
Beneath was the steamer, the Maid 
01 the Mist, with John Travis, fa- 



Forty years later, Colcord — who 
left the hectic life to become a por- 
trait painter — wrote: 

'Although so many years have 
elapsed, the thought of it haunts me 
as closely as if it had happened yes- 
terday. 

'Again I 'see the shores black with 
people and I look down on the swirl- 
ing river, far t>elow, until we seem 
to be rushing upstream. And again I 
feel Blondin stumble and sway as 
the ruffians try to upset us, and 
he breaks into a wild run for life. 
When it all comes back to me,. I 
jump up in nervous tension and cold 
sweat It is like living the horror 
over and over again.' 

Blondin carried Colcord across the 
chasm again that year, and a third 
time the next year when the Prince 
of Wales was a spectator. . 

Blondin reaped his real reward 
when he returned to Europe. Great 
crowds flocked to see him every- 
where he performed. He packed 
C ystal Palace in London for a 
whole series of shows, his rope 
rigged 170 feet above the floor. 

Eventually, some slicker got bis 
money. In 1896, broke and 72 years 
old, he gave a tight-rope exhibition 
in Belfast, wearing stilts and turn- 
ing somersaults. He died the next 
year — in bed. 

Blondin's competitors got busy, 
even before he left the scene. Signor 
Ballini in 1860 crossed above the 
Rapids on a slack rope, his feet in a 
sack. He, too, carried a man over 
on his back. 

In 1865, Harry Leslie, an Ameri- 
can, crossed the sorge on a cable. 

In 1876, an intrepid woman, Sig- 
nora Maria Speltcrini, dared the 
rapid.s on a two-inch rope and won, 
later crossing over with hands and 
feet manacled. 

Ballini came back in 1873 to re- 
peat his stunts. He had a helper, 
Steve Peere. a painter by trade, who 
one day in a Tit of fun took Ballini's 
balancing pole and rushed out on the 
cable. Ballini. infuriated, tried to 
cut the rope and send Pcere to his 
death. That ended Ballini at Niag- 
ara, but not Peere. Surprised at his 
own agility, he took up rope-walk- 
ing and a few .vear.s later ambled 
over the lower rapitis on a three- 
fourths incli rope. Three or four 
others at diver.? times gave exhibi- 
tions over the chasm — but none ever 
apjiroachcd Blondin in variety of 
stunts or fame. 

For pure courage. Capt. Matthew 
'Vcbb was supreme among the men 
who dared Niagara. He was one of 
the strongest swimmers who ever 
lived: he had conquered the Eng- 
lish Channel, and. in 1883, he an- 
nounced he was coming to Amer- 
ica to swim the Niagara whirlpool 
rapid.?. 



Stout Heart Fails 



Niagara residents thought even his 
stout heart would quail once he saw 
the tossing waters and heard their 
roar. For a short distance below 
the Falls, the waters, as if stunned 
by their headlong tumble, are com- 
paratively quiet. Then the gorge be- 
gins to narrow, and the trapped 
river fights frai.lically to push 
through. The drainage of almost 
half a continent tries to escape 
through a rocky gate 400 feet wide. 
The current runs as high as 40 miles 
an hour. Suddenly the walls veer 
westward and swing back again to 
the north. This makes the famous 
Whirlpool, a 60-acre cauldron of 
swirling, foaming water. Objects 
caught in the whirlpool sometimes 
circle for hours, beyond reach of 
men on the bank, sometimes are 
sucked under water, to reappear far 
downstream. 

Neither Capl. Webb nor anyone 
else could possibly gel the full im- 



pact of the spectacle from a mere 
description. Yet when the swimmer 
faced his ordeal, he never hesitated, 
but plunged In. /or a time, his mag- 
nificent swimming made headway 
toward the other bank as the cur- 
rent swept him downstream. Then 
a great wave hit him and he disap- 
peared. Four days later his bat- 
tered body was found seven miles 
down the river. 

Bill Kendall, a Boston policeman, 
did swim the rapids in 1886, but 
he wore a cork life preserver. 

A year after Blondin departed 
from the scene of triumph, one ot 
the most daring of Niagara feats was 
performed quietly, almost secretly. 
The owners of the Maid of the Mist 
first of the stout little steamers by 
the name that carried excursionists 
up to the very foot of the Falls, had 
a chance to sell it to purchasers in 
Montreal — if they could deliver the 
vessel. The story leaked out but 
was regarded as a craz7 rumor. How- 
ever, on the afternoon of June 6, 
1861, the Maid left her wharf under 
a full head of steam and headed for 
the Falls as usual. Suddenly she 
turned and shot downstream. A few 
people on the banks saw her hit the 
Rapids. The first shock knocked her 
smokestack fiat She shuddered In 
every timber, gallantly righted her- 
self, and fiashed throtigh toward the 
Whirlpool. Capt Joel Robinson and 
two other old river men aboard clev- 
erly maneuvered her through, rac- 
ing- like a modem destroyer. An 
incredibly short time later a tele- 
gram announced she was safe at 
Queenston. 

Other boats have made the trip. 
C. Alexander Percy took a boat 
through three times in 1887— what 
kind of boat does not appear (a con- 
temporary records. Capt Peter Nis- 
sen gained national notoriety In 1900 
with his specially designed Tool- 
Killer,' an unsiokabla craft which 
made one beautiful trip through the 
Rapids. On the second trip it lost 
smokestack, propeller and ruddfr, 
bilt got through. 

It was Carlisle D. Graham who 
was the first to conceive the idea of 
shooting the Rapids in a barrel. 
Vfkat Is more, he did the stunt five 
times in the early "SOs. On the fifth 
trip the barrel was trapped in the 
Whirlpool and circled for hours out 
of reach. When at last watchers on 
shore managed to snare it, they 
dragged Graham out unconscious and 
near death trom suffocation. He 
never tried it again.'' 

He had several imitators. In 1886 
George Hazlett and William Potts 
and then Hazlett and Sadie Allen 
shot- the Rapids, two In one barrel. 
Martha Wagenfiihrer survived a bar- 
rel trip in 1001. Maud Willard, an 
actress, took her dog with her in a 
barrel. It was caught in the Whirl- 
pool, where it circled stubbornly for 
five hours. When the barrel was 
captured and opened, the dog leaped 
out alive, but the woman was dead. 
'Red' Hill, a Niagara resident, hero 
of many courageous rescues from the 
river, himself shot the Rapids in a 
barrel. 



3 Who Snrvlved 



Showdown Due on Better Warfront 
Coverage; Newsreels Press Brassbats 



WELLES' LECTURE 



Denle* Being An 'ArtlsUe Ogre' to 
N. V. V. rUm BtadenU 



Apex of foolhardiness is the 
plunge over the Falls. Three have 
done it and lived— the first a woman 
school-teacher! Mrs. Annie Edson 
Taylor appeared at the Falls in 1901 
with a barrel she had designed for 
the stunt. The barrel was padded, 
and was fitted with straps to hold 
her in place. An anvil served as 
ballast to hold the barrel upright 

She started a mile above the Falls. 
The barrel shot through the upper 
rapids, tossing and tumbling madly. 
At the brink it seemed to hesitate 
for a fraction of a second, then 
plunged 170 feet into the roaring 
foam. The barrel was not seen 
again until it was hundreds of feet 
downstream. When It was caught 
eager hands ripped off the cover ot 
the manhole. Up through it came 
Mrs. Taylor's arm — she lived! As 
she waved her hand, a great cheer 
arose from crowds on shore. She 
was a mass of bruises, but otherwise 
uninjured. It had been her idea to 
exhibit Jierself on her barrel for 
an admission tee, but she got little 
out of it and died in a poorhouse." 

'Bobby' Leach plunged over the 
Falls in a steel barrel in 1911. He 
broke his jaw and both knee caps 
and spent 23 weeks in a hosrital. 
He recovered and stunted again— 
and was killed in Australia when he 
slipped on a banana peel. 

George Stathakis, a literary eccen- 
tric, went over the Falls in a wooden 
barrel, was imprisoned some 15 hours 
before the barrel could be captured, 
and was dead. 

The last person who ever plunged 
over the Falls and lived was Jean 
Laussier In 1928. He used a rubber 
ball II feet In diameter, with Inner 
linings of canvas, and a steel frame- 
work to which he was bound rigidly 



Orson Welles took time out to 
dispel the illusion that he's an 'ar- 
tistic ogre,' always In hot water with 
studio management during his lec- 
ture to the class in Motion Picture 
Technique at New York University 
yesterday (Tues). Welles told stud- 
ents of Professor Bob Gessner't 
course that the bad hombre Illusion 
was stcictly a film studio and radio 
industry buildup because they liked 
to present him in that light to the 
public. 

Welles impressed upon his listeners 
the integrity of the artist who wants 
to do things his own way. He said 
that he has a great respect for audi- 
ence intelligence, more respect than 
most film producers appeared to 
have. 

Actor - author - producer • director 
stated that all his pictures have 
mada money. ('Citizen Kane,' which 
was the subject of his lecture, cost 
in the neighborhood ot $900,000 and 
has not quite earned back its nega- 
tive cost This, however, is due to 
the fact that the film has played only 
about 35 or 40% of normal bookings. 
'Magnificent Ambersons' current^ 
looks profitable). 

Welles' lecture at N. Y. U. yea- 
terday was hit first on film techni- 
que. He has spoken previously on 
the legitimate theatr*. 

Gets Tougher 
For Pix Sellers 
To Get Around 



Memphis, Oct. 20. 
Tire rationing has become In- 
creasingly a distribution problem In 
the Memphis exchange area, includ- 
ing large portions of Arkansas and 
Mississippi as well as West Ten- 
nessee. 

Film Transit Inc., which trans- 
ports virtually all the film fhipp^ 
in this sector, was denied anything 
like the necessary amount of new 
tires and re-treads to keep Its trucks 
rolling, when the matter was pre- 
sented to the local rationing board. 

Only slight relief waa afforded 
when distribs descended on the board 
in a body, accompanied by officials 
of the Commercial Appeal and the 
Press-Scimiter, leading dallies in this 
region, Film Transit also having 
contracts for circulation of the news- 
papers. 

Appeals to higher boards are In the 
making and it is believed a reversal 
will be made since no other means 
of getting pix and the press into 
hundreds of small mid-south cities 
appears available under wartime 
conditions. 

Sale.smen from the local exchanges 
have been refused recaps, even, and 
are beginning to get desperate about 
their plight. Thus far, little hope 
for their salvation has sappeared. 



with a harness. There was oxygen 
supply for 40 hours. From the start 
of his adventure until he was pulled 
out below the falls was only 50 min- 
utes. He suffered only a few 
bruises. 

It is hardly just to Include Lin- 
coln Beachy, pioneer filer, in the 
same list with so many no^riety 
seekers and fantastic eccejitrics, 
still he performed one of the most 
thrilling feats ever seen at Niagara. 
In 1911, when it was still important 
to convince the world that the air- 
plane was capable of great things, 
he flew a frail Wright Brothers plane 
over the crest ot the Canadian Falls, 
down into the Gorge, under the 
Honeymoon Bridge, up and out 
again. For two days he tried, and 
did not consider conditions just 
right. On the third, he made it, and 
collected a $1,000 check, 
■f This is the saga of Niagara's dare- 
devils. Presumably it Is complete, 
for the law now wisely forbids such 
stunts. 



Battle to get more adequate cover- 
age of the war is reported in news- 
reel circles as rapidly nearing a 
showdovm. Aside from the fact that 
U. S. film units need real battle ma- 
terial for so-called documentary or 
propaganda films, exhibitors have 
been clamoring In recent weeks for 
more complete news from the front- 
lines. 

Admitting they have been stymied 
thus far in getting much material 
past the military brasshats, because 
of necessary rigid wartime censor- 
ship, newsreel veterans are con- 
vinced that the problem is more far- 
reaching than strictly a censorship 
matter. One of the biggest stum- 
bling-blocks is the roto or pooled 
battlefront coverage. It not only 
makes for sameness and dearth ot 
material, but saps the enterprise 
generally associated with wartime 
coverage. 

While the newsreels have beefed 
about the clampdown on news clips 
from the war front, checkup reveals 
that thus far the reels have not gone 
overboard in supplying camera crews 
considering the scope of the present 
global warfare. When it's recalled 
that tlvriiSv^American newsreels had 
some 3A',men cdverUig thet Abysln- 
nlan war, and each reel had five or 
more men handling the revolution- 
ary struggle in Spain, the present 
pool of 10 American newsreelers 
seems inadequate in comparison. 

Coverage ot these two previous 
wars differs from the present one In 
that tha five U. S. newsreels now 
have agreed to the roto system, 
patterned after the British setup, 
whereby each reel contributes two 
men. Then the 10 are assigned to 
so-called active battle zones. 
Camera Pool 
Some newsreel editors reply that 
a really adequate force of newsreel 
cameramen and technicians would 
be possible only if some sort of a 
manpower pool is set up. Such a 
pool, which would train photogra- 
phers to become professional cam- 
eramen, has been suggested l>efore, 
but each time the question has come 
up as to who should prdmote or run 
such a newsreel manpower pool — 
the military or civilians? Just what 
union difficulties such a proposal 
would encounter is another big 
question mark. 

Such a giant pool or school ot 
newsreel technicians would be pro- 
hibitive in cost for the newsreels 
themselves to handle. It likely would 
have to be made an industry-wide 
proposition. Need for such trained 
professional men is apparent and It 
is one that likely will "kave to be 
filled ultimately. Probable that a 
joint civilian-military project would 
be the most feasible. 

Bote Football Idea 
Suggested potential source of sup- 
ply for such cameramen are the 
major colleges which have devel- 
oped skilled 16-mllllmeter photogra- 
phers in recent years. Figured this 
supply of amateur cameramen could 
be developed into professional news- 
reelers quicker than any other class 
of men. These are the collegiates 
who take newsreel 16-mm. pictures 
of principal football games. They 
do such a comprehensive job that 
crucial plays can be studied minute- 
ly on the Monday following the con- 
tests. Estimated that there are some 
2,000 amateur photographers in this 
category who might be available. 

Pool idea is given Impetus by the 
fact that there is need for pepping 
up and more thoroughly covering 
offensive operations of American 
troops. Reported from several 
sources th^ U. S. newsreels fail to 
show enough U. S. forces attacking 
as compared with Gefman and Jap 
newsreel clips. It's a falling that 
somehow must be remedied quickly, 
according to documentary film ex- 
perts, if the Allies are to win out In 
the propaganda battle being waged 
in such on-the-fence nations as Ar- 
gentina. Chile. Portugal, Turkey, etc. 
Understood that Yank newsreels 
have to compete with Jap and Nazi 
reels in such territories, and the 
American reels are at a decided dis- 
advantage to date because not show- 
ing the true offensive hitting force 
of Allied nations. * 

Newsreel coverage of the Doolittle 
raid on Tokyo, the great offensive 
of U. S. forces at Midway, heroism 
of men on the Yorktown and actual 
onslaught by the Marines at the 
Solomon Islands would have gone 
far in selling the United Nations to 
those wavering countries. 



28 



Wcdncsdaj, October 21, 1942 



<«T> 



rU get tickets!" 



"See you 
at the 




He can't make up 
his mind, which to 
invite! 




In the headlines wherever you look is 
MetrO'GOLDMINE-Mayer! Now it*s joy- 
ous Judy at Broadway's famed Astor in 
the GOLDMINE show "For Me And My 
Gar*, a terrific hit in M-G-M's Terrific 
Twelve— Our First Group and the Indus- 
try's FIRST group for this sizzling season! 

STAY FIRST WITH M-G-MI 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



STUDIO CRAFIS' 
8-HOUR DAY 
IMPENDS 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Retiiin to the eight-hour day Is 
prediciccl for thousands of studio 
workers as a result of the wartime 
shorlage of labor. Major companies 
are reported to have approached 
union cliicfs with the idea of .-itretch- 
Ing out the worlting day two hours 
beyond the present status of six, 
with time and a half after 40 accu- 
mulative hours. Under the current 
system, lime and a half begins after 
86 hours. 

Some of th^ unions prefer the 
eight-hour day but a majority of 
them want time and a half for the 
last two hours. Producers are 
against any overtime before 40 ac- 
cumulative hours. They point out 
that the six-hour day was adopted at 
the request of the unions in peace 
ful times when there were twice as 
many men as jobs. Now, they con- 
tend, the positions are reversed and 
few unions are able to furnish 
enough workers to keep production 
up to a peak. 

Union chiefs want It specified that 
an eight-hour schedule is only a war 
emergency measure and that the six- 
hour day will return when the war 
Is over. Among the workers who 
would be affected by a lengthening 
of hours are painters, teamsters, 
laborers, grips, lamp operators, ma- 
chinists, property men, electricians, 
nursery men, laboratory technicians, 
fixture men and projectionists. 



A.C.'s Reprieve 



Continued from page 2 



been hanging over Atlantic City's 
af ler-dark world since Sept. 25, when 
he told local law enforcement heads 
that the Army would 'run the whole 
show' imless civil authorities showed 
that they could clean up prostitution 
and gambling conditions at this 
militarized resort. 

Although Justice Colie qualified 
his reprieve with a repeat of his 
tnreal. cafe and night club proprie 
tors are certain the worst is over 
and only continued vigilance is 
needed to continue legitimate fun 
operations. 

Altogether, the law apprehended 
60-odd persons on morals charges 
during the crucial period. More than 
50 of these were girls and women 
who are now paying the price with 
jail sentences. Four were proprietors 
of alleged 'disorderly' rooming 
hou.se.s. The four are each free 
under $.1,000 bai' for eventual prose- 
cution. 

Barkecps, taproom owners and 
night club bistros, however, did 
things which were perhaps more dis- 
couraKing to the floating population 
of women of unsavory character. 
They ejected them. This action, 
plus other measures known only 
to unorthodox tacticians of the bar- 
rooms, is credited with breaking up 
a secret clique which had built up 
an undercover system of distributing 
telephone numbers and room ad- 
dresses to alcohol-warmed soldiers. 



Airlines 

Contlnaed Irom page • 



the thrilling part played by today's 
carriers in the war effort, the 
measures used for safety and fiow 
they work, the creation of post-war 
planes from the time they hit the 
orawmg-room table until they touch 
ground at the end of— possibly— 
round-the-world tours, and other 
detaib designed to Interest adults 
»nd children. 

The demands for such picture 
programs are great, especially from 
educational people who now com- 
P'am that the kids in their bailiwick 
Know more about aeronautics than 
do tin. Icnrned' ones. 

Jusi how the program will shape 
[ip aiKi « iiat sort of menace to re ui- 
'ai- circm.n business will be created 
rcm:;i:'v i, ijj, ^55^ p,.cvuc 
iii'nr;lii. indicate shows that will 
'•Ilk bui liitie of the entertainment 
of iho comics, horse operas 
clii ;.-:-: cf today's lay-lt-on-the- 

' ' ' " iiouseff. 



Il H'wood Irlcs 'Em 11 

laiM Continued from page t g^ggj 

have ideas for stories with Latin- 
American characters, themes or 
backgrounds, unless It has double- 
checked every aspect. And even 
then It worries, for people who live 
in the particular territory which the 
films picture are certain to pick up 
some minor flaw and make a fuss 
about it. 

So, with so much chance of a 
flareback and the Latinos showing 
no signs anyhow of being particu; 
larly flattered or pleased by pix 
about them, there appears to be no 
advantages and plenty of dis- 
advantages to this form of inter- 
national celluloid romancing. Citi- 
zenry of the other Americas are 
extremely fond— the boxolTices 
show— of pix about the United 
States. So, it Hollywood depicts 
various aspects of this country in 
a truthful and favorable light, the 
Inter-American Affairs office is said 
to feel it will be doing its full share 
toward creating hemisphere amity. 
The Wrong Hill 
How a studio with even the best 
of intentions can slip up is evidenced 
in Warner Bros.' 'Now Voyager.' It 
contains a sequence located in Brazil 
and has several shots of Rio from 
the harbor. Now two of the most 
famous things alxiut Rio are its two 
big hills visible from the harbor and 
the giant statue of Christ on one of 
them. Warners, using process shots, 
got the statue on the wrong hill. It 
soimds humorous up here, but cer- 
tainly not to a Brazilian. An attache 
of the Coordinator's office fortu- 
nately noted the error and it was 
corrected before the film was re- 
leased. 

Still another evidence of how dif- 
flcult it is to please some of the peo- 
ple of Latin America even some of 
the time are criticisms which Colum- 
bia has received from Buenos Aires 
on 'You Were Never Lovelier' — and 
the picture's not slated to open there 
for months. 'Lovelier' is a remake of 
'Los Martes, Orquideas' ('On Tues- 
days, Orchids'), an Argentine-made 
film of about 18 months ago. It's by 
Argentine writers and has an Argen- 
tine background, which both Colum- 
bia and the Ihter-American Affairs 
office felt sure would please the 
people of Argentina very much. 'But 
the film was still in production when 
a couple of Buenos Aires film 
columnists started to pan it, for no 
apparent reason. They just didn't 
think Hollywood could do it justice, 
although Rita Hayworth, Fred As- 
taire, Adolpha Menjou and Xavier 
Cugat In the cast probably cost more 
than the entire Lumiton Studio, 
which made the original version. 
Eton and Iceland 

Objection to 'A Yank at Eton' Is 
said to be on somewhat stronger 
ground. In the first place, it gives 
Americans an entirely wrong im- 
pression of British schools and, sec- 
ondly, it takes a snobbish attitude of 
American superiority in having 
Rooney walk all over his British 
classmates at the famed English 
school. 

'Iceland,' among other tilings, ap- 
pears to have gotten a few facts 
jumbled. According to squawking 
editorials in the Reykjavik Morgun- 
bladid there's very little ice in Ice- 
land, and deAnltely not enough for 
the Henie skating carnival produc- 
tion numbers in the film. Then, too, 
the paper says, names and costumes 
arc inaccurate. And where did 
Hollywood ever get the idea that 
the people of Iceland eat — or have 
ever seen— the lavish food shown In 
the film. Worse, however. Is the fact 
that a U. S. Marine (John Payne) 
is the smart boy who wins the Ice- 
landic girl while the native lad 
(Sterling Holloway) is a dope who 
couldn't win an I. Q. test in a booby 
hatch. 

That's how to lose friends and 
alienate allies. 



PICTURES 29 



EX-THEATRE EMPLOYEE 
JAUEDJS ARSONIST 

Hartford, Oct. 20. 
Melvln Meacham, former em- 
ployee of E. M. Loew'g theatre here, 
has been sentenced to Cheshire 
State Reformatory. Youth was con- 
victed In Superior Court on his ad- 
missions of having started two of 
four fires while employed at the 
theatre, 

Claimed fires were result of care- 
lessness but pleaded guilty. 

AFL and CIO Amns. 
Unions Combine To 
Support Same Man 

For the first time in theatrical 
trade union history, so far as the 
New York scene is concerned, a 
group of unions, AFL and CIO, have 
imited in support of a political can- 
didate. 

Under the title of the Theatrical 
Trade Union Committee to Support 
Alfange (American Labor Party can- 
didate in New York's gubernatorial 
election), the Screen Publicists Guild, 
the Screen Office St Professional Em- 
ployees Guild, both CIO affiliates, 
have joined with Local 306, Motion 
Picture Operators, Local 702, Motion 
Picture Lab Technicians and the 
Motion Picture It Office Employees 
Union, which recently organized 
Warner Bros, home office staffs with 
lATSE aid. 

The political activity is an out- 
growth of the Film W/tr Service 
Council, organized to facilitate union 
participation, so far as New York 
City in concerned, in the various war 
activities of the motion picture In- 
dustry. MPOE was not a member of 
the Film War Service Council, but 
Is expected to affiliate shortly. 
Meanwhile they are supporting Dean 
Alfange. 

Situation is unusual in that SOPEG 
and MPOE are organization competi- 
tors, since both claim jurisdiction 
over similar film employees. 

The various needlecraft unions of 
New York were res^nslble for the 
organization of the American Labor 
Party and the Newspaper Guild has 
been active In ALP circles. But this 
Is a first for the theatrical tmions. 

Situation is further spiced by fact 
that the New York State Federation 
of Labor has endorsed John J. Ben- 
nett, the Democratic candidate for 
Governor. 



URGE CUniNG DOWN ON 
DISTANT PHONE CALLS 



A. W. Schwalberg, in charge of ex- 
change operations for Warner Bros., 
has advised all branches of the com- 
pany to cut down on long-distance 
calls wherever possible as a means 
of cooperating with the war effort 
and relieving the load on telephone 
wires. In his notice to the branch 
heads, he asked them to discuss the 
matter with the salesmen, bookers 
and others in order to get their im- 
mediate cooperation. 

A vast amount of bu.<;ine.ss is con- 
ducted over the phone by the vari- 
ous exchanges of the distribs, more 
of late due to the cnv prnt)Iem.- 



SOEG In Frisco 

Washington, Oct. 20. 

Members of the Screen Office Em- 
ployees Guild employed In the San 
Francisco film exchanges of nine 
leading motion picture companies 
were ordered by the National Labor 
Relations Board on Monday (19) to 
hold secret ballot elections to deter- 
mine whether they want to be rep- 
resented by the Guild for the pur- 
poses of collective bargaining. 

Involved in this action are Guild 
members who are employed In the 
San Francisco film exchanges of Co- 
lumbia Pictures, Loew's, Paramount, 
Republic, RKO, 20th-Fox, United 
Artists, Universal and Vitagraph. 

The Guild, which is a Jocal of the 
Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators 
& Paperhangers, Inc., of the Ameri- 
can Federation of Labor, alleged that 
the companies refused to recognize 
the union as the exclusive represent- 
ative of any of their employees until 
they were certain that the union rep- 
resented a majority of the employees 
involved. 

NLRB said that a statement of the 
trial examiner In the case indicated 
that the union represented 'a sub- 
stantial number of the employees In 
each of the tinits' of the picture com- 
panies. The trial examiner reported 
that the union presented membership 
cards showing that the various pic- 
ture companies employed from five 
to 14 members of the union. 

NLRB ordered that the elections 
be held within 30 days of the order. 

The hearing in the case was held 
at San Francisco Oct. 1. The com- 
panies and the union were repre- 
sented. The NLRB found that the 
trial examiner's rulings made at the 
hearing were free from prejudicial 
error and were affirmed. 



Salt Sprays Leshin 

Hollywood, Oct. 20 
E. D. Leshin draws the associate 
producer assignment on 'Salty 
O'Rourke," Paramount picture, with 
Alan Ladd and Helen Walker teamed 
in top roles. 

Milton Holmes wrote the original 
yarn and is collaborating with Adrian 
Scott on the screerip'lay. 



lATSE Would Like Entire Country s 
Exchanges Designated As Single Unit 



JOE BASSON TO HGHT 
FOR 306 PRESIDENCY 



Joseph D. Basson, former president 
of Local 308, Moving Picture Op- 
erators of New York, is reported 
planning to try to recapture that 
post in the union at next year's 
December election, and as the first 
step in his campaign is getting out 
a four-page bulletin of his own 
designed to win votes. He calls the 
sheet 'The Spotlight' and during the 
pa.st week mailed the first issue 
to members of Local 306. Additional 
copies are expected to be published 
periodically between now and De- 
cember. 

Reported in some union quarters 
that, 4iIthough Herman Gelbcr, pres- 
ident of 306, has importantly in- 
creased his following and that even, 
if the Sam Kaplan faction should 
swing with Basson, as believed, the 
right for the top chair would still 
be a tough one. 

Basson, prexy of 306 for many 
years, lost out to Qelber in last De- 
cember election and since then has 
been an International representatjv^ 
of the lATSE. 



II H'wood Retreat 11 

l^ss Continned from page 4 ^^sJ 

ducers so long he didn't need ex- 
N. Y. cop ]|arney's advice. 

Surefire for Solitary 

Borrah Minevitch taught him how 
to play a harmonica, the greatest 
racket in ^e world to get a room by 
yourself, a^d Eddie Robinson showed 
him how to make up as 'Little 
Caesar.' Mike Lyman made the 
honored guest a present of Gbld- 
stein's cigar tabs and promised to 
try and get him in the same outfit 
with Charlie Foy. 

The day he was exc.nined he hqd 
to take oft all his clothes. The 
Army doctor said he looked like a 
trellis for varicose vMns. It didn't 
look like he would make the weight, 
but he is a pal of jockey Sammy 
Renick and ^enlck slipped him 10 
pounds of saddle lead for his pants 
pockets. He tipped every one In the 
joint but forgot the scales. They 
took him anyway. He bought his 
own ticket to a training camp in 
Des Moines. He wants to do sentry 
duty with the WAACS. . 

Runyon promised him thai he 
would keep his picture out of the 
papers; no use in giving consolation 
to the enemy. Then we all took him 
for a five-mile hike to see U we 
could rid him of that gin rummy 
pallor. He looks like the last act of 
De Wolf Hopper. The day he en- 
listed the sale of war bonds dropped 
ZO'^r. Runyon told him to keep his 
eyes open for a good type to play 
General MacArthur. The studio 
thinks MacArthur is too old to play 
himself. We had a tip from the top 
that Goldstein was going up to 
Alaska and the lads had woolen 
underwear and fur lined gloves put 
in his knapsack as a surprise. He got 
the surprise all right. He is now 
training at a spot In Death Valley, 
lis in the shade and no shade. They 
want our soldiers to have plenty of 
sand. By golly they sent him to the 
right place for It. 



New B'way Canteen 

ss Continned from page 4 bs 



Seaman's Institute, a merchant 
mariner's rendezvous on the N. Y. 
waterfront, with request to start a 
canteen. Institute has attempted to 
do same, with talent coming Jtrom 
USO-Camp Shows, Inc., and United 
Theatrical War Activities Committee, 
but mariners didn't cotton to relax- 
ing in their own bailiwick. With 
the Wing operating spot on Times 
Square the sailors figure to fiock to 
the canteen just as other servicemen 
gather at their rendezvous on 44th 
street. 

Setup will be Identical to other 
canteen operations, i.e., notables to 
act as busboys and waitresses, etc., 
with food, soft drinks and smokes on 
the cuff. Only exception is that 
merchant marinemen will be per- 
mitted to pay for their grub if they 
so desire. 

Merchant Marine presently have 
two canteens operating further 
downtown. 



With office worker unions organii- 
ing clerks, cashiers and other white- 
collar help in the film exchanges, 
the International Alliance of The- 
atrical Stage Employees is seeking 
to ' strengthen its grasp on the ex- 
changes through the National Labor 
Relations Board as well as local or- 
ganizational moves of its own. 

The lATSE is represented as de- 
siring the NLRB to declare all film 
branch offices as a national unit for 
added strength and with a possible 
future view to obtaining complete 
jurisdiction over all help in ex- 
changes, including the white-collar- 
ites. The lA currently has the so- 
called 'backroom' help, made up of 
inspectors, shippers, rewinders, etc., 
but under the setup each local is a 
union unto itself and negotiates its 
own deals in the branch centers. 

While the lA also has organized of- 
fice workers of a few exchanges 
around the country, it does not have 
them lined up in New York, largest 
key of all, but is putting up a stiff 
fight to wrest this branch of office 
help from the Screen Office & Pro- 
fessional Employees Guild. Latter, 
however, has the advantage in view 
of a contract also signed to cover the 
Columbia exchange and claimed con- 
trol of the branch workers of other 
companies. 

SOPEG'8 Moves 

Meantime, the SOPEG is negotiat- 
ing with National Screen Service to 
cover its homeoffice as well as ex- 
change employees and has pending 
before the NLRB petitions for elec- 
tions for the Paramount, Metro, 20th- 
Fox and United Artists' N. Y. branch 
offices. Union has contracts for h.o. 
white-collar workers with Metro, 
20th, RKO and Col, while following 
recent election it won is preparing 
to open negotiations with UA on the 
h.o. bunch. 

The Office Workers of .the AFL 
a different union, has Warner Bros, 
for its h.o., exchange and warehouse, 
plus Universal. 

Although office worker unions 
have not organized exchanges in 
other parts of the country, the 
Screen Office Employees Guild, not 
associated with the SOPEG, recently 
obtained a contract to cover white- 
collarites In the Los Angeles 
branches, freezing out the lA in that 
key. The SOPEG, an AFL union is 
hooked up with the Painters' union 
which exerts considerable power in 
the studios. 

lA had long given thought to or- 
ganizing the front-office help in the 
exchanges but had not taken the 
matter up seriously until office 
worker^unlons in N. Y. and L. A: be- 
gan making Important headway. 



THEATRE DESTROYED 
BY FIRE; LOSS $50,000 



MiUbury, Mass., Oct. 20. 

Paradise theatre here, damaged 
twice previously by dynamite bombs, 
was destroyed by fire last Wednes- 
day (14) with loss estimated at 
$50,000. The cause has not yet been 
determined and state and local fire 
officials are investigating. 

On Oct. 26, 1939, and again on 
June 25, 1940. house was dynamited 
and investigators blamed profes- 
sional criminals. Damage In first 
blast was $16,000 end In second $300. 
Building was owned by Bernard 
Feldman of Wlnchendon, Blass. 

Samuel Feldman, son of the owner 
and manager of the theatre, applied 
to town officials for use of the Town 
Hall to show pictures, but was turned 
down because, officials said, the need 
of the hall for public gatherings, 
civilian defense projects and war 
needs, as well as the shortage of 
fuel oil made it inexpedient to al- 
low its private use. 



Stndio Unions Draft 
SorreU for 2nd Term 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Herbert Sosrell was drafted as 
president of Conference of Studio 
Unions after declining to run for re- 
election. Delegates of the affiliated 
unions reelected him by acclamation. 

Other Conference o(Ticers reelected 
in the landslide were D. T. Wayne, 
v.p.; Russell McKnight. sec.-treas., 
and Blanche Cole, rccordins sec. 



WeilncMlay, October 21, 1942 



piGnnuss 



SI 



Cartoonists Walk 
On Sciilesinger In 
Union Contract Tiff 



Hollywood. Oct. 20. 

The refusal of Leon Schlesingcr. 
cartoon producer tor Warners, to 
recognize the proposed contract re- 
visions calling tor two 'assistant' 
classifications caused a walkout pf 12 
assistant animators at the cartoon 
plant on Monday (19). Claimed by 
the inkers that Schleslnger advancej 
only one man to higher classifica- 
tions even though the new plan is in 
operation at Metro. Walter Lantz 
and other cartooneries. 

The animators acted on their own 
when it was reported that Schles- 
lnger declined to discuss the matter 
with union execs. Understood that 
most of the walkouts have bids from 
other plants. 

M.A.LIGHT1IIANSTAFF 
WRECKED BY DRAFT 

Memphis, Oct. 20. 

The manpower drain is virtually 
wrecking M. A. LIghtman's Maico 
Circuit executive staff. 

Dave Groskind. head booker tor 
the chain the past several years, 
leaves this week tor officers' training 
school, He will be replaced by Eric 
Landau, tormer suburban house 
manager tor Lightman, but more re- 
cently engaged elsewhere. 

B. W. Hirsh, chief shorts booker 
for the organization, left for officers' 
candidate school 10 days ago. Malco 
grabbed a femme, Lucille Allen, for 
his desk to stave off future war in- 
> roads. 

Skedded to exit before the middle 
of next month is Herb Kohn, execu- 
tive assistant to the Malco president. 
No choice of a successor as yet, with 
Indications that Lightman will per- 
sonally resume supervision of activi- 
ties handled by Kohn the past 18 
months. 

Another circuit in this sector will 
lose an important flgtire next month, 
when Alton Simms, Memphis booker 
for Robb ft Rowley of Little Rock, 
enters the Army. 

Tmek On a Rampage 
Wrecks Theatre Front 



PottsvUle, Pa., Oct. 20. 
The display front and ticket booth 
of the Capitol here were wrecked 
when a heavy motor truck, trying to 
avoid a collision with another ve- 
hicle, mounted the curb in front of 
the theatre and with its load of coal 
smashed into the lobby of the the- 
atre. A wall between the theatre 
and a store next door was ripped 
away, a mail box was hurled into 
the ticket box and the booth itself, 
with the ticket machine, was 
smashed. Carl Herman. Capitol man- 
ager, described the damages as 'ex- 
tensive.' 

No one was in the booth at the 
time, but Martin Donahue and Jo- 
seph Krutal. theatre employees, 
were nearby when the truck hit the 
lobby. 



U. S. Films to Tie-in 
With Austerity Drive 

Tentative outline of the way in 
which the American film industry is 
helping the Australian Austerity 
campaign will come before the In- 
ternational Film Relations Commit- 
tee meeting today rWednesday) at 
the Hays office. IFRC has been 
mapping out 60-second shorts and 
brief radio disc programs to Jibe 
with the Aussie's compaign. main 
Pmpoise of which Is to encourage 
stout public morale in wartime. 

After the results of the committee 
members' research has been set, ttie 
Hollywood Victory Committee win 
be asked to collaborate In getUng 
u. S. flhn stars to speak for these 
brief Alms and radio programs. Idea 
Is to have American screen players 
voice their appredatioo of the Aus- 
terity drive in Australia. 



Fihn to Eitol Paddy 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Career of Paddy Finucane, out- 
standing pilot in the Battle of Brit- 
ain, will be filmed at 20th-Fox under 
the title. The Flying Irishman.' 

Bryan Foy is producing, with Scott 
Darling doing the screenplay from 
records obtained from the Royal Air 
Force. 



KIDNAPPING SCARE 
BOFFS FRISCO NABES 



San Francisco. Oct. 20. 

Local nabes found out a kidnap- 
ping could adversely affect biz, when 
four-year-old Vivian Miller was 
snatched. 

During the several days the child 
was missing, biz at the neight>orhood 
houses was very slow. Some exhlbs 
attributed this to fear of women and 
children to venture out of doors be- 
cause of general belief the girl had 
been at>ducted by a degenerate. 

Another factor clamping down on 
biz was the use of 30,000 civilian de- 
fense volunteers to scour the city 
for the child, when, normally, many 
of them would have been attending 
a show. 

The girl was fou.id in Oregon. 



Mpls. Turns Out to "See' 
1st Blackout, Boffs Biz 



Minneapolis, Oct. 20. 

First complete city blackout raised 
havoc with business at downtown 
Minneapolis theatres last Wednesday 
night because people apparently 
wanted to be out on the street to 
'see' what happened. They shunned 
the showhousei' during the half-hour 
l>etween 9:30 and 10 p.m. preferring 
to remain in doorways and alleys or 
to hug the curbs with their autos. 

Immediately after the blackout 
ended the downtown streets were 
packed with people and auto traffic 
was extremely heavy. Where they 
all came from was a mystery to the 
police. 

Coming the same week as the 
President's radio talk, the blackout 
added to managers' woes and helped 
to deplete grosses. However, Mon- 
day night theatre business has been 
considerably helped in consequence 
of the downtown stores staying open. 
Formerly one of the week's worst 
nights. Monday now ranks next to 
Friday, Saturday and Sunday as the 
best. 



Prohlbish Threat 

Contloiied from pace 1 s 

those other Volsteadian lilies that 
bloomed on booze racketeering. 

The new prohibition amendment 
proposed by Senator Lee, Oklahoma 
Democrat, with backing of the 
Women's Christian "Temperance 
Union, would bar possession, sale. 
Use. or gift of alcoholic beverages, 
including beer, in and near army 
and navy posts. 

Broadway, with its heavy invest- 
ments in t>ars and night clubs, would 
t>e on the spot should tl'.is rider go 
through. Being close to various 
army posts, the Brooklyn Navy 
Yard. Governor's Island, etc.. it 
might well be drawn into the 
amendment's restrictions. 

That's the money end of it. The 
other side of the argument against 
another prohibition era is more sor- 
did. The veteran cafe and theatre 
operators can well remember the 
gin-toting. short-skirted flappers 
who ran wild, with their zoot-suited 
male equivalents of that hectic 
period. 

Also to be remembered was the 
gangster influence on Broadway, 
i which even manifested itself in some 
I instances in the legit theatres, when 
such characters as Waxey Gordon, 
Owney Madden and others 'invested' 
in musicals because of the back- 
stage privileges. However, that was 
only small potatoes to the night club 
shenanigans, especially when It was 
only too obviou.'! that virtually every 
nitery in the Times Square zone was 
hoodlum-owned with some 'respect- 
able' boniface as a salaried front. 

The Dutch Schultzes, Chink Sher- 
mans, Jack Diamonds, among others, 
were familiar faces in the nocturnal 
hangouts — all of 'em tycoons of that 
phase of the entertainment world as' 
well as the more lucrative IxMtleg 
racket. At times they had their per- 
sonal differences right in their 
places of business, as when Schultz 
and Sherman clashed in a bloody 
knife brawl in the old Club Abbey; 
or the time Diamond and a couple 
of henchmen murdered a non- 
gangster drinker in a Broadway 
speakeasy. The three thugs men- 
tioned are all dead now — and they 
didn't die like gentlemen but 
Broadway has no doubts that other 
hoodlums will take their place 
should Prohibition come once more. 

Show people, who were perhaps 
as conversant as the police with 
Prohibition's worst aspects, can't 
figure why there should be a desire 
for another experiment — and the at- 
tendant gangsterism, grafting police, 
rotgut whiskey, blinding 'smoke' and 
needled beer. 



Sherman's Skoot 'Em Up 



Hollywood. Oct. 20. 
George Archainbaud moves in as 
director of "Peace Marshall.' the high- 
budget western to be produced by 
Harry Sherman /for United Artists 
release. 

Richard Dix ]g slated as the star, 
w«h filming starting in three weeks. 
Picture is based on a novel by Frank 
Gruber, 



ASCAP Waiting For 

Allied to Powwow 

In line with effecting a revision of 
the scat tax to grant relief to ex- 
hibitors where deserved, the Ameri- 
can Society of Composers, Authors 
& Publishers has completed its pre- 
liminary statistical study of the sit- 
uation and is waiting for Allied 
States Assn. to come in with figures 
.so that a conference may be held 
to compare them. This may be some- 
time next week, following the return 
to New York of John G. Paine, gen- 
eral manager of ASCAP, who was 
out of town last week. 

Long agitating for a reduction in 
the seat tax charged exhibitors by 
ASCAP, Allied appealed to ASCAP 
early last summer for relief. A meet- 
ing was held with Paine, to lay the 
groundwork for a study of the situa- 
tion. A subsequent session was held 
a couple months ago, but at that 
time neither side had be?n able to 
gather enough statistics to go into 
the matter with a view to seeking a 
solution. 

General Idea is to grant relief to 
exhibs who have been hit by the 
war due to local stagnation of busi- 
ness, depopulation of their tu^nsand 
other anti b.o. factors. Manner in 
which it would be granted remains 
to be decided. 



%ljm M*Dt1 SUckop 

Montreal, Oct 20. 

Crime wave over Canadian 
Thanksgiving Day weekend in Mon- 
treal-culminated Tuesday night (13) 
when the Orpheum theatre, flrst-rtin 
independent house here, was robbed 
of $1,000 by three bandits. 

Estimate of the Orpheum loss was 
made by John Godfrey, usher cap- 
tain and acting manager, whom the 
gunmen escorted from his office on 
the upper floor to the cubby hole 
where the receipts were kept In a 
safe. Too nervous to open the safe, 
Godfrey handed the combination on 
a slip of paper to the gunmen who 
opened the strongbox and decamped. 



Screen Actors Guild Urges Members 
To Prepare for More War ProcL Jobs 



ChJeago Has Its Fears 

Chicago. Oct. 20. 

This town, where prohibition mani- 
fested its worst gangster phases, is 
getting quite a chill from the Sen- 
ator Lee amendment to the teen-age 
draft bill. Some public officials see 
in the advocacy of prohibition in 
and near army and naval encamp- 
ments as the opening wedge in a 
revival of a dry era. 

Chicago, where the Capones. Tor- 
rios. Spike O'Donnells. Bugs Mo- 
rans, Machine-Gun Jack McGums. 
and kindred killers, held great 
power over wealth and life for so 
long a period, certainly doesn't want 
a repeat. 

This city gained world-wide no- 
toriety because of Prohibitiqp. and 
only in the past few years has it 
been regaining some modicum of 
respectability. 



Hollywood. Oct. 20. 

Actors and extras with 'Marginal 
Earnings' have been advised by the 
Screen Actors Guild to prepare 
themselves for war production jobs, 
with warning that those who refuse 
face the penalty of having unem- 
ployment insurance checks stopped. 
Emphasizing need of manpower to 
keep production lines rolling, and 
necessity of actors to train for fac- 
tory jobs. SAG issued the following 
statement: 

'These employment shifts will ac- 
cept persons who have never before 
been inside a factory. They will ad- 
just satisfactorily to their new iifo 
in direct proportion to their preo- 
aration for it. It is with this in 
mind that the U. S. Employm-"nt 
Service has developed a comprehen- 
sive war production training pro- 
gram of which every civilian should 
avail himself. This includes actors, 
who are less likely than the aver.ise 
to have had industrial training, but 
who are just as likely to l>e called 
on when the labor supply runs low. 
Urgency of preparing for war work 
has been brought home to Guild 
members during recent weeks. Those 
who have applied for unemployment 
in.iurance have been interviewed by 
representatives of U. S. Employ- 
ment Service who recommend that 
they accept work in war industries 
or take training to prepare them for 
such work. Guild members who 
have ignored such recommendations 
on theory they would rather remain 
unemployed actors than be usefully 
employed elsewhere face possibility 
of having their unemployment checks 
cut off. In the past actors have been 
given great deal of leeway in mat- 
ter of unemployment insurance. It 
was considered justifiable for them 
to reject non-acting jobs and use 
their insurance to tide them over 



until nim work picked up. But th* 
closer America moves toward • 
work-or-flgbt program, the less ae« 
ceptable such an attitude will be. 
When employment officials are faced 
with huge task of channeling all 
available manpower Into useful war 
work, individual Injustices are bound 
to occur. If an actor has had a 
reasonable work record during past 
year and can rightfully claim his 
unemployment is temporary, the 
Guild will help Mm substantiate 
his claim by making his work history 
available to unemployment insur- 
ance office. But the Guild will take 
no action toward securing continua- 
tion of unemployment insurance for 
members whose work history reveals 
that they have always been industry 
casuals and who, despite that toct, 
refuse war work.' 

It's pointed out that more than 300 
Guild memt>ers have already with- 
drawn to accept war work. 



SMALL'S POWELL NOVEL 
AND TWO WAR BOOKS 



Edward Small. Indie producer wilh 
United Artists release, has purchased 
the new Dawn Powell novel. Time to 
Be Born.' and two war books, "Pri- 
vate Purkey' and The Baft' Letter 
is yam about the three Navy men 
who drifted across the Pacific for 30- 
odd days, in a small rubber raft be- 
fore landing on an island and even- 
tually l^ing rescued. 

For Small these purchases presage 
a shift from his past propensity for 
using public domain material. "Raff 
probaUy will get immediate produc- 
tion and a treatment akin to 'WalM 
Island,' in that the yam is one of 
heroic achievement despite hefty 
handicaps. 

'Purkey' Is comedy material and 
syndicated as a comic strip. 



New York Theatres 



HOUSEWIVES TOO BUSY, 
NATdlEEPIXBiZOFF 



Minneapolis. Oct. 6. 

Gradu^ collapse of matinee busi- 
ness here — paradoxically as prosper- 
ity increases — Is starting to whittle 
down local theatre grosses whkh, 
however, still remain at the highest 
level in years due to the booming 
night trade. 

Even the housewives apparently 
are too busy to attend matinees any 
more, what with their domestic 
duties plus their contributions to the 
war effort Ah extreme shortage of 
housemaids, due to the fact that so 
many young women have gone into 
war industries, is regarded as a fac- 
tor in the depleted matinee patron- 
age. Many who formerly had ser- 
vant girls and could devote occa- 
sional afternoons to showgoing now 
do their own housework and are tied 
down. Moreover, according to sur- 
veys, mai^ more women, including 
those who could afford to t>e idle, are 
working at various jobs, war and 
otherwL'se. than ever before In the 
city's history. 



ZSO WKKK 
George Brent # Brenda Maratiall 

In Wnrnor Hron.' ."fwell Nm» Hit 
"YOU CAN'T ESCAPE 
FOREVER" 

IN PERSON 

STAN KENTONS'" 
And HIS Orch. Th« 3 STOOGES 

Faaiext-RlafnK Comwlr Slar 
JACK CARSON 

STRAND 

<i«t In the Bciap*. B*wmy * 47Ui St. 


BEG. THURSDAY , . . 
WORLD PREMIERE 

BETTE DAVIS 

ANO 

PAUL HENREID 

In Warner Bros.' 

**NOW VOYAGER" 

ContinueiM at Popular Prieaa 

HOLLYWOOD 

BROADWAY at 0t»t STREET 


SO>-J.t torn JACK 
HENIE • PAYNE • OAKIE 

"ICELAND" 

WHb tmmmr Kar* n< Hi Onk. 




"FLTDiG TKERS'' / 

1 JOHN WAYNE 

J John Carroll • Anna Lee 

^ CAPITOL SSHf 






turn MkcMVBIMy 
P.tlirnTR OOlWAIID 
Hl'S;tTI HATWABD hi 

"THE FOREST RANGERS' 

A r»l»iwrt riMm la TCCHMtCOLeR! 

In PcriMn 
nENE KSCrA mmi Ills On-fculnt 

Bxtm Aitilod Attraction 
THK BflCBBT MACS 

wSTaX^ PABAMOONTSSSl 

nut WAR BONOS 


MUSIC HALL 

"MY Sister 

EILEEN" 

Spectacular Stao* Pratfaeilom 


"Tht PtrfMl IkaUra SkM."— UanUe. Km. 

50c $1 & $i.5o;!ir 

•■L HWilt Ml. t* lUS nn Ta 

Sgnjs n«il> A Arthur M. Wtm pniot 
A NKW MCSKAL ICRTBAVAAATIZA 

STARS ON ICE 

CEHTER THEATRE. RMtMkr CmM 
CO. S-M74 
Anwrlm'fi Onlir lc« TbnitT* 
Cr». IM). (as. Mib. Wf«.A>. ■«« in. 
MiH Octet PTMpUf FIU«4-Nt. Mm. P*f. 


LOEW^ n* - <K*- s 
•TATr Tlae* An ••TIIElia 
SI Alt . M tKBLTOM 1. 
Urt llmm Wt* M-O-JI'iMoilMinii 

Klnt N.T. Bhnlas 7jmiir^ 
E<nr« AIINetO HATW^ 

-EYK8 IN In PuTiim 

1 TUK NIUHT" ,„u BARTON 

i J.'ifn'aOLM t-™ »"« 
>:itr>f arTTM 

sue* DE MARCO A. ROBINS 


Bleed Beak Pie 

20th-Fox purchased an original 


1 PALACE r | 


biographical yam about Dr. Norman 
Bethune. the Canadian medico, who 
pioneered the use of blood banks in 
Spain during the Franco rebellion. 
Script is by Ted Allan, of the Of- 
fice of War Information. 


i ■ Mmr<* Tammw : ~ 1 

i I'OESPERATEJOURNEY'I 

' 1 "MANluT" CALLING" 1 



32 



RADIO 



Vadncgday, October 21, 1942 



O.Wi Formulates 1943 Programs; 
Regional Consultants Functioning 



W. B. Lewis, radio head o( the 
Office of War Information, is work- 
ing on radio program set-ups for 
1943. These contemplate (1) a new 
weekly half-hour series possibly on 
all four networks simultaneously a 
la "This Is War' and (2) alignment of 
a daily series of transcriptions for 
local stations under conditions pos- 
sibly permitting local sponsorship 
under regulation and clearance. 

Meanwhile another move of the 
radio branch of OWI is the establish- 
ment of a network of regional con- 
sultants. This has been organizing 
for a couple of months but is now 
perfected and In operation. A three- 
clay conference of the regional con- 
sultants is scheduled for December. 
The regional consultants are supple- 
mental to the OWI's Station Advis- 
ory Board which Includes Neville 
Miller, John Shepard, James Shouse, 
George Storer, O. L. Taylor, Eugene 
Pulliam, John Fetzer. 

The 17 regional consultants who 
will report to Carl Haverlin, newly 
appointed 'Headquarters Consultant 
on Industry Relations,' are as fol- 
lows: 

Herbert 4'ettey, Station WHN. New 
York; Leon Levy, Station WCAU, 
Philadelphia; G. Richard Shafto, Sta- 
tion WIS, Columbia, S. C; Thad 
Holt, Station WIAC, Nashville; H. K. 
Carpenter, Station WHK, Cleveland; 
Leo Fitzpatrick, Station WJR, De- 
troit; Glenn Snyder, Station WLS, 
Chicago; Merle Jones, Station 
KMOX, St. Louis, Mo.; Kenneth M. 
Hance, SUtlon KSTP, St. Paul; Wil- 
liam Gillespie, Station KTUL. Tulsa; 
Martin Campbell, Station WFAA, 
Dallas; Robert Hudson, Rocky Moun- 
tain Radio Council; Lincoln Dellar, 
Station KSFO, San Fancisco; Rich- 
ard F. Connor, So. California Broad- 
casters Assoc.; Harold Fellows, Sta- 
tfon WEEI, 6oston, and Sheldon F. 
Sackett, Station KVAN, Vancouver. 



O.W.L TO HAVE 
N.Y.REPL1KE 
WOLFF 



W. B. Lewis, chief of radio for the 
Office of Wffr Information, figures 
that New York is so vital as a clear- 
ance sector it warrants a New York 
deputy chief of operations, akin to 
Nat Wolff's post In Hollywood. The 
appointment has not yet been made 
end whoever it will be it will fall to 
Wolff's task to break him in, set up 
the N. Y. organization, etc. 

Heretofore it necessitated con- 
stant phoning from Washington to 
N. Y., and It's figured that the sav- 
ing on phone cells^ alone will more 
than pay for the nev* N. Y. setup. 
It'll be in the Chanin Bldg., head- 
quarters of the N. Y. regional office, 
rather than in the West 57th street 
layout of OWL 



'The Science of Hatred' 



Radio officials of the U. S. 
Treasury Dept., have cleared 
rights to "The Science of Hatred," 
by Mikhail Sholokov, with the 
Soviet Embas.'sy in Washington 
for use on the Treasury Star 
Parade transcriptions. 

The script was reprinted in a 
recent edition of the Embassy 
Information Bulletin. Written 
by a top Soviet author the yarn 
Is about the atrocities inflicted 
on Russian prisoners with the 
material coming from a Soviet 
officer who escaped from the 
Nazis. 



PAUL KESTEN 
OUTLINES CBS 
BLUEPRINT 



CBS department heads received 
Monday (19) a detailed clarification 
of the duties of the three new vice- 
presidents, Joseph Ream, Frank 
Stanton and Frank White. Attached 
to the three-day page was a new or- 
ganization chart, which also showed 
James Stewart as head of program 
operations and William S. Paley, CBS 
prez, as administrative head of pro- 
gram activities. Stewart succeeded 
Lawrence Lowman when the latter 
became a major in the Army's stra- 
tegic service. 

The new setup gives the network 
five administrative heads, whereas 
not so long ago there were but three. 
Paul Kesten, v.p. and general man- 
ager, will personally take care of 
sales and sales promotion. White, 
who Is also treasurer, will have 
charge of all fiscal, personnel and 
property matters; Stanton will head 
up the administration of managed 
and operated stations and Radio 
Sales, Inc., and Ream will concern 
himself with station relations and 
labor matters. 

In the memo Kesten explained that 
since there was the possibility of his 
becoming at times so deeply involved 
in Washihgton and' other administra- 
tive problems that department heads 
might Bnd it difficult to get to him, 
that he was delegating responsibility 
to several officers. 



Committee of 25 May 
De-Rhz Its Title For 
Lesser Talent's Sake 



The so-called Committee of 25 
composed of radio talent under the 
Office of War Information may re- 
vise its name into Radio Talent Com- 
mittee or some such. The implica- 
tions that only the top C.A.B. or coin 
personalities are fighting the war 
don't please lots of the lesser per- 
formers. 

. Kay Kyser heads the committee 
and Clifton Fadiman is temporarily 
functioning as New York deputy, but 
will be replaced due to pressure of 
his War Writers Board activities. 



NILES TRAMMEL 
REPORTED DOING WELL 



Niles TrammeU, NBC prez, who 
entered the hospital the week before 
last for a final corrective operation. 
Is coming along nicely but he plans 
to remain there for another week. 

He expects to be back on the job 
by the middle of next week. 



HUBBELL ON TELEVISION 



CBS Expert Sayi the War Haa Ad- 
vanced It 15 Tcara 



Speaking at a Publicity Club of 
New York luncheon meeting, Rich- 
ard Hubbell, Columbia Broadcasting 
System television director, told pub- 
licists that a new and more potent 
field would be open to them via tele- 
vision after the war! Hubbell said 
that the war had forced the develop- 
ment of television with the result 
that this new medium was now fully 
15 years ahead of normal advances 
which would have been made In 
peacetime. 

Hubbell predicted that the public 
would become acutely aware of tele- 
vision as a propaganda and educa- 
tional medium within the next few 
years. From the military angle, Hub- 
bell pointed out, television is already 
making itself felt in everyday life, 
since it is one of the secret weapons 
now used in air defense. 

Hubbell said that development of 
color in television, a larger screen 
and network programming would 
necessarily be post-war innovations 
due to the current shortage of ma- 
terials and technicians. He said that 
color, however, would cost no more 
than black and white projection and 
that there is a possibility it may cost 
less in the long run. Hubbell said 
it was unlikely That television bcoad- 
casting of sporting events would hurt 
gate receipts or affect theatre grosses 
adversely, contending that It would 
rather tend to stimulate Interest In 
both cases. 



Smocks for Gal 
War Workers Are 
Sold Via Radio 



Expanding employment of women 
in war Industries is responsible for 
the entry of the Industrial Garment 
Co. in the spot broadcasting field. 
It has a brand (Star) of smocks and 
blouses that it will seek to sell 
through women's participating pro- 
grams. 

Norman D. Waters 8c A.<;sociates, 
agency on the account, will select 
a few markets for a test campaign 
running from Nov. 19 to December 
17. The participations will be at 
the rate of five a week. 



WMCA, NEW YORK, UNES 
UP TWO NEW FORUMS 



WMCA, New York, has a couple of 
new forum shows coming up. First 
one, starting Nov. 6, is dubbed 'Busi- 
ness Forum' and being done in co- 
operation with the Commerce and 
Industry Association of New York. 
The sjant will be that everything has 
a business aspect these days and at- 
tempt to let biz sound off about its 
problems. Modus operandi calls for 
Neal Dow Becker, prez of the asso- 
ciation, to act as moderator, would 
give each participant three minutes 
to state his position and then dip 
into a roundtable confab. 

The other forum will be called 
'Let's Talk About It' and is an at- 
tempt to give pressure groups radio 
time for the discussion of sundry so- 
cial questions. Set thus far, as par- 
ticipants, are Free World Associa- 
tion, League for Industrial De- 
mocracy, Ethical Culture Society, 
East-West Association, and the 
Council for Democracy. 



Leigh White Acting Head 
Of CBS Capitol News 

Washington. Oct. 20. 
Leigh White, former CBS corre- 
spondent in the Balkans, was named 
last week acting head of the WJSV- 
CBS news room in Washington dur- 
ing the absence of Eric Sevareid, 
who Is recovering from an appen- 
dectomy at Doctors Hospital. White 
joined the WJSV-CBS news staff 
Oct. 1. 

Ned Calmer, CBS news editor in 
New York, Is in Washington to aid 
in the coverQje of Capital news dur- 
ing Sevareld's convalescence. 



ht'l TeL & Radio Has 
Two Changes of Name 
In State of New York 



Albany, Oct. 20. 

International Telephone & Radio 
Corp., a Delaware concern, first 
changed its name to Federal Tele- 
phone Si Radio Corp., and then to 
I. T. T. Development Corp. At the 
same time Federal Telegraph Co., a 
California corporation, surrendered 
Its authority to conduct business in 
New York State. 

H. F.^^Lundgren, New York City, 
was the" filing attorney In each in- 
stance. 



'RASTUS IS WILLING' 



Couple of Mutual Directors Would 
Accept Paid Presidency 



It was made clear during last 
week's meetings of the Mutual Net- 
work's board of directors and ex- 
ecutive committee that the selection 
of a paid president will not be 
made from either of these two 
groups and that the post, it created, 
will go to an outsider. The meet- 
ings ended without anything ma- 
terializing on the paid president 
proposition. A couple of Mutual 
directors had indicated that they 
wouldn't be reluctant to accept the 
money post if it were offered to 
them. 

During the two-day session the 
board was augmented by three new 
shareholders. They were Hope H. 
Barroll, Jr., of WFBR, Baltimore; 
I. R. Lounsberry, of WGR, Buffalo, 
and Leonard Kapner, of WCAE, 
Pittsburgh; J. E. Campeau, of CKLW, 
Windsor, was elected to a Mutual 
vice-presidency and all officers were 
re-elected. 



Max Mardn Frowns at M Kni^t's 
Ideas for Doctoring His 'Crime Doctor 



Grant Soldier Whlmt 



Denver, Oct. 20. 

Soldiers get their wish (with- 
in budget and reason) in a Pub- 
lie Service Co., sponsored pro- 
gram on KLZ. Show uses sol- 
dier talent for a half hour Fri- 
day nights. Interviews are 
climaxed by giving each soldier 
his entertainment wish, the 
utility company paying the bill. 

One soldier wanted and got 
the use of a bowling alley for 
two hours. 



GLORIFYING THE 
WAR-BADGERED 
ClVniANS 



Salt Lake City, Oct. 20. 

Mullet St Kelly have signed for 26 
15-minute live talent shows over 
KDYL under title 'A Salute to the 
Civilian Soldier.' Effort will be made 
to glorify the workers in war indus- 
tries, miners and farmers who are 
doing their utmost without benefit of 
fanfare. Remote shots from th^ field 
will be designed to answer the 
question 'What are we doing to pro- 
tect our freedom." 

Alvin G. Pack is scripting and pro- 
ducing, Allan Moll and Russ Stewart 
will announce, and Ed Letson, Di- 
rector of special events, will handle 
the remotes. 



mandrake the Magician' 
Delayed Revival Due To 
Rights Complication 

WOR, New York, was still trying 
yesterday (Tuesday) to straighten 
out the rights situation surrounding 
'Mandrake, the Magician.' After 
announcing that it would broadcast 
the kid serial over Mutual as well as 
its own station five days a week 
starting Oct. 12, WOR found that 
some of the program's rights were 
entangled in a dispute. 

The station's management declined 
to launch the program until it could 
get a complete indemnification 
against any claims arising from the 
controversy. 



BOARD OF THREE NAMED 
TO OPERATE KFI-KECA 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

There will no successor to the late 
Harrison Holliway as general- man- 
ager of KFI-KECA for the time 
being, it was announced last week 
by owner Earle C. Anthony. In- 
stead, he named a board of govern- 
ors to look after the stations' affairs. 

Appointees are Clyde Scott, com- 
mercial manager; John *Bud' Ed- 
wards, program director, and Ernest 
Felix, auditor. Anthony has been 
more active in the operation of the 
NBC and Blue network outlets than 
in years since the passing of Holli- 
way. 

Resignation of Bernard N. Smith, 
for the past six years with the sta- 
tions as publicity director, farm edi- 
tor and other duties, activated a re- 
shuffle of the personnel. Elmer 
Pederson moves over from sales to 
the post of public relations director; 
Nelson Mclninch is the new farm 
editor, and Ken Higgins handles the 
government allocated messages. 
Malt Barr, recently at NBC, heads 
up the publicity department. Smith 
joins the armed forces in a few 
weeks. 



WTRY Increases Stock 

Troy, N. Y., Oct. 20. 

Troy Broadcasting Company, Inc., 
operating WTRY, with Harry C. 
Wilder as president and principal 
stockholder, has increased its capi- 
tal stock from $100,000 to $130,000. 

Papers on the increase have been 
filed with the Secretary of State In 
Albany by O'Connell Sc Aronowitz, 
Albany law firm. 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

As a result of the Blow agency de- 
cision to move origination of the 
Philip Morris 'Crime Doctor' pro- 
gram to Hollywood, scrlpter Max 
Marcin is threatening to take the 
show ofT the air. He came to the 
Coast this week to confer with Vick 
Knight, Biow radio head, with the 
avowed intention of exercising his 
four-week cancellation clause unless 
the stanza remains in New York. 

Understood that Philip Morris 
would prefer to keep 'Crime Doctor' 
east, but that the agency favors 
bringing it and the 'Playhouse' series 
to the Coast so the two programs 
can be more closely supervised by 
Knight, who is already here to pro- 
duce the 'Johnny Presents' stanza 
with Ginny Simms. The fourth 
Biow agency show, 'Take It or Leave 
It' for Eversharp, has already 
shifted origination here from New 
York. 

Decision to move 'Crime Doctor' 
here was finally made several weeks 
ago; and Marcin and the talent were 
notified. However, Marcin warned 
Milton Biow, the agency head, that 
he owns the rights to the program 
and, rather than agree to the trans- 
fer, he would withdraw it from 
Philip Morris and offer it elsewhere. 
Biow referred the matter to Knight. 

Marcin disagrees with the recent 
decision to hire Brian Donlevy as 
permanent lead on the show, argu- 
ing that a star would hurt rather 
than help it. Appeal of the drama 
is in its realism, he claims, and the 
presence of a star would destroy the 
audience acceptance of the Crime 
Doctor character as a real person. 
Marcin has for some time been urg- 
ing that the show be switched from 
its present 8:30-8:55 p.m. Sunday spot 
on CBS, against 'One Man's Family' 
on NBC and 'Inner Sanctum' on the 
Blue, to the 9-9:30 p.m. Friday time 
on CBS, replacing the same spon- 
sor's 'Playhouse' series. 

The Biow agency had previously 
nixed Marcin's suggestions and had 
decided to switch the 'Playhouse,' as 
well as 'Crime Doctor' to the Coast. 
But in the face of Marcin's ultima- 
tum, the fate of both 'Crime Doctor' 
and 'Playhouse' is now completely in 
the air. Meanwhile, the agency's 
notice to the talent has been can- 
celled pending settlement of the 
whole situation. 



Elmer Davis, Entertainers 
From U.S^. Help Canada 
Launch Victory Loan 



Montreal, Oct. 20. 

Canada's Third Victory Loan and 
Fifth War Loan officially opened its 
drive for a nominal $750,000,000 and 
an oversubscribed billion-dollar ob- 
jective at the Grand Gala Dinner 
here Monday (19) at which Elmer 
Davis was the speaker. This was 
broadcast across Canada. 

Locally drive started on the air 
the previous Wednesday (14) with 
an all-star variety program over 
CFCF and CBC network, with Ralph 
Bellamy and Edwina Eustiss, Metro- 
politan Opera singer. Tomorrow 
(21) there will be an all-star variety 
show over CFCF and CBC network 
headed by Walter Pidgeon and Lucy 
Monroe. In addition there are fre- 
quent spot announcements and prac- 
tically all haU-hour and hour pro- 
grams have War Loan appeals. 



WATERMAN BUYS NEWS, 
AVOIDS ENTERTAINMENT 



Waterman Foundation has gone 
cold on the idea of sponsoring the 
program; 'Sing For Dough'' with Ed 
East over the Blue Network, and in- 
stead is buying spot news programs. 
One of the latter is a series with 
Arthur Hale on WOR, New York. 

The Blue has another account now 
considering the audience participa- 
tion show. 



Dr. Edwards Tablets Use 
Ohio Via Erwin-Wasey 

Dr. Edwards Olive Tablets starts a 
test campaign >f one-minute an- 
nouncements in Ohio Nov. 1. It will 
be at the rate of five a week. 

Erwin-Wasey is the agency. 



Vedneatoy, October 21. 1942 





Station WNEW Shoots the BankroH b 
Ballyhoo of Lidice Star-Cast Tie-Up 



SUtion WNEW, New York, has 
effected a tleup with the Paramount 
Victory short 'We Refuse to Die,' for 
a half-hour broadcast Sunday, Oct. 
25, under which the station will 
spend $3,300 for a full-page adver- 
tisement in the N. Y. Times, $1,200 
for a 24-piece orchestra under Roy 
Bargy, $500 for special network bnes 
and oceanic circuits and other items. 
Station is going to town because of 
the four-name cast lined up, 
Madeleine Carroll, Joseph Schild- 
kraut. Eric Von Stroheim and Clif- 
ton Fadiman, and the participation 
of Edward Benes and Vladimir Hur- 
ban, of Czechia. 

WNEW win deadhead the pro- 
grams and lines to nine aUtlons of 
the new Atlantic Coast network. Phil 
Cohan of the Radio Directors Guild, 
Is producing from Justin Herman's 
radio adaption Into a half hour of 
Maxwell Shane's IB-mlnute film. In 
which Barry Sullivan and Ellen 
Drew appeared. 

This is another In the ievents 
staged to immortalize Lidice by the 
Writers War Board. 

WNEW will also have a full page 
In the Dally News, with which It has 
an exchange deal on newscasts. 
Courtesy use of one of the bigger 
CBS studios will be requested to 
Uke care of big guest list. 

Kay Kyser Leads OWI 
Delegation Telling LA. 
Sponsors Wbafs What 

Hollywood, Oct. 20, 
Kay Kyser and representatives of 
the Office of War information will 
attend this trlday's (^3) meeting of 
the Hollywood radio aection of the 
Advertising Council. In the absence 
of Jack Smalley, of 9.B.D.&O., who 
Is chalrmji) of the Council, Sidney 
Strotz, NBC's Pacific v.p, will pre- 
side. 

The OWI will be asked what It 
wants done for the war effort as far 
as radio is concerned and the Coun- 
cil will carry on from there without 
any split authority. 

HOWARD NUSSBAUM, 
NOW MAJOR, OVERSEAS 

Major Howard Niissbaum, chief of 
■ the Army Air Force radio section, 
flew to England over the weekend 
to take charge of all Army radio 
programs originating there. 

Before entering the service he was 
a member of the NBC director staff. 



Gotta Like It 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Hank McCune, for the past 39 
weeks on his NBC program, 'It 
Happened In the Service,' has 
been telling the youths along the 
Coast what a great life It is in 
the Army. After next week It 
won't be strictly hearsay. 

He dons the uniform of a pri- 
vate with the Ferry Command at 
Long Beach. 



AFRA'S BLOOD 
DONOR DRIVE 
FOR NOV. 16 



THEY iy SELL 




But If Co-Operatives AtUck 
Orthodox Business Com- 
petitors, Latter Would 
Have Right to Buy Time 
for Counter* Attack — 
Broadcasters See Issue as 
Free Publicity Ride 



The. American Federation of Radio 
Artists will have Its own Blood Do- 
nation bay, Nov. 16, and is urging 
its members io give a pint of blood 
apiece to the Red Cross on that date. 
Letter explaining the project was 
sent to the members this week by a 
Blood Donation committee compris- 
ing Minerva Pious, Adele Ronson, 
Katherine Raht and Hester Sonder- 
gaard. 

Pledge cards accompanied the let- 
ter. According to the instructions, 
members agreeing to give blood for 
the cause will oe given appoint- 
ments between noon and 6 p.m. 
Nov. 16. Those unable to attend on 
the special filood Donation Day may 
specify another, more convenient 
date. 



'Hymns of All Churches* 
Goes to World Studios 

The cutting of 'The Hymns of All 
Churches' (Smilin' Ed McConnell) 
series for Drs. Hess & Clark Remedy 
has been transferred from NBC's 
Recording Division to the World 
Broadcasting Sy.stem studios. 

NBC did the first 39 quarter-hour 
programs. 



Joe Emerson Off Show 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Joe Emerson, who for the past 
nine years has directed and an- 
nounced NBC's 'Hymns of All 
Churches' program out of Chi, for 
General Mills, has resigned his post, 
effective Nov. 21. 

Following his resignation, Emer- 
son signed a managerial contract 
with the William Morris Agency, 
Wally Jordan being assigned to rep- 
"■esent him. 



Marie Houlahsn, whose San Fran- 
cisco job as publicity director here 
lor Columbia Broadcasting System 
and KQW was cancelled out by a 
Policy switch. Is blossoming out as 
Houlahan Associates, Inc., publicity 
flrm. 



Paul Franklyn, Coast, 
Nominated to Succeed 
Henry Fisk Carlton 

Paul Franklyn, freelance scripter 
on the Coast, has been nominated 
for president of the Radio Writers' 
Guild, to succeed Henry Fisk Carl- 
ton, who's about to be commissioned 
a major In the Specialists Corps of 
the Army Air Force. 

Harry H. Herrmann, of the Phil- 
lips H. Lord office, and John. W. 
Vandercook, Blue network commen- 
tator, have been nominated for the 
eastern vice-presidency of the Guild, 
to succeed Katharine Seymour, 
whose term is expiring. Nominees 
for the organization's eastern coun- 
cil, five members and five alternates 
to be elected. Include Gordon Au- 
chincloss, Erik Barnouw, Carl Bixby, 
Norman Corwin, Jerry Devine, 
Frank Gould, Neal Hopkins, Mar- 
garet Lewerth. Peter Lyon, Edward 
Michaelson, Robert Newman, Adolph 
Schneider, William L. Shirer, Eu- 
gene Speck and Kenneth Webb. 



FOR CASH IT'S OKAY 



WEMP Gets Its Sponsors Into In- 
hospitable Milwaukee Journal 



Milwaukee, Oct. 20. 

With the Milwaukee Journal, op- 
erator of WTMJ and W55M, still 
continuing its policy of refusing to 
sell display advertising space direct 
to its rival station WEMP to plug 
its programs, the smaller station is 
getting an increasing number of its 
clients to buy lineage in the Jour- 
nal's radio columns to boost the 
WEMP shows they spon.sor. 

In a recent issue WEMP shows 
fairly hogged the space allotted to 
radio in thai edition, the Ford Mo- 
tor Co., Jimmy Baxter bread, Coca 
Cola and Richman Bros., clothiers, 
together having a total of 238 lines 
plugging WEMP airings. 



ANT4-ADVERTISING 



'Cooperatives tnay buy radio 
time to sell their goods, but not 
to sell their politics. // they 
were allowed to attack their 
competitors on paid time, their 
competitors would be free to de- 
mand the right to buv radio time 
to counter-attack the coopera- 
tives. I don't think thev would 
like that.' 

The above quotation of a promi- 
nent broadcaster is probably typical 
of the general slant of politically- 
wise radio men toward the coopera- 
tive that was unable to place a pro- 
gram, 'Let's Get Together, Neigh- 
bors,' on NBC or CBS for the pur- 
pose of (a) soliciting memberships, 
(2) rapping orthodox business 
methods and advertising, artd (3) 
using the market techniques of 
trademark competitors to belittle 
the value of the whole trademarked 
goods principle. 

Political aspect of the involved or- 
ganization is illustrated by its basic 
purposes as reported In the New 
York Times for March 18, 1941, 
which said: 

The Co-operative League of the 
United States Is preparing itself to 
become the center of guidance and 
promotion In the evolution of the 
new economy toward which this 
country la moving,' Dr. James F. 
Warbasse, the president and foun- 
der, declared yesterday on the eve 
of the organization's 2Sth anniver- 
sary, . . . 

'Other aims of the organization are 
to avoid statism, to clrcupivent au- 
tocracy and to attain co-operative 
democracy by the consistent policy 
of building free and voluntary co- 
operative societies,' Dr. Warbasse 
continued. 

Actually there are a number of 
cases of record where cooperatives 
have used radio advertising to sell 
pyticular items of trade. Apart 
from this, radio has donated free 
time to various consumer and co- 
operative spokesmen, some of whom 
like Colston Warner of Amherst 
College has never been shy about 
lambasting our whole American 
business civilization. 

Radio does not anticipate that the 
present fracas will assume major 
proportions, but does foresee the 
possibility of an eventful showdown 
between business and anti-business 
elements. Radio has no qualms as 
to the outcome. Like Britain this 
is a nation of shopkeepers and trad- 
ers, not of Communists and theor- 
ists. 

Those who propagandize against 
status quo shrug ott, won't see or 
can't see, any social benefits from 
mass production and mass distribu- 
tion of goods (the alternative to lo- 
cally produced or regionally dis- 
tributed goods), and the function of 
national advertising to secure na- 
tional acceptance of trademarks is 
simply brushed aside by such pA- 
sons. 



Two Senators Speak Up 

Washington, Oct. 20. 
Senate investigation into the re- 
fusal of NBC and CBS to sell time to 
the Cooperative League for 'Let's 
Get Together, Neighbors,' was asked 
by Senator George W. Norris of 
Nebraska on the floor of the Senate 
on Thursday (15). Norris resolution 
spoke of 'charges of discrimination 
against cooperatives and others by 
(Continued on page 36) 



Improvised Stagewait Spans Music 
Portion of 'info' on Coast Repeat 



-4*- 



Best for Soldiers 



General Cigar has completed 
a survey to determine what is 
the most popular listening time 
for the servicemen in training 
camps. 

It's the half hour after reveille 
(5:30-6 a.m.) and the half-hour 
preceding taps. 



ELMER DAVIS 
AVAILABLE 
NEXT MONTH 



The four cross-country networks 
have been notified by the Office of 
War Information that the contem- 
plated Saturday night series by its 
director, Elmer Davis, would be made 
available to them beginning in No- 
vember, while no specific starting 
date wa5 mentioned, the time desig- 
nated was 7-7:30 p.m. EWT. 

The OWI's letter to NBC, CBS, 
MBS and the Blue added that fur- 
ther information about the project 
would be forthcoming soon. 



Kate Smith-Ted Collins 
To Do Bond Marathon 
In Capital Next Week 



Kate Smith and Ted Collins have 
been invited to Washington by the 
U. S. Treasury to repeat their, all- 
day war bond marathon which dis- 
posed of nearly $2,000,000 via WABC, 
New York, recently. They will take 
up the grind next Wednesday (28) 
via the CBS station, WJSV. 

While in Washington Collins will 
confer with a group of United States 
senators who are impressed with the 
popularization of the last stanza of 
the 'Star Spangled Banner' which 
Kate Smith has assumed at the sug- 
gestion of the Writers War Board. 

Lucy Monroe is also furthering the 
last stanza. 



A.FJ». NOT ACTING ON 
LOCAL WAX REPEATS 



The American Federation of Mu- 
sicians does not intend for the time 
being to take any action against the 
use of recordings for delayed broad- 
casts by local stations. The union's 
ban on off-the-line discs for regional 
delays, however, stands as is. 

Programs affected by the latter 
policy as far as the west coast is 
concerned are Jack Benny, Rudy 
Vallee and Duffy's Tavern. 



Jean Collins to New York 
As Al Siegal Protege 

Boston, Oct. 20. 
Jean Collins, former vocalist with 
Ruby Newman and Jack Marshard 
orchestra and more recently heard 
over WEEI and CBS, has left for 
New York to become an Al Siegal 
protege. 

Gloria Carroll from WHDH suc- 
ceeds her on WEEI's 'Coffee Club' 
program' piped to CBS. 



Delay Jack Benny Trip 



Jack Benny program will stick to 
the Coast for another month before 
heading for New York and a tour 
of military encampments. 

The program was expected In New 
York this week. Instead will not ar- 
rive until late in November. Delay 
is due to remakes on Benny's cur- 
rent film. 



Lord Si Thomas, agency on Lucky 
Strike cigarets, has adopted a unique 
method of solving the difficulty im- 
posed on the recorded version of 
'Information, Please' by the Ameri- 
can Federation of Musicians' taboo of 
transcriptions. The off-the-line 
recording is broadcast over the Blue 
Network's Pacific link from Los 
Angeles Tuesday nights, whereas the 
live show is a Friday night item on 
NBC. 

After the Blue had informed the 
agency last Tuesday (13) that it 
would no longer be permitted to in- 
clude the musical portion of the 
recording in the rebroadcast, L & T 
arranged to have the interpolations 
done by live performers. A pianist 
and vocalist were engaged and 
whenever the recorded program got 
to a musical question the turntable 
was stopped and the live performe/s 
cut in. The expert's answers were 
then picked up from the recording. 
The synchronization worked smooth- 
ly on the initial try. 



Leonard Silhnan Joins 
Henry Sonvaine (Radio) 
But Has Play Coming Up 

Leonard Sillman, Broadway pro- 
ducer, has Joined the sales depart- 
ment of the Henry Souvaine pro- 
gram production offices. He will 
handle-programs primarily of a pub- 
lic relations type. He also Intends 
continuing his legit activities, hav- 
ing already announced plans for 
production of a show, 'New Shoes,* 
by John Lund, Lee Walner, Sidney 
Carroll and June Carroll. 

Among Sillman's former produc- 
tions were 'New Faces,' 'All in Fun,' 
etc. 



MAYOR ROSSI SENSITIVE 



No Pal of Mussolini* Son — He De- 
mands KFBC Mannscrlpt 



San Francisco, Oct. 20.- 
Mayor Angelo Rossi demanded that 
KFRC furnish him with a transcript 
of a broadcast by John B. Hughes, 
commentator on Mutual Don Lee 
network, from Los Angeles, to learn 
just exactly what, if anything, 
Hughes said regarding him and Mus- 
solini's son. His Honor was told by 
indignant radio-listening friends that 
Hughes' remark was to the effect 
that Rossi entertained Mussolini's 
son when latter visited Frisco. 

Rossi said he did no such thing, 
that the only time he mixed socially 
with II Duce Jr. was at a party given 
by the Italian consulate, and that 
even then he felt like an 'outsider* 
because everyone was speaking Ital- 
ian, end he ain't so good at that 
lingo. 

KFRC professed no knowledge of 
the Hughes comment on that par- 
ticular evening, but indicated a re- 
quest would be sent to Los Angeles 
for the script 



Beryl Wallace's Airer 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Beryl Wallace, for many years an 
Earl Carroll chorine, will have her 
own program on NBC sponsored by 
Gilmore oil. She emcees the pro- 
ceedings along the coast lanes with 
George Riley as the main comic and 
Spike Jones' City Slickers on the 
music end. 

Takeoff set for Nov. 2. 



CKCK Man Missing 

Regina, Sask., Oct. 20. 

Reported missing after air opera- 
tions overseas ia Sgt. Harold 
Naismith Law, 24, of the R.C.A.F. 
He joined CKCK, Regina, as an ac- 
countant in 1936 and went to the air 
force In 1940. 

In 1941 h« went overseas 



34 RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



•SCBEEN GUILD PLATEBS' 
Cast: James C»(ney. Walter Huston, 

Edward Arnold, Joan Leslie, Jean 

Cagney, Bosemary DeCamp 
S* MIns. 
LADY ESTBEB 
Monday, 10 p.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(Pedlar & Ryan) 

For the first of its new sponsor's 
series, the Screen Actors Guild pro- 
duced its president. James Cagney, 
and Warners smash musical biog- 
raphy of George M. Cohan, 'Yankee 
Doodle Daody.' The program was 
entrancing precisely because of the 
heart-tug nostalgia of the Cohan 
tunes, the fine orchestral and 
choral work given them and the 
realization of Cohan by Cagney. The 
story line was skeltonized down to a 
mere connected series of high points, 
but retained the film's basic formula 
of Cohan calling at the White House 
and telling the story of his profes- 
sional life to President Roosevelt. 
Permission was evidently obtained 
for the radio impersonation of F.D.R. 
Once common, the mimicking of the 
presidential voice has been avoided 
in recent years by request. Edward 
Arnold made it sound remarkably 
like the real thing. 

The Lady Elsther commercial was 
deceptively brief on this occasion, 
due perhaps to the patriotic angle. 
It was a tactful deviation from a 
policy of slugging advertising. 

It was unusual to hear a Screen 
Actors Guild show so predominately 
musical. It could be profitably re- 
peated from time to time. 

Land. 



■DON WINSLOW OF THE NAVY 

Cast: Bay Johnson, John Gibson, 
Bobert Griffin, Ted de CorsIa, 
WIIHam Princle, Gertrode War- 
ner, Joan Allison, 

Writers: Albert Aley, Arnold Ml- 
ehaells. 

Director: Bay Kramer 

15 Mins. 

GENEBAL FOODS 
6:15 pjn. 

WJZ-Blne, New York 

(Benton & Bowles) 
After five years as a recorded 
■how, juve thriller 'Don Wlnslow of 
the Nivy* Is now presented as a lite 
series sponsored by General Foods 
for Post Toastles. Transamerican Is 
package producer for Benton & 
Bowles agency. Albert Barker, who 
authored the program from Its In- 
ception, has been replacedAy Albert 
Aley and Arnold Michaells as 
Bcripterjk John DIetz, formerly the 
direcjor, has since left Transameri- 
can to loin CBS, so Ray Kramer, 
one of radio's ace sound men, has 
been given the direction assignment. 
Result is a reasonably rapid cliff- 
hanger, aceptably written and ex- 
pertly produced. 

Program currently presents Com- 
mander Winslow as on a highly 
secret Naval Intelligence assignment 
with his buddy-in-braid, Red Penn- 
ington. They're out to find and plug 
the leak that's enabling Axis spies 
to tip off American convoy sched- 
ules. In tracing an elusive clue, 
they spent one of last week's chap- 
ters flying an amphibion plane 
through foul ocean weather to board 
an abandoned and sinking U. S. 
Navy cutter. There was a suspense- 
teaser flnish, with suggestions of de- 
vious plotting by Nazi and Jap es- 
pionage agents. 

The writing is broad and vigorous, 
with numerous short scenes in quick 
succession to create the sense of fast 
action. There's little attempt at 
characterization, shading or flnesse. 
Plenty of nautical terms sprinkled 
through the dialog add flavor, but 
the briney sound effects (there is no 
music) provide even greater atmos- 
phere. Opening commercial on the 
Installment caught had the hero re- 
main in character to introduce the 
Idea of a 'quick start* for planes or 
heroes, with the announcer then 
slamming across the plug for the 
'quick ttart' value of Post Toasties. 
Closing blurb was shorter and more 



•THE MUBDEB OF UDICE' 
Cast: Paol Muni, Alesander WoolN 
coU, CIKIOD Fadlman, Stefan 
Schnabel, Peter Beauvals, Lolte 
Stavlsky, Marfrlt Wyler 
Writer: Edna St. Vincent MllUy ' 
Director: Wynn Wright 
3* Mins. 
Soslalning 
Monday, 10:30 p.m. 
WEAF-NBC, New York 

This may well be the most elo- 
quent piece of righteous wrath yet 
heard on this side of the ocean in 
(his war. It had the intensity of a 
blast furnace, the scorn of a trial 
lawyer, the mood-building power of 
a Beethoven symphony. It Is an 
ideal radio repeater with the reser- 
vation only that it requires great 
care in preparation, rehearsal and 
performance. It's not something for 
a bunch of pick-ups to dash off on a 
second quick reading in the studio. 

NBC obviously took the occasion 
seriously. The production had dis- 
tinction. If radio was like Holly- 
wood and one production could make 
a director's reputation. Wynn Wright 
would be walking on clouds. As ior 
the poetess. Edna St. Vincent Millay. 
she might be the one with the aid of 
radio to make poetry really popular. 
She not only wrote lines and painted 
images of vivid beauty, but she also 
wrote starkly tense radio drama In 
her mounting series of insights into 
the human soul. In her sense of stark 
tragedy bearing down inexorably on 
a tinv community. Seldom has the 
gangster mentality of Prussian ism 
been so cleverly exposed, so scath- 
ingly detailed In all its offensive 
arrogance and practiced cruelty. 

Great credit Is owed the players 
for their sensitive realization of 
character. They were cast with a 
canniness not always typical of radio. 
Only a combination of the right 
voices, the right pitch of the vary- 
ing moods and Imaginative super- 
vision of the entire program could 
produce the result NBC produced. 
In the distribution of credits, musi- 
cal conductor Frank Black must 
share generously. 

Paul Muni, as the narrative voice, 
was splendid. (Orson Welles re- 
fused the assignment >. And WooU- 
cott was an Ideal man to say a few 
words beforehand. Air credit was 
eiven at the end to the Writers War 
Board for having Interested Miss 
Millay in the Lidice theme. She has 
produced an indictment with phil- 
harmonic orchestration. Land, 



legitimate. 



Hobe. 



SAMUEL GBAFTON 
Commentetor 

15 MIna,— Local 
S.\NTE CHEESE 
Sonday, T:4S pjn. 
WOB, New York 

(J. H. Proctor) 
Sam Grafton has been writing 
some of the best i.3lumnar comment 
(via the New York Post) of the 
war, especially this latter phase of 
the war and of the peace to follow. 
He comes to radio belatedly, but 
many will discover him with a 
whoop of pleasure, for here- is one 
gent who has an opinion, takes the 
responsibility, gives the reasons. It 
i. not too much to say that some of 
th' great personages In this craft of 
radio commentatmg have already 

Eassed their peak and shot their 
olt. They are beginning to sound 
old hat. Their listeners now know 
all that they know. 

Grafton's viewpoints are provoca- 
tive but sound, jolting but not 
radical. His voice Is husky but clea;', 
■nd his manner reeks of sincerity. 

Land. 



THE CISCO KID* 
Cast: Jaekaon Beck, Lewis Borln, 

Viokle Vote, Bryna Baebam, Mark 

Smith, Jean EUyn, Warner Ander 

son, Henry Nairrell 
Writer: John Sinn 
Director: Alvln FUnagan 
30 Mins. — Local 
Sustaining 
Friday, 8:30 p. m. 
WOB, New York 

Sooner or later somebody in rad.j 
was bound to remember sex. It turns 
out to be Julius Seebach and WOR, 
who have resurrected red-flre and 
hot breath which have been but lit- 
tle heard over the air since the ram- 
pancy of Russ Columbo, the sly 
philandering of 'Your Lover' and the 
mcessant caress of Husk O'Hare. 
This Cisco kisser of WOR Is forever 
nibbling at the necks of females who 
are forever emitting small, strange 
intensely personal squeals of ready 
acquiescence and anticipatory de- 
light. The listener, unprepared by 
recent radio experience, is likely to 
be startled by the Intimacy, the whole 
fanciful sense of eavesdropping on 
moisf lips, dentistry and goosepim- 
ples. 

Now there are two questions: one. 
Is all this palpitating body-warmth' 
apt to be just a little embarrassing 
to modest listeners? And, two, is 
the Cisco Kid fundamentally — yes, 
let's face it — a cad? 

He makes love to two women 
simultaneously in one room, he 
swears extravagant oaths of devo- 
tion even while ogling another 
senorita over the shoulder he is bit- 
ing, he distributes fake rings with 
fake' sentiment. Perfidious wretch 
that he is, he has charm. He Is Ir- 
resistible. Where he is concerned 
all women are expendable. In the 
saddle — poop-boop; in the patio — 
wah-ah-wah; In the boudoir — glug- 
glug. He's the old-fashioned 5. 
Renry-Holbrook Blinn pre-zoot suit 
design in lovers. 

And the remarkable thing about 
this Casanova of the cow and oil 
country Is that he rides about reck- 
lessly solving and righting the 
machinations of men who love 
money rather than wenche& He 
casually takes care of the plot while 
galloping from neck to neck. 

The material has a faint aroma 
of the literary era of Graustark, 
Richard Harding Davis, Robert W. 
Chambers with overtones of Elinor 
Glyn. Actually director Alvln Flan- 
agan has Infused it with almost pass- 
able pace, buoyancy and here and 
there a distinctly bright bridging. 
The playing of Jackson Beck in the 
brittle, essentially unbelievable role 
is professionally resourceful. But he 
never quite removes a feeling that 
he forgot to pull down the shade;, 
hand. 



JACK PEABL 

Cast: CharUe Hall, Morton Gould, ^ 
Brad Bcynolda, Jean Merrill, Frank 
Gallop 

Director: Arthur Daly 

Writer: Billy K. Wells 

45 Mins. 

CRESTA BLANCA WINES 
Wednesday, 9:15 p.m. 
WOR-Mutual, New York 

(Willinm Weiiilraiib) 
First of big wine account."! to go 
network. Cresta Blanca. a member 
of the Schenley family, is seeking 
to be all things to all listeners, and 
the showmanship outlook is dubious. 
It has set out to combine the 'class 
of a musical program of the Andre 
Kostclanetz persuasion wilh a fam- 
ily-time comedy act. The intro- 
ductory program (14) indicated that 
the effort at crossbreeding hod as its 
major fault a curious concept of pro- 
duction. What the program really 
offered was >wo distinct sections. 
The first quarter hour was devoted 
wholly to a musicale of the Kos- 
tclanetz type, while the subseouent 
half-hour, with the exception of the 
closing three or four minutes, w.is 
occupied by Jack Pearl and his crew 
of stooges. 

Pearl could have fared much bet- 
ter than he did on this occasion. His 
act was a blend of 'The Baron' cross- 
firing with Cliff Hall and situation 
eacsing. ."something with which he 
had hitherto not been identified 
with In radio. The two-man cross- 
fire routine contained ftiuch of the 
old soark'e. but when Penrl took to 
enacting the part of 'F.I.B.ite.' In a 
parlor charade of trapping spies and 
saboteurs, there was minor occasion 
for lauHhter. He did surround him- 
self with some highly capable stooges 
but the quality of material and 
direction made the going cutt>ber- 
some one moment and distressing at 
another. Pearl, however, should 
after a couple more programs find 
himself quite resilient at handling 
situation routines, but he will have 
to come equipped with a more perky 
script. 

As for Cresta Blanca's musical de- 
partment, it's a darb. For a maestro 
the account has recruited one of the 
most talented musicians and com- 
posers on the modern American 
scene. Some may regard Morton 
Gould's style of orchestration super- 
ior to Kostelanetz' in piquancy, color 
and melodic Imagery. In any event 
Gould's contributions to Cresta 
Blanca's opening stanza were a 
treat to the ear. Particularly his 
salty arrangement of 'Strike Up the 
Band' and variations on pop tunes of 
the Gay Nineties. Another exhilarat- 
ing performance was that of Jean 
Merrill, of the current Metropolitan 
Opera's constellation. Miss Merrill's 
coloraturo soprano Is a natural for 
radio. Her interpretation of 'Maid 
of Cadiz' was an aural pleasure. It 
was compounded of lacey melodic 
figures, fine shading and tonal ease. 
Bred Reynolds, the remaining mem- 
ber of the musical cast and a tenor, 
also gave a swell account of himself 
in his treatment of 'Daybreak.' Gould 
and the two vocalists took over the 
closing few minutes 4or a flight with 
Cole Porter's 'Night and Day.' It 
made a lively finale. 

Frank Gallup shuttles between th^ 
role of m.c. and plier of the sales 
copy. The latter palaver abounds 
with -poetic ecstacy. Included is an 
ode to the vineyard tenders in the 
Cresta Blanca VaUey, near San 
Francis6o. It's all flavored, that Is, 
the poetical cascade, with Gould's 
incidental music. Odec 




•OUB GAL SUNDAY' 
Cast: Conrad Nagle, Dorothy Lowell, 
Karl Swenson, Elspcth Eric, Betty 
Garde, Albert Aley, James McCal- 
ilon. Spencer Bentley, James Flem- 
ing, Fred Felbel 
Writer: Buth Borden 
Director: Stephen Gross 
15 Mins. 
Sustaining 
9:45 a.m. 

WABC-CBS, New York 

(Victory Front) 
Anacin, through Blackett-Sample- 
Hummert, New York, contributed its 
'Our C>al Sunday' program last week 
as the first 'benefit' serial un the 
OWI's 'Victory Front' series in the 
9:45-10 a.m. daily spot donated by 
CBS. The same agency also gave 
its 'Stella Dallas' show as the initial 
of the 'Victory Volunteers' series in 
the 10-10:15 a.m. daily niche on NBC. 
Thus, Frank and Anne Hummert, 
who are probably doing as much 
radio war work as anyone in the 
commercial end of the industry, ap- 
propriately led off both ends. of the 
OWI project. 

Idea of both 'Victory Front' and 
•Victory Volunteers' is to spread the 
Government's war themes through 
the medium of the fictional charac- 
ters widely familiar through long 
presentation on network serials. 
There will be no commercial copy 
on either series, which is separate 
and distinct from the original proto- 
type continuing in its customary 
scheduled spot elsewhere on the 
same network. However, this latter 
tact was not clarified on either of 
the first week's 'Victory Front' or 
Volunteers' stanzas. 

Although the OWI's 'bcnefll' se 
rial proposal when first made was 
subjected to some agency criticism 
in advance as being unrealistic and 
Impractical, the admittedly imper 
feet first week's programs failed to 
justify those complaints. In fact 
}Oth 'Our Gal Sunday' on CBS, and 
Stella Dallas' on NBC, while prob 
ably overloaded with propaganda 
material, revealed even greater value 
than the most enthusiastic OWI pro 
ponents had dared predict This, it 
Is unmistakably clear, is an enor- 
mously persuasive and effective way 
to put across Government themes, a 
way the dictator-controlled Axis 
radio cannot possibly use. Inciden- 
tally, It's also a demonstration how 
Impressive serials can be if freed 
from their customary daytime dra- 
matic subject matter and devoted to 
adult problems. 

In the cast of 'Our Gal Sunday' 
last week's special presentation for 
the OWI dealt with the United Na- 
tions. The talk tended to resemble 
a speech-fest. but though the gab 
covered a wide field and contained 
little that any reasonably well-in- 
formed listener wouldn't already 
know, it was the kind of thouehtful, 
sensible stuff that could hardly be 



Allan Finn, former radio editor 
of Newsweek, Is at Camp Shelby, 
Miss., doing eight weeks of basic 
training preliminary to entering the 

Air Corps, 



'HILLS OF BATAAN' 
Cost: Harry D. GIdeonsc, Marcia 
Davenport, Selena Boyle, Erie Lin- 
den, Janet Fox, Herbert Budley, 
Ann Dere, Margot Stevenson, Alan 
Hewitt. Buth ' Tobin, Charles 
O'Brien Kennedy. 
Writer: Stanley Bichards 
Director: David Niles 
30 Mins. — Local 
SnstainiDg 
Thursday, 10 p. m. 
WEVD, New York 

Special program of talk.": and a 
dramatization was presented ThurS' 
day night (15) on indie station 
WEVD, New York, by Freedom 
House, tor the Treasury Depart 
ment's War Bond campaign. It was 
alternately soberly impressive and 
ineptly well-intentioned. As some 
times happens with dilettante at 
tempts, the most ambitious part of 
the broadcast was the least fortunate. 

Obviously meant to be the high 
light of the show was 'The Hills 
of Bataan' dramatic sketch, written 
by press agent-broadcaster Stanley 
Richards and directed by WEVDs 
record jockey, David NUes, with a 
Wagner-ish musical score by Sam 
Medoff. The heavyweight cast for 
this Immature attempt at allegory 
included such well-knowns as Eric 
Linden, Selena Royle, Janet Fox, 
Margot Stevenson, Herbert Rudley^ 
Alan Hewitt, Ann Dere, Ruth Tobin 
and Charles O'Brien Kennedy. "They 
did rather more with the maferial 
than could reasonably be expected^ 
with the added handicaps of inade- 
quate productions and tyro direction. 

The less pretentious portions of the 
show were much better. Harry D. 
GIdeonsc. president of Brooklyn Col- 
lege and board chairman of Freedom 
House, offered a frank and logical 
(and novel) explanation of War 
Bond financing and how it fits into 
the picture of U. S. economy, Mrs. 
Marcia Davenport spoke about war 
psychology and the difficulty and 
necessity for war thinking. Neatly 
contrasting with those two bits of 



STELLA DALLAS* 

Cast: Clifton Fadlman, Anne Elstner 
Florence Williams. Bichard Wid- 
mark, John Thomas, Bennett, Kii- 
patriok, Joseph Julian, Frank 
Gallop, MoUy Pollock 

Writer: Helen Walpole 

Director: Bichard Leonard 

15 Mins. 

Dally, 10 ajn. 

Sustaining 

WEAF-NBC, New York 

(Victory Volunteers) 
'Stella Dallas' was contributed last 
week by Blackett-Sample-Hummert, 
New York, for R. L. Watkins. as (ha 
first of the 'Victory Volunteers' 
serials in the 10-10:15 a.m. spot 
across the board on NBC. Like 'Our 
Gal Sunday," the initial 'Victory 
Front' presentation In the imme- 
diately preceding 9:45-10 a.m. Mot on 
CBS. it carried Office of War In- 
formation messages. And like 'Sun- 
day,' it was distinctly llstenable and 
impressive. 

One of the notable aspect": of these 
Volunteers' and 'Front' companion 
pieces is the presence of Clifton 
Fadlman and Conrad Nagle as their 
respective guest announcers of Gov- 
ernment material.. Neither one gives 
the slightest hint of peering down 
his nose at his unaccustomed day- 
time serial surroundings, but reads 
his script with the simplicity that 
gives direct importance and dignity 
of assignment. Each thus adds to his 
own prestige and sincerity to the 
task of tying In the Government's 
messages to the special programs.^ It 
is a worthwhile job admirably car- 
ried out 

Theme of the special week's 'Stella 
Dallas' is the U.S. merchant marine, 
and the story device was to have the 
program's ingenue at first upset and 
then enthusiastic about her fiance's 
inlAitlon of joining. As the charac- 
ters talked it over, the Importance 
and necessity for the cargo ships was 
clarified. Helen Walpole's artful 
scripting put all this in the form of 
emotional drama, thus avoiding soap- 
box tendencies. Richard Leonard di- 
rected capably and the cast, headed 
by Anne Elstner In the title part, 
gave the accepted performances, 
though Florence Williams over- 
tugged the heart-throb stuff. Hobe. 

repeated too widely or too much. 
One broadcast mainly stressed the 
part the British are playing in the 
war and the appalling losses they 
have Incurred. It then faded into a 
dramatization of a heroic battle ex- 
ploit 

Conrad Nagle. as the OWI's guest 
m.c. for the 'Victory Front' series, 
read the Government messages with 
quiet conviction. Ruth Borden's 
script crowded In perhaps too much 
thematic material, but had surpris- 
ing vigor considering that drawback. 
Dorothy Lowell and Karl Swenson 
gave their usual plausible perform- 
ances. Hobe. 



logic. Miss Royle closed, with an 
emotional appeal addressed directly 
to mothers and, of course, indirectly 
to everyone. It was pungently writ- 
ten and expressively read. 

Although the straight talk portions 
of the show were more suitable for 
thoughtful listeners, the dramatiza- 
tion may have reached a certain 
audience. At any rate, all kinds of 
programs are needed to do radio's 
job in the war. 'Hills of Bataan' 
combined both adult and immature, 
logical and emotional appeal. None 
of it did any harm and much of it 
may have done some good. Hobe. 

'ANSWERING YOU' 

Panel Commentary 

30 Mins. 

Sustaining 

Sunday, 6:30 p.m. 

WNYC( and Mutual), New York 

Howard Dietz, Metro's v.p. publi- 
cist appeared on the U. S. panel of 
the 61st In this British series with 
Pat Mulkern, editor of the 'Hobo 
News,' and Madame Lee Ya-Ching, 
the first woman to win a pilot's li- 
cense in China. On the London side 
of q. and a. stanza were such per- 
sonalities as George Orville, George 
Straus, M.P., Vaughn Thomas, and 
others. 

Mulkem's query about the U. S. 
hobo's vis-a-vIs in England struck no 
responsive chord on the other side, 
because there Is apparently no actual 
counterpart In England of the fa- 
miliar box-car species. 

l)letz, however, contrived to make 
the episode interesting with queries 
on British reactions to Yanks over 
there, to WendeU Willkie, and 
whether there was less of a cleavage 
between the upper and lower social 
strata In England as a result of the 
war. In response, suggestion was 
offered that heavy taxation, ration- 
ing and national service had reduced 
the wide gap between the various 
classes, but another British commen- 
tator remarked that this was purely 
a mechanical change, a'inodlficatlon, 
but that the east and west end of 
London remained as far apart as ever 
under the skin. 

Reception was not very clear. 

Alori. 



TO THE PRESIDENT* 

Cast: Lewis Stone, Mrs. Walter 

Huston, Tommy Cook, Helen Mack, 

Gordon Jenkins 
Writer-Director: Aroh Oboler 
Drama 
30 Mins. 
Sustaining 
Sunday, 12:30 p.m. 
WJZ-Blue, New York 

In this limited series (reminiscent 
of Benet's title 'Dear Adolph') Arch 
Oboler has apparently dedicated 
himself via the Blue to the task of 
demonstrating by dramatic narrative 
the American people are fully aware 
of the burdens, sacrifices and prin- 
ciples Involved in the war and that 
they are prepared to render implicit 
support not only in this undertaking 
but in the carving out of an enduring 
peace. The openmg installment (IBj 
revealed itself as an adroit and 
canny application of radio drama to 
this project. Oboler was quite lucid 
In planting his theme, the technique 
was deft but simple and the episodes 
were charged with emotional values. 

With Lewis Stone's performance of 
naAator lending much warmth to 
the recital, the script sought to give 
answer to the question, was the 
family of a soldief who died of a 
Jap bullet worth flghUng for? The 
name cited was a Lawrence Martin, 
Jr., and the Office of War Informa- 
tion was credited with furnishing 
the data which served Oboler as his 
framework in recalling the home 
background of Martin, Outside of 
the bawling session assigned to 
Tommy Cook in the role of the 
soldier as a frightened little boy, the 
crisscross of human reactions to 
sacrifice and grief were treated with 
commendable restraint. A trench- 
antly and opportunely contrived 
portion of the script was a letter in 
which the father, addressing hi^ 
soldier son, reviewed his personal 
experiences in the changeover of the 
home front from a peace to a war 
economy. 

It was a well balanced production 
that Oboler accorded his script and 
the cast was imltormly good. Od«c. 



Wedaesday, October 21, 1942 



. RADIO M 



THftl'S TflONT ON 
PEimiLO TACTICS 



Rosenbaum of WFIL, Phila- 
delpbia, Says Radio Dis- 
credits lU Own Good Rec- 
ord on Labor By 'Smear- 
ing' — Kaye Calls Him 
Ivory-Headed 



ENDORSEMENT 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 
The Third District of the National 
Association of Broadcasters, com- 
prising 50 sUtlons in Pennsylvania, 
Delaware and South Jersey, went on 
record yesterday (Monday) as ap- 
proving the N.A.B.'s policies in its 
current recording war with James 
C. Petrillo and American Federation 
of Musicians. At the same time they 
heard N.A.B.'s special counsel, Sid 
ney Kaye, announce that the asso 
ciation would file suit in the New 
York State Courts to seek a restrain- 
ing order against the AFM to pre- 
vent the union from barring its 
members from making recordings. 

Highlight of the meeting, opening 
session of the two-day conclave of 
the district, was a sharp verbal tiff 
between Samuel R. Rosenbaum, 
WFIL prexy, and Kaye. Rosenbaum 
was the only broadcaster to defend 
Petrillo and the musicians union 
after a sharp attack by Neville 
Miller, N.A.B. president, and Kaye. 
After Kaye had launched a vitriolic 
diatribe against Petrillo and the 
union's stand, Rosenbaum arose and 
declared that the broadcasters' hand 
ling of the Petrillo situation 'was a 
masterpiece of ineptitude.' 'I can- 
not keep .-iilent when I see how the 
so-called Petrillo controversy is be- 
ing mishandled,' he said. 

'Our association should never have 
taken the leadership in the fight 
against the musicians. Their fight is 
not against us primarily, but prin- 
cipally against the juke-box barons 
and the record-manufacturers. Yet 
we have engaged counsel to master- 
mind the campaign and we have 
hired a high-pressure publicity firm 
which is inspiring the national flood 
of news stories, editorials and car- 
toons against Petrillo.' 

Rosenbaum declared that the 
broadcasters were- being used by the 
platter manufacturers 'to pull hot 
chestnuU out of the Are for them, 
while I admire the ingenuity of this 
•trategy, it is our paws which are 
i>emg scorched.... In the meantime 
we are paying bills for services which 
should be borne by the manufac- 
turers, and we will incur the odium 
of a method of warfare contrary to 
labor''^""" ^^^^^ **' dealing with 
Rosenbaum declared: 'We are al- 
lowmg our name to be seriously 
damaged by letting it be used in a 
lorm of labor-baiting and labor 
wader smearing which is a relic of a 
past generation.' 

'It may end in losing us all the 
gains we have achieved as an In- 
i" 2° <" fair dealin.{ 

wi h labor. Billingsgate, bilge and 
oiw are no longer successful wea- 
pons in labor negotiations.' 

Rosenbaum, former chairman of 
independent Radio Network Affili- 
aies and vice-president of the Phila- 
oelphia Orchestra Association, also 
warned that It would do no good to 
destroy Petrillo as an Individual. 
There will only rise up others to 
^cceed him . . . who will be even 
more determined and unyielding in 
«arrymg out the mandates of their 
to boot'"'' '^^^ """bittered 

' ''^"ed the legal action 

swrted in Federal Court by Thur- 
.Arnold 'ill-prepared and ill-ad- 
jsed and warned that repressive 
aeor leRislation would bring the 
/no e of organized labor 'to fight 
^ Its own. Let us stop trying to 



scare people by making false faces. 
Labor won't scare. Petrillo won't 
scare. Maybe after Hallowe'en the 
manufacturers will begin to think 
and talk sense, and the N.A.B. will 
stop representing manufacturers and 
confine itself to represent broad- 
casters.' 

Rosenbaum urged that the broad- 
casters and Petrillo get together and 
try to settle the controversy. He 
pointed out that In 1937 he had 
helped formulate the plan of settle- 
ment which had averted a nation- 
wide strike of musicians against the 
broadcasters. 

When Rosenbaum finished speak- 
ing, Kaye arose and said: 'Sam does 
his thinking from an ivory tower and 
some of the ivory has got into his 
thinking.' 

Kaye declared that if broadcasters 
hired 'some of the non-professionals 
in the Musicians Union they would 
have to pay their listeners to keep 
tuned to their stations.' 

He challenged Rosenbaum to offer 
a plan of settlement with Petrillo 



Rosenbaum retorted that it was im- 
possible to present negotiations at 
'a mass meeting.' 

Unfortunately, you think you can 
accomplish your ends by throwing 
barbs at Petrillo and casting manure 
instead of reason,' he said. 

At this point a resolution was of- 
fered to back the N.A.B.'s anti-Pe- 
trillo stand and it was passed without 
dissent, Rosenbaum refraining from 
voting. 

Kaye blasted Rosenbaum for re- 
leasing his speech to the press be- 
fore delivering it. Intimating that 
Rosenbaum was motivated solely by 
publicity in his stand. 



ABKEDIS INTO NAVT 

George J. Arkedis, of Joe Mc- 
Gillvra's sales staff, has been com- 
missioned a lieutenant (].g.) in the 
Navy. 

He reported yesterday (Tuesday) 
at the naval air station in Quonset 
Point, R. I. 



Navy Tags Along Behind Radio Bond 
Sellers to Recruit 2,500 in Towns 



Portland, Ore., Oct. 20. 

Starting out to sell one million 
dollars' worth of war bonds in five 
weeks, KOIN's 'Victory Harvest has 
passed the mark in three weeks. 
With three of the ten Oregon towns 
still to be played, show has pulled 
in $1,141,814. 

The Navy has 'Ugged along' on 
these tours of small Oregon towns, 
with the intent of recruiting 2,500 
men for the Navy at the close of 
the radio bond drive. The last 'Vic- 
tory Harvest' will be held at the 
Civic Auditorium in Portland on 
Navy Day, Oct. 27, when these 2,500 
men (the Navy says they're on their 
way to getting that number) will be 



sworn in at a ceremony tied in with 
the show. The cost to equip this 
number of naval recruits is esti- 
mated at two and a quarter million 
dollars, and with three shows to go 
KOIN's 'Victory Harvest' is expected 
to raise this amount. 



Paul Glynn Sworn In 

Washington, Oct. 20. 
Paul Glynn, publicity director of 
WJSV, local CBS affiliate, was sworn 
into the Naval Reserve last week 
as a lieutenant (j.g.) and reports 
Nov. 23 for training at Dartmouth 
College. He will be permanently 
stationed in the Navy's public rela- 
tions department In Washington. 



OH, TO Be OH MUTUAL 

Htm* tUat AtduHuA, ke>»! 




It's an open secret that wartime travel curtailment does not affect Mutual advertisers. 
Somehow, the annual autumnal urge to get out, meet friends, and make customers, is 
causing more and more sponsors to go more and more places on the network that's going 
places itself. For example: 



OllLtTTI opene its fourth Mutual sports season, 
over more stations than ever, with play-by-play 
broadcasts of the fabulous 1942 World Series. 

CRISTA SLANCA, first wine advertiser ever to put 
network radio to work, launches Jack Pearl, Morton 
Gould and company, in "Cresta Blanca Carnival." 

PHARMACO follows its 100th consecutive Mutual 
broadcast by doubling its "Double or Nothing" 
hookup for Feen-A-Mint, signing the largest regular 
network lineup in radio. 



CAMPANA moves "The First Nlghterf after 12 years 

on othernetworks, to 125 Mutual stationt. 

D. L. A w. COAL carefully weighs what the other 
networks have to offer and stows 'blue coal' aboard 
Mutual for the sixth year in a row with "The 
Shadow," via more olationg than ever before. 

OINIRAL ClOAR comes up the Mutual gangplank 
with Raymond Gapper, Number One Washington 
correspondent, In a twice-weekly campaign for 
White Owls. 



These are a few of Mutual's fellow-travelers this fall. They're all on their way to more 
friends and more sales, now and after the war. Better not miss the hoat yourself ... check 
your 1942 passport to profit: Mutual Rate Card No. 10. 



THE MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM 



RADIO 



Writer Loses Control of Own Show 
As Penalty for Refusal to Change 



With reversion of ownership of the 
'Help Male' serial to the sponsor, 
Ciidahy Packing, the program 
shitted origination this week from 
New York to Chicago and under- 
went a complete revision of produc- 
tion setup. Leonardo Bercovici, 
creator of the show and its former 
writer, director and owner, has been 
dropped. New writer, director and 

cast have been installed in Chicago 
by the Grant agency. 

Under the contract covering the 
show, Bercovici had ownership and 
conirol for the first year, after which 
the serl.Tl reverted to Cudahy, which 
uses it to plug Old Dutch Cleanser. 
Since the Grant agency took over 
the account several months ago from 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, Chicago, 
repeated efforts have been made to 
persuade Bercovici to revise the 
program's script to eliminate IXs war 
emphasis^and the original songs that 
had been a basic element since its 
inception. 

Bercovici refused to carry out the 
suggested changes, so, when the 
sponsor acquired ownership of the 
serial, it was taken away from its 
creator-director and the origination 
shifted to Chicago. New writer, di- 
rector and cast were hired by the 
agency. 



Y&R Lines Up J. C. Thomas, 
VicYoangJ-NesbittFor 
Westinghouse Audition 



Hollywood, Oct. 20. 

Young & Rubicam agency is audi- 
tioning this Thursday (22) a half- 
hour program for Westinghouse. 

Cast consists of John Charles 
Thomas. Victor Young orchestra, 
and John Nesbitt as narrator. 



GIVEN POLICE ESCORT 



Hitler, Mirohilo (Two Annonncers) 
Heckle CleTctonderi 



Cleveland, Oct. 30. 

Two WHK-WCLE announcers 
helped the Cleveland Polica Depart- 
ment promotion of Safety Week. 
Masquerading as Hitler (Fred Smith) 
and Hlrohlto (Robert Gels), the 
spielers stopped downtown motorists 
and pedestrians and urged them to 
have bad accidents and waste rub- 
ber because "it helps the Axis whip 
the Allies.' 

As protection against irate citi- 
zens, Deputy Inspector Edward J. 
Flanagan provided a l)odyguard of 
six policemen for the two an- 
nouncers. 




{uM t brU( nqutiu by Pulton 
.ewli, Jr., diirlng bit biieatleaetf 
of O«tob«r 1 ind t brouiht 
mor« than t ton* o( U*yt to 
iio addad to tha Nation'a naadad 
tupply oi bran and niokia 
f«Nd they'ft tHH pourkg InO 



FULTON LEWIS, Jr. 

HAS THE VKEY" THAT WILL 
OPEN MORE SALES FOR YOU- 

Tliat key Is the immense, loyal radio family that listeni ( times 
weekly to Fulton Lewis, Jr. They are an exceptionally responsive 
cross-section of America. Typical of their tpirited rtipons* to 
the covintry't need for old keys, ii their enihiuiajm for lh» more 
than 50 different products offered by Fulion Lewi*, Jr. Here Ij 
radio's outstanding feature of the year with * background of 
pulling power and resulK ih.ii will make any advertiser lit up 
and take notice. Fulton Lewis, Jr., is available for sponsomhip 
over YOUR STATION— at YOL'R OW N ONli TIME QUARTER 
HOUR RATE PER WEEK. If you want more dope— wire, 
phone or write WM. B. DOLPH, WOL, WASHINGTON, D. C. 



Hoptt Tops Hooper 

C. E. Hooper'a national rat- 
ings for Oct 16 show the Bob 
Hope show In the lead. Also 
that listening for that two-week 
period (Oct. 1-15) was slightly 
olT (0.S%) as compared with the 
same weeks of 1941. The latest 
first 15 Hooper ratings are: 

Bob Hope 31.7 

'Fibber McGee and Molly.. 28.8 

Charlie McCarthy 24.8 

Jack Benny 24.8 

'Aldrieh Family' 22.4 

Lux Theatre 22.3 

Walter Winchell 21.4 

Fanny Brice 1B.4 

Eddie Cantor 18.3 

'Mr. District Attorney' 17.5 

Rudy VaUea 16.5 

Bing Crosby 16.5 

Kay Kyser 16.4 

Burns and Allen 15.8 

'One Man's Family' .'. 14.7 



WedneBda^, October 21, 1942 



Fancy 




Tickle Latin 
With 
'Baron Eje' 



With the cooperation of the Co- 
ordinator of Inter-American Af- 
fairs NBC's shortwave facilities will 
launch this Friday (23) a program 
series primed to poke fun at Axis 
propaganda claims. The title of the 
series is 'Baron Eje,' which in 
Spanish means Axis. 

Rafael Carvajal, Latin American 
actor and writer, will play the 
Baron' in a pompous windy style 
associated with the Frank Morgan 
technique. The program, set for 
38 weekly quarter hours, will be 
rebroadcast over South American 
stations. 



CBS htroducing Its Daytime Shows 
To Its Nighttime Radio Audience 



Identification Alone Is 
Sufficient Show Link 
For Frisco Haberdashery 



San Francisco, Oct. 20. 

A sponsored program minus com- 
mercials went on. the air Friday (16) 
over KPO, as a wartime innovation. 

Program, 'Friday Night Quarter- 
backs,' carries only bare sponsor 
identification, and the plug at the 
half-way mark is for a war activity, 
instead of for merchandise of the 
sponsor, Roos Brothers, a leading 
haberdashery. 

Sponsor figures sports are a good 
morale builder, for both civilians 
and members of the armed forces, 
and that listeners will appreciate, in 
times like these, the devoting of 
more time to such a program by 
eliminating commercials. 

Participants on the show, who dis- 
cuss the football outlool?^ are Bill 
Leiser, Chronicle sports editor; 
Prescott Sullivan, Examiner sports 
columnist, and Ernie Smith, football 
announcer. 



BURKE MILLER AS 
WAR PROGRAM MGR. 



WALTER CRAIG JOINS 
BENTON & BOWLES, N.Y. 



Walter Oraig, who recently re- 
signed as program director of 
WMCA, New York, Joins the Ben- 
ton Se Bowles agency Nov. 1 in an 
executive capacity in the radio de- 
partment. Although his exact du- 
ties are apparently not yet defined, 
he will probably take over the work 
of Bert Prager, who resigned last 
week to become radio director of 
Donahue 8c Coe, and Esty Stowell, 
who leaves B. & B. in three weeks 
for a first lieutenant's conWiission in 
the groimd force of the Marine 
Corps Aviation. 

Marlon Connolly, assistant to Sto- 
well, will be promoted to adminis- 
trative assistant to Craig. Stowell is 
business manager of the B. & B. 
/adio department and Prager was 
talent buyer. Kirby Hawks, head of 
the agency's radio department, was 
classified 1-A by his draft board re- 
cently, but has not yet been notified 
when he will be called for induc- 
tion. His successor hasn't been 
named, but it's figured Craig may 
be given the assignment. 



Co-op Case 

Continued from page 33 



Burke Miller has been transferred 
from NBC eastern program manager 
to the newly created post of war 
program manager. Miller will 
serve a£ liaison between the NB(f 
program department and the vari- 
ous Government offices on war ac- 
tivities and all programs pertaining 
to the war effort will clear through 
him. 

Bertha Brainerd will assist Miller 
in addition to carrying on as pack- 
age program sales manager. 



In an attempt to interest nighttime 
listeners in its daytime programs, 
CBS starts a new series, 'Daytime 
Showcase,' next Monday (26) in the 
10:30-11 p.m. spot now occupied by 
Columbia Workshop.' Various of 
the network's daytime shows of all 
kinds, both commercial and sustain- 
ing, will be given a sustainer show- 
casing. 

First Monday night's presentation 
will l>e the Ben Bernie show, regu- 
larly heard at 5:45-6 p.m. across the 
board for Wrigley, and 'Kate Smith 
Speaks,' regularly scheduled at 12- 
12:15 noon five days a week for Gen- 
eral Foods. Second week's samples 
will be 'Second Husband' morning 
serial for R. L. Watkins. and an- 
other stanza to be selected. Subse- 
quent offerings will include 'Let's 
Pretend,' 'Sing Along." 'Are You a 
Genius?,' 'Mother and Dad.' the 
Andre Kostelanetz show for Coca- 
Cola and 'Big Sister' for'Iiever Bros. 

'Columbia Workshop' is' slated to 
remain oft' the air until about the 
first of the year, when it will re- 
turn with a series of revivals titled 
Best Radio Plays of All Time.' Not- 
able fact of this series is that it will 
include not only shows previously 
heard on CBS, but those aired on 
competing networks and independent 
stations, possibly even some broad- 
cast in England by BBC. 'Best' 
scripts to be included in the revival 
series will be selected by a commit- 
tee of non-CBS judges. 



RUMOR-SPIKINQ 



Is 



Among Miscellaneous Duties of 
Corinne Jordan at KSTP 



Minneapolis, Oct. 20. 

KSTP has assigned Corinne Jor- 
dan, its program director, to 'sell' 
the war to the women. On her pro 
gram she interviews army, navy and 
marine officers and civilian defense 
officials and scans OWI releases for 
a daily 15-minute commentary de 
voted to the developments on the 
home front. 

Mrs. Jordan also spikes rumors, 
promotes salvage drives, recruits 
specialists for the armed forces and 
asks housewives to contribute some 
of their time to war work. 

Practising what she preache.":, Mrs. 
Jordan is now completing a nurses' 
aid course and soon will be spend- 
ing a portion of her time in one of 
the St. Paul hospitals. 



the major broadcasting companies in 
the sale of their radio time.' 

The resolution also asks that an 
investigation be made into the ques- 
tion of amending the Federal (Com- 
munications Act of 1934 to authorize 
the Federal Communications Com- 
mission to prevent discrimination 
against cooperatives and others by 
the broadcasting companies or 
whether the act should be otherwise 
amended to give the FCC authority 
to restrict the power of the broad- 
casters. 

Senator Norris read to the Senate 
a letter from John Carson, former 
secretary to Senator Couzens of 
Michigan and now representative of 
the Cooperative League, in which 
the charge of discrimination was 
made. 

When Senator Norris brought up 
the matter on the floor Senator Bur- 
ton K. Wheeler of Montana said the 
charge had been brought to his at- 
tention several days before. 

'I was indeed surprised that the 
NBC and CBS took the position they 
did,' Wheeler stated. Adding his 
opinion that the broadcasting sys- 
tems were acting 'on the basis of 
their own selfish Interests and not on 
the basis of the best interests of the 
country as a whole.' ' 



News for High Schooler 



Hartford, Oct. 20. 

As a public service, WTHT is pre 
senting a daily 15-minute broadcast 
of war news especially written for 
junior and senior high school stu 
dents. Series has been arranged in 
cooperation with the Hartford Board 
of Education. 

Constitute an interpretative sum 
mary of war news by Sereno Gam 
mell of the station's staff. Picked up 
by receivers in the classrooms dur 
ing early morning sessions. 



Waldo Mayo, formerly musical di- 
rector of the Bowes* 'Capitol Family 
program, has joined the staff of 
WLIB, New York, as music director 



'Essential Occupations' 
In Communications Are 
Defined for Uncle Sam 



Washington, Oct. 20. 

Lists channelling through the 
iloard of War Communications have 
reached the War Manpower Com- 
mission giving a catalog of critical 
occupations end definitions of such 
positions In the standard domestic 
and , the international shortwave 
broadcasting industries and also the 
other communications, including 
telephone industries. 

While the impression has gained 
ground that these are lists of occu- 
pations which are to form the basis 
for draft deferments, this Interpreta- 
tion Is denied. The lists are de- 
scribed as purely definitions of key 
positions and not of key meri. They 
are intended for the use of the man- 
power commission to ascertain just 
what are the particular duties and 
functions of the various positions. 

The material was [/repared by va- 
rious technical committees of the 
Board of War Communications at 
the request of the manpower com- 
mission. The committees are com- 
posed of representatives of Govern- 
ment, labor and industry. They are 
furnished for WMC's consideration 
and appropriate action in connection 
with the establishment of a standard 
list of critical occupations. 



You Can Laff 

If You Want t 

BUT . . . 

With all this defense work go- 
ing on it's gettin' so that If a girl 
says she's carrying a torch for 
someone, it doesn't mean ahs's in 
love, she's probably a welder's 
helper, 

HERB SHRINER 

(IT'S POSSIBLE) 
CAMEL CARAVAN 
VTM. MORRIS AOY. 



WANTED 

for New York City Civilian Defense — a man or 
woman of ahilily in radio publicity and promotion 
to do a full-time joli — as a VOLUNTEER. Unusual 
opportunity for the right person to perform gen- 
uine War service. This could he huilt into one of 
the top-notch radio accomplishments of the war. 

Apply J 

Public Relations, CDVO, City HalL, New York. 



ORIGINATING FROM WOL WASHINGTON, D C 

■\ff,liar^;! uirh rlw MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM 



Wednesday, Octobgr 3|lj |>4j 



WSK, NidmDe, and Mutual Disagree 



Relations Not Chummy Since A.F.M. Forced Mutual 
Service Withdrawal 



■H- 



The Mutual Network and WSIX, 
Nashville, are currently engaged In 
a dispute oVer whether a flve-year 
contract the station signatured Jan. 
15, 1941, Is binding. The station 
contends that the agreement is no 
longer operative, while the network 
last week notified WSIX that It was 
expected to live up to the terms of 
the 1941 contract for another three 
years. 

WSIX had Informed Mutual that 
It considered the agreement termi- 
nated as of Oct. IS, 1942. The notice 
was given some weeks after WSIX 
began airing Blue Network pro- 
grams. 

Things haven't run smoothly be- 
tween Mutual and WSIX ever since 
the station became embroiled in a 
dispute with the American Federa- 
tion of Musicians and the network 
on ultimatum from AFM suspended 
sustaining music service to the sta- 
tion. • • 



ADVERTISE XMAS FRUIT 

Mailorder Florida CItra* Package 
Trade Uilng Radio 



Blackett-Sample-Hummert agency 
is lining up a special spot oampalgn 
for the Florida Citrus Commission. 
It's to plug mailorder boxes of fruit 
as Christmas gifts. 

The campaign will consist of 13 
announcements. 



Zenith Radios 
Ad Claims Are 
Called False 



BEA WAIN'S BUSY RADIO 
SCHEDULE IN ST. LOUIS 



St. Louis. Oct. 20. 

Bea Wain, currently filling with 
Clyde Lucas' band at the Chase Club, 
is also appearing in two radio pro- 
grams. Columbia Brewing Co., 
which sponsors musical programs 
over KSD and KMOX, has snared 
her for both stations. Here for a 
two-week stand, Miss Wain will 
make nightly p.a. at KMOX and 
thrice-a-week at KSD. 

At KMOX Miss V'ain will par- 
ticipate in the Ben Fe.J show, a mu- 
sical program, and at KSD she will 
be a guester with the Julie O'Neil & 
Co, program, also a musical. 



Zenith Radio Corp. of Chicago has 
been ordered by the Federal Trade 
Commission to stop misrepresenting 
the qualities and characteristics of 
Its radio receiving sets in the radio 
broadcasts and the other advertising 
media it uses. FTC has found that 
Zenith has falsely misrepresented 
that its receiving sets are capable of 
-bringing in programs broadcast from 
radio stations located in Europe, 
South America and the Orient every 
day and that such programs will be 
reasonably audible and distinct at all 
times and under all conditions. Rep- 
resentations made by' the company 
as to the number of tubes in its sets 
were also found by the Commission 
to be misleading. 

Under the FTC order, Zenith is 
directed to cease representing that 
any of its sets will bring Jn broad- 
casts from any foreign station 'every 
day,' or are capable of providing 
reasonably audible and distinct re- 
ception of foreign broadcasts at all 
times and under all conditions. 

The company is also ordered to 
stop representing that any set con 
tains a designated number of tubes 
or is of a designated tube capacity, 
when one or more of the tubes re- 
ferred to are tubes or other devices 
which do not perforni the recognized 
and customary functions of tubes in 
the detection, amplification and re- 
ception of radio signals. 



Hockey As Usual 

Montreal. Oct. 20. 

National Hockey League broad 
casts will tee off on Canadian Broad- 
casting Corp. stations CBF and 
French Quebec network and CBM, 
English station, Saturday, Oct. 31 
and will continue until end of 
hockey season, 9 p.m. to end of game, 
every Sa'turday. Roland Bcaudry 
will give play-ty-play deseripti-ns 
in French. 

Imperial Oil sponsoring. 



RADIO 



87 



Anti-MiDer Organization 
Resumes Drive to Get 
Station Memberships 



The temporary officers and direc- 
tors of the newly founded American 
Broadcasters Association are going 
through with their original plans to 
solicit members and hold a general 
membership meeting. John Shepard, 
3d, ' ABA prez, disclosed last week 
that he will soon circularize the in- 
dustry with a letter asking inde- 
pendent broadcasters whether they 
would like to join a trade organiza- 
tion that would not only look after 
their interests, but give them proper 
representation in Washington. 

The ABA had deferred its drive 
for members at the suggestion of a 
couple directors of the National As- 
sociation of Broadcasters who 
thought there was a good chance of 
deposing Neville Miller as N.A.B. 
prez, thereby dissipating the ABA 
founders' main gripe. 



Tate's Gab of Show Biz 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Newart Clothing has started spon- 
sorship of the new 'Chatterbox' 
series on WCFL, Chicago, through 
the Malcolm-Howard agency. 

Program with Hal Tate and his 
wife, Nikki Kaye, offers gab about 
show business, with tunes from new 
films. 



Nevifle MOler Stays With NAB. 
Following 10-10 Vote in GuGago 



Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Neville Miller retained his post as 
president of the National Association 
of . Broadcasters by a tie vote (10 to 
10) during last week's session of the 
N.A.B. board of directors. The Mex- 
ican standoff could have been broken 
if Frank Russell, NBC v.p.. had cast 
a vote, but Russell explained that he 
was under instructions from Niles 
Trammell not to participate in any 
action pertaining to Miller. NBC felt 
that the retention of Miller should 
be left entirely to the station operat- 
ing element as represented on the 
board, and thereby obviate any 
charges of network domination. 

Columbia was represented at the 
meeting by Paul Kesten, v.p. and 
general manager. Kesten voted 'yes' 
on two resolutions alTecting Miller; 
one, that Miller's contract, which ex- 
pires next July, be settled immedi- 
ately; and, two, that Miller be offered 
the substitute position of legal coun- 
sel for the association. The opposition 
to Miller has been motivated by a de- 
sire to propitiate James L. Fly, chair- 
man of the Federal Communications 
Commission, and to conciliate those 
broadcasters who have resigned from 
the association because of their dis- 
satisfaction with the N.A.B. presi- 



dent. Fly's bitterness toward Miller 
dales from the N.A.B. St. Louis con- 
vention (May, 1941), when Miller ad- 
journed a meeting without giving 
Fly a chance, promised him the day 
previously, to rebut attacks which 
had just been made on him. 

Following the settlement of Mil- 
ler's status, the N.A.B. board voted 
to engage a public relations counsel, 
who.<!e primary duty would be to es- 
tablish friendly contacts with Gov- 
ernment authorities, particularly 
with regard to the war effort. The 
board had previously turned down a 
propo.sal that a 'coordinator of war 
activitres' for the N.A.B. be hired. 
Miller is to select a committee of 
three or five board members to assist 
him in picking a press agent. 



Fred Freeman, Wolsky 
Join Rockhill Radio, Inc. 

Fred Freeman, sales exec, and 
Wally Wolsky, chief engineer, have 
resigned the. Miller Broadcasting 
Service, operators of the Miller Tape 
recording device, to join Rockhill 
Radio. Inc., in New York. 

Freeman is sales manager of the 
new firm, Wolsky (he chief engineer. 



Rose! H*. Hyde Inherits 
Hilmer Berth at FCC 

Washington, Oct. 30. 
Rosel H. Hyde has been appointed 
assistant general counsel of the 
broadcast division of the Federal 
Communications Commission. He 
succeeds Lucien Hilmer, who re- 
signed. 

Hyde has been a member of the 
FCC legal staff since 1934. For six 
years prior to that time he was a 
member of the Federal Radio Com- 
mission's legal staff. 



'Advertising in Wartime' 

Washington, Oct. 20. 

'Advertising Plans in Wartime' 
was the topic Wednesday (14) at a 
round-table discussion of the Wash- 
ington Advertising Club at the Ra- 
leigh hotel here. A. D. Willard, Jr., 
general manager of WJSV, local CBS 
affiliate, was moderator and key- 
noter of the confab. 

Session was one of a series which 
the ad club is giving for discussions 
of various phases of wartime adver- 
tising. Representing agencies at last 
week's meeting was Henry Kauf- 
man, of the agency of that name. 
Edward H. Guilford, of the Capitol 
Radio Engineering Institute, repre- 
sented local industry; Henry Voss, 
advertising manager of Lansburgh's 
department store, represented large 
local advertisers, and Henry Trach- 
lenberg. of Saks Fur Co.. represent- 
ed small retailers. 



ENEMY RADIO PATENTS 



Property Custodian Has Seized Many 
Licensed Some In U.S.A. 



SALESMAN? 

WSNY, Schenectady, success- 
ful, progressive local station, 
has splendid opportunity for 
experienced salesman. §40 
draw per week to sUrt. Full 
information and non-return- 
able photo, please, in first 
letter. Thanx. WSNY, Plaza 
Theatre Building:, Schenectady. 
N. Y. 



AT A SEASHORE HOTEL 

llie ladles came lo broakfMBt In aiiklo 
i„ In knee UicK.ie.i. and 

,° """P" In balhlnir "ultn, I -vhi up. 

JAMRS MADISON, gax writer, (.om- 
i„,iiI'V''*" anemic Brrl|ii». I nli-o 
UoWi.^,,"*" .■'HEET at $1. I'.O. 
lfo?k "rand Central Annci. New 

(Watch for a new gag every week) 



Wa.<:hington. Oct. 20. 

Many radio patents held by the 
enemy have been seized by this Gov- 
einmeiit, Leo T. Crowley, Alien 
Propeity Cu.'Jtodian. has announced. 
Seized patents were principally Ger- 
man-owned. 

Taken over by the custodian were 
many patents covering telephone, 
Iclepgraph, radio, submarine cables 
and other cornmunicalions devices 
and system.'!. 

Some patents liave already been 
licensed to im6i;ican companies 
while rescaich upon the feasibility 
of device.'; and pioces.ses covered by 
patent applications is continuing. 

COREY SUBS FOR SICK WIFE 

George Corey, who writes 'This 
Nation At War,' (Blue Network), has 
been pinchhitting in part since Oct. 
5 for his wife, Frances, on her daily 
program of comment, 'Women and 
War,' over WQXR. N. Y. 

Corey took over the writing of 
the script and' enlisted Adelaide 
Klein, radio actress, for the mike as- 
signment when his wife entered the 
French hospital, 31. Y., for an op- 
eration. 




Encore . . . from Cleveland 



From Maine to Melbourne, from London 
to Lima .... people around the globe 
listened to last season's world-wide broad- 
casts by' Dr. Artur Rodzinski and the 
celebrated Cleveland Orchestra . . . and 
asked for mnre. 

So it is that WGAR, which underwrote 
those concerts, announces a second series 
ol' special radio performances by this inter- 
nationally famous symphonic organization. 
Beginning October 24th, there will be a 
full-hour broadcast each Saturday, origi- 
nated by WGAR for Columbia stations 
frum coast to coast and for short wave 



throughout the world. 

Perhaps the philosophy of American Radio 
seems strange to some. For instance, we 
have been asked what it gains a single 
radio station to back sucji a venture. Per- 
haps the answer is in the pride we at 
WGAR have in doing the job well . , . and 
the responsibility we feel in living up to 
such honors as our Variety Award for 
Showmanagcnicnt and out Peabody Award 
for Distinguished Service. 




BASIC STATION ;.. COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 
G. A. Richardt, Preildenl . . . John F. Poll, Vie* Pr»ild«nt and Ganaral Monngar 




Edward P*try & Conipany, lit 
NoHvnal Raprmnlotlv* 



S8 



RADIO 



Wedneaday, October 21, 1942 



Mayor of Omaha Protests Sak Of 
WOW Without PuUk Hearings 



Omaha, Oct. 20. 
The prospective sale of station 
WOW, which became a sensation 
when revealed here over a week ago, 
has developed a new complication 
with the Mayor of Omaha, Daniel 
Butler, protesting to the Federal 
Communications Commission against 
the latter okayltig the deal without 
a public heaiiikg. Omaha is buzzing 
with speculation as to what evidence 
might be introduced or what rival- 
ries and politics revealed at such a 
public hearing. 

Information here is that WOW, a 
record money-maker and a prestige 
property of the Woodmen of the 
World Insurance Society, has been 
sold for a relatively small down pay- 
ment (rumored to be $70,000) and 
terms of 'rental' which allow the 
property to self -liquidate the total 
purchase price over 10 years. Most 
baffling missing part of the story 
here is why the Woodmen suddenly 
were willing to sell a station always 
krown to be a pet 

Eight incorporators of Radio Sta- 
tion WOW, Inc., which proposes to 
take over the local station forms a 
varied group. John J. Gillin, now 
manager of WOW and among those 
who want to taka the station over. 
Is 37. He got into radio with an 
advertising company in 1927 and in 
1929 joined WOW as a part-time an- 
nouncer from Creigbton University. 

Others in the new company in- 
clude Guy C. Myers of New York, 
the man who obtained a contract 
with the Nebraska hydro system to 
represent it in buying up all the 
private power companies in the 
state. Myers, representing the Con- 
sumers Public Power District, has 
now bougltt up most of the larger 
private power organizations of the 
state, excepting the Nebraska Power 
Co. of Omaha with whom negotia- 
tions are said to be on. 

In the company also are Francis 
.P. Matthews, Omaha attorney and 
director of several corporations, 
Thomas J. Wallace, a Chicago adver- 
tising man, vice-president of the 
Russell M. Seeds Co., Harvey E. 
Milliken, president of the Omaha 
Printing Co., M. M. Myers, local in- 
vestment man', J. J. Isaacson, activi- 
ties director 'of Ak-Sar-Ben and 
Hobert P. Samardick, vice-president 
of a local company which does gen- 
eral investigation, guard duty, etc. 

Mayor's intercession came as a 
■urprise. 



BROWN REVAMPS STAFFS 



Shepherd to WOBI>— Bittolill M 
WSPA, Spartaabarf 



Spartanburg, S. C, Oct 20. 

G. O. Shepherd, formerly manager 
of WWNC, Asheville (N. C.) Citizen- 
Times station, has been named man- 
ager of WORD here. Station is one 
of two owned and operated by Spar- 
ta..burg Advertising Co. Other is 
WSPA. WORD is Blue network. 

Shepherd's appointment was made 
by Walter Brown, general manager. 
At the same time he set William J. 
RatclifT, former WORD manager, as 
night manager and director of spe- 
cial events for WSPA, while J. W. 
Kirkpatrlck, commercial manager of 
WSPA, becomes station manager. 



As Part of Kigiit Watch' 
Prognup on WIND, Chi 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Rebroadcasts of important speeches 
are included in the 'Night Watch' 
series which WIND has sold to the 
Atlas Brewing Co. The program 
runs from midnight to 6 a.m., and 
also contains recorded music and 
patter. The listening objective are 
workers in the war plants. 

Arthur MeyerhoiT agency placed 
the business. 



HUGH STUDEBAKER AIDS 
TWIN CTTY FUND DRIVE 



Haiel Kenyon, educational director 
of KIRO, Seattle^ Is handling ar- 
rangements tor two local appearances 
by 'Dorothy Lewis, N.A.B. spieler. 



Minneapolis, Oct. 20. 

Five Twin City radio stations, 
WCCO, KSTP, WTCN, WMIN and 
WLOL, are pooling their facilities 
this week for a special program on 
behalf of the Minneapolis and St 
Paul Community and War Chests. 

The program will have Hugh 
Studebaker, NBC player on daytime 
shows, for its guest personage. Oth- 
ers participating are James Hill, 
Knox Reeves Advertising, Inc, 
script; Emmett Heerdt and Bob 
Murphy, KSTP and WCCO. re- 
spectively, production; Leonard 
Leigh, KSTP, musical director, who 
composed an original score, and 
WLB Radio Guild, supporting play- 
ers. WLB is the University of Min- 
nesota station. 



Writer-Fighter Corp* 

Cleveland, Oct 20. 

One of the nation's first squad- 
rons in the WHK-sponsored 
Wrlte-a-Flghter-Corps new proj- 
ect to get more letters written 
to men in the armed services 
was formed at Rainbow Hos- 
pital by six crippled youngsters. 

Project is sponsored in con- 
nection with Jack Armstrong 
program. 



Hagerstown Sta. 
Ordered to Talk 
With Air Union 



Washington. Oct. 20. 

Station WJEJ at Hagerstown, 
Maryland, was ordered by the Na- 
tional Labor Relations Board last 
week to bargain collectively with 
the Associated Broadcast Tech- 
nicians of International Brotherhood 
of Electrical Workers, AFL as the 
exclusive representative of its 
broadcast technicians exclusive of 
supervisors. The company was also 
ordered to pay two employees each 
$225 for loss of pay. It was alleged 
the employees were discharged from 
the company to discourage member- 
ship in the union. 

NLRB also ordered the company 
to refrain from discouraging mem- 
bership in the technicians' unit or 
any other labor organization of its 
employees, by discriminating in re- 
gard to hire or tenure of employ- 
ment or any term or condition of 
employment. 

"The company was ordered also not 
to interfere with or restrain or co- 
erce its employees in the exercise 
of the right to self-organization, to 
form, join or assist labor organiza- 
tions, to bargain collectively through 
representatives of their own choos- 
ing, and to engage in concerted ac- 
tivities, for the purpose of collective 
bargaining or other mutual aid or 
protection as guaranteed in the Na- 
tional Labor Relations Act. 




itKo^mms imMAtfiRo coir. • Dmt'nf 



Department Stores Job 
Together in Frisco To 
Air-Bafly Open Nights 



San Francisco, Oct. 20. 

KQW has brought local depart- 
ment stores into the radio field 
through the, exercise of a bit of en- 
terprise. When the station heard 
that the more important downtown 
stores planned to remain open 
Thursday evenings to accommodate 
war industry workers it fashioned 
a program around the idea and sold 
seven of these stores on sponsoring 
the show. Title of the series is 'San 
Francisco's Open Door.' 

The contract in each instance is for 
13 weeks. 



Inside Stiilf-^adio 



A somewhat awkward anti-climax followed the broadcasting of 'The 
Murder of Lidice' at NBC Monday night (10) when, without prior notice 
or priming of bids, an attempt was made to auction off the Edna St. Vin- 
cent Millay original manuscript of the broadcast. Some of the embarrass- 
ment was due to the author's presence and to Alexantter WooUcott's fail- 
ure to get bids from the invited audience. Finally $100 was bid, then 
$300, then $500 by Frank Mullen of NBC. Clarence Menser, asked di- 
rectly to bid $750 by Woollcott, expressed himself flattered but uninter- 
ested. Later one Charles Wolf, an RCA stockholder, suggested that NBC 
bid in the manuscript for $1,000, as he was sure the board would approve 
it. That was where the matter was left. 



Tribute to Vem Haugland, AP correspondent who after being lost for 
weeks in the Jungles of New Guinea and believed dead, managed to get 
out and join the American forces in Australia, was voiced by the Rev. 
John Carter Smith, of the Catholic University of America, on the Catholic 
Hour over NBC. It was perhaps the first time a press association had 
been mentioned by name and one of its correspondents singled out for 
special conunendation, in the 12 years the Catholic Hour has been broad- 
cast over a large string of NBC and affiliated stations. 

Father Smith, who is delivering a series of talks on the general 
title. Thoughts for Troubled Times,' quoted from Haugland's diary. The 
priest stressed the reporter's unwavering faith in God, demonstrated in 
diary notations. 



WWn OLD TOWERS 
PROVDING SCRAP 



' Detroit, Oct. 20. 

Station WWJ is tearing down 200- 
foot radio towers to provide 26 tons 
of steel for the Ford Motor smelters. 
The towers were put up in 1926 and 
since 1936 have been chiefly used 
for advertising purposes — visually — 
since they were on top the Detroit 
News Building. 

In 1936 they had been outmoded 
by a new 400-foot radiator type of 
antenna. 



Walter Davidson Quits 
Frisco for New York 

San Francisco, Oct. 20. 

Walter Davidson has resigned as 
sales manager of KGO, effective 
Nov. 1. Ray Rhodes, a member of 
station's sales stafr, has been named 
his successor. 

Davidson will head for New York 
radio field. 



mOO£N£ WOLCOTT'S SPREAD 

' Boston, Oct. 20. 

Imogene Wolcott and her 'Food 
News' program shifted from WNAC 
to WBZ this morning and will also 
be heard over New England Re- 
gional Network. 

First National Food Stores is spon- 
sor; ■ • 



Charley Stookey who founded the 'Country Journal' at KMOX, St 
Louis, last week, celebrated bis 10th anniversary In this stint. The 
program was originally tagged the 'Farm Folks Hour' and is heard daily, 
except Sunday, from 5:00 a.m to 7:00 a.m. In addition to dishing out 
farm prices, farm conditions and advice to the agriculturists, the program 
features hill billy entertainment Three years ago Sto<dtey began orig- 
inating a Saturday noon 'Country Journal' for the CBS net and since 
that time has traveled more than 35,000 miles, originating broadcasts in 
many agriculture centers. Stookey also holds the distinction of having 
aired the first national corn husking championship, from the scene of 
action. 



Orson Welles, guesting on the Philip Morris 'Playhouse' last Friday night 
(16) pulled the old spare-script gag on Charles Martin, director of the 
show. With only a few seconds to go before air time, Welles 'accident- 
ally' dropped his script, the pages scattering across the stage. While 
Martin frantically yelled for the cast to gather up the fallen pages and 
simultaneously told • cdftple of supporting players to give Welles their 
scripts, the Columbia Playhouse 3 audience was in a frenzy of excitement 
and laughter. 

Just as the show was about d^^e on the air, Welles pulled another copy 
of the script from an inside coat pocket and proceeded with the broadcast 



When Helen King left WEBR, Buffalo, as promotion head and woman's 
program chief to become Evening News radio ed, she left a memo on her 
desk pad to the effect that her successor would be the 13th person to 
occupy her office — and hoped that he or she would have luck. Not all 
her predecessors had left voluntarily. Turned out' that Paul Fitzpatrick, 
new president of WEBR and former Erie County Democratic chairman, 
took over her office. He wrote Miss King a note thanking her tor her 
good wishes. 



WBNX. in the Bronx, has its own parochial twist on selling war bonds 
to its listeners. Its Yiddish personality, Abe Lyman ^sponsored by Procter 
& Gamble) announces over the air that he will be at a given grocery store 
at a certain date accompanied by Rabbi S. J. Steinberger. 

Rabbi is a whirlwind bond seller and housewife-magnetizer. Sold $2,000 
in a grocery last Wednesday, according to Leo Miller. And, In cash. 



Several changes in responsibility having to do with minor functions of 
management are still slated to be settled at NBC. These purported moves 
are tied up with the management meeting that was held in Hot Springs, 
Va., several weeks ago. The switch of authority over the news and special 
events setup from program department to the general manager's office 
was a move wising from that meeting. 



Leonard L. Levinson, erstwhile scripter on Fibber McGee Se Molly and 
the 'Great Gildersleeve' radio shows, and now scripting for the Office of 
War Information's radio division, has 'organized' an inner circle of White 
Wings. They comprise the chief, W. B. Lewis, deputy chiefs Doug 
Meservey and Nat Wolff, Carroll Carroll, Cornwell Jackson and Don 
Quinn, with Levinson as the 'chief sweep' of the White Wings. 



Georgia Gibbs Is fast getting attention as a possible Dinah Shore for 
vocal impact with Xavier Cugat for Camels Friday nights. Herb Shriner, 
too, is gathering momentum and gaining stature. His dry wit, with and 
without the harmonica interruptions, is punctuated by a steady barrage of 
laughter. 



Elbert Haling Joins Air 
Force's Public Relations 

Fort Worth, Oct. 20. 
Elbert Haling, publicity-merchan- 
dising director of WBAP-KGKO for 



the past six years, is a private in the 
United S'tates Army Air Forces at 
Tarrant Field, near here. 

Will be attached to the field's pub- 
lic relation's-radio section. 




Wednesday, Oetober £1. 1H9 



British Hear MMtA Wax Version 
Of 'Artists Front' Rally in New York 



The 'Artists' Front to Win th« War' 
rally at Carnegie Hall, In Jlew York, 
last Friday do) was recorded by the 
British Broadcasting Corp. High- 
lights were \waxed, reshuffled and 
built into • program and the com- 
pleted transcription was shipped to 
London. 

Program included names from all 
the arts headed by Charles CbapUn 
but was not broadcast by any station 
in New York nor was it aired by 
the American networks. When asked 
at a press interview how he felt 
about the n^ts not carrying the pro- 
gram Charles Chaplin replied, 'We're 
aclually fighting for Five, not Four, 
Freedoms. The Fifth being the 
Freedom from Monopoly.' 

Radio execs feel the 'monopoly' 
crack was something they didn't rate 
since their only reason for not airing 
the rally was the inability to olear 
the time required, since Friday night 
network schedules are well larded 
with commercials, Apparently the 
■tarry committee running the affair 
did not take radio coverage into 
consideration when they planned the 
event. Likewise, several of the 
speakers, including Chaplin, spoke 
adlib, which automatically nixed 
any airtime. 

BBC, in addition to transcribing 
the highlights of the prograiji, piped 
In Norman Corwin from London In 
a flve-minute greeting to the rally. 



WPB ENDORSES 
COCA-COLA 
BAND SHOW 



'ON THE HOME FRONT 
VICE 'CAPITOL NEWS' 



Salt Lake City, Oct. 20. 

KLQ, Ogden, is this week ellnunat- 
ing lU long-aired 'State Capitol 
News' series and substituting 'On the 
Home Front' by Barrett Chadwick. 

Will be run Monday through 
Fridays as a sustainer. 



Re: Elsie Janis 

New York, 
Editor, "Variety': 

I note with interest your statement 
that Elsie JanIs is about to make her 
first radio appearance. 

For the record. Miss Janis ap- 

1 (eared on 'We, The People' on Oct. 
118, 1941. 

David Levy, 
Voung & ftubicam, Ino. 
Director, 'We, "The People'. 



War Production Board has taken 
a hand in publicizing Coca-Cola's 
'Spotlight Bands' series on the' Blue 
Ne'twork. The board's division of 
information recently addressed let- 
ters to radio editors asking that 
they do whatever they could to 'im 
plement the effectiveness' of the 
program. 

The letter pointed out that anything 
that contributes to the spirit and 
morale on the production front is a 
contribution to the war effort, Also 
that since workers in most cases 
operate under trying conditions, 
work long hours and live in new 
homes in isolated communities they 
often have few facilities or little 
time or energy for amusement 
Coca-Cola's policy of originating the 
show from war-industry factories, 
as well as service camps, helps 
solve this problem. 



WlamFaylsNowVf.; 
Ex-Vaode Actor Jack Lee 
New GenL Mgr. of WHAM 



nochester, N. Y., Oct. 20. 

William Fay, general manager of 
Stromberg - Carlson's WHAM and 
W51R, has been given title of vice 
president of Stromberg-Carlson In 
charge of broadcast activities. Jack 
Lee, assistant manager for the last 
six years and former vaude actor, 
was named general manager to suc- 
ceed Fay. 

Fay started in radio in 1923 as a 
•Inger at WON, Schenectady, then 
went to WMAX. Buffalo, as assistant 
manager and sports announcer. He 
became general manager of WHAM 
In 1928 a year after he joined the 
station. 



Taylorson's DepL Store 
Sponsprs News on WHK 



Cleveland, Oct. 20. 

William Taylorson & Co., one of 
the oldest and largest downtown re- 
tail department stores In Cleveland, 
has signed a nightly news broadcast 
nve nights a week with WHK. It 
•» the store's first series of radi 
programs and marks a new era In 
Cleveland's large department store 
advertising. Barclay Newell is 
sales promotion manager at Taylor's. 

Murray Young is the commentator 
and Francis Pettay the announcer. 



RADIO 39 



RADIO MAN HEADS TENT 

Brian McDonald New Chief Barker 
for Variety OInb, Pittsburgh 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 20. 

Brian McDonald, former stage per- 
former and for the last six years 
director pf local jewelry firm's 
amateur hour over WJAS, was 
named chief barker of Variety Club, 
'Tent No. 1, at annual election. Bill 
Flnkcl, Southside exhib, was voted 
first assistant and Harry Feinstein, 
asst. aone manager for WB, second 
assistant, with Al Weiblinger and 
Jim Alexander, Republic chief, be- 
ing re-elected secretary and treas- 
urer, respectively. 

Board of directors will be made up 
of following: Moe Silver, WB zone 
manager; Buck Stoner, M-G man- 
ager; Pete Dana, U. manager; Mike 
Gallagher, local concessionaire; Sam 
Fineberg, co-holder with Fineberg of 
Rep franchise here, and Tony Stern, 
WB's head booker. Joe Hiller, re- 
tiring chief barker, was named na- 
tional canvasman, and I. Elmer 
Ecker and Feinstein, convention dele- 
gates, with Art Morrone and Mark 
Goldman as alternates. In lieu of 
annual banquet, which has been can- 
celled this year, new officers will be 
installed at a special dinner next 
month. 



DoDD* Abbey of WGR-WKBW, 
Buffalo, left Monday (19) for WAAC 
service at Ft Des Moines. 



Adas of CBS Among 83 Business Men 
Invited to Army s Orientation Course 



Washington, Oct. 20. 

H. Leslie Atlas, vice-president of 
the Columbia Broadcasting System, 
Chicago; Joseph H. Hazen, producer 
of Warner Brothers, New York, and 
Roy E. I,arson, president of Time, 
are among 83 business and profes- 
sional men who have accepted the 
War Department's invitation to at- 
tend a four-week 'orientation' course 
at the General Staff School at Fort 
Leavenworth, Kansas. They will be- 
gin the course Oct. 26. 

The invitation to attend the course 
was extended to a selected group of 
civilians for the purpose of giving 
them the opportunity to understand 
the conditions under which the Army 
operates. The executives will be 
given a general picture of the mili- 
tary forces of the United States; 
their organization, administration 
and operations; the duties and re- 
sponsibilities of the divisions of the 
War Department and the govern- 
mental agencies connected with the 
war effort; and aome general prin- 



ciples of tactics, strategy, supply and 
administration. A similar course 
was given in 1941. 

No examinations will be held at 
the end of the course but those at- 
tending will be assigned two to three 
hours of individual reading for each 
night except Saturday. 



12 OF STAFF OF 20 
AaiNG AS INSTRUCTORS 



Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 20. 
Of 20 technicians on WHAM staff, 
12 are serving as instructors here 
for Army Signal Corps classes al the 
University of Rochester, Air Corps 
Cadet school at RBI and VEND 
classes. 

Included are Ken Gardner, Al 
Balling, Ray Lucia, Warren Wheel- 
er, Wilfred O'Brien, Andrew Ander- 
son, Charles Snyder, Nelson Smith, 
Blrdsall Hollyj Elmer Grace, George 
priscoU and Jerry Hall. 





Clr«Mm.!ance. today mak. W«» 
rodlo programt Ihol ore wty and ♦hrifly to 

UnlMd »».. i.<llo i>;w. Ijr^iJSSy 

M.irAv;rs;i-5.«.-'^ 

neuncer— and serve. 

A. for .pon.orship-hore». whai.lol.on. them- 
•elve. reporl: 




40 



RADIO 



Wedneadaj, October 21, 1942 



Payroll Traffic 



Chicago — Jerome Joss, account ex- 
ecutive with Schwimmer & Scott, 
Chicago, has resigned to enter Army. 
He was also assistant radio chief 
for the War Savings Staff of the 
Treas. Dept. in Illinois. 



Indianapolis. — Bert Wilson, sports- 
caster at WIBC, has shifted to same 
spot at WFBM, left vacant by Len 
Riley last year. Felix Adams, pro- 
duction manager, is handling sports 
programs temporarily at WIBC. 

Joe Pierson, chief announcer at 
WFBM, goes to KTUL, Tulsa, Okla. 
Lyell Ludwig will advance to his job 
here. 



Seattle.— Evelyn Marble, formerly 
with the Robat S. Nichols Agency. 
Is now doing continuity at KIRO, 
Seattle. 

Bruce Calhoun, formerly with 
KMO,, Tacoma, now announcing at 
KIRO, Seattle. New telephone op- 
erators at the Columbia station ere: 
Pat Doebbler and Donna McCros- 
krie. 

New copy editor at KOMO-KJR 
Is Lorraine Borley, formerly in the 
audience-mail department. Arlene 
Mlachnlk is now handling audience- 
mail for the stations. Other changes 
at the NBC and Blue stations Include 
upping of Dulcie Moss to research- 
advertising from hostessing, with 
Marian Crombie, former hostess, now 
in traffic. New hostesses are Ruby 
Richardson and Gloria Thompson. 

Dan Starr, account executive at 
KOMO-KJR, is taking the Civilian 
Pilot Training course in Yakima in 
preparation for Naval Flight Train- 
ing. 



New York CUy.— Edwin Kinfi has 
Joined the engineering staff at WOR, 
New York, succeeding Harry Bryant, 
who joined the Navy as a Second 
Class Radio Technician. Willoughby 
Dacosta added to the engineering 
staff, replacing Joseph Craig, who 
joined the Army. Joel Newman has 
joined the station's music library 
staff, succeeding Hugh Kite, who re- 
signed to take a teaching position. 



Corporation transmitter at Vercheres, 
Quebec, appointed Regional Engi- 
neer, Province of Quebec, succeeding 
Giles Sarault, who has joined staff 
of Laval University, Quebec City. 



Fort Wayne.— Ambrose Haley, an 
entertainer at WOWO, since 1938, 
has resigned to Join KMOX, St. 
Louis. 



PltUbnrKh. — John F. McMahon, 
former sports writer for Press and 
Sun-Telegraph here, has been added 
to the newsroom staff at KDKA. 



Cleveland. — Gene Lavalle appoint- 
ted dramatic editor of WTAM and as 
aid in production, to take the place 
of the late Waldo Pooler. 

A veteran in radio work, Lavalle 
was recently with WCKY, Cincinnati. 



San Antonio.— Betty Jane McHugh 
on KTSA traffic staff replacing Mary 
Lou Huntington, who resigned upon 
her recent marriage. 



Atlantic City— Radio station WBAB 
reports that two of Its members re- 
cently lost to the draft have been 
married in the last month, one of 
whom chose a third staffer for his 
mate. 

They are Pvt. Paul Godfrey, for- 
merly of the engineering depart- 
ment who married the former Adele 
Clark, of PleasantviUe, N. J., at Fort 
Knox, Ky., and Louis D'Giacinto, 
also an Army private and former 
employee of the engineering de- 
partment, who wedded Kay Kane, 
former bookkeeper at WBAB. 



Portland, Ore.— RoUie Truitt. an- 
nouncer for 16 years, is new direc- 
tor of public relations of KGW-KEX, 
with Jack Eichenberger continuing 
as director of publicity and sales 
promotion. Truitt will continue 
some sports ind special events pro- 
grams. 

Chester L. Blomai'ess, formerly of 
the KGW-KEX commercial depart- 
ment, has joined the Army Air Force 
as a First Lieutenant. 



Philadelphia.— Stuart Wayne, for- 
merly with WTHT, Hartford, has 
joined the KYW announcing staff. 

New additions to KYW engineer- 
ing staff are Emil Taube, formerly 
with Sears-Roebuck, and George J. 
Frank, an instructor at the Mast- 
baum Vocational School. 

Alex Biddle, former assistant in 
KYW news department, placed in 
charge of transcription library. 

Michael Hunnicutt, formerly of 
WING, Dayton (O.), Joined WFIL 
yesterday (Mon.). 



Washington. — Frank Blair, an- 
nouncer of WOL, local Mutual out- 
let, has joined the Navy Air Corps 
as a Lieutenant. 



Montreal.— Louis L'Allier, engineer 
In charge at Canadian Broadcasting 



Memphis.— Johnny Poor, WHBC( 
announcer the past four years, into 
radio service in the Army Air Force. 



Spartanburg, S. C— Ed McGrath, 
WSPA sportscaster, in khaki at 
Camp Croft, S. C. 



Boston. — Henry Elliott hag trans- 
ferred as announcer from WATN, 
Watertown, N. Y., to WMEX, but 
has been classified as 1-A for the 
armed services and is awaiting his 
call. 

John Kiley, WMEX program di- 
rector and organist, also appears 
each Saturday at the kelth-Mem- 



NBC Trains Gab 

Hollywood, Oct 20. 

Dames, Preferred, hit a new 
high at NBC recently when Sid 
Strotz, headman for the western 
division, put out a memo for 
femmes, who have any technical 
knowledge, to report for th« 
new classes in engineering and 
sound effects. Harry Saz, head 
sound effecter, and A. H. Saxon, 
chief engineer, don the profes- 
sorial robrs. 

NBC is first of the networks 
to heed the warning of OWI's 
Doug Meservey to replace men 
with women wherever possible 
and practical. 



orial Theatre and performs on the 
organ. 

Jerry O'Leary, former sports 
spieler with WHDH and WNAC, is 
now a chief petty officer in the Navy 
and has returned from Chicago, 
where he ^received his preliminary 
training. 

Gordon 'Red' Marston, former 
staff sports writer for Boston Herald 
and with Yankee Network for past 
four years on news service and as- 
sisted Jim Britt in covering major 
league baseball, is WNAC's new pub- 
licity man, succeeding Paul Con- 
nolly, now at Fort Devens. 

May McKenzie succeeds Natalie 
Porter as secretary to Walter J. 
Stiles. WEEI chief engineer, since 
Miss Porter has resigned to become 
the bride of Ensign Richard A. God- 
frey, USNR, next Saturday (24). 



Memphis — Tommy Ragland, for- 
mer program manager and an- 
nouncer for station WMPS, is now 
a member of the Army Air Force 
ground crew at Keesler Field, Miss. 
Ragland was a member of the WMPS 
staff for a number of years. 



Fori Worth— Latest additions to 
the engineering staff of station 
KGKO are Thomas Bedford and 
Harvey Robertson. Bedford comes 
from WHAS, Louisville, while Rob- 
ertson comes from KCMC, Tex- 
arkana. 

Marvin Moore has been made a 
full time announcer. 



Longvlew, Texas — Mel Ferrer Is 
new to the KFRO announcing staff, 
coming here from Hollywood. He 
replaces DeWitt Jones, who resigned 
to join as librarian in the United 
States Army base at Charleston, 
S. C. 




ano oompiinv 

940/9 SrATIOM ntPttMStHTAriVtS 

NEWVOIK • DETROIT • CHICAOO • SAN FKANCISCO 



San Franoiseo. — Howard A. Yuen, 
Chinese-American recording tech- 
nician with Photo and Sound, Frisco 
transcription agency, added to KSFO 
staff as technician. 

Jerry Akers, from KJBS, took over 
manager reins at KSAN. 

Thompson Magowan, formerly of 
KOH, Reno, and KYOS, Merced, is 
new announcer at KJBS. 

Merrill DeWitt named assistant 
studio supervisor at KSFO. He was 
formerly special events engineer for 
same station. 



nounoM at WDAf, Kansu 01^, and 
formarlj gpl»in at varloua itatlona, 
on tha Coait, haa Jolnad ffia pan 

chut* forca of tne Army. 



Now York CHr<— Hugh Klta haa 
resigned from tha muslo library of 
WOR, New York, to take a teaching 
job, Julia Hutchinson replaces Doris 
Broder in the library. 

John Michael Keane Joined the 
WOR engineering staff, sound effects. 
Harry h. Bryant resigned from the 
engineering staff to join the Navy as 
a second class radio technician. 



Beaumont, Texas— Jack Whitney 
is the latest addition to the staff of 
station KFDM. He's from KOM£, 
Tulsa. 

Len Finger, program director of 
KFDM, has resigned his post to join 
the staff of the Blue network in a 
similar capacity. 



Patcrson, N. J.— Ruth Leafer has 
resigned as p.a. of WPAT, Paterson. 
No replacement as yet 

Art Raymond, new to radio, is 
latest addition to announcing staff 
of WPAT. 



San Franclgco— Dorothy Johnston, 
formerly traffic manager, KLX, 
Oakland, joined KFRC staff as head 
of transcription department, suc- 
ceeding Amy tawrence, who shifted 
to music librarian. 



Buffalo — WEBR bolstered dwin- 
dling announcers' staff by acquiring 
Gomer Lesch, 19, for night announc- 
ing. He attends State TeJthers Col- 
lege during day. 



Philadelphia— Bill Neill, WFIL en- 
gineer, reports for duty as warrant 
officer in Navy next week. 

Ralph Ward, WFIL technician, 
joined Army Thurs. (15). 



Akron, O. — Allen Keys, formerly 
of WJR, Detroit has become an an- 
nouncer at WAKR. 

Garde Chambers, announcer at 
WJW, ordered to report for his physi- 
cal examination for the Army. Chief 
Announcer Larry Krupp of WJW 
is due to go into the Army any day. 



Philadelphia.— Bill Manns, WIP 
relief spieler, becomes regular staff- 
er replacing Lee Vines now with 
CBS in New York. 

Dorothy Miller Ogden named as- 
sistant news editor of WIP. 



Fort Worth.— Blanchard McKee, 
conductor of the 'Your Neighbor' 
program for four years over KFJZ, 
Fort Worth, has gone to New York 
to engage in radio work there. 

Don Gillis who directed the 
Horned Frog Band of Texas Chris- 
tian University since 1935, has joined 
the production and music depart- 
ment of KOKO and WBAP studios. 
He spent several weeks studying in 
network studios In New York and 
Chicago before taking over the radio 
work. 



Boston. — Kenneth W. Numan, form- 
erly with WESX, Salem, Mass., and 
Walter E. Lannan from WRUL, have 
joined WEEI as studio technicians, 
Walter J. Stiles, chief engineer, an- 
nounced. 



New York City.— Bob Kuhn of 
Ruthrauff & Ryan and WIOD, Miami, 
to WNEW continuity staff replacing 
Bill Shea, now in the Army Air 
Corps. 

Hugo Bondi, WNEW engineer, to 
the OWI staff and overseas service. 

Dick Wells of WCKY, Cincinnati, 
to WNEW announcer staff. 



Salt Lake City.— KLO's Salt Lake 
studios has Jack Riaska as produc- 
tion manager. He's from Bellingham, 
Wash., where he was program direc- 
tor for kVOS. 



Boston — Paul ' Connolly, WNAC 
publicist, has Joined the Army and 
is now stationed at Fort Devens, 
while announcer Kenneth Carter is 
in the Air Corps. 



Des Moines. — The following mem- 
bers of station WHO, Des Moines, 
Iowa, are now in the service: Major 
E. ^C. Sanders, announcer; Richard 
H. Anderson, announcer; Robt K. 
Booth, Songfellows; Harold Rissler, 
engineer; Maurice McMurray, sales 
promotion; Bob Harter, traffic direc- 
tor; Carroll Carter, mall room; Jim 
McCulla, announcer; Don C. Ander- 
son, engineer and Glen Burkland, 
singer, musician. 



Kansas Clty^Ken Barton, an- 



Jack Pertx and Gene Scares, also of 
tha WFCI engineering staff, have en- 
listed In tha Marines. 

Frank McCabe has joined WFCI as 
announcer, and Gerry Lupinsky and 
Bob Morgan have joined the same 
station's engineering staff. Gil John- 
son, formerly control engineer at 
WEAN, Providence, has joined 
WFCI as chief engineer, while 
Charles Hayman, formerly WFCl 
control engineer, has been upped to 
supervisor of the control room staff. 

Cliff Holman, WFCI announcer, 
has been named production direc- 
tor, succeeding David Brooks, who 
Joined the Army. Marty Payton has 
joined the WFCI sales force, with 
Don Rogers and James J. Hines 
added to the announcer staff. 



Hartford. — Roland Dumas and 
Charles Haaser, from WMAS, 
Springfield, Mass, checked in as 
WDRC announcers. Latter exhaler 
has just lost spieler Jerry Piven to 
Army. 

Dick Bronson of Keene, N. H., 
joined WNBC's announcing staff. 



Washington. — Robert Pitcher, of 
the engineering staff of WJSV, local 
Columbia affiliate. Joined the Signal 
Corns as a Second Lieutenant. 

He'U be stationed at Ft. Monmouth, 
N. J. 



ClnebinatL — Bob Fuller, announ- 
cer, formerly of KPRC, Houston, 
Tex., and William L. Kam, produc- 
tion man. Joined WLW last week. 

Karn had been with the station 
until two years ago, when he became 
advertising manager and radio di- 
rector for the Duncan Coffee com- 
pany, Houston. He is producing the 
Boone County Jamboree Saturday 
nights show. 



Begins, Sask. — A member of the 
staff of CKCK, Regina. since 1936, 
Don MacMillan is in eastern Canada 
taking preliminary training for the 
commission of pilot officer, radio 
publicity, RCAF. 



Boston. — Carl Caruso, WBZ an- 
nouncer and head of the Tributary 
theatre here, has been named chief 
announcer to succeed Robert E. 
White, who recently became pro- 
gram manager at KDKA, Pittsburgh. 

Evelyn Scott, secretary to Lloyd 
del Castillo, WEEI program man- 
ager, for past six years, has left 
for similar work in Hollywood. 
Helen Hayden replaced her. 



Bnffalo, — Announcer Ralph Snyder 
of WGR-WKBW has joined Army 
Air Corps and is awaiting call. 



Boehester, N. Y. — Ray Gondick, 
WHAM technician, joined the Army 
Signal Corps, and Stewart Wilson, 
announcer, was drafted. 



Pawtucket, R. I.— Henry J. Byrnes, 
studio control and recording engi- 
neer at WFCI has joined the Navy. 



Salt Lake City. — Mel Jass is newly 
appointed Program Director at 
KUTA, replacing Vern Johnson, who 
has left radio on account of his 
health. Jass is from Butte, Mont.'s 
KGIR. 

Another addition to KUTA staffers 
is King Harmon, who takes over as 
sports editor, replacing Bob Hansen, 
who left for San Francisco. 



Whether you have mer- 
chandise to sell, or a good 
name to uphold, there is 
no better place to tell 
your story than in De- 
troit ... no better time 
than now ... no better 
way than over WWJ, the 
most listened-to radio sta- 
tion in this great market. 




Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



RADIO 



41 



From the PirodoctiDn Centres 



riV NEW YORK CITY . . . 

The Radio Trade Is DisaresiNc: Whether radio stattoiu can alford to 
join either trade OMOciation and automatically be labelled 'pro-Fly' or 
•anti-Fly— Most don't want to be either—Sheldon Coona importance at 
NBC— When Elmer Davis is going to start that O.W.I, weekly report 
via radiff— Radio's cautioiia avoidance o/ embarassinp the White House 
on second front rallies — the 'fftiest serials' uiith Conrad Nagel and Kip 
Fodiman— That laugh riot Tofcio-bombing broadcast of Jack Benny's. 

Mrs. Emilio Azcarraga, wife of the Mexican broadcaster, in New York, 

accompanying her mother, who is here for an eye operation Leonard 

Levenson, the Hollywood writer who is an uncompensated consultant of 

OWI, in New York from Washington last week Rita Halle Kleeman 

hostess to the Writers War Board Monday (19) night just before The 
Murder of Lidice' broadcast over NBC Jack Banner of WNEW whoop- 
ing iip another Lidice program, 'We Refuse to Die' for Oct. 25 Joe 

Barnes back at the overseas branch of the OWI on 57th street following 

his globe-encirclement with Wendell Willkie advance copies are out 

of Johannes Steel's book, 'Men Behind the War' (Sheridan House) 

Max Wylle due to assume, script control of Saturday night "Treasury 
Bondwagon' program 

Anna Nagle, British film star, will guest on 'Information Please' over 
NBC Oct. 23, with the two regulars, John Kleran and Franklin P. Adams, 
and the almost-regular Oscar Levant Alexander Woollcott, making his 
first appearance after a long Illness, and Cornelia Otis Skinner, heard 
several times before, were the special names last week. 

With author Irving Gaynor Neiman in the Army (this time for real), 
John Gibbs is looking for a substitute scripter, so he can package Neiman's 
'Joe and Mabel' program... N. Y. Post colunmist Sam Grafton doing a 
Sunday night comment series on WOR...Mr8. Ruth Goode new publicity 
rep of WQXR, succeeding Dorothea Beckman, who resigned to take a 
Government job...Gerda Michael, co-author of 'Against the Storm,' now 

raising ducks on her Wilton (Conn.) apple farm Mary Lou Gibbons, 

secretary to John Norton, of Blue station relations, resigns as of Saturday 
(24) to be married Oct. 31 to Corp. Hugh Mullen. . .Harry Frazee, Blue 
producton head, back from the Coast. 

*Second Husband' had a lavender and old dramatics chapter last Wednes- 
day (14), with some stuffy playing of two supporting parts. . .Howard 
Claney, who abandoned radio to be a painter, has returned, at least tem- 
porarily, as sub announcer of 'American Melody Hour' and 'Waltz Time,' 
while Larry Elliott is on the Coast. . .After virtually every actress in New 
York has been tested in the part, Mary Rolfe is set as the permanent Mary 
Aldrlch, Henry's sister, in "The Aldrlch Family.' The curtain of Maxwell 
Anderson's 'Eve of St Mark' legiter will be held for her Thursday nights 
...While Eric Sevareid recupes from an appendectomy, Leigh White, Ned 
Calmer and Cecil Brown sub on his CBS news programs. . .Jean Lewis 
added to 'Stella Dallas' cast, and the current 'Mr. Keen' troupe includes 
Tom Powers, Jackie Grimes, Ethel IntropidI, Vera Allen and Tommy 
Hughes. 

Warren Sweeney has succeeded Jackson Wheeler as Curtiss candy news- 
caster Saturday mornings, with Tip Comings replacing as announcer of 
'Hobby Lobby'. ..Wheeler walked out of his contracts to go to the Coast, 
where he's spieling the local Coca-Cola 'SpoUgiht Bands' originations . . . 
Donna Keath was on 'Report to the Nation' last Friday night (16)... John 
Gibson added to 'Widder Brown' cast, and Jack Arthur and Evelyn Vardei^ 
joined ^ront Page Farrell'. . . Ann Shepherd portrays that Russian gal 
sniper on this week's recorded Treasury Department series. . .Radio and 
mag writer William Fifleld h{is returned to announcing as a member of 
the CBS stair. He and his wife, actress Mercedes McCambridge, recently 
moved to New York from the Coast 

Elizabeth Sutherland has joined 'Amanda of Honeymoon Hill'. . .George 
Zachary, OWI radio production head, to Chicago early this week for 
agency huddles on the 'benefit' serials plan, but due back for a confab 
today (Wednesday) with the Writers War Board... Ted Donaldson joined 
'Lorenzo Jones' cast... Paul R. Barnes, former freelance scripter and 
McCann-Erickson copy writer, has- joined the copy department of Addi- 
son Vars, Inc., Buffalo. . .Alan Hewitt added to 'Our Gal Sunday' cast... 
'Easy Aces' and 'Mr. Keen' move as of Oct 28 from the Blue to CBS... 
Town Hall prez George V. Denny hosted Monday (19) at a cockUil party 
for the return of the 'America's Town Meeting of the Air' program to 
New York after 27 weeks' tour... Allen S. Flouton, assistant account 
executive of the Compton agency, joined the Army. . .Sketch writer 
Nannie Foster to the Coast. . .Spencer Bentley, Carleton Young, Elaine 
Kent and Judy Blake added to 'Second Husband' cast 

Dick Gilbert's disc jockoy sprint on WHN was waxed and dispatched 

to form part of the ceremonies for new KTKN, Ketchikan, Alaska 

Rocky Mountain Radio Council, Denver, sending out lO.iXM reprints of 
talk 'Educators and the Art of Radio' delivered Sept 17 by Robert J. 
Landry, radio editor of 'Variety' WMCA making much of Sachs Furni- 
ture completing 20 years of sponsorship and crediting station for growth 

of business Max Wylie's return to civilization pleases him and his 

friends Kate Smith made the last stanza of 'The SUr Spangled Banner' 

vibrate with feeling when she closed last Friday night's program with it 
....Daughter of Charles Gaines of World Broadcasting is developing into 
quite a song stylist at age of 16. 

Bill Card of WMCA program dept., into the Army.... Joel O'Brien, 
director of WMCA 'Prevues and Encores' show, joins Army middle of 
next month with a commission. When he moves NaUlie Flatow, now 
production manager for show, steps up to director's berth, and Betty 
Hugh, actress on the show, slips into the Flatow slot. 

Ed Byron and Jerry Devine are writing-producing their 'Mr. District 
Attorney' program Saturday night (24) as a guest shot on the Treasury 
'Bond Wagon' show on Mutual. .. .Tom RUey directs the Oct 31 broadcast 

of the series Keenan Wynn and WUliam Prince, respective leads of 

the 'Strip for Action' and 'Eve of St Mark' legiters, are the new leads m 

the current 'Light of the World' sequence James Monks, of the 'St. 

Mark' cast plays the lead in tonight's (Wednesday) 'ManhatUn at Mid- 
night'. .. .Joe Ruscoll, scripter of the 'Our Town' sketches on the Camel 
'Caravan,' is the author of 'The Test' which Earle McGill is including in 
a radio-writing textbook .... BiU Robson and Ranald MacDougaU, respec- 
tive director and writer of The Man Behind the Gun," spent a day at 
New London last week gathering material for a program about sub- 
marines. They go to Ft. Knox, Ky., this week for material about tanks 

and to Norfolk, Va., next week for dope about aircraft carriers Tom 

Fry, of Blue network sales, leaves Dec. 1 for a first lieutenancy in the 

Marines Earl Godwin originates his Ford broadcasu from Dearborn 

trom next week. .. .William HlUman sUrts using guest interviewees on 
his 8 a.m. news show on the Blue network. 



CBS' War Roster 



The Columbia Broadcasting 
System has made a count ot its 
men in service. There are 289. 

Home office and WABC, New 
York, are credited with 160, KNK, 
Los Angeles, with 39. WSJV, 
Washington, has contributed 19; 
WBBM, Chicago, 17; KMOX, St 
Louis, and WCCO, Minneapolis, 
16 each; WEEI, Boston, 15, and 
WBT, Charlotte, seven. 

The latter are the CBS owned 
and managed stations. 



liV HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Robert Arden, KFWB war analyst, drew his third citation in a year for 
h's activities in exposing subversive elements. Along with Governor 
Colbert Olson, Elmer Davis and Walter Winchell, he was breveted last 
^■eek by American Legion here. Previously he drew .similar tribute from 
American Academy of Public Affairs and on Loyalty Day. . . Artie Auer- 
bach ('Kitzel') rejected by his draft board but determined to get into 
some branch... KNX lost two of its best announcer last week. Bob 
LeMond and Allen Bautzer. . .Amos 'n' Andy round out their 4,000th air 
episode Nov. 23 in their snug exclusive Beverly Hills studio. It will 



FOOTBALL AIRS 
3D1FFERENT 
WAYS 



Philadelphia. Oct 20. 

The football game between Penn 
and Princeton was broadcast simul- 
taneously via three media on Satur- 
day (20) — standard radio, television 
and frequency modulation. Jt's the 
first three-way broadcast ever made 
here at the same time. 

The stunt was sponsored by the 
Philco and aired through WCAU, 
W69PH (WCAU-owned), and WPTZ, 
Philco's own television outlet 



WOV, NEW YORK, SETS UP 
LIVE TALENT PROGRAMS 



WOV, indie ouUet in New York, 
which airs Italian language shows 
during the daytime and has been 
playing English language record 
shows from 6 p.m. to closing is pre- 
paring to spike its ev.enlng schedule 
with live talent shows. 

Station is lining up dramatic pro- 
grams, vocalists and sundry instru- 
mentalists, to fill its 6-7:30 p.m. time. 
Will also air a Broadway show re- 
viewer at 11:45 p.m. Latter may be 
David Lowe who did a similar stint 
on WNEW and recently dabbled in 
legit productions, although nothing 
is set 

New progr?,;ns are tentatively 
slated to start airing next Monday 
<19). Casting and production being 
handled by Mario Hutton, program 
manager, with additions to the pro- 
duction staff due once the revamped 
schedule is set 



Hum and Strum, veteran harmony 
duo with 15 years of broadcasting, 
have started on a five times weekly 
program at noon over WBZ, Boston, 
for Four- Way cold tablets. 



Mexican Major Complains XEO Y Voice 
Defers to Germans, Rasps at Soviets 



Schedole 18 District 
Meetmgs for NJLB.; 
Avery WiD Attend 

A series of district meetings have 
been lined up for the National As- 
sociation of Broadcasters. The <lrst 
of these was held Monday and Tues- 
day ot this week at the Franklin 
hotel, Philadelphia. Lewis H. Avery, 
the N.A.B.'s new director of broad- 
cast advertising, will make the cir- 
cuit These meetings are sched- 
uled: 

Oct 23-24, Carolina hotel. Pine- 
hurst N. C. 

Oct. 25-26, George Washington 
hotel, Jacksonville, Fla. 

Oct 28-29, Henry Grady hotel, At- 
lanta, Ga. 

Oct 30-31, The Hermitage, Nash- 
ville, Tenn, 

Nov. 2-3, Tulsa hotel, Tulsa, Okla. 

Nov. 4-5, Baker hotel, Dallas, Tex. 

Nov. 9-10, Ben Lomand hotel, 
Ogden, Utah. 

Nov. 12-13, Ambassador hotel, Los 
Angeles, Calif. 

Nov. 16-17, Fairmont hotel, San 
Francisco, Calif. 

Nov. 19-20, Portland or Seattle (to 
be announced). 

Nov. 23-24, Nicollet hotel, Min.ie- 
apolis, Minn. 

Nov. 2^08, Fort Des Moines hotel, 
Des Moines, Iowa. 

Nov. 30-Dec. 1, Palmer House, Chi- 
cago, m. 

Dec. 2-3, Columbia Club, Indian- 
apolis, Ind. 

Dec. 4-5, Deshler-Wallick, Colum- 
bus, Ohio. 

Dec. 7-8, Biltmore hotel. New York, 
N. Y. 

Dec. 9-10, Boston, Mass. (hotel to 
be announced). 



CINCY'SALUNINIIMFIRM 
IN RADIO FIRST TIME 



Cincinnati, Oct 20. 

A manufacturing concern engaged 
exclusively in war defense work is 
a newcomer among time buyers. Ac- 
coimt Is Aluminum Industries, Inc., 
local, which is sponsoring WKRC's 
airing of the University of Cincin- 
nati football games. Handled through 
the Keelor & Stites agency, Cincy. 

Dick Nesbitt staffer and former 
aU-American and Chicago Bears 
gridder, is the r.iiker, -'ith Syd Cor- 
nell as assistant 



Weiss lending his sartorial splendor to the meeting of Mutual bigshots 
back east... Sid Strotz and Don Oilman practically commuting between 
here and Frisco. . .Harlow Wilcox of 'Fibber and Molly* is lA with Uncle 
Sam. . .Eddie Cantor will do his next two broadcasts from Camp Haan and 
March Field. He has more requests from camps and bases than probably 
any other high Crossleyite. . .Florence Lake, who Is Arthur 'Dagwood's' 
brother, will play the 'Bundle' role Vice Alice White until Penny 
Singleton returns from her time-out for motherhood. . .Sam Hayes, I^BC 
newscaster, out for a week with the flu... Since that going-away party for 
Lieut Bob Garred, Columbia's Don Thomburgh is being referred to as 
radio's poet laureate. . .Joe Parker, former NBC producer, is now handling 
those Latin-American programs for Jack Runyon's office of Coordinator 
of Inter-American Affairs. . .Martin Gosch, producer of Abbott tc Costello 
Camel opus, leaves the ranks of benedicts Nov. 7. Frau-to-be is Helen 
Hindin of sian Francisco Light Opera Co. 



|]V CHICAGO 



Mackenzie Ward, formerly of Blue Network sales, joins WBBM's sales 
staff. . .Halzel Dapheide, cast as Ella Pinkerton, new character in CBS' 
'Clara, Lu 'n' Em... Hal and Nikki Tate, debuted their new radio program 
over WCFL Wednesday at 10:15 p.m. with Little Jackie Heller as guest 
star... Harry Hess, WBBM news writer, now doing his own six-a-week 
15-minute news show on CBS Chicago F. F. station W87C...WMAQ gets 
minute-man flag from U. S. Treasury for signing up 100% in bond 
sales. . .Rosalie McCoy, employed as copy writer in NBC sales promotion 
de^t, replacing Lieut Glenn Walser of U. S. Navy. . .Sherman Marks, 
WBBM scripter, heads entertainment division for forthcoming 4H Club 
convention here... Eddie Dunn, WBBM announcer, appointed chairman, 
publicity committee for annual shindig of AFRA Antis at Hotel Sherman, 
Nov. 21 — Fran Allison in charge of entertaiiunent committee for affair 
...Judith Waller, director NBC public service department, in New York 
on business. . .Frank Russell, vice-prexy in charge NBC Washington office, 
and William S. Hedges, vice pres. in charge of station relations, Chicago 
visitors this week... Frank Blotter is new WBBM sound effects expert 
replacing Lee Random, currently Signal Corps. . .Michael Stewart, bass 
vocalist on 'Plantation Party,' appointed to faculty of Chicago Conserva- 
tory of Music... Mary Ann Mercer, CBS canary, to Navy Pre-Flight 
School. Iowa City, Oct 30 for special 'Happy Hour' broadbast. . . WBBM 
spot interview series with raw recruits changes format this week when 
'Salute to Victory' is taken over by new sponsor. Nelson Bros., Chicago 
furniture dealers and switches to new time, Monday thru Saturdays, 10:45 
to 11 p.m. CWT... Louise Massey and Westerners celebrate 14th year 
on air. Oct. 30, having never been on air without a sponsor. 

The Breakfast Club Album, a collection of photographs of the broad- 
caster on that network program, will be issued about Nov. 1, orders 
now being taken from listeners. Price, tabbed on the air by Emcee Don 
O'Neill, is $1 in the United SUtes; $1.15 in Canada. 



Mexico City. Oct. 20. 

Even though Mexico is in a state of 
war, the Federal government finds 
itself faced with a case of a broad- 
casting station slanting th6 news in 
the Axis favor. The charge has been 
lodged against an unidentified news- 
caster on XEOY, Mexico City, with 
the attorney general by Maj. C. Guz- 
man Uribe, of the Mexican army. 

Uribe complained that the news- 
caster has a habit of treating Rus- 
sian communiques with 'sarcastic 
laughter,' but reading the Berlin 
dispatches with the "utmost gravity.* 
The major informed the attorney 
general that the newscaster's ap- 
proach could only give aid and com- 
fort to the enemy. The matter has 
meanwhile been turned over for in- 
vestigation by the Minister of the In- 
terior, who among other things 
maintains a special staff of secret 
servicemen for tracking down the 
operations of the Nazi-Fasclst-Fa- 
lange gang. 

Prior to Mexico's declaration of a 
state of war against the Axis (May 
31), several local newspapers had 
been suspected ot being on the pay- 
rolls of Nazi-Fascist agents, but the 
XEOY incident has been the first of 
iti kind since that date. 



Chicago Technical School 
Ordered by Goyemment 
To Stop Radio Big Talk 



Washington, Oct. 20. 

The Chicago Technical College, 
2000 South Michigan Boulevard, Cl- 
cago, has been ordered by the Fed- 
eral Trade Commission to stop mis- 
representing its correspondence 
courses in radio broadcasts. FTC has 
found that the school, which sells 
correspondence courses of instruc- 
tion in drafting, building, air-condi- 
tioning and refrigeration, has mis- 
represented the courses. 

Among the. misrepresentations that 
the Commission ordered discoun- 
tlnued are: 

1. That the correspondence 
courses are offered to only a limited 
number of persons. 

2. That Chicago Technical School 
is a recognized and accredited school, 
without disclosing in inunediate 
connection therewith, in a clear and 
conspicuous manner, the nature and 
extent of such recognition or accred- 
itation and the application thereof to 
its correspondence courses. 

3. That upon completion ot the 
course in drafting, individuals will 
be qualified as experienced or ex- 
pert draftsmen or for top ranking 
drafting positions. 

4. That upon completion of the 
course in air-conditiong and refrig- 
eration, individuals will be qualified 
for top ranking positions in those 
fields and' capable of handling the 
more intricate and difficult air-con- 
ditioning or refrigeration woi*. 

In connection with its school the 
college maintains an emplosment 
and consultation service which, ac- 
cording to FTC, is represented as 
being offered free to students and 
graduates, when actually the cost of 
the service is included In the amount 
paid by a student for the course 
taken. 

The Commission ordered the col- 
lege to discontinue representing that 
any service or commodity. \he cost 
of which is included ir. the purchase 
of any other service or commodity, 
is free. 



DAVID GARLAND NOW 
VOLUNTEER CORPS 



Boston, Oct 20. 

David S. Garland has resigned as 
director of sales promotion at WEEI 
to enter the Army under the Volun- 
teer Officer Candidate of 3-A plan, 
and reported yesterday at For t 
Devens. Garland was on WEEI 
executive staff since Feb. 1941, and 
previously worked in the magazine 
and advertising fields tor 10 years. 

At the 1942 convention of ifte Na- 
tional Association of Broadcasters, 
Garland won the first pldce award 
in the Regional Station Division for 
his 'Outstanding Contribution to 
Broadcast Advertising.' 



Julius Glass, continuity editor at 
WGAR, has left station and radio 
business. 



42 CONCERT-OPERA 



Wednesday, October 21, 19 12 



Bookings Holding Up Fairly Well 
For Campus Recitals Despite War 



Fears that colleges and univer- 
sities which provide close to $1,000,- 
000 annual revenue for the concert 
business out of a $5,000,000 total 
would be well behind this year, due 
to a smaller registration of men, is ap- 
parently proving groundless. Colum- 
bia Concerts Corp., perhaps the larg- 
est of all concert managers, reports 
that, despite reduced budgets and 
more careful buying, colleges are 
juit about holding their own. 

Here are some collegiate commlt- 
nicnls (or rentals this season: 

Princeton University: Trapp Family 
Singers. Dec. 11; William Kappel, 
Jan. 9; Melchior and Varnay, Jan. 23, 
and Cuiomar Novaes, March 12. 

Dartmouth College: Melchior and 
Varnay, March 13; Albert Spalding, 
Dec. 12; and Paul Robeson, Oct. 10. 

Yale University: Spalding with Na- 
tional Symphony (date not set); Lily 
Pons, Jan. 19; Vronsky and Babin, 
Feb. 24; and Nelson Eddy, March 31. 

Cornell University: Robeson, Nov. 
10. and the Platoff Cossacks, Dec. 11. 

Smith College: Bartlett and 
Robertson, Nov 10; and Jascha Heif- 
etz, Feb. 26. 

Oberlln Conservatory of Music: 
Reginald Stewart, Nov. 17; Charles 
Kullman, Feb. 16; and Jascha Heifetz, 
Dec. 1. 

University o( Wisconsin: Draper 
and Adler. Oct. 10; Igor Gorin, Oct. 
28; Yehudi Menuhin, Nov. 18, and 
Vronsky and Babin, Feb. 9. 

North Dakota State Agricultural 
College: 'Marriage of Figaro,' com- 
pany, Nov. 10; Draper and Adler, 
Dec. 3, and Nelson Eddy, April 12. 

Stamford University: Jascha Heif- 
el". Oct. 29: and Igor Gorin, Jan. 25. 

C'laremont . College: Richard 
Ciooks. Feb. 18; Rise Stevens, Oct. 
It), and Zino Francescatti, April 12. 

University of Oregon: Draper and 
Adler, Nov. 16; 'Marriage of Figaro' 
company, Nov. 10; Draper and Adler, 
April 2; and Zino Francescatti, April 
8 

University of Washington, Platoff 
Don Cossacks (no date set); Josef 
Hofmann (no date set); Helen Jep- 
£on, March 3; Zino Francescatti, 
April 6. and Nelson Eddy, April 19. 

Winthrop College: Met quartet 
consisting of Kaskas, Steber, Huehn 
and Dudley, Oct. 9; Richard Crooks. 
Oct. 23; Yehudi Menuhin. Feb. 8; and 
the Monte Carlo Ballet, March 10. 

Duke University: Baccaloni and 
Co., Feb. 8, and Astrid Varnay, Oct. 6. 

Clemson Agricultural College: 
PlatofT Don Cossacks (no date set); 
James MeUon, Oct. 28. 

Alabama College: Draper and Ad- 
ler, Oct. 7. 

University of North Carolina: Bal- 
let Russe, March 5. 

University of North Carolina 
(Women's College); Ballet Russe, 
March 6. 

Florida State College tor Women: 
Baccaloni and Co. (date not set). 

Peabedy Conservatory of Music: 
Ernest Hutchinson, Dec. 4; Bartlett 
and Robertson, Dec. 18; Rudolph 
Ganz, Jan. 15; Rose Bampton, Jan. 
22; and Josef Hofmann, Feb. 5. 

Bob Jones College: 'Trovatore' and 
Bach St. Matthew Passion, Dec. 16 
and 17, with Florence Kirk in both; 
A.<:trid Varnay, May 3. 

University of Mississippi: Richard 
Crooks, Nov. 24. 

Union College: Marriage of Figaro, 
Jan. IS; Kaminsky, March 26; Dor- 
othy Maynor. Feb. 12 and Richard 
Crooks, April B. 

University of Minnesota: Rise 
Stevens, Nov. 10: Vladimir Horowitz, 
Dec. 2; Richard Crooks, Jan.. 11; Bac- 
caloni and Co.. Feb. 24; Vronsky and 
Babin. April 7. 

Purdue University: Bidu Sayao, 
Oct. 3; General PlatofT Don Cossacks, 
Oct. 17; Zino Francescatti, Jan. 10 
and the Ballet Russe, Jan. 29. 

Marshall College: Grace Moore 
Nov. 9; Trapp Family Singers, Dec. 
7: Jose and Amparo Iturbi, April 13 
and Lawrence Tibbett (date not set). 

Connecticut College for Women: 
Albert Spalding. Oct. 21; First Piano 
Quartet. Nov. 18; PlatofT Don Cos- 
sacks, Dec. 10 and Novaes and Gon- 
zalez, March 17. 

Texas Technical College: Draper 
and Adler, Oct. 19; Franz and Paulee, 
Nov. 12; Richard Crooks, March 4; 
and Albert Spalding, May 5. 

Oregon State College: Draper and 
Adler, Nov. 17; Albert Spalding, Jan. 
14; Dorothy Maynor, April S and 
Marriage of Figaro (no date set). 

Wellesley College Concert Fund: 
Vladimir Horowitz, Nov. 3; Dorothy 
Maynor, Feb. 23 and Melchior and 
Varnay, Mai'ch 16. 
University of Kansas; Platoff Don 



Cossacks, Oct. 21; Ballet Russe, Jan. 
9 and Albert Spalding, May 3. 

Dana Hall School: Paul Robeson, 
Oct. 16; Le Blanc, Nov. 20; Bartlett 
and Robertson, Nov. 13; B^logh, .Feb. 
IB and Marriage of Figaro, April 16. 

University of Illinois: Paul Robe- 
son, Rose Bampton, PlatofT Don Cos- 
sacks and Albert Spalding. 

St. Mary's of the Woods: Indiana-, 
Eleanor Steber, Ernest Hutchinson 
and Knitzer. 

Of schools which previously car- 
ried courses that have dropped out, 
the largest is Rutgers University. 



Perhaps Prodded by New 
Ballet Theatre, Monte Carlo 
Group Seems Reinvigorated 

The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo's 
week at (he Metropolitan Opera 
House, N. Y.. continued to show an 
improvement over some of last 
year's slipshod dancing and lethergic 
spirit. The challenge of the Ballet 
Theatre to its reputation as Amer- 
ica's foremost ballet company has 
perhaps resulted in a determination 
to show its mettle, which it is do- 
ing. 

Tuesday (13). the company pre- 
sented 'Scheherazade.' "The Nut- 
cracker,' and 'The B\^e Danube.' 
The first named, always pyrotechnic, 
seemed slow getting started, with 
Andre Eglevsky and Mia Slavenska 
really going to town In the finale, 
the audience was left in a near- 
swoon. 'The Nutcracker,' for artistry 
and poise, seemed the best danced 
of the three. 

On Wednesday (14). Leonide Mas- 
sine's 'Three Cornered Hat' provided 
the thrill of the evening, with its 
creator as the miller, showing him- 
self a master dancer. 'Prince Igor,' 
always powerfully barbaric, and 
repition of 'The Nutcracker' closed 
proceedings. 

Thursday (15) brought reports of 
'Snow Maiden.' 'Scheherzade' and 
'Blue Danube' and on Friday (16) 
came the world premiere of 'Rodeo,' 
by Agnes De Mille, with a score by 
Aaron Copland. Despite terrific 
audience enthusiasm, and more cur 
tain calls than for any previous per 
formance of the season, the ballet 
seemed coldblooded, hardly worth 
the bother. It Is a slight, unpre- 
tentious story of a cowgirl, unable 
to secure love while in slacks, get- 
ting her man in evening clothes. 
Copeland's score is modernistic, lack- 
ing in melodic line, and with the ex- 
ception of some folk melodies, not 
heavily tuneful. The dancers did a 
lot, but they had little to work with. 
'Rouge Et Noil-,' nicely danced, and 
'Gaite Parisienne.' closed the bill. 

Saturday matinee (17) 'Snow 
Maiden,' 'The Nutcracker' and 'Ca- 
priccio Espagnol' were given, and 
Saturday evening (17), 'Schehera- 
zade' 'Snow Maiden.' and 'Gaite 
Parisienne' were repeated. 

Sunday (18). 'Snow Maiden,' 
'Scheherazade.' and 'Rodeo' were the 
afternoon bill and 'Rouge Et Moir,' 
'Rodeo.' 'L'Apron Midi D'Un Faun,' 
and 'Capriccio Espagnol' were the 
evening bill. 



Brazilian Pianist Has 
Ahnost Unprecedented 
Number of Recitals 

Claudio Arrau, Brazilian pianist, 
in his second year In this country, 
has now been i,et for more dales 
than any pianist since the hey-day 
of Paderewski in 1B22-23. Arrau is 
booked for 43 recitals and 17 guest 
appearances with symphony orches- 
tras with dates still flowing in, in- 
dicating his engagements for the 
year will be close to 70. 

Arrau is selling for $1,000, but in 
his second year, while the Paderew- 
ski had first appeared in the U. S. 
in 1881, some 31 years before he 
reached his top figure. 'Arrau will 
be heard in N. Y. four times, start- 
ing with a Carnegie Hall concert 
Oct. 28, twice with the N. Y. Phil- 
harmonic Orchestra and once with 
the Philadelphia Orchestra. He is 
also booked with the latter orchestra 
in Philadelphia, Washington and 
Baltimore. 

Other symphonies which have en- 
gaged him are the San Francisco, 
Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis, 
Cleveland, St. Louis and Toledo. 



MARTINELLI IS 
SET FOR CHI 
RETURN 



Giovanni Martinelli returned to 
N. Y. from Chicago Sunday (18) 
after having completed arrange- 
ments to return to the Chicago 
Opera Co. as artistic director, his 
second year in that capacity. The 
tenor will make his season's debut in 
Chicago in early November in 'Aida.' 

Martinelli starts his 30th succes- 
sive year at the Metropolitan Opera 
Co. in December. _ 



/ TELLEAS' VS^AlOME' 

TfiStV-ttie-einrfce for Met Opera i 



Frisco's Dozen Pairs 



San Francisco, Oct. 20. 

During the coming season the San 
Francisco Symphony Orchestra will 
play 12 pairs of concerts, six 
of which will carry soloists. The 
season will open Dec. 4 and continue 
through April 17. 

Soloists are Albert Spalding, vio- 
linist, Jan. 15-16; Claudio Arrau, 
Chilean pianist, Jan. 22-23; Amparo 
Iturbi. pianist. Feb. 5-6; Sergei 
Rachmaninoff, pianist. March 5-6 
Dorothy Maynor, soprano. March 26- 
27; Laura Dubman, pianist. April 2-3. 

Pierre Monleux wiU conduct all 
concerts but those Feb. 5 and 6 
when the guest conductor will be 
Jose Iturbi. 



SIDNEY FOSTER STARTER 

Chicago, Oct. 20 
The Chicago Symphony will open 
its season Nov. S with Sidney Foster 
as guest pianist playing the Gersh 
win piano concerto and Rhapsody in 
Blue. 

Frederick Stock will conduct. 



ifce for Met Opera on 
Dec. » 

On Dec. 9 the Metropolitan Opera 
Co. will present either 'Pelleas et 
Melisande' or 'Salome,' both of which 
operas have been out of the reper- 
toire for several years. The com- 
pany is still undecided as to which 
one to give. 

If 'Salome' is presented the cast 
will probably be Rose Pauly, Karin 
Branzell and Rene Maison. The 
'Pelleas' might have either Helen 
Jepson or Bidu Sayao, and if the Met 
follows its intentions of making 
Pelleas a baritone. Marcel Singhcr. 
Otherwise Raoul Jobin will probably 
sing the role. 



Joe Gentile Joins Faculty 

Youngstown, O.. Oct. 20. 

Joseph Gentile, Cleveland bari- 
tone, has joined the faculty of 
Youngstown College as a teacher of 
physics, mathematics, and as a tea- 
cher of voice in the Dana Musical 
Institute of the college. He has ap- 
peared in numerous cities and with 
the Cleveland Orchestra Opera ser- 
ies and the Cleveland Opera Theatre. 

This summer has was baritone 
with the opera department of the 
Berkshire Festival, under direction 
of Serge Koussevltzky. 



Concert Reviews 



BRONISLAW HUBER^AN 
Violinist 

Carnegie Hall, N. T., Oct. 18, 1942. 

Playing before a sold out house 
in the first recital of the year by a 
major artist, Bronislaw Huberman, 
in excellent form demonstrated why 
he is considered one of the great 
violinists of the day. His mastery 
of his instrument covers all phases 
of it, and his interpretative ability 
and insight into his readings were of 
a superlative order. 

Beethoven, Bach and Lalo were 
the three major works featured by 
the artist, and were handled in a 
fiery fashion. £ddv. 

ALEXANDER SVED 
Baritone 

Town Hall, N. T., Oct. IS, 1942. 

One of the principal baritones of 
the Met, Alexander Sved's first N.Y. 
recital Thursday (15) at Town Hall, 
N..Y., was a decided disappointment. 
Possessor of a rich meaty voice of 
ample range and dynamic control, 
the baritone seldom used it to its 
full or even partial capabilities. For 
the most part his ability at interpre- 
tation consisted of declamation, and 
in the serious song literature he was 
lost and ill at ease. 

Occasionally as in the 'Eri Tu' 
trogn 'Ballo in Maschera' and *0 
Quand je Dors' he electrified, but the 
succeeding number in each case sank 
back to mediocrity. For an ordinary 
baritone it would have been a good 
recital, but for a man of Sved's capa- 
bilities it was poor. Eddy. 



ZINKA MILANOV 

N. T. CITT SYMPHONY 

Carnegie Hall, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1942. 

Orchestrally this concert directed 
by Fritz Mahler was poor, with too 
much noise and ofT pitch playing, 
and not much animation from the 
conductor. The vocal soloist however 
changed the picture. She was Zinka 
Milanov, Yugoslavian soprano, who 
did the unusual last year by refus- 
ing to sing at the Met unless her 
financial terms were met, which they 
were not. She rejoins the Met this 
year and for this program sang arias 
from 'Norma' and 'Forza Del Des- 
tine." Her 'Casta Diva' on which she 
warmed up disclosed a full rich 
quality and excellent breath control 
although some of the coloratura was 
simplified. The 'Pace Mio Dio' how- 
Jever could only be described as ter- 
I rific. Not since the days of Rosa 



Ponselle has a soprano sung so su- 
perbly. 

The full throated chest voice car- 
ried in a full even line to the high 
'B' and her exquisite piano tones 
were under perfect control. This 
singer will be one to watch this year 
when she sings revivals of both these 
operas at the Met. Eddi/. 

BERNARDO SEOALL 
PUnlBt 

Town Hall, N. Y., Oct. 12, 1942 

This young Chilean pianist pos- 
sesses all the qualities of a top 
notcher. In the first of three Town 
Hall, N. Y., recitals devoted to music 
of the sonata form, he quickly ex- 
hibited a powerful technique which 
embraced delicate lyricism, brilliant 
forte notes and digital dexterity with 
an abundance of shading and tonal 
control. 

Schubert, Chopin and Beethoven 
fared best in the sonatas played, 
with his large audience left with the 
feeling that a future great was per- 
forming for them. Eddy. 

TAPIA CABALLERO 
Pianist 

Town Hall, N. Y., Oct. 16, 1942. 

Pos-sessing a wide range of color 
and nuance and expert digital con- 
trol, Tapia Caballero, Chilean pian- 
ist, gave a rather successful debut 
concert Friday (16) at Town Hall, 
N. Y. 

The artist is at his best in modern 
works or compositions of a Latin 
type with the peculiar semi-modern- 
istic rhythms required. He plays 
Beethoven and Mozart well, but 
there seems to be a lack of inner 
fire in his interpretations of these 
masters which catches hold of him 
in compositions more in his own 
domain. Eddy. 



NINA QUARTIN 
Soprano 

Town Hall, N. Y., Oct. 13, 1942. 

Chief enjoyment of this concert by 
Nina Quartin, Tuesday (13) at Town 
Hall, N. Y., was the unhackneyed 
selections the artist chose to sing. 
Interpretatively and artistically the 
singer met all tests well, but she fell 
short vocally at times when she 
pushed her essentially short lyric 
voice out of focus seeking a larger 
tone than necessary. 

Top notes tended to become shrill 
and metallic under the pressure. The 
best part of the voice is below the 
staff where it is clear, fresh and of 
good quality. Eddu- 



Soliloquy On Old Jokes 



Continued from page 2 



STRAWBRIDOE RE-ELECTED 

Philadelphia. Oct. 20. 

Frederick H. Strawbridge. Jr.. was 
re-elected president of the Robin 
Hood Dell executive board at elec- 
tions last week. He is an executive 
of a department store here. 

Henry Gerstley was re-elected 
first vice-president, and David 
Hocker ai;uin cho.sen secretary and 
general manager. 

Judge Gerald P. Flood was chosen 
second vice-president, and E. Ray- 
mond Sncdaker elected treasurer 
succecdinx Morton Howard and 
Jerome H. Louccheim. Jr., resigned. 
Nathan Hamburger was named a 
member of the board. 



Ralph KIrkpatrick, harpsichordist, 
will give a series of four subscrip- 
tion concerts at Carnegie Chamber 
Music Hall Dec. 2, 7, 14 and 21. The 
program will be oil Bach and in- 
clude all the Partitas and Goldberg 
variations. 



learn how to use the rules instead of 
sticking to them, and you become 
proficient. 

There are very few original jokes, 
for the same reason that there are 
very few originals in any form, yet 
what a joke writer or another sort 
of wise-guy might consider 'a good 
switch' is, actually, as close as it is 
necessary to come to originality in 
this type of composition. Just as 
'tune detective.-;' go overboard in 
tracing origms. just so hep-charac- 
ters go switch-silly in analyzing 
jokes. What I am getting at is this: 
the very adaptation of a joke may 
give it newness and originality. The 
telling of a joke is part of its new- 
ness, just as the singing of an old 
song in a new way can give it new 
meaning and new life. 

Maker of Comica 

All this I'm afraid is a little wan- 
dering. But, then, one's apt to 
wander and wonder a little more 
when writing at his leisure in the 
country, as I am. That's probably 
why all the old English novels were 
so long and discursive. The point is 
that if, as you seem to think, there 
are fewer old jokes on the air now 
than there used to be. it is probably 
because a higher class of writer is 
engaging in the creative work. More 
and more it is the writer who makes 
the comic rather than the old meth- 
od of several years ago, when the 
comic made a writer. 

The old jokes are still good, and 
those that have lain fallow a while 
turn up like pepper and salt and fine 
herbs in many a smart routine. The 
actual two-line joke, of course, has 
almost entirely disappeared from the 
air with the growth of situation hu- 
mor, which is a type of humor that 
can embrace and use an old joke but 
can't be built on it. And many an 
old joke has been so skillfully dove- 
tailed into a situation that even the 
wise ones fail to recognize It. Or, 
recognizing it, fail to care. 

People like myself are finding a 
lot of 1917 and 1918 jokes popping 
up all around us. Many of them are 
being written by young men who 
will tell you, and be telling the truth, 
that they made up the jokes. Yet 
to me these jokes are switches. And 
the 1917 versions were switches from 



1898, which were switches from 1865. 
What, then, is the status of these 
jokes? Are they old jokes or new 
ones? Who will say that the great 
book to be written about the fall of 
France in the year 2010 is a switch 
on GWTW? 

There will always be 'old jokes' as 
long as one man hears a joke before 
another. And there will always b« 
'unfunny jokes' as long as people's 
senses of humor vary. And to the 
very end the test of a Joke is not 
how old it is, who remembers it, or 
what one man's opinion of it is. Th* 
only measure of a joke is. can tha 
fellow whig 'said it make the people 
he said it to laugh with it. If he can, 
it's a good joke for him, and we'd 
better stop this analyzing. 



Veronica Lake 

s Continued from page 1 g 



a nice, sensible slap on the kisser in- 
stead. 

What Miss Lake told them was: 
'I didn't come here tonight as a 
movie actress. I am here as the wife 
of a man in the United States Army 
and the mother of his child. I'm 
here as a wife and mother to thank 
you for backing up the men in our 
armed forces. You have done great 
things but it is only the begin- 
ning ' 

After telling of meeting with 
hundreds of men stationed here with 
the Ferry Command, she added, 
'Every one of those boys is putting 
more than 90% of tiis Army pay into 
War Bonds. And they're ready to 
give their lives for us at any time. 
That makes anything we might do 
comparatively insignificant, doesn't 
it?' 

Star, who fs the wife of Capl. John 
S. Detlie and mother of a 13-moiith- 
old daughter, reduced the feminine 
portion of her audience, not to men- 
tion some others, to tears with her 
emotional plea. Later the club spon- 
sors admitted maybe they were olT 
on the wrong foot for celebrating a 
slight contribution and thanked the 
pix star for straightening them out 
on the real sacrifices. 



Wedneaday, October 21, 1942 



^ » » ♦»♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦ MMM t M >»«^ 

San Francisco Opera Comment 



8an Francisco, Oct. 20. 

Selling out all last week the San Francisco Opera Co., first ol the 
major three companies in the U. S. to get iU 1942-43 season under way, 
presented TUle du Regiment,' Monday (12) at the War Memorial Opera 
House. Performance was stolen by Salvatore Baccaloni, whose strutting 
as the gruff sergeant scored big. The basso was in excellent voice as 
well. Lily Pons ran him a close second, with her voice fresh and airy 
In the upper registers especially. Her '11 faut partir" won an ovation as 
did the sustained high 'E' In the last act. 

Raoul Jobih's top tones again flUed the house with Irra Petina's acting 
and Lorenzo Alvary's singing and acting in minor roles, dominating the 
stage when they were on it Pietro Cimara led a lively orchestra. 

Wednesday (14), Travlata' was given with Bidu Sayao and Jan't'eerce 
sharing the vocal honors. Sayao is considered by many the flnest Violetta 
on the operatic stage today, singing with a clear, warm rich tone and 
acting and looking superblr Her 'A fors e lui' and 'Sempra libera' of the 
first act concluding with the high 'E' flat was the vocal high point of 
the performance. Peerce, In a part in which few tenors can star, did so 
nevertheless, and the intensified 'Questa donna' of Act III was a powerful 
dramatic highlight. Richard Bonelli, in excellent voice delivered his 
customary good 'Di provenza 11 mar' with its long flowing line and 
fine legato effects. 

Fausto Cleva won an ovation for his first and third act preludes, while 
Thelma Votipka, Douglas Beattie, Lorenzo Alvary, Alessio De Paolis and 
George Cheanovsky were all good In supporting roles. Staging of Ar- 
mando Agnini was also notable. 

The Bartered Bride' on Friday (16), was a lively performance of the 
Smetana work in English. Conductor Walter Herbert did a splendid job 
with his orchestra. Josephine Antoine, making her Frisco debut, had no 
trouble acting and singing with coquettish grace. Charles Kullman per- 
formed his chores with clean cut diction and restraint. Douglas Beattie, 
George Cheanovsky and Lorenzo Alvary were excellent in supporting 
roles, while Elizabeth Wysor, also making her San Francisco opera debut, 
disclosed a rich (ontralto voice and an unsuspected flair for comedy. 



Vienna Spphony Lists Its Great Ones 
But Torgets Toscanini and Walter 



■*t- 



Beme, Oct. 1. 

The Vienna Philharmonic Orches- 
tra, founded in 1842, recently con- 
cluded its 100th anniversary season, 
a rather poor one in number of per- 
formances, only 32 instead of the 
customary 80. Quality also suffered. 
Several performances each were 
conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler 
and the veteran Richard Strauss, 
both of whom were received ap- 
athetically, according to reports 
reaching Switzerland. 

Most of the performances were 
conducted by Hermann Abendrodt, 
and among soloists who appeared 
were Wilhelm Backhaus and Alfred 
Cortot among the pianists and Ema 
Sach, Max Lorenz, Tiana Laemnitz 
and Franz Volker among \he vocal- 
ists. The program booklet of the 
orchestra for the season telling of 
its past glory failed to mention its 
three greatest conductors of this 
century, who had made the orches- 
tra one of the outstanding organiza- 
tions in the world in past years. 
These men whose names were con- 
veniently forgotten were Gustav 
Mahler, Arturo Toscanini and Bru- 
no Walter. 

Arnold Rose, 80, for more than SO 
years concert master of the orches- 
tra, is now living in England, where 
he has been pensioned. Music of all 
non-' Aryans' was eliminated, includ- 
ing such composers as Mendelssohn 
and Meyerbeer, whose works had 
previously been much played during 
the varied seasons. 



MARJORIE LAWRENCE'S 
TOWN HALL CONCERT 



Marjorie Lawrence, dramatic so- 
prano of the Met, resumes her con- 
cert career after a year and a half 
'of paralysis, when on Nov. 29 she 
will give a Town Hall. N.Y., concert 

The singer, cut down in her prime, 
l>as been making slow but certain 
recovery, and may make a limited 
number of appearances under the 
•nanagement of Lawrence Evans of 
Columbia Concerts this year. She 
Is also being considered for Venus 
In 'Tannhauser' at the Met, in which 
Mse she will sing on a couch during 
the performance. 



Egon Petri's Itinerary 

Egon Petri, pianist, will open a 
M-date concert tour at Carnegie 
HaU, N. Y., Oct. 31. Petri also ap- 
pears at Carnegie HaU Nov. 27 as 
soloist with the NBC Orchestra 
under Frank Black. 

I^e pianist wiU appear as soloist 
W'th the NaUonal Symphony at 
Ithaca, Dec. 1, and with the same or- 
chestra in Baltimore, Washington, 
and Trenton Dec. 16, 17 and Jan. 12, 
respectively. He is on the air every 
Sunday over CBS, broadcasting from 
"haca. He sells for $790. 



STUART ROSS' CHORES 



Pianist tor MacDonald, Kaskas aad 
Kollnun Recitals 



Troy, N. Y., Oct. 20. 
Stuart Ross, teacher of piano at 
Emma Willard School Conservatory, 
Troy, N. Y., is traveling as accom- 
panist to Jeanette MacDonald on a 
three-week concert tour of the east. 
Ross had recently returned to Troy 
from a tour as accompanist to Anna 
Kaskas. Later he is scheduled to 
make a swing with Charles Kullman 
on a series of concerts. 



Scenery and Stage Props 
Illegal in Anditoriom, 
Sun. Opera Fizzes Out 

Springfield, Mass., Oct. 20. 

Told by the state building inspec- 
tor that the state forbids the use of 
scenery or stage appliances at the 
Municipal auditorium, the Civic 
Opera company of New York this 
week abandoned plans for Sunday 
night operas in the city's big hall. 
Ernest J. Santoro of New York, 
manager of the company, said, how- 
ever, that he would seek facilities in 
Holyoke and Northampton in order 
to set up, with some theatre in this 
city, a lliree city circuit 

In the hope of reviving interest in 
the company's projected every-other- 
Sunday-night operas, Santoro said 
he would like to rent the Auditorium 
for a concert by his company's sing- 
ers. The proceeds would go to some 
charity and the city would become 
acquainted with his singers, Santoro 
said. 



Women's Symphony Due 
In 2nd Montreal Yeai* 

Montreal. Oct. 20. 

Only women's professional musical 
organization in Canada, the Montreal 
Women's Symphony Orchestra is 
skedded to open its season here Nov. 
12. Four regular concerts will be 
given with ranking guest artists at 
each. This is its second season. 

Ethel Stark will again baton the 
orchestra. 



COMOBRT-OPEBA 



49 



IRKED BY BRUSHOFF 

Elliabeth Bethbcrg Qalts On Eve of 
29th Met Season 



Elizabeth Rethberg, for 19 years 
leading lyric soprano of the Metro- 
politan, resigned last week on the 
eve of her 20th anniversary because 
of the paucity of roles offered her by 
the Met for her seasoa It is reported 
she was not offered more than five 
performances against 10 last year, 
and against 30-40 a decade ago. 

Miss Rethberg will continue in 
concert and in operatic appearances 
with other companies. She ran into 
difficulties at the Met when Stella 
Roman and Zinka Milanov were as- 
signed most of the roles she has been 
accustomed to play. The soprano, 
German born, but an American 
citizen for several years, has been 
termed the greatest vocalist of her 
class since the days of Emmy Des- 
tinn and her departure is considered 
by oldsters the end of an era at the 
Met. 



BALTIMORE HAS 
EXTRA PERKY 
OUTLOOK 



Baltimore, Oct. 20. 

Concert season here got off to a 
rousing start with appearance of 
Jeanette MacDonald last week and 
advance interest in bookings already 
announced indicating biggest doings 
here in years. The Philadelphia 
Orchestra with Ormandy conducting 
is due tomorrow night (Wed.) with 
Sigmund Romberg and a SO-piece 
ensemble of instrumentalists and 
singers, in tonight. Latter engage- 
ment is being sponsored by Jerome 
'Doc' Kates, local nitery operator. 

Set to follow in subsequent weeks 
are the Luenen Passion Play with 
Josef Meier, underwritten by the 
local Catholic Daughters; Junior 
Programs production of 'Doodle 
Dandy of the U. S. A.' under aus- 
pices of local Child Study Assn.; 
Jaroff Cossack Chorus; First Piano 
Quartet; Ballet Theatre; National 
Symphony, and the Philadelphia 
Lascala Opera Co. 
. Reorganized and entirely re- 
juvinated Baltimore Symphony Or- 
chestra will make its local debut 
Nov. 19, under the leadership of 
Reginald Stewart, who will com- 
bine this stint with his recent ap- 
pointment to the directorship of the 
Peabody Conservatory of Music. 
Formerly a strictly local group spon- 
sored by the municipality for a brief 
season of six concerts, the new out- 
fit has been set up on a more am- 
bitious scale with subscribers round- 
ing out a civic appropriation as well 
as a special grant made possible 
by the local Musical Union. 

Some kickback on the union par- 
ticipation broke loose during audi- 
tions in recent weeks when numer- 
ous former members of the orchestra 
were turned down, and out of town 
recruiting started. Charges and 
counter charges found space in the 
newspapers with union meetings re- 
ported extra hectic. Season of 25 
concerts is planned with Lily Pons, 
Harold Bauer, Rise Stevens, Joseph 
Szigeti, Eugene List and others listed 
as soloists. 

Bonney and Cappel Concert Bu- 
reaus, and veteran Wm. Albaugh, 
handling local bookings and ticket 
sales. Fred Huber, former mu- 
nicipal director of music, is confin- 
ing himself to management of the 
Lyric concert hall and local rep- 
resentation of the Met. Consider- 
able and rather surprising interest 
noted from newcomers engaged in 
defense activity hereabouts pre- 
viously figured trade for film and 
more obvious entertainment only. 
They are buying good music. 



C. C. Cappel Qohs USO 

C. C. Cappel resigned as chief of 
concsrta division of USO-Camp 
Shows Inc. Devoting himself to the 
management of the Baltimore Sym- 
phony Orch. 

No successor set. 



Kipnis' 40-Odd Dates 

Alexander Kipnis will open what 
portends to be his biggest U. S. tour 
Nov. 17 in Charleston, W. Va. He 
is dated for some 40-odd engage- 
ments. The bass will go to Mexico 
Sept. 18 for four concerts and opens 
the Chicago Opera season in 'Lakme' 
on Nov. 9, being set there for five 
performances. 

Kipnis appeared over 20 limes at 
the Met last winter and he will prob- 
ably make the same number of ap- 
pearances there this year, giving 
him over 70 appearances for the sea- 
son. He receives $1,000 a perform- 
ance in concert 



Fears of Rather Than Actual Grief 
Slow Recitals in Western Area, 
Is Business View of Ward French 



Philadelphia Symphony 
Limited to Short Jumps 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 

The Philadelphia Orchestra has 
cancelled its tour through more 
than 20 cities in the Midwest and 
South due to hazards of railroad 
travel. The cancellations affect 
many engagements which the or- 
chestra has filled for years. 

Concerts which require only a few 
hours travel by coach will be given 
as schedule, including dates in New 
York, Washingtonr- Baltimore, Rich- 
mond, Reading, Harrisburg; Schenec- 
tady, New Haven and Hartford. 

The orchestra travels with 110 men 
and a large quantity of bulky bag- 
gage. For daytime trips it requires 
three coaches and a baggage car. 
For overnight trips five sleeping cars 
are needed. 

Cancelled are concerts scheduled 
in Pittaburgh, Detroit, Toledo, Louis- 
ville, Columbus, Chicago, Durham 
and Raleigh, N. C; Atlanta, Savan- 
nah, Birmingham, Orlando, Jackson- 
ville, 'Nashville, Knoxville, Hunting- 
don and Charleston, W. Va. 



The Tonring Outlook Is 
Not Too Gloomy Except 
For Big Symphonies 



Worries that the big membership 
attractions of the concert world such 
as the ballet companies and the 
opera companies would be unable to 
move because of the tire and rub- 
ber shortage are being dispelled as 
the Ballet Theatre opens its fall tour 
and Charles L. Wagner's 'Boheme' 
company hit the road for 37 engage- 
ments. 

While somewhat reluctant to talk, 
officials in Washington explain that 
they want theatrical companies mov- 
ing for morale and point out that the 
Londoi) Philharmonic haz now 
played almost every province in 
England, something it never did even 
in peace time, and that music in 
Europe is a big boost to morale 
whether in allied or Axis dominated 
countries. 

The cases of symphony orchestras 
which have cancelled tours was a bit 
different since they required special 
train schedules and special baggage 
cars for equipment which could not 
be granted. There is an insuffici- 
ency of rolling stock to allow for 
this. But attractions which hold to 
regular schedules and use ordinary 
accommodations of baggage cars will 
continue to play their dates. Con- 
cert managers in discussins this and 
allied situations point out^hat the 
major part of the concert business 
which has suffered a loss is the busi- 
ness for artists ranging from $350 to 
$750 per engagement approximate- 
ly one-half of the artists on the ros; 
ters of the varied managers. Through- 
out the country, artists selling at 
$100 to $.'}00 per concert are having 
good or normal years, since pur- 
chasers will gamble on attendance 
on lesser amounts. Those earning 
$800 to $3,000 per engagement are 
the b o. stars who draw at all times 
and they continue to reap their cus- 
tomary harvest. But the middle ar- 
tist, who has a name, but It not too 
much of a draw In his own riKht. is 
finding his schedule off 25-50%. He 
is forced to either accept the reduc- 
tion in dates, or to allow himself to 
be sold at a far less figure and make 
up In quantity of engagements the 
difference lost in price. Most of the 
artists have |tuck to the hope that 
engagements would come through, 
and they now find themselves with a 
10-date tour instead of their usual 
20. 



The concert business in general, 
now that over 95% of bookings are 
legally binding for the coming year, 
is off a bit, but not enough to war- 
rant worry, according to Ward 
French, head of Community Con- 
certs Service, largest of all the con- 
cert bookers In the country, and 
whose annual gross is in excess of 
$2,500,000, almost half the total con- 
cert business in the U. S. French 
feels that it is fear and uncertainty 
rather than actual difficulties that is 
hurting business, for he points out 
that in the spring when the east 
was effected, eastern business suf- 
fered from fright while now the 
east is adjusted and fairly normal, 
and the west, facing its first trans- 
portation curtailments is falling off 
in its purchases of concert talent. 

Community bookings throughout 
the country are a good example of 
what is being purchased as a cross- 
section of what the American War 
public will buy in its concerts this 
year. Some additions to previously 
reported bookings: 

Wilmington, Delaware; Nov. 9, 
Vronsky and Babin; Jan. 21, Paul 
Robeson: Feb. 26. the National Sym- 
phony of Washington. 

Danbory, Conn.; Nov. 18, Leonard 
Warren; Dec. 16, Robert Goldsand; 
March 25, Ballet Russe de Monte 
Carlo; and May 5, Gregor Piatigor- 
sky. 

London, Ontario; Nov. 12. Normaa 
Cordon; Dec. 16. Platoff Don Cos- 
sacks: Jan. 8, Yehudi Menuhin; Feb. 
11, Bartlett and Robertson; March B, 
Rose Bampton . 

Phoenix, Arhona; Dec. 4. Yehudi 
Menuhin; Jan. 11. Josef Hofmann; 
Jan. 29. Igor Gorin; March 29. Maria 
Gambarelli; April 7. Helen Traubel. 

Florence, Alabama; Nov. 30, Dalies 
Franz; Jan. 11. Helen Traubel; 
March 11, Anatol Kaminsky. . 

Topeka, Kansas; Opened Oct. 12 
with • Astrid Vamay; Jan. IS, Zino 
Francescatti: March 1, Shura Cher- 
kassky; April 16, St. Louis Sinfon- 
Jetta; April 30, Leonard Warren. 

Portland, Maine; Nov. 6, Vladimir 
Horowitz; Dec. 4, National Sym- 
phony; Jan. 4, Zlno Francescatti; 
Feb. 22, Helen Traubel. 

Great Falls^ Montana; Oct. 29, 
Platoff Don Cossacks; Nov. 16, Bidu 
Sayao; Nov. 30, Draper and Adler; 
Jan. 13, Moissaye Bogiilawski; March 
23. Zino Francescatti; April IS. Nel- 
son Eddy. 

Nashaa N. H,; Nov. 24, Igor Gorin; 
Feb. 19, Maria Gambarelli; April IB, 
Trapp Family Singers. 

Albaqnerqae, N. M.; Opened Oct 
6 with Bidu Sayao; Nov. 2, Draper 
and Adler; Feb. 3, Igor Gorin; April 
15, Artur Rubinstein. 



Met Opera Unit for U.S.O. 

Metropolitan Opera Company Is 
readying a special troupe to do a 
number of volunteer shows for USO- 
Camp Shows. Inc. Troupe will con- 
sist of 12 singers, headed by James 
Melton, and include a 60-piece or- 
chestra. 

Many of the singers on the Met 
roster have done shows for CSI, but 
this setup would play under Metro- 
politan Opera name. 



Early Start and End Of 
Symphony Helps Ease 
SL Louis Traffic Jams 



St. Louis, Oct. 20. 

To by-pass late afternoon traffic 
snarls and aid in the city program 
to decrease congestion, execs of the 
St. Louis Symphony orch society 
have moved the starting time of 
Friday afternoon concerts from 2:30 
to 2 o'clock. The new starting hour 
will enable the concerts to be con- 
cluded at 4 p.m. and before the aft- 
ernoon rush hour' begins. 

There will be no change in the 
starting hour of the Saturday p.m. 
concerts. The 63d season gets under 
way Nov. 6 with Vladimir Goldsch- 
mann on the podium for the 12th 
consecutive season. 



PAUL £(H, NOW SWISS, 
HEADS ZURICH OPERA 



Zurich, Switzerland, Oct. 20. 

Dr. Paul Eger has been appointed 
new general manager for the 0|>era 
here. It was through Eger's efforta 
that Kirsten Flagstad fiew here dur- 
ing the summer for appearances with 
the opera company. 

Eger, formerly head of the opera 
at Hamburg, is now a Swiss citizen 
and plans the production of a half 
dozen new operas for this winter. 



44 



»TBA8 



Wednesdaj, October 21, 1942 



NEGLECTED SOUTH GETS BUS OKAY; 
BANDS PLAY TWO CAMPS EVERY 7 DAYS 



Although Confirmation in Writing Still Lacking 
Newest Scheme Seems Set — Lt. Col. Marvin 
Younff Dickered with Band Bookers 



Band booking agencies have been 
assured that their request for buses 
for the use of white bands on one- 
nighler tours will be granted, with 
certain restrictions as to territory 
In which the vehicles can be used. 
So far there is no written confirma- 
tion of the decision from the Office 
of Defense Transportation, but the 
committee of bookers representing 
the various agencies is already busy 
■with the USO in laying out routes. 
This committee is ' the one that has 
met weekly with the USO planning 
Army camp appearances by bands. 

The stipulations under which the 
buses are to be allowed are thus: 
(1) two of every seven days are to 
be devoted to camp dates, and (2) 
the buses will only be given for 
tours through the southeast and 
southwest territories. This is be- 
cause these areas have here- 
tofore been neglected by touring 
bands. Buses will not ba sanc- 
tioned for use in the northeast, 
middle west and northwest, for the 
reason that travel conditions are 
better and - camps in those areas 
have had and are getting their share 
of musical entertainment. Those 
conditions coincide with the previ- 
ous complaints of both the band- 
bookers and the Army relative to 
camp appearances. 

Lt. Col. Marvin Young addressed 
the bookers several weeks ago and 
pointed out that camp date assign- 
ments were being concentrated on 
. training camps nearest metropolitan 
centers, that distant camps were 
seeing few or no name musical tal- 
ent. Bookers, in turn, pointed out 
that it was impossible to reach those 
hinterland centers since auto travel 
restrictions made it impossible to 
play one-nighter^ that to play them 
bands would first' have to have 
transportation and secondly they 
would have to be allowed to play 
commercial dates so many nights 
weekly, to pay the way. 

Bookers Plan OdI 
A plan was laid out by the band 
bookers, on -Young's request, calling 
for the use of 40 buses for six 
months, or 338 gallons of gas weekly 
for each band (for four cars and 
instrument truck), and 16 new tires 
when needed.. This plan has been 
discarded (it was based on band 
needs over the entire country) and 
the new one substituted by the 
Army allowing buses only in the 
territories mentioned above. 

From six to eight bands are being 
mulled to work through the south- 
east, out of New York. They are 
Dick Stabile, who has filed applica- 
tion for a bus. Jack Teagarden, 
McFarland Twins and possibly 
Barney Rapp, from Music Corp. of 
America; Bobby Byrne and Stan 
Kenton from General Amusement 
and Boyd Raeborn from William 
Morris, Some bookings have already 
been made through Virginia and 
farther south. Southwest territory 
Is to be covered from the Coast. 



Ak-Sar-Ben Just Token 
Celebration This Year, 
Will Have Name Band 



Omaha, Oct. 20. 

Alc-Sar-Ben still hasn't decided on 
the name band for its big dance 
frolic set for Oct. 27. Event comes 
in lieu of the suspended annual cor- 
onation rites and coronation ball 
which is the biggest social event in 
the state every fall. Former years 
have seen the nations biggest name 
bands playing for the ball. 

Wartime restrictions have made it 
impossible this year and even the 
show was limited tc 4-H club compe- 
tition last week. 



EMIL COLEMAN 
MUST B'CAST 
FROMHOTEL 



Bmil Coleman's attempts to keep 
his band off the air from the Waldorf 
hotel, New York, to slap'«back at 
music publishers, have been over- 
ruled by Lucius Boomer, head of the 
Waldorf. Band begins broadcasting 
on CBS sometime this week or early 
next. 

Coleman vowed before he began 
the Waldorf date two weeks ago (9) 
that he would not broadcast, as a 
means of avoiding quarrels with pub- 
lishers. He took exception to the 
fact that only two or three music 
representatives visited him during a 
six-month stay last winter at the 
La Martinique, N. Y., where he had 
no wire, and he figured if he went 
on the air from the Waldorf and 
publishers again began currying his 
favor he would get into arguments. 
He wanted nothing to do with Uie 
majority of them. 



On the Upbeat 



Eddie Metcalfe leaving Herman 
Middleman band at Yacht Club, 
Pittsburgh, to join Tommy Tucker. 
He went to Middleman from Leigh- 
ton Noble when latter disbanded in 
the East several months ago. 



Baymond Rork of Memphis, who 
tripled in brass as an orchestra 
leader, composer and music-radio 
store operator, has joined the Army. 



Herb Summerfleld, Memphis pian- 
ist, and Igor Ivan. WMPS, Memphis 
tenor-announcer into Navy. 



Bob Aslor opened at William Penn 
Hotel, Pittsburgh, last week with 
Marcia Rice as his vocalist, a last- 
minute replacement for Terry Rus- 
sell. 



Lenny Sims, sax player, left Benny 
Goodman's band to join Herman 
Middleman outfit at Yacht Club, 
Pittsburgh. He was with Orrin 
Tucker before going with Goodman. 



Frank Brescia, who was with Lang 
Thompson band before it broke up 
several weeks ago, added to Clro 
Rimac outfit at Villa Madrid,' Pitts- 
burgh. 



Bene Dl lanni is new trumpet 
player with Baron Elliott band at 
Bill Green's, Pittsburgh. He re- 
places Joe Tomasello, who has gone 
with Del Courtney. 



Barbara Lec is new singer with 
Art Farrar's band, now one-nlghting 
around Pittsburgh district but slated 
to head South in a couple of weeks. 



Tommy Dorsey and his band play 
„ series of short stands along the 
Coast in November, after which they 
win return for another picture at 
Metro. 



JOE GLASER'S 
5 WHITE BANDS 



Seek to Bind Draftees 
For Length of Contract 
Interropted by War 



Some band booking agencies are 
asking bandleaders still free of a 
uniform to give them letters extend- 
ing the terms of booking contracts in 
the event leaders are drafted or en- 
list. Those bandleaders who have 
assented to the request extend the 
•xplration date of their contracts by 
the length of time they spend in 
■ervice. Briefly, if a maestro's con- 
tract is eflfective until Jan. 1, 1943, 
end he spends a year in service the 
agreement then expires Jan. 1, 1944. 

Many leaders and managers have 
been wondering how conscription or 
enlistment affects booking contracts, 
if there is no agreement such as out- 
lined above or there's no clause to 
that effect in the original contract, 
then the contract expires on Its 
stipulated date. 



Joe Glaser has closed his deal to 
manage Jan Savitt's orchestra, which 
puts him farther into the white band 
field. In the past couple months 
Glaser has taken on four ofay com- 
binations and is advising a fifth, 
which, with others, outdistances the 
number of Negro bands he handles 
(Glaser has been known, along with 
Moe Gale, for concerning himself 
almost exclusively with colored 
talent). 

During the past eight weeks 
Glaser has acquired Teddy Powell, 
Red Norvo, Wingy Manone, now 
Savitt, and is advising without a 
management contract, the McFar- 
land Twins. He also has Don Bes- 
lor and Glenn Garr. Colored out- 
fits consist of Loui!^ Armstrong, 
Lionel Hampton, Andy Kirk, Eddie 
South and Red Allen. Savitt follows 
Alvino Rey into the Astor Hotel 
N. Y., Nov. 9. 



Romanelli Uft ^,174 

Toronto, Oct. 20. 

Luigi Romanelli, one of Canada's 
most noted orchestra leaders, who 
died of a heart attack in July, left 
an estate of $44,174, as revealed 
when will was probated. 

His widow Selina and daughter, 
Betty, inherit the bulk of the estate 
with separate gifts going to Ro- 
manelli's three brothers and two 
sisters. 



Spike Jones and his City Slickers 
were signed to play jitterbug tunes 
for 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' at 
Warners. 



Bobby Sherwood's orchestra re- 
places Hal Mclntyre'a at Glen Island 
Casino, New Rochelle. N. Y., opening 
tomorrow night (Thurs.). 

Art Lackey, trumpeteer, quit WHK 
Cleveland staff orch to join Bert 
Unger's pit orchestra at RKO Palace 
in place of drafted Howard Moran. 



Georgia Auld went into Army uni- 
form Saturday' (17) and Was shipped 
to Fort blx, where he joined post 
band under Herbie Fields. 



Paol Whlteraan's band starts three- 
month stay at Palace hotel, San 
Francisco, Jan. 12. 



Blchard Himber reforming his or- 
chestra. 



Waller McGuffln replaced Walter 
Burleson on trombone while Charlie 
Barnet and Max Gussak replaced Joe 
Ferranl on trumpet. 



„ Oave Slilldkraut joined Louis 
{■rima's saxes, enlarging the section 
to five. 



Sam Donahue will disband his 
orch at the end of this month. Lead- 
er plans to enter the Army Air 
Corps. 



Irving Lewis, who formerly had 
his own band, is playing first trumi$et 
with Carmen Cavallaro orchestra, 
which moved into the Terrace Room 
of the Hotel Sutler, Detroit. 



Bobby Stevenson's band into the 
Club Casanova, Detroit. 



Frank Gagen broke up his band in 
Detroit to go into work in an arma- 
ment plant there. 



VIo Abbs orch into Motor Bar 
Hotel Book-Cadillac, Detroit, replac- 
ing Eddie Fritz' Ambassadores. 



Inade Stdf-Orchestras 



There have been persistent reports past two weeka that Jack Teagarden 
waa about to break up hii band for the duration because he has lost and 
is losing man to the armed forces. It was said also that Teagarden and 
his men were going to join some branch of service in a body in California. 
Muslo Corp. of America and Andrew Weinberger, leader's attorney, both 
deny it. MCA hai booked the band for a stay at the new Shangri-La, 
Philadelphia, opening Nov. 3. 

However, word from California says that John Smith, trombone; Clint 
Garvin, sax, and Dale Jones, bass, joined. the Ferry Comijtand at Long 
Beach, Cal., that Paul Collins, drummer, was drafted at Lincoln, Neb., by 
the Army, and that Charlie Teagarden, trumpeter brother of Jack, and 
Arthur Moore, sax, were heading for the Coast to join up. 



Music publishers and other tradepeople who attended the opening of 
Les B?bwn's orchestra at Frank Dailey's, Meadbwbrook, Cedar Grove, 
N. J., Friday (16) evening drew food for amused conversation from the 
extreme zoot suits worn by two of the boys in Brown's new vocal 
quartette. Few had ever seen such patterns 'in this part of the coun- 
try (until Life mag devoted a spread to them a few weeks ago). 

Brown was against letting the two boys go on the stand in the getups 
for the opening, but he had no choice. Kids had come in from the middle 
west, leaving Bobby Sherwood's band, and had no other clothes. Brown 
and his manager, Joe Glaser, rushed them to a tailor Saturday afternoon 
and borrowed other outfits until then. 



Frank Simeone, star tenor sax player reported missing in the Solomons, 
got into action because of his unusual ability in handling a rifle, accord- 
ing to friends who knew him when he was a member of various top 
flight bands. Simeone was drafted approximately a year ago, before 
Pearl Harbor, and was stationed at Camp Dix, N. J., as a member of the 
post dance orchestra. ••v-. - . ■ 

It's said that during his basic training he was assigned to the rifle 
range one day, and his sharpshooting was so far above average that he 
was immediately shifted from the comparatively soft band berth to active 
duty. 



Wingy Manone's orchestra finally reached a scheduled two-week book- 
ing at the Ritz Cafe, Phoenix City, near Columbus, Ga., Saturday (17) 
night, after almost two days of travel by railroad and auto. Manone was 
supposed to have opened Saturday, but floods in Virginia, caused by the 
overflow of the Potomac, held up his train. 

Unable to get another train direct to Columbus, leader was forced 
to take one to Atlanta, where representatives of the Ritz met him with 
cars and drove the outfit the remaining 110 miles to the spot. Band left 
N. 'Y. early Friday (16) morning. 



Eddie Jones band into the Eagle 
Cafe, Detroit. 



No secret that some of the new contracts for bands, from the major 
band agencies, favor the older maestros: i.e. those near the 40 mark, mar- 
ried and likely not to be drafted pronto. 

The 'comeback' is analagous to some of the latter-day Hollywood film 
juveniles getting renewed opportunities because of the loss of younger 
manpower. 



Johnny Mercer, songwriter, is flnancially backing the Bobby Sherwood 
orchestra, which opens an eastern buildup stand at Glen Island Casino, 
New Rochelle, N. Y., tomorrow night (Thurs.). Hal Mclntyre closes to- 
night. 

Sherwood is a brother-in-law to Judy Garland, being married to the 
letter's sister. 



Harry Sosnik states that while he's on detached duty from Decca Records 
at the moment, he's still subjeot to call as a staff maestro. In fact, when 
the Oracle fields radio program, which he's batoning, moves to the Coast 
he'll sit in on Hollywooa recording for Decca; i.e., when the Petrlllo sit- 
uation is ironed ou(. Sosnik also has a Walter Wanger-Unlversal film 
chore while on the (^oast, but Is normally attached to Decoa in N. Y. 



Vic Schroeder Describes Travails 
Facing Midwest Orchestra Biz 



AjB, HOTEL DATES VEER 
JAMES FROM N.Y. PAR 



Whether Harry James will play the 
date for which he's scheduled at the 
Paramount theatre, N. Y., opening 
the day before New Year's Eva, still 
isn't definitely settled. Par wants 
James to buck Jimmy Dorsey, who 
opens at the opposition Strand Xmas 
Day for four weeks, but James Isn't 
anxious. He's claiming his Chaster- 
field broadcasts, hotel work, eto. will 
pile up on him. James doesn't like 
theatre work. 

Another thing that may stymie the 
Par Is James' next picture for 20th- 
Fox. He's understood to be already 
trying to get loose from the Lincoln 
hotel, N. Y., where he'a current, a 
few weeks early to head for the 
Coast. Lincoln has him booked un- 
til Dec. 80. 

Woody Herman opens at the Par 
Nov. 11 with 'Road to Morocco' and 
Hazel Scott, Pat Henning and the 
Acromaniacs. Combo is booked for 
four 'weeks, but the band la leaving 
three weeks beyond open In the 
event that business warrants a seven- 
week stay. That would bring It up 
to the James opening. 

Cover Cut Hypos Trade 

Since Mrs. Maria Kramer lowered 
the cover tariff in the Blue Room 
of her Lincoln hotel, N. Y., last week 
(12) the business done by Harry 
James' orchestra Increased by one- 
third. James played to 1,983 covers 
at $1 each during the week and $2 
Saturday, and broke the spot's rec- 
ord for each single night and the 
week's total. 

Individual night totals beginning 
Monday (12) were: 281, 205, 275, 28t, 
374 and 547. 



Omaha, Oct. 20. 

Vic Schroeder, local band booker, 
has just called attention to the ex- 
tremely grave band situation In this 
part of the middle west, due to the 
war and restricted travel. As a re- 
sult of an investigation over various 
trails he remarks: 

'There are going to be changes 
none of us like. In addition to ra- 
tioning and other curtailment, it 
looks like fewer bands and higher 
costs. We are sorry to have to an- 
nounce that we are going to be un- 
able to furnish bands to some of the 
accounts with which we have dona 
business for years. The important 
thing right now is to keep the band 
business going and there are wayf 
which we propose to use to keep it 
alive.' 

Key accounts will be divided Into 
three classes, ballroom using at least 
one band a week, those using one 
band two weeks and those having a 
band three weeks. This Is called ■ 
modified location policy. These 
classifications apply to ballrooms 
only and not to circuits. Many bands 
In this territory are quitting the 
business. 

For many years of operating ex- 
perience, a band's minimum flited 
costs, according to Schroeder, include 
— on a weekly basis— $15 for depre- 
ciation, insurance, maintenance on 
transportation equipment, $35 for 
arranger and library costs, $6 for 
stands, lights, depreciation and main- 
tenance, $10 for telephone and gen- 
eral expense and transportation costs 
based pn an average of 250 miles a 
week, $25. The situation has gotten 
around to where every Item counts. 
Many have eliminated administra- 
tive overhead and cut to the bone to 
ride out the worst crisis In history. 



• Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



ORCHESTRAS 4S 




POST-WAR BANDS 

What will the war do to those niaestros gone into the serv- 
ice? Will they become the forgotten men of World War II, or 
will a Capt. Wayne King, a Lieut. Eddy Duchin, a Capt. Glenn 
Miller, et al, emerge even greater heroes? 



Sonny Werblin and Charlie Miller, v.p.s. of Music Corp. of 
America, in New York, were doing some thinking-out-loud 
while looking-ahead and it all becomes a fielder's choice. Name 
bands, such as Clyde McCoy's, which was inducted intact into 
the Army, if they are held together, and given air lime, may 
even gain stature. On the other hand, through some curious re- 
flex in the public consciousness, they may find themselves the 
objects of inquiry through being kept in non-combat service. 

It's a certainty, however, that the newcomer bands will have 
an opportunity which some may capitalize beyond their true 
worth. The answer to this theorem lies in the fact that most 
key hotels do a solid business nowadays, due to tiie heavy war- 
time tralVic, and any orchestra "spotlighted in any likely hos- 
telry, with or without a radio wire, must perforce get belter 
than averase allention, I low ihcy will hold up when post-war 
competition gets stifTev is something else again. 

Pegging liancis and band tastes is no longer a favorite indoor 
sporl. Uolh Werblin and Miller hark back a couple of years 
when they and Tommy Rockwell, a competitive band manager, 
were trving vcrv hard to make inroads in certain directions. 
MCA. which is loaded wilh suave bands of the Duchin-Lom- 
bardo-Kyser-King lype. wanted to build up some new 'hot" 
combinalions. .'\n<l Rockwell, who has been idenlilied with the 
more si/zlinij- brand of dansapators. was trying to build up an 
acc 'societv* ()vclic>li:i. I'-oth did it with scicntiHc :ipi)licalion 
for months, but with nu-a.^re results. Hoth achieved what they 
were after only by accident a season or two later, and at a tune 
when ihc strugRlc had become static. 

Similarly, any prognostication on what the public may or 
mav not like in (he next few months is lielder's choice. 



Eli Oberstein's 'Jnst a Band' Is 
Involved With 802 on Records 



Eli Obcvslein. head of Classic Rec- 
ords, manufaclurcr ot Hit and Clas- 
tic Records, continues to deny that 
N. Y. local 802 o( the American 
Federation o( Musicians ordered him 
to appear before its trial board, 
which wants to investigate a charge 
that he has made records since the 
AFM's Aug. 31 deadline. Last week 
when reports circulated that Ober- 1 
stein had been a.sked to appear at 802 : 
he denied them, and so did 802's sec- I 
retary William Feinbcrg. when ques- j 
tioned. ' j 

Now 802 states that the manufac- 1 
turer has been asked to explain ' 
when he recorded 'I Had the Craziest | 
Dream' and 'Moonlight Mood' and 
'Der Fuehrer's Face.' and 'Gee But 
It's Great to Meet a Friend." with 
Johnny Jones' and Arthur Field.s' or- 
chestras and that Oberstein did not 
appear on Oct. 13. as he was asked. 
Local says it has given him until to- 
morrow (22) to present himself for 
questioning, otherwise it will proceed 
on the theory that he is guilty of the 
charges. 

Issue of whether Oberstein did or 
did not record the two tunes started 
when Bregman. Vocco & Cohn, pub- 
lishers of 'Drtam.' were advised that 
he had already recorded the number 
and were asked for a license. This 
flabbergasted BVC who were under 
the impression that the only record- 
ing of it had been made for Colum- 
bia by Harry James (tune is from 
James' 20th-Fox film. 'Springtime In 
Rockies'). 'Der Feuhrer's Face,' 
which backs the BVC number, is al- 
ready a hit. Published by Southern 
Music, no attention was paid to it 
until Spike Jones' recording for 
Bluebird began registering on the 
public. That has been only during 
the past few weeks. 

Asked who is the strange Johnny 
Jones whose band made the two dis- 
puted sides Oberstein answers, 'just 
» band.' He has numerous strange 
band names listed on his new release 
sheets of the past couple weeks. Be- 
fore the AFM deadline he used only 
name and semi-name outfits not con- 



Louis Annstrong's 4th Wife 

St. Louis, Oct. 20. 

Louis Armstrong was married here 
last week for the fourth time. His 
current bride is Lucille WiUon, a 
chorus girl he met while making a 
p.a. at the New York Cotton Club 
lajit year. 

Armstrong was here at a local 
theatre. 




ON NIB. PEACE 



Radio Trade Auociation 
Apparently Determined to 
Uae State Courts to At- 
tack American Federation 
of Muticiana— Looks Like 
Months of Delay Before 
Jukeboxes Can Get Fresh 
Supply of Records 



INDIVISIBLE 



GALE SETS UP 
COCKTAIL UNIT 
DEPARTMENT 



Moe Gale band agency in New 
York has added a cocktail combina- 
tion department, to be headed by Joe 
Higgins, former road manager, of 
Ellsi Fitzgerald's orchestra, which 
was recently disbanded in favor of 
Miss Fitzgerald's act with the Four 
Keys. Department has been sepa- 
rately incorporated under the title 
Gale Miniature Attractions. Inc. 

Units handled by the setup, be- 
side Miss Fitzgerald and the Ink- 
spots, are Milt Herth Trio. Anthony 
Trini. Er.-kine Biiticrfield. Four 
I Blues, and others. 



necled witli ottier record manufac- 
turers. 

Fields' Name Suit 

AitluM Fields, foimeily connected 
with t'.ie Rex Sole Mountaineers, in 
the days of the Cameo and Banner 
labcl.<. has begun an injunction suit 
against Oberstein to stop the use of 
the name Arthur Fields on Ihc 'Der 
Feuhrci's Face' platter and any 
others Oberstein has marketed un- 
der liiat tag. Oberstein slates that 
the selection of that name by him 
was just chance. 



Even though representatives of 
jukebox manufacturers and opera- 
tors have already approached James 
C. Petrillo, head of the American 
Federation of Musicians, about work- 
ing out a solution of the recording 
ban. the indications are that the 
present impasse will drag along for 
months. Radio, as represented by 
the National Association of Broad- 
casters and Sidney Kaye, is deter- 
mined to make another stab at liti- 
gation, this time in the N. Y. state 
courts, and the current opinion of 
observers is that the only thing that 
can prevent this one from being an- 
other extended ASCAP-like battle 
is friendly urgence from the White 
Hou.-ie that the various parties com- 
po.se their differences as a contribu- 
tion toward national unity. 

The outlook for the jukebox 
people is getting somewhat sombro 
and they would like to come to a 
commerci.il understanding wilh 
Petrillo even if it means entering 
into a licensing arrangement for 
their mechanisms and alloting a 
certain .share of the proceeds to the 
union. The transcription manufac- 
turers expect to find themselves soon 
in a serious fix. But the impression 
prevailing in the allied music trades 
is that there cannot be accord in any 
one division of record users so long 
as the broadcasters are not part of 
the general agreement. Petrillo may 
bring the jukebox situation under 
satisfactory control by a .series of 
covenants and thereby again make 
records available to them but what 
I assurance would the union have (hat 
radio stations wouldn't enjoy a free 
ride with the .same product? The 
AFM. it is generally believed, will be 
stymied in clearing up any one .sec- 
tion of the dispute so long as the 
broadcasters decline to participate 
in a settlement. 

N.A.B.'s Slant 
The N..\.B. thinks that it ha' a 
chance of tripping the A.F.M. 
through the N. Y. state anti-trust 
law. The decision on which the as 
.sociation's counsel is disposed to base 
its new litigation involves the Opera 
on-Tour ca.se. The circuit court of 
appeals in that instance upheld the 
nnding of N. Y. supreme court 
justice Kenneth O'Brien that no 
labor dispute existed between the 
A.F.M. and Opera-on-Tour. but in 
between the two courts (the Appel- 
late Division) there was a deci.'^ion 
that supported the union's right to 
refrain from work that threatened 
to create unemployment for the 
union's members. Where N.A.B. 
counsel will be immediately f.iced 
with a paradox in the event it goes 
through with litigation in N. Y. state 
Ls that the no-labor-di.spule anqle of 
the Opera-on-Tour is in complete 
consonance with the .stand taken by 
Federal Judge John P. Barnes in 
Chicago when he dismissed the Ckiv- 
ernment's ease against the A.F.M. 
Oct. 12. In Ihe Opera-on-Tour ni;i'- 
ter the recordings hnd already been 
made and the musicians union was 
ensaged in not only picketing prr- 
fojmances but in di.>.suading :hr 
.stagehands union from haiidlini: llir 
show. 



If Musicians Don t Want to Answer 
Vituperation It s Their Business' 



— 

Harold Stern, Now in Pit, 
May Resume Dance Work 

Harold Stern ia muUing the forma- 
tion of a regular-size dance band, to 
play at the Dixie hotel. New York. 
Stern, who has been out of the dance 
band field for some years, is leading 
the pit orchestra for Olsen and John- 
son's 'Sons o' Fun,' at the Winter 
Garden theatre, N.Y. 

Dixie coupje months ago an- 
nounced the start of a name band 
policy. So far it has used only trios 
and quartet combinations. 



Sammy Kaye Sticking To 
Theatre Dates Until He 
Goes hto U. S. Army 



Sammy Kaye's orchestra will not 
open at the Elssex House. N. Y.. next 
week (29) as scheduled. Kaye and 
his manager, Jim Peppe. are said to 
have huddled with the hotel's opera- 
tors to point out that Kaye may be 
in the Army within the next few 
month.s and they'd prefer to play 
theatres until then. Hotel obligingly 
let the band ofT with the stipulation 
that it play a two-week period be- 
ginning Dec. 18, if Kaye was .still in 
mufti then. 

Tommy Tucker is at the Essex 
House currently, closing the 28th. 
He will not holdover because of the- 
atre bookings already set up. So far 
the hotel hasn't a replacement band. 

Other bandleaders are mulling 
moves similar to Kaye's. If they're 
not cancelling entirely, when pos- 
sible, they're shortening runs. Jimmy 
Dorsey, for instance, will play only 
eight weeks at the Pennsylvania 
hotel. N. Y.. this year, opening Feb. 8. 



GLENN MILLER'S PRIMER 
FOR SPECIALIST CORPS 



Glenn Miller enters u 30-day pre- 
liminary training period at Fort 
Meade. Md., next week, which will 
prepare him for the Captaincy he 
recently was granted in the Special- 
ists Corps. Ex-leader entered .serv- 
ice- at Omaha several weeks ago 
and whether he will return to that 
area after training isn't certain. 

Miller is not in the regular Army. 
One of the rules covering .service in 
Ihe Specialists allows enlistees to re- 
sign at any lime with two weeks' 
notice. 



Springfield, ^ass., Oct. 20. 

The Springfield (Mass.) Daily 
News, one of the few papers in the 
country backing the Musicians' 
union in its current controversy with 
the radio moguls regarding the use 
of records and transcriptions, heaved 
an editorial sigh of delight last wctk 
when Judge Barnes sustained the 
union in Chicago. Declaring that ui- 
tinuttely the dispute was with the 
radio men rather than with the plat- 
ter makers, ihe News declared, how- 
ever, that 'The best bet is for the 
broadcasters to call oB their dogs 
and to talk peace with James C. 
Petrillo and his union. E^-ery news- 
paper has been bombarded with 
reams of publicity against the union 
since the fight started. 

The union apparently holds to 
the theory that acttons speak louder 
than words, for with the exception 
of some paid advertisements in some 
New York papers, the musicians 
have been silent. If the musicians 
are. willing to accept silently the 
vituperation which has been heaped 
on them, that is their privilege. 
Their failure to defend themselves 
makes it hard for those who have no 
access to l)oth sides of the question 
to judge impartially.' 

Trial Board 
Rule Affects 
802 Outlook 



Frank Foti New Music 

Director of WICC 

Bridge|}ort. Oct. 20. 
Frank Foti. conductor of lately-dis- 
banded Bridgeport WPA .symphony 
j orchestra, checked in l.'ist week as 
WICC music director. Foti and 10- 
picce standard and light classical 
rn.semble will be heard daily. 

WICC i<5b has been held for five 
^casons by Gus Meyer.s. « 



Count Basie'sJtepablic Film 



Count Basie and his orchestra have 
been signed for the flim 'Hit Parado', 
j to be produced by Republic Pictures. 
I Band begins work on three numbers 
I and a speaking part Basic has been 
' assigned on Nov. .S. 
j Ba.sie's outfit recently completed 
! Reveille for Beverly' for Colum'oia 
I iind is said to have had an olTer 
■ iroin 20th-Fox. Band is currently at 
ilie Oolden Gate theatre. San Fran- 
ce i-^co. 



Webalfr Hall. Detroit, has resumed 
booking bands, opening with .lim 
De Lands Sun Valley Screnader.'^. 

P'KV McColl. now singint wilh 
Ihc King Sisters, taking the place of 
Alyce. who has retired to become a 
mother. 



Jerry Wald orchestra takes the 
'; place (il Claude Thurnhill's at the 
I .Sherman hotel. Chicago, opening 
I Dec. :)1. Thornhill in the Navy 
I Oct. 26. Wald also plays Strand the- 
i atre, N. Y., for two weeks, opening 
I Dec. IB in front of Jimmy Dorsey. 



For the first time in the eight 
years it has been in office the cur- 
rent administration of Local 802. the 
New York unit of the American 
Federation of Musicians, is faced 
with a membership revolt that is ■ 
.serious factor in the bi-annual elec- 
tion (Dec. 3). Known as the Blue 
Ticket, the incumbents face the Unity 
Ticket, which has apparently mus- 
tered enough strength to force ■ 
number of pre-election 'reforms.' 

A test of strength came on a reso- 
lution limiting all members of the 
trial and executive boards to ■ 
weekly income of $75 in return for 
fulltime efforts on these as.signmcnts 
and prohibiting any member of these 
boards from accepting any profes- 
sional engagements. Currently sev- 
eral of these members, they gel $15 
per session and rripct twice a week, 
I hold down berths as musicians u» 
well. Others draw udditioii.il sti- 
pends for working in other der>:n't- 
ments at the local. 

Already the Blue ticket has felt 
the reaction to the $75 ruling. 
George Schectcr, a houseman at 
NBC, is not running for re-clecti>in 
to the trial board and John Manut', 
a houseman at the Metropolil:m 
Opera House, is not standing for re- 
election to the Executive Board. 

Further complications that are 
worrying the incumbent ulTiclals are 
the 2,000 members in ser\-icc who 
will not be able to cast ab.sentce bal- 
lots; the tactics of the Unity ticket 
in delaying the posting its slate of 
candidates. Since the past several 
elections have culled a total vote of 
8.000 ballots from a union member- 
ship of 23,000 it is obvious that even 
if the Unity Ticket has only 1.000 
members it stands a good chance of 
pulling an upset. 

The Hone.st Ballot Association, a 
civic virtue group, will have com- 
plete charge of running the coming 
election at Local 802. AFM. HB.\ 
will appoint watchers, inspectors, 
counters, etc., from outside the local 
membership and will .supervi.ee and 
make the tally. 

Will be first time, to knowledge of 
mast oldtimer.s, that an outride or- 
ganization has run an election at 
the local. 



46 ORCHESTRA GROSSES 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



Kenton Good $40,000 in N. Y., Kaye 
Big $19,000 in Newark, CaOoway 
Omaha Click at 15G, Gray, 18G, Pitt 



(Estimates for This Week} 
Charlie Barnet, Baltimore (Hippo- 
drome; 2,240: 17-28-38-44-55-66)— 
With "Counter Espionage' (Col) plus 
vaude Including Arlene (Chatter- 
box) Harris. Band gets all the credit 
for very solid $16,500. 

Cab Calloway, Omaha (Orpheum; 
8,000; 20-40-55-65)— With 'Friendly 
Enemies' (UA). Sturdy $15,000, 
thanks to the band. This figure 
looms impressively larger when it is 
pointed out it's for six days. Cal- 
loway's plane was grounded on the 
way here and he missed the first day 
entirely. 

Ted Flo Rita, San Francisco 
(Golden Gate; 2,850; 44-55-75)— With 
•Here We Go Again' (RKO). Band 
Is aiding film towards smash $30,000. 

Glen Gray, Pittsburgh (Stanley; 
3.800; 30-44-55-66)— With Dixie Dun- 
bar and 'You Can't Escape Forever' 
(WB). Not up to what Casa Loma 
outfit has done here in past, and 
$1A.000 is only fair for WB deluxcr. 

Sammy Kaye, Newark (Adams; 
25-<!0-65-75-99)— With 'Not a Ladies 
M>-.n' (Col). Heading for wham 
$1".000, band being the sole draw. 

Stan Kenion, New York (Strand; 
a!;-55-75-85-99-$1.10) — With Three 
Stooges and Jack Carson on stage, 
•You Can't Escape Forever' (WB) on 
screen. Not outstanding at the b.o., 
but good at $40,000 or over and holds. 
Stageshow figured as lending good 
support. 

Cene Krupa, New York (Para- 
rijunt; 3,664; 35-55-85-99) — With 
Merry Macs, others, on stage, 'Major 
end Minor' (Par) on screen. Krupa 
and Merry Macs were brought in for 
the fifth (final) week of the picture 
and credited importantly with get- 
ting gross of $50,000. strong. Present 
Etageshow holds over to play two 
weeks with 'Forest Rangers' (Par), 
v'-ich moves in today (Wednesday). 

T'ed Lewis, Indianapolis (Circle; 
a.uJO; 33-44-55)— With 'Big Street' 
(RKO). Lewis gets the credit for 
hc-'.lthy $16,000 draw. 

'Ill Osborne, Passaic (Central; 2, 
8L.. 30-40-50-65-75)— With 'Phantom 
Killer' (Mono) and stage bill head 
lined by Andrews Sisters. Bright 
$17,500, Andrews Sisters accounting 
for most of the pull. 

~ick Stabile, Boston (RKO Boston 
8,-^ JO; 44-55-65-75-85)— With Jane 
Withers as stage headliner and 'Here 
We Go Again" (RKO) on screen 
Good all-around show rating big 
$29,000. 

Claude Thornbtll, Cleveland (Pal- 
ate; 3,700; 40-60-70)— With Mary 
Brian plus 'Here We Go Again' 
(RKO). Farewell week for navy- 
bound Thornhill, who is getting good 
cooperation from picture and pleas- 
ing $19,000. 




Noble Sissle, Oct. 20-21, Grant Park 
Hall, Charleston, S. C; 22, Sunshine 
Club. Orlando, Fla.; 23, Club Wind- 
sor, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 24, Sunset 
Aud.. West Palm Beach; 25, Apollo 
Aud., Tampa; 26, Sunset Aud., West 
ralm Beach; 27, Two Spot B., Jack- 
sonville: 28, Community House, Bain- 
bridge, Ga.; 29, City Aud., Albany, 
Ga.; 30. Hotto High School, Bain- 
bridge, Ga.; 31, City Aud., Birming- 
ham, Ala.; Nov. 1, Masonic Temple. 
Birmingham; 2-3, City Aud., Chat- 
tanooga: 5. Palace T., Elyria, O.; 6. 
week. Paradise T., Detroit. 

Doc Wheeler, Oct. 22, Benevolent 
Temple, Greenville, S. C; 23, Benev- 
olent Temple. Winston-Salem. N. C. 

Charlie Barnet, Oct. 24. Sunnybrook 
B.. Pottstown, Pa.; 25. Shubert T.. 
New Haven, Conn.; 28, Valencia B.. 
York, Pa.; 29. Empire B., Allentown, 
Pa.; Nov. 1, Aragon B., Cleveland; 
3-5, Palace T., Columbus: 6-9, Palace 
T., Akron; 10-12. Palace T., Youngs- 
town; 13. Aud.. Buffalo. 

Tommy Reynolds, Oct. 23. U. of 
Missouri, Columbia; 24, King B.. Lin- 
coln. Neb.; 30, U. of Texas. Dallas; 
Nov. 6. week. Blue Moon, Wichita. 

Les Brown, Nov. 20, Massachusetts 
Institute Technology, Boston; 26, 
Johns Hopkins, Baltimore. 

Jack Teagarden, Nov. 20, Lafayette 
College, Easton, Pa. 

Johnny McGee, Nov. 27, Franklin- 
Marshall, Lancaster, Pa. 

Jerry Wald, Dec. 31, four weeks, 
Sherman hotel, Chicago. 

Jlmmie Lunceford, Nov. 6. Par- 
amount T., Anderson, Ind.: 7. Wa- 
bash U., Crawfordsville, Ind.: 8. Mil- 
lion Dollar B., Milwaukee; 10, Rose 
room. Wichita, Kan.; 11, Memorial 
Hall, Joplin, Mo.; 12, Municipal Aud., 
Kansas City: 13, Pla-Mor B., Kansas 
City: 14, Frog Hop B., St. Joseph, 
Mo.; 15, Tromar B., Des Moines; 16, 
Dreamland B., Omaha; 17, Terp B.. 
Austin, Minn.; 18, Prom B., St. Paul: 
19, Surf B., Clear Lake. la.; 20. Drake 
H.. Chicago; 21, Jam Room. Milwau- 
kee: 22, Savoy B., Chicago; 23. Pur- 
due U., Lafayette, Ind. 



Elaine Castle, former chirper for 
Clint Noble crew, replaced Adrene 
Holland in Bernie Cummins' outfit 
at Hotel Cleveland's Bronze Room, 
Cleveland. Walter Cummins, guitar- 
ist-brother of leader, leaving for 
army. 



British Best Sheet SeDers 

(V^eelc £ndln0 Oct. 8) 



London, Oct, 8. 

Jealousy Wright 

White Christmas Victoria 

Anniversary Waltz Chappell 

Jingle Jangle Chappell 

Always In My Heart. , .Feldman 

Worth Fighting For Sterling 

Where in World Wood 

One More Kiss Maurice 

3 Little Sisters C-C 

Pa. Polka F-D-H 

You're Mine F-D-H 

Be Careful Victoria 



Armstrong s Top 
$1623, Spivaks 
$2,882; One-Niters 



(Estimates,) 

Louis Armstrong (Lincoln theatre, 
Decatur, III., Oct. 15). 'Satchmo' 
stepped In here and broke this 
house's record by drawing $1,623 
worth in one day. On Oct. 4 band 
cracked another record at Fisher the- 
atre. Danville. 111., with a 3,832 at- 
tendance, paying $1,920. At Palace 
theatre, Peoria, 111., Oct. 2 band drew 
exceptionally big $2,345. 

Bobby Byrne-Ann Dapont (Ray- 
mor-Playmor B., Boston, Oct. 16-17). 
Byrne and Miss Dupont's male band 
played to 1,800 Friday and 2,000 Sat- 
urday at 75c-65c for average $2,660, 

Teddy Powell (Ritz B., Bridgeport, 
Conn., Oct. 25). Hooming 1,480 at 
99c, band's best dale here. On his 
first date at Totem Pole Ballroom, 
Auburndale, Mass. (14-17). Powell 
did exceptionally well, chalking up 
new high mark for Saturdays this 
season — 3,600 dancers. In four days 
played to 8,600 at usual $1.45 pair for 
excellent $6,235. 

Charlie Splvak (Brookline C. C, 
Philadelphia, Oct. 17). Spivak 
cracked his own record here this trip 
by 450, piling up terrific 2.882 at 
$1.10. At Masonic Temple, Scranton, 
Pa., night before (Fri.) band played 
to big 1,869 at $1.10, best there in 
.some time. 



Bands at Hotel B.O.'s 



(Presented herewith, at a toeekly tabulation, i« the estifnated cover 
charge business being done by nam* band* In varioiu New York hotels. 
Dinner business (7-10 p.m.) not rated. Figures after nam* of hotel give 
room capacity and cover charge. Larger amount des<0nates weekend and 
hotidav price. This compilation is based on the period from Monday- 
Saturday.) 

„ . Corerg Total 
_ Weeks Pait CoTirt 

Band Hotti Flared Wenk Od Data 

Alvino Key Astor (1,000; 7Sc-$l) 1 3,250 3,250 

Ray Heatherton . Blltmore (SCO; '$1-$1,S0) 2B 1,000 16,400 

Vaughn Monroe*. Commodore (500; $1-$1,60) 2 2,025 2,575 

Lanl Mclntire*. ,. Lexington (300; 7Bc-$1.50) 36 1,875 55,750 

Harry James Lincoln (225; $1.50-$2) 2 1,079 4,17S 

Benny Goodman*. New Yorker (400; 7Sc-$1.50) 1 2,273 3,800 

Bob Allen Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$1.50) 2 1,450 4^050 

Guy Lombardo ..Roosevelt (400; $1-$1.50) 1 1,600 2 700 

Emil Coleman* ...Waldorf (550; $1-$1.50) 1 2,900 3,900 

* Asterisks indicate a supporting floor show, although the band is the 
major draw. 





Heckling Outbreak 



Continued from page 1 

stint at this house, theatregoers aping 
the veteran showman in his ecstatic 
comments on songs. Lewis wisely 
moved with the current, included his 
hecklers In his performance, and by 
sheer friendliness won them over. 

Benny Fields also was the butt of 
cat-calling. The minstrel laughed it 
off, stopped and chatted with his 
audience, then started again, with 
less 'shmallz* In his renditions — and 
got away with it. 

When Jane Pickens' voice did not 
pick up loud enough over the mil^e, 
voices all over the houses hollered 
'Louder, baby' at the Dixie thrush. 
Miss Pickens stopped, explaining that 
the microphone setup was not work- 
ing well and begged the indulgence 
of the audience, which good-na- 
turedly concurred with her request. 

Audience watching Pat Henning do 
his comedy stuff were particularly 
annoying. Finally Henning quit cold 
and drew a chair up to the mike. He 
explained the scientific makeup of 
the morons who interrupt stage per- 
formers to his audience and did a 
complete comedy turn, with imita- 
tions of the psychology of these cat- 
callers, from the time they enter the 
theatre, bent on trouble-making, un- 
til they reach the full flower of their 
expression. While still explaining, 
someone in the audience got up and 
shouted, 'Why don't you guys shut 
up and leave the man do his stuff!' 
That ended his troubles. 



Chicago 

OrIB Williams (Empire Room, Palmer House: 600; 
Holding up splendidly, attracting 4,600 people for week, 
the floor attraction. 



$3-$3.50 min.). 
The Hartmans 



Art Kassel (Walnut Room, Bismarck hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.). Popular 
Kassel brought in 2,400 in third week of his stay. 

Woody Herman (Panther Room, Sherman hotel; 800; $1.25-$2.50 min.). 
A favorite here. Herman did tremendous business, getting 6,900 payees 
in seven days. 

Nell Bondshn (Mayfair Room, Blackstone hotel; 350; $2.50 min.). With 
Dwight Fiske as co-attrnction, maestro brought In good 1,800 to this Class 
A dining room. 

Henry King (Marine Room, Edgewater Beach hotel; 1,100; $1.25). King 
is doing fine business, bringing in 3,000 people last week. 



Los Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1.-$1.50). This class clientele has, 
so to speak, 'taken Martin in,' and with the football season in full cry 
that means weekend overflow. Call It better than 3.000 covers for the 
week, velvety biz. 

Joe Rclchman (Biltmore; 1,200 ; 50c-$l). Keeping Bowl well filled and 
has the downtown sector to himself, which won't make gas rationing such 
a worrisome problem. Another 5,000«or, better. 



Boston 

Bamon Ramos (Oval Room, Copley Plaza; 300; $1 cover). Ramos and 
show headed'by Joan Edwards, with John Hoysradt and Mario and Floria, 
received good start with big biz over weekend due to football crowds 
after opening on Thursday (15). Final three days of week, played to 800 
covers; Monday to Wednesday were closing days of Basil Fomeen and 
Dorothy Lewis Ice Show, who played to usual light 450 for early part of 
week. 

Jack Edwards (Terrace Room, Hotel Statler; 450; $1 cover). Edwards 
on 17th week of long run garnered 925 covers for new high mark over 
Friday-Saturday, only late nights, with overflow accommodated in adjoin- 
ing cocktail terrace. Dinner biz fine. Stays on to Nov. 15 when room 
close; for face lifting. 



Minneapolis 



Tommy Tucker Restored 

Tommy Tucker climbed back cn 
the stand at the Essex House, New 
York, last Saturday (17) evening 
after a two-week touch of pneu- 
monia. Leader got out of the West 
Side Hospital only the day before, 
but insisted upon rejoining his out- 
fit despite a still -weak condition 
which wouldn't allow him to do any 
more than put in an appearance. 

Batoning and announcements still 
were handled by others. 



Tony Di Pardo (Minnesota Terrace; Nicollet hotel; 550; $1-$1.50 min.). 
This pleasing band and supporting floor show acts, the D'lvons, Milbourne 
Christopher and Rhoda Chase, in third week continued to draw satisfactory 
crowds, averaging 450 nightly. 



Philadelphia 

Nat Brandwynne (Garden Terrace, Benjamin Franklin hotel; 500; $1.50- 
$2 min.). Getting a nice play here with 1,021 customers at supper with 
1,023 checked in for dinner. 

Walter Miller (Stratford Gardens, Bellevue-Stratford hotel; 250; no 
cover or min.). A total of 1,250 patrons danced to this Meyer Davis unit 
during the past week at dinner and supper. 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

Jimmy Dorsey (Palladium B, Hollywood, third week). Still on the fiery 
side and will push the count up to around 29,000 ai^d that's crowding 
the spot's high attendance mark. Last week (2d) was around 30,000. 

Ersklne Hawkins (Casa Manana B, Culver City, first week). Handi- 
capped by lack of advance publicity due to downtown Orpheum engage- 
ment but may pull up with 4.000 stubs. Helped by Charioteers, sepia 
group from radio. Hawkins in for two weeks then ice show and Paul 
Whiteman follows. 

Ray McKInley (Trianon B, Southgate. Cal.,Uiird week). Doing alright 
for a newcomer to the lists; posting 5,5()0 to build-as-he-goes. 

Mozzy Maroellino (Florentine Gardens, Hollywood, N, second week). 
Helping Nils Granlund run up a rousing 6,000 count. 



(Chicapo) 

Buddy Franklin (Chez Paree; 650; $3-$3.S0 min.). Helped by between- 
headliners show. Franklin attracted 3,300 people for week. 

Chico Marx (Blackhawk; 500; $1.25 min.). Marx is bringing in better 
mSney crowd than Blackhawk has ever known, with champagne popping 
nightly. Biz even better financially than great 2,600 buyees attending 
indicates. 



(Minneapolis) 

Jack Crawford (Happy Hour; 600; no cover or min.). First week for 
Crawford band, plus Slim & Sweets, floor show act, brought In approxi- 
mately 500 nightly which was considered okeh. This is only Twin City 
spot playing well-known bands. Fats Waller underline. 



Corp. Harold Oshry, formerly as- 
sociated with Charles Shribman's 
band booking office, has been as- 
signed to the Army Administrative 
Officer Candidate School at Fargo, 
N. D. 



Simmons Thomas, who was sax 
man for Mai Hallett previously, add- 
ed to Sammy Watkins' orch at Hol- 
lenden's Vogue Room, Cleveland. 
Succeeds Syd Watkins, maestro's 
brother, whose draft number is up. 



MOSX CONSISTENXri; PLATKD SONG IN AMERICA 

"STRICTLY INSTRUMENTAL" 

RKCORDED DT 

HARRY JAMES (COL.) BOB CHESTER (BLUEBIRD) 

JERRY WALD (DECCA) JIMMIE LUNCEFORD (DECCA) 

CHERIO MUSIC PUBLISHERS, INC. 



Wednesdaji October 21, 1942 



Aillert Gets An Okay From Ifwood 
Songwriters for Classification Plan 



Hollywood. Oct. 20. 
•You can go back to New York and 
tell them that the plan Is okay with 

"'ifot In so many words but unmis- 
takably of that sentiment were the 
150 songwriter-members of ASCAP 
who put their stamp of approval on 
the Ahlert-Leslie reclassIBcation 
plan of royalty payment following 
a three-hour explanation of the new 
setup by Fred Ahlert and a long dis- 
cussion thereafter. It was one of the 
most peaceful meetings held here in 
years, in fact so much so that Jerome 
Kern described It as actually 'digni- 
fied.' The Coast 'rebels' didn't kick 
up their heels and L. Wolfe Gilbert 
was only mildly obstreperous in his 
objections, not to the plan, but its 
timing, arguing that this Is no time 
to change things when everyone else 
is thinking about freezing. 

Ahlert spoke plainly of the bene- 
■ flts of the plan to 'producers' but 
was quick to add that the less fortu- 
nate would not suffer financially. 
He spoke reassuringly to members 
of the lower classes to dispel any 
lears of reduced revenue and sound- 
ed an encouraging note to all mem- 
bers, promising that no one would 
be unduly penalized by the new rat- 
ing arrangement Copies of certain 
phases of the plan were passed out 
while Ahlert explained their opera- 
tion. Discussed w«re three tables, 
to-wit (1) how all classes fare on 
the participating basis, (2) how the 
plan operates with the five new 
classes, and (3) how the 75% ef- 
ficiency award applies. ~ 

After the exhaustive explanation 
and discussion of the plan, Ahlert 
was roundly applauded. He then 
posed the question: 'Can I Interpret 
this ovation to mean that this gath- 
ering is in favor of ttfe plan?' Not 
a dissenting voice was raised and 
Ahlert remarked that his report to 
the ASCAP board would be that the 
plan was passed practically by ac- 
claim from the floor. 

Ahlert was given yeoman aid in 
putting over the plan by Stanley 
Adams, Charles Tobias and Sammy 
Slept. They all trained back to New 
York last Sunday (18). 



JUDGE BARNES 
CLARIFIES HIS 
AJJM. VIEWS 



Chicago, Oct. 20. 

Federal Judge John P. Barnes, 
who last week denied a government 
suit for an Injunction to break the 
Petrillo ban on making recordings, 
stated In a special memorandum that 
further efforts to upset the AFM 
decision will prove equally futile. 

According to Judge Barnes' state- 
ment, made here, the acts com- 
plained of can In no sense be con- 
sidered or held to be violations of 
any of the laws of the United States. 

Chicago jurist disagrees with the 
government contention that exemp- 
tion of labor from the anti-trust laws 
Is limited to controversies involving 
terms or conditions of employment, 
and that, since the activities of the 
union do not Involve cither of these 
i-isues, the union is subject to the 
antl-trust laws. 

Nor is Judge Barnes in accord 
with Thurman Arnold's expressed 
belief that, even though the musi- 
cians' union activities In this case 
might concern terms and conditions 
of employment, they represent an 
attempt by the union to force em- 
ployers to combine with It for the 
express purpose of restraining trade. 

This case unquestionably Involves 
or grows out of a dispute,' Judge 
Barnes said In his memorandum. 'It 
seeks to establish whether musicians 
belonging to the union shall make all 
the music that is to be made or only 
» part, the rest to be supplied by 
records, transscriptlona and by ama- 
teur musicians.' 

Judge Barnes contended that the 
complaint failed to state any claims 
on which the injunction could be 
Rranted. The acta complained of,' 
said, 'are of the kind specified in 
tiie Clayton Act and may not be held 
JO be violations of any law of the 
United States.' 



ALLEGE TUNE SIMILARITY 

Say There's ■ Star Spaneled Banner' 
Sounds Like Herbert 



The question of similarity has been 
advanced in the case of There's a 
Star Spangled Banner Waving Some- 
where.' The Warner Bros, music 
group has submitted written notice 
to Bob Miller, publisher of 'Star 
Spangled,' that the melody of the 
latter number has much that is in 
common with Victor Herbert's 
'Sweet Mystery of Life,' a WB pub- 
lication. 

"Star Spangled' has developed into 
a music sheet hit without the bene- 
fit of major radio exploitation. 



FOREIGN FUND 
SHRINKS ASCAP 
CHECKS 



After publisher members of ASCAP 
had received last wee'k their royalty 
checks for the third quarter of 1942 
it was disclosed that one of the rea- 
sons for the shares being 10% to 20% 
less this tim&was that an abnormal 
amount had been deducted from the 
designated distribution for the So- 
ciety's foreign fund. It has been cus- 
tomary for ASCAP to set aside 5% 
for foreign afTiliated societies but 
the share taken out of the past quar- 
ter's residue ($1,056,000) vras 10%. 
The foreign relations committee had 
pointed out that the Society had 
several quarters ago failed to make 
the required deductions. 

Another cause of much comment 
arising out of the latest distribution, 
particularly in small publisher quar- 
ter, was the size of the check re- 
ceived by Glenn Miller's publishing 
firm. Mutual Music Society. The 
latter firm collected $4,000 strictly on 
the basis of radio performances since 
it holds neither seniority or avail- 
ability rating in the Society. Miller 
joined in early 1942. Publishers with 
lengthy membership in the Society 
marvelled at the ability of Miller and 
such bands as Hal Mclntyre, Claude 
ThornhiU and Charlie Splvak, in 
which he holds an Interest, to pile 
up 17,000 station performances of 
Miller-owned compositions within a 
three-month period. Miller is now 
In the special service division of the 
Army. 



HEAVY COIN TIED 

UP IN FUTURES 



Trying to discount the future, what 
with growing shortages of copper 
for printing purposes, the music 
publishers are laying in large inven- 
tories of standard stuff. That goes 
for the popular music firms as well 
as the so-called 'standard' houses 
Ijecause, nowdays, every major pop 
publisher has a large catalog of stand- 
ard hits that sell through the years. 

This large print order investment 
—which also has an eye on possible 
fancy paper shortage — perforce is 
tying up sizable sums in futures. 



'Dixie' and 'Canadian' Set 



The Warner Bros, music group, has 
obtained renewal rights on 'Are You 
From Dixie?" and 'Canadian Capers.' 
Both tunes were originally published 
in 1915. 

■Dixie' was written by Jack YeUen 
and George L. Cobb, while 'Capers' 
is credited to Bert White, Henry 
Cohen and Gus Chandler. 



Don Raye and Gene de Paul, who 
are doing the score for 'What's Buz- 
zin' Cousin?' at Columbia, have en- 
tered an added starter, 'Short, Fat 
and 4F, to be sung by Eddie (Roches- 
ter) Anderson. 



Meredith Wlllson has been advised 
that his modern roadway anthem. 
'My Ten Ton Baby and Mc.' has 
been adopted as the official tune 
of U. S. Truck Con.^d vation Corp. 



Best Sheet Music Sellers 

(Week of Oct. 17) 

White Christmas Berlin 

Praise Lord Famous 

Strip Polka Morris 

When Lights Go On CLP 

Spangled Banner W^ved. .Miller 

My Devotion Santly 

Army Air Corps Fischer 

Serenade in Blue BVC 

Pennsylvania Polka ....Shapiro 

He's My Guy Leeds 

Came Here for Joe Shapiro 

Wears Silver Wings Shapiro 

10 Little Soldiers Lincoln 

Kalamazoo BVC 

Met Her Monday ABC 



MUSIC 



47 



Judge Nixes Consent Decree Mention 
In Theatre Action Against ASCAP 



fitzins Fritz 



nti Pan Alley has bobbed up with 
a new World War version of "Keep 
Your Head Down, Fritzie Boy.' The 
title of the new one is 'Let's Take 
the Blitz Out of Fritz.' 

The writers are William Lava. 
Chester Root and Alfred Span, and 
the publisher, Mills Music, Inc. 



ASCAP scored an Important point 
in the defense of the $600,000 triple- 
damage action brought by New York 
the.itre operators when Judge Ed- 
ward A. Conger ordered that all ref- 
erences to Government actions 
against ASCAP be stricken from the 
complaint and that the plaintilTs fur- 
nish a bill of particulars. The Harry 
Brandt and Frisch & Rinsler cir- 
(Continued on page 48) 



MOVE IT OVER^ND make 

ROOM FOR THE COUNTRY'S 
NEXT NOVELTY SENSATION! 

Here^s Your Big Request 
Hit— The Perfect Gang Song 

The verse for your vocalist and 
the whole band sings the chorus- 



Loads of extra verses. 



MOVE 




OVER 



Stoi^3otmceThnpe 



By Sunny Skylar 




prir/aie to Ihe ser-ftani^ 'I muH Ukt. a. *f*tk to su yo/. 

pri- voie io ikt ma.'Jor, 'I'm, so ii r nd'oMM I luhd so Jar. 

ffi-vaU to iht ser-fBo»it, 'AU the Ui-bms art my cod an- fdm.'L 

pri-i^tiht ioVft ser-fearij "(k-Cn' dan-ciiyafutj tittd. a '^o/.' — 




5old.Vu, ser-^ntxA tofft fri-voStt, — 

SoLi. ihi ima,-jor 6» fle pri- rait, — 

Said V* ser~feani to the pri- rait, — 

Soii Vvt ur.feeaH to^ pre- rait, — 



youeofi sUtip iiJL ■rwcH." 

•TaJie a.in4>n2h.,elet pat.' 

" Hop in-sidle -rny cor. ' 

"/ tdU W tJuM an. ' 

'ToMtrny xifi , dli pel.'. — 




hOVE IT 0 ~ VEn VuTt 



Copyright 1942 by SANTLY-JOY, Inc., 1619 Broadway, New York, N. Y. 
International Copyright Secured All Rights Reserved 



SANTLY-JOY, Inc., 1619 Broadway, New York 



TOMMY VALANDO, Prof. M'gT 

BILL COTY PAUL SALVATORI JACK FAY 

Middle West Chicago Boston 



MURRAY LAZAR 
Hollywood 



48 MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



10 Best SeDers on Coin-Machines 



(Records belDui are grabbing most nickels ()iis week in jukeboxes 
throughout the coujiItj/. as reported by operators to 'Variety.' Names 
of more than one band or vocalist alter the title indicates, in order o/ 
popularitv, whose recordings are being played. Figures and names in 
parenthesis indicate the number o/ weeks each song has been in the listings 
and respective publishers.) 

1 (-,1 T„ v,i,~„, ^o^ ta\rr'\ J Glenn Millcr Victor 

1 Gal In Kalamazoo (9) (BVC) •, p,« » r« 

( Jimmy Dorsey Decca. 

2. My Devotion ,8, (San.ly, j ^aT/eYn °=oe ViX 

3. st.ip Poma (10) (MercoD { ^^^^^l^^ 

4. He's My Guy C6, (Leeds) | Sy'^sey; ;! 



5. Just As Though Here (8) (Yankee).. 

6. Be Careful, My Heart (10) (Berlin).. 



J Tommy Dorsey Victor 

\ Inkspots Decca 

I Bing Cro.'iby . . Decca 

^Chvlic Spivak. .'. .Columbia 

( Guy Lombardo Decca 

(Mills Brothers Decca 

Came to Talk Joe (4) (Shapiro) 1 S^LJ^^ . : ! ! ! ;BSd 

WhUe Christmas (1) (Berlin) } S^^^ak •.V.CoSa 



7. Met Her on Monday (3) (ABC). 



10. Praise Lord, Ammunition (1) (Famous) 



J Kay Kyser Columbia 

1 Merry Macs Decca 



OTHER FAVORITES 

(These records are directly beloto first 10 in popularlli/. Tunes with 
number of tueeks in parenthesis are fading, others gaining.) 

Der Fuehrer's Face (Southern ) Spike Jones Bluebird 

_ _ . ,„> , (Sammy Kaye Victor 

Stage Door Canteen (8) (Army) ( Charlie Spivak. .. .Columbia 



Silver Wings (12) (Shapiro) 

When Lights Go on Again (CLP) {Lucky" 

Mr. Five by Five (Leeds) 



Daybreak (Feist) 



At Last (Feist) 



Take Me (BVC) 



{Kay Kyser Columbia 

I Abe Lyman Bluebird 

Monroe ....Victor 
Millinder Decca 

(Andrews Sisters Decca 

(Freddie Slack Capitol 

(Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

I Harry James Columbia 

(Glenn Miller Victor 

(Charlie Spivak Columbia 

(Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

( Benhy Goodman. .Columbia 




Afflcr/n'f No. 1 Song Favorlt* 

HANHATTAN SERENADE 

(Popular Song Edition) 
Lyrlo by Harold Adamson Music by Leuit Alter 

/('( Timeiy »nJ Terrifi< 

HIP HIP HOORAY 

Words and Music by Henry Nemo and Milt Ebbins 
"Tuxedo Junction" onJ "Jersey Bounce" Rolled Into One 

TRAINS IN THE NIGHT 

Words by Bob Russell Music by Buck Ram 



- ^-j 100* APP" 



By Top Or«l«"«'* 



HOOO 



Theatres Can't 

— Continued from pise 47 ^ 



cuits head the group of theatre own- 
ers that are seeking to compel 
ASCAP to pay them three times Ihe 
license fees that had been collected 
from them during the past 12 years. 
It is unusual for a bill of partic- 
ulars to be granted in a case of this 
sort. 

Judge Conger's ruling was on a 
motion of Louis Frohlich, ASCAP 
counsel, asking that all causes in 
the suit dealing with alleged actions 
over six years ago be stricken out. 
Also that the plaintifTs be barred 
from making any mention whatever 
to the consent decree which the So- 
ciety took from the Government in 
1941 and the settlement of the De- 
partment of Justice's criminal pro- 
ceedings which occurred about the 
same time in Milwaukee. 

Judge Conger suggested that Froh- 
lich hold his motion on the statute 
of limitation angle in abeyance un- 
til after the bill of particulars has 
been submitted. 



On 'Nellie's Hat' and 'December In 
May* Suits 



SPLIT DECISION 



The E. B. Marks Music Co. ob- 
tained a split decision last week in 
its suit against Jerry Vogel over the 
renewal rights to 'The Bird on 
Nellie's Hat' and 'December in May.' 
Marks had asked the N. Y. federal 
court to enjoin Vogel from publish- 
ing the two numbers, but Judge 
Archibald B. Lovett afTirrned the re- 
quest only in the case of 'Nellie's 
Hat.' 

Marks had been the original pub- 
lisher of 'Hat.' He had renewal as- 
signments from tlie co-writers, Al- 
fred Solman and Arthur J. Lamb, 
who died before the last year of the 
original copyright term (28 years). 
Vogel claimed that he had a right to 
publish this number because of an 
assignment executed by a brother of 
Lamb which was dated six years 
after the last year of the original 
term. On this matter the court not 
only granted the injunction, but 
ordered that the case should be 'kept 
on the docket for such other relief 
as to profits, fees, etc., as hereafter 
may appear appropriate.' 

The facts in the 'December in May' 
case have also a sentimental angle 
as far as E. B. Marks is con- 
cerned. It was the first song that 
Marks wrote (1893). It was featured 
for many years by Lydia Yeanabs 
Titus and published by the late Fred 
Harding. When the renewal be- 
came available In 1920 Marks filed for 
himself and as trustee for the melo- 
dist, William Lorraine, who was 
alive at the time but whom, as Marks 
testified in court, he could not find. 
During the trial of the case Vogel 
produced an assignment from a Lor- 
raine heir, but Marks contended that 
he had a right to the renewal rights 
because of the trusteeship implied in 
his own registration. Marks pro 
poses to appeal this issue. 



Music Notes 



NBC. CBS^ Bine, Mutual Pings 



Following tabulation o/ popular music per/ormonces embraces all four 
netuiorfcs — NBC, CBS, Blut and Mutual — as represented by WEAF, WJZ 
WABC and WOR, N. V. Compilation herewith covers week beginnino 
Monday through Sunday, Oct. 12-18 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and is 
based on data proi>ided bv Accurate Reporting Service regular source for 
music publishing industry. 

TITLE PUBLISBEB 

White Christmas— t'Holiday Inn' Berlin 

Dearly Beloved— t'You Never Lovelier' Chappell .., 

Wonder When Baby Crawford 

Manhattan Serenade ..Robbins 

Praise Lord, Pass Ammunition Famous . 

Got Gal Kalamazoo— t'Orchestra Wives' svC 

My Devotion Santly-Joy 21 

Serenade In Blufr— t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 21 

Can't Get Out Mood— t'Seven Days Leave'... Southern ............. 20 

I Get Neck of Chicken Southern 20 

Came Here Talk For Joe Shapiro .... 20 

Mr. Five By Five— t'Behind Eight Ball' Leeds . 

When the Lights Go on Again CLP .. 

Idaho Mills .. 

At the Crossroads -. . . Marks . 

At Last— t'Orchestra Wives' Feist ., 

Daybreak Feist 

Pennsylvania Polka Shapiro 

By Light Silvery Moon Remick 

He's My Guy Leeds . 

Hip Hip Hooray Robbins 

I Met Her Monday ABC . . 

Major and Minor — t'Major and Minor' Famous 

There'll Never Be Another You— t'Iceland'. , . Morris 13 

When Long Way From Home Broadway 13 

♦This Is the Army Mr. Jones Army 10 

Gobs of Love Paramount 9 

Strictly Instrumental Cherlo B 

Be Careful, My Heart— t'Holiday Inn' Berlin a 

Blue Skies Berlin 8 

Blue Ray Robbins 8 

I'm Old Fashioned— t'You Never Lovelier'. .. .Chappell 8 

Kille Kille Santly-Joy 8 

'Left Heart at Canteen Army 7 

Just As Though You Here Yankee 7 

7 
7 
7 



TOTAL 

29 

28 

27 

23 

22 

21 



Rolleo Rolling Along Miller 

Why Don't You Fall Harms 

Street of Dreams , Miller 

Conchita Lopez — t'Priorities on Parade' Famous 6 

Everything I've Got Chappell 6 

Massachusetts Miller 6 

People Like You and Me— t'Orchestra Wives'.. BVC 6 

Singing Sands of Alamosa Remick 6 

There Are Such Things Yankee 6 

Touch of Texas Southern 5 

But 1 Never Do Forster 5 

Ten Little Soldiers Lincoln 5 

Better Not Roll Blue 6yes Crawford 5 

Every Night About This Time Warock 5 

It's Lonesome Old Town ' Berlin 5 

Worth Fighting For Harms 5 

Under Strawberry Moon Witmark- 5 

Whistler's Mother-in-Law Melodylane 5 



Lew Pollock writing tunes for 
Sweethearts of the U. S. A.' at Pro 
ducers Releasing Corp. 



Irving Talbot doing the score for 
Harry Sherman's 'Hoppy Serves 
Writ.' 



Sidney Miller and Ray Gilbert 
sold 'Send Me a Man, Amen,' to 
Universal. 



Cole Porter, writing the songs for 
'Mississippi Belle,' forthcoming fllmu 
sical at Warners. 



Jules Styne and Kim Gannon 
moved into the Paramount studio to 
write songs for 'Salute lor Three." 



Gerard Carbonnara -writing the 
musical backgrounds for 'Night 
Plane From Chungking' at Para 
mount.. 



Harry Bevel ard Paul Webster 
wrote 'The Sunbeam Serenade,' 'Old 
Timer,' 'Glory Be' and 'Hang Your 
Troubles on a Rainbow.' to be sung 
In 'It Ain't Hay' at Universal. 



John Llepold is scoring the Tech 
nicolor picture, 'The Desperados,' at 
Columbia. 



Don Baye and Gene de Paul do 
ing the songs for 'What's Bur.zin' 
Cousin?' at Columbia. 



tFilinusical. 
all users. 



"This Is the Army' publishing subsid, licensed freely to 



Inside Stuff-Music 



Tommy Dorsey is seeking to buy all the rights of 'I'll Never Smile 
Again' from Mrs. Mabel Sample, widow of Milton Weil. The band leader 
decided that he would like to have the song after he had turned back 
the Weil catalog, which he had for three years operated as the Sun Music 
Co., to Mrs. Sample. Under her deal with Dorsey Mrs. Sample became 
entitled to any number Dorsey published under the Sun imprint. 



Irving Berlin's 'This Is the Army' music is 25% on its way to bcconving 
a 1,000,000 copy score, with over 250,000 sheets having been sold to date. 
Of this 'Stage Door Canteen' has accounted for 160,000 copies, with the 
title song selling second best, and the 'Sleep' tuna third, although it's 
expected that when the latter is given a plug it'll par the 'Canteen' tune. 



Warners has incorporated a 1931 pop, 'As Time Goes By,' by Herman 
Hupfeld (Harms publication) Into its forthcoming 'Casablan'"'.' for Jan- 
uary release. Mose Gumble, of the WB music forces, has been given 
the special chore of making the 12-year-old ballad into a 1943 hit all over 
again, especially as a trailer for the film version. 

There are seven songwriters— as of this date — who have but to look 
around them for an Idea for an Army song. In the Army now are Arthur 
Johnson, Frank Loesser, Jerry Gottler, Walter Jurman, Lou Alter, Eddie 
Cherkose and Hal Borne. The list threatens to assume landslide propor- 
tions before it's 'Springtime In the Rockies' again. 



Jack Robbins and Carlos Ramirez were having a 'quiet' (?) ginrummy 
game at La Conga, N, Y., Latin nitery, and got a new kind of rhumba 
kibitizing. As the dancers stopped by, without missing a step, they cued 
the itiusic publisher and the singer which cards to play. 



As with the fertile TTie Fleet's In' score. Paramount and Famous Music 
Corps, are splitting the publication rights to the forthcoming 'Road to 
Morocco.' Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen authored the new 
Crosby-Hope-Lamour fllmuslcal which has a number of hit potentials, 
hence the utilization of two music firms to exploit it. 



Not generally known that BIng Crosby's four children, via trust funds, 
are in the music publishing business under the new hookup with Edwin 
H. Morris. Latter's separate affiliate, to publish forthcoming Crosby 
fllmuslcal scores, has the crooner's four boys as partners. Their holdings 
are administered by Larry Crosby, brother of Bing. 



NAVY DAY — OCTOBER 27 

Sulute Yoor Navy With ihe Nn. 1 Nnvy Konc of World War II 

FIGHTING SONS Of The NAVY BLUE 

Prorrnalonal Miilrrliil AYnlliibIc 

VANGUARD SONGS, 1509 N. Vine St., Hollywood, Cal. 



ROBBINS MUSIC. CORPORATION 



7 9 9 SEVENTH 



' E N 'J f : 

MU^« A Y 0 •■■ ^-y Vg. 



Wednesday, October 21, 194» 



TAUDEVILLE 49 




Cleve. Cafes Deplore 'Futility to Abide 
By Law Governing Rum Sales to Minors 



Cleveland, Oct. 20. 
Raids of slate liquor agents on 
some of Cleveland's top-shelf dance 
boite.s and citing Hotel Cleveland's 
Bronze Room last week for selling 
hiccup-water to minors are present- 
ing reputable nitery operators with 
another headache-producing war 
problem. 

The question seems to be: How 
are you going to keep the kids out 
of liquor barns, when defense plants 
are giving them big money and a 
taste for high living? 

Majority of night spots that want 
to .stay within the law (and also re- 
tain their licenses) are taking 
desperate measures to keep out the 
below-21-year-old youngsters who're 
feeling their war oats. They are 
plastering walls with 'We do not 
serve liquor to minors' signs and 
table-cards. Maitre 'dees and wait- 
ers also are getting jacked up by 
their worried owners who warn 
them: 'Don't let 'em get past the 
door if the brats look green behind 
the ears or look like trouble- 
makers.' 

But, as the Cleveland Night Club 
Owners A.-^ociation officially com- 
plained at its last meeting, it'.<; be- 
coming more and more difficult to 
spot the below-legal-age hoofers be- 
cause of their generally more ma- 
ture appearances. Likker board 
snooper.s, however, seem to imme- 
diately spot thorn. 

Bronze Room Hit 

Louis M. Pierce's Bronze Room, 
where Bernie Cummins' orchestra is 
pulling .sellout crowds of rug-cut- 
ter.s, was badly burnt, although it 
double-checks its clientele very 
carefully. Four dancers in a party 
of eight looked as if they had come 
of voting age during the depression, 
the maitre 'd was willing to testify, 
but whippersnappers confessed to a 
stage agent that none of them was 
yet 20. Case is slated to be heard 
next week by the state liquor board, 
wilh Bronze Room facing suspension 
of permit. 

There are no penalties in Ohio's 
' statutes that can be applied to 
youngsters caught in such booze in- 
fractions. Except in notorious case; 
where they are sometimes placed in 
the hands of the juvenile court for 
delinquency, they enjoy legal im- 
munity after giving testimony against 
a nitery proprietor. 

For .self-protection the. association 
of cafe men is lobbying for legisla- 
tion that will put more teeth into 
liquor laws to bite the kindergarten 
cut-ups right where it hurts. Idea 
is to require every person in Ohio 
to buy a permit, certifying he or she 
is old enough to buy a drink. 



New Cleveland Cafe 



Cleveland, Oct. 20. 

'Doc' Philly, who also manages the 
Gourmet Club, Is opening the first 
new nitery the town has had since 
Pearl Harbor. Built in heart of the- 
atrical sector, spot will be labeled 
either the Carleton or Savoy Club 
for early November preem. 

Freddie Meyers, whose Freddie's 
Cafe was shuttered by failure to get 
new music license. Is reported to 
have an interest In it. 



Honor Piermont 
At N. Y. Dinner 
Prior to Induction 



CUED BY NAME 





$8,500 Weekly, Splits for 
Billy Rose's 'Mrs. Astor's 
Pet Hor8e'-U;iiff Fischer 
Maps Frank Fay-Ann 
Corio 'Folies Bergere' 



Theatres Held liable By Fed Agents 
For Social Sec, Jobless Insurance 
Taxes on Stage Talent; Brandts Cited 



TRAVEL LIGHT 



National, in Louisville, 
Now Playing Live Shows 

Louisville, Ky., Oct. 20. 
Downtown houses are now operat- 
ing 100% with the reopening of the 
National, 2,400-seater, on full week 
basi.s. The house has been darK 
since la.st spring, when Bert Smith 
closed his tab musical after a run 
of several months. House was 
taken over couple of weeks ago by 
John Lair, who is doing bumper 
busine.ss with his Renfro Valley 
Barn Dance on Saturday nights, and 
airing over WHAS. His one-night 
venture a flnancial success. Lair has 
brought Louis Morgan, Chicago pro- 
ducer, to town as resident manager 
of the house, and they are looking 
over the field for available stage at- 
tractions. 

Blackstone, magician, with a two- 
hour .show, is the opening bill, with 
* full length pic as supporting fare 
New .show opened today (20). 

Policy of the house will be stage 
show.s .six days a week, with the 
Renfro Valley crew taking over on 
Saturdays only. It is anticipated 
that a midnight show will be played 
by the regular weekly attraction, to 
grab some of the defense worker 
and soldier coin in ^circulation over 
the weekend. ' 



Nearly 200 pals and a.ssociates 
from in and out of show business 
last Wedne.sday (14) jammed the up- 
stairs dining room of Toots Shor's 
N. Y. restaurant for a sendoff party 
to Capt. Sidney H. Piermont, Loew's 
booker now in the Army Specialist 
Corps stationed at Fore Meade, 
Maryland. It was the consensus of 
opinion that the affair was one of 
the most sincere in the annals of 
such events in the trade; that not 
even the crack levity of George 
Jesscl and toastmaster Jay C. Flip- 
pen could cover up the basic serious- 
ness of a man going off to war. 

Friday afternoon (16). also at 
Shor's, there was another large 
turnout at a sendoff luncheon for I. 
Robert Broder, prominent theatrical 
attorney, who entered the Army as 
a private. Broder had been Inducted 
the week before, but got a two-week 
furlough and reported yesterday 
(Tuesday) for services at Camp Dix, 
N. J. 

The festivities for Piermont, who 
wore his uniform for the first time, 
included, besides Je.ssel and Flippen, 
James J. Walker, Bob O'Donnell, of 
the Interstate Circuit; Marvin 
Schenck, Loew's; Abe Lastfogel, 
William Morris office exec; Harry 
Kalmine. 'heatre operating exec for 
Warner Bros., and Jesse Kaye, Pier- 
mont's successor at Loew's, on the 
dais. Most of them spoke briefly, but 
one of the best talks of the night was 
delivered by Rabbi Burstein, of the 
West 47th street synagogue. 

A Tear, A Laugh 

Its axiomatic of Broadway to 
cover a tear with a laugh, but on two 
occasions Piermont himself forgot 
thejormula and wept unashamedly. 
First, when Rabbi Burstein was 
halfway through his exceptional, 
albeit serious talk, at the end of 
which he presented Capt. Piermont 
wilh a religious amulet. The second 
time Piermont's eyes watered was 
when a telegram from the ailing J 
II. Lubin, Loew's general booking 
manager, was read. The tie between 
Lubin and Piermont has been almost 
paternal. 

Flippen, with a joke here and an 
(Continued on page sl ) 



The growing scarcity of top name 
bands available for touring, both be- 
cause of the draft and bus and r.r. 
restrictions, is resulting in a revival 
of high budget stage units. One, 
Billy Rose's 'Mrs. Astor's Pet Horse,' 
is already touring theatres, where it's 
getting guarantees of $8,500 weekly, 
plus splits over certain grosses. 

In line with the new trend, Clifford 
C. Fischer is mapping a 'Folies Ber- 
gere,' in which Frank Fay and Ann 
Corio will headline. He also plans 
an 'Artists and Models' tab for a pic- 
ture house tour. The Shuberts will 
participate in both units, as they do 
in Fischer's 'Priorities,' straight- 
vauder with Lou Holtz and Willie 
Howard that's currently cleaning up 
in Boston. Like Rose's unit, Fischer 
will probably ask guarantees of $8, 
500 weekly plus percentages. 

It's been several years since a 
flock of high-budget units toured in 
any one season. Of late, in fact. Earl 
Carroll, with his 'Vanities' tabs, and 
Harry Howard, with $5,000, or there- 
abouts, units, had that field pretty 
much to themselves It's probable 
that Carroll will again tour this sea 
son with a new 'Vanities' unit. 

George White has been planning 
a condensed version of 'Panama Hat 
tie,' and he has some booking com' 
mitments with RKO, but it's not defi- 
nite now that he'll go through with 
the unit plans. Instead, he may pro 
duce a 'Scandals' for Broadway. 

The costly units, however, face a 
similar transportation problem as 
bands. It's conceded that they'll have 
to be light scenically, due to 
shortage of baggage cars. 



the 



PAY SCALE UP 
FOR NEW YORK 
CLUBS 



New York local 802 of the Amer 
ican Federation of Musicians is rais- 
ing the pay scale on club jobs within 
its jurisdiction. Payoff currently is 
$14 per man for five hours, 9 p.m. to 
2 a.m.; it will be $14 a man for four 
hours. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., overtime 
thereafter. 

Change goes into effect Nov. 1. 



DOC MARCUS SQUAWKS 
ON SLATE BROS. 'LIFT 



Rardin's Tip With' Stamps' 



Seattle, Oct. 20. 
Credit for furthering the idea of 
tipping with War Stamps is given 
locally by the press to Joey Rardin, 
who advocated the plan while re- 
cently appearing at nearby Army 
camps. 

Rardin is emcee with the Camel 
Caravan, recently succeeding Pinky 
Tomlin in that spot. 



Leon-Eddie s Has 
Till Saturday For 
AGVATPact 



The international Board of the 
Associated Actors and Artistes of 
America, sitting as the governing 
Board of the American Guild. of Va-. 
riety Artists, has passed a resolu- 
tion calling on the Leon' & Eddie's 
nitery. New York, to sign a mini- 
mum basic agreement with an 'A' 
classification with AGVA or be put 
on the unfair list of all 4A's mem- 
bers. 

Leon & Eddie's had been operat- 
ing under an AGVA pact negotiated 
by a previous union administration, 
which, in practice, gave the nitery 
a classification of its own. This 
called for minimums of $50 to prin- 
cipals and $30 to chorus and per- 
mitted four shows a night. Other 
night spots in New York contested 
this 'favored' treatment and, as part 
of the current AGVA administra- 
tion's drive for better contracts In 
New York, L-E's pact was not re- 
newed. The union has asked for an 
'A' classification, which would re- 
quire $75-$45 minimums, permit only 
three show^ a night and require pro- 
rata payment for additional shows. 

L-E's protested and carried the 
case from the jurLsdiction of the 
New York local of AGV.\ to the 
AGVA national office, where, after 
an impasse, the matter was put be- 
fore the 4A's international - Board. 

The 4A'8 resolution instructed 
AGVA to notify the nitery of its 
decision, which was done by regis- 
tered mail, that the spot had 10 days 
within which to sign an agreement. 
The 10 days are up this Saturday 
i24), after which AGVA would no- 
tify the 4A's and Its members, and 
all would put the club on the unfair 
list. 

Since* the 4A's membership 
covers all the acting crafts the 
nitery would thus be without per- 
formers. _ 

Meanwhile, musicians and .stage- 
hands unions have been kept in- 
formed of the .situation and will be 
asked to support the unfair listing 
if and when it is applied. Leon & 
Eddie's is rated as an 'A' spot by 
the musicians local. 



New AGVA Scale For 
Club Dates on Coast 



Los Angele.s. Oct. 20. 

New .scales for club date appear- 
ance.* ill this territory go into effect 
Oct. 25. by order of the Los An- 
geles Local of American Guild of 
Variety ArlLsts. 

Spots within 15 miles of the City 
Hall are rated at a minimum of $10. 
Lowesl price for jobs between 15 
and 40 miles is $15. Radius of 40- 
to-60 niiJcs calls tor $17.50. and from 
66 to 100 miles is rated at a S25 low. 
Above the 100-mile limit, the rate 
must be determined by the agent 
and the artist. 



Doc Marcus is flinging a verbal as- 
sault at the Slate Brothers, current 
at Loew's State. N. Y., for allegedly 
lifting a comedy bit he has been 
doing for .some time, and in which 
he had the Slates participate when 
they were together at the Latin 
Quarter for four weeks recently. 

Slates- are doing the bit, an audi- 
ence-participation stunt with hats, :jt 
the State and Marcus is .squawking 
that they never did the bit before 
they played the nitery.. 

As there's no longer a show biz 
body to protect material, since the 
pa.ssing of the Vaudeville Managers 
Protective A.s.sociation, and since 
such comedy business can't be copy- 
righted. Doc Marcus' beef against the 
Slates must remain strictly a .squawk. 



Gerard Sets Tuoesters 
For Tollies of the Day' 



Barney Gerard, who used to write 
on the Metro lot. has signed Chet 
Forrest and Bob Wright, ex-Metro 
lunesters. to write the score for his 
forthcoming Broadway burlesquery, 
'Follies of Ihe Day.' Gerard, vet bur- 
ley producer, will do 'Follies' — his 
.standard title for many years— in the 
present-day legit manner. 

Subtitled 'Keep It Clean,' Gerard's 
.script will .satirize the yesteryear 
burleycue. Seymour Felix may stage 
it if he can get away from Coast film 
commitments. 



In a move which may affect all 
theatres in the U. S. using bands 
and/or vaudeville, Federal agents 
from the U. S. Internal Revenue De- 
partment last week stepped into the 
Social Security and Unemployment 
Insurance tax collection field with 
orders to the Brandt circuit in the 
N. Y: metropolitan area to prepare 
to pay assessments on the grounds 
that theatre operators are beiAg held 
responsible for those taxes. 

Revenue officials are reported 
making an assessment of 5"c on total 
salaries and wages paid to all bands 
and vaudeville acts for whom Social 
Security and unemployment taxes 
have not been paid since the incep- 
tion of the two tax measures. Social 
Security assessments of 2% will be 
levied back to 1937, while the unem- 
ployment tax of approximately 3% 
goes back further still. It is under- 
stood that the Federal Government 
receives a portion of state unem- 
ployment taxes and thus acts to col- 
lect such taxes where they have not 
been paid. 

Action, which looms as an indus- 
try headache, is traced back to the 
insistence of James C. Petrillo, pres- 
ident of the American Federation of 
Musicians, on the signaturing of the 
Form B contract several months ago, 
wh«reby theatres assumed respon- 
sibility for Social Security and un- 
employment insurance taxes. At 
that time, Paramount, Warners, 
Loew's and RKO were set to oppose 
Petrillo's demands but John Balaban 
insisted that Paramount sign. WB, 
RKO and Loew's then decided not to 
fight the move alone. 

Brandts As Test Case 
Government action against the 
Brandt circuit is regarded as a test 
case, with possibility that a similar 
stand will be taken with regard to 
other circuits. From the assessment 
being levied upon the Brandt the- 
atres, it appears as if circuits are to 
be held accountable for both the em- 
ployers' as well as the employees' tax 
payments. Theatres which failed to 
make deductions from salaries of 
musicians or talent during engage- 
ments would have no means of col- 
lecting the latter's Share of the taxes 
now. 

Meantime, theatre operators' con- 
tend that there remains to be deter- 
mined, whether theatres are to be 
held responsible for the entire 
amount paid a band leader, or if the 
tax is to be computed on the sums 
eventually paid to the various mu- 
sicians in each band. Naturally this 
pre-dates the Form B contract, since 
which time all 'employers' have been 
paying the taxes on the musicians. 

Curiously, in the case of the U. S. 
vs. Griff Williams, the Government 
took the stand that band leaders 
were independent contractors and, 
as such, liable for the Social Security 
taxes. The Circuit Court of Ap- 
peals ruled in favor of the Govern- 
ment in this case and Williams was 
last reported seeking a writ of 
certiorari from the Supreme Court 
in an effort to obtain another hear- 
ing of the legal issues involved. 

Recently, the Radio City Music 
Hall, in test cases in N. Y. supreme 
court and Federal Court, won test 
cases to prove it was not liable for 
unemployment insurance and social 
security taxes on outside acts, that 
it books. Both courts upheld the 
M. H.'s contention that such acts are 
independent contractors. 



Froman-ApoUon Back 
Fox Biggie at N. Y. Roxy 



Roxy, N. Y., booked by Sam Rauch 
of Fanchon Si Marco, is setting one 
of its costlier shows starting Oct. 28 
to insure big b.o. for "Thunder Birds' 
(20th), rated a po.ssible big-gro.-aer. 

Jane Froman and Dave ApoJlon 
will co-headline the stage layout, 
with the vaudfitm combo expected to 
run three, or more, weeks. 



50 NIGHT CLUB REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 21, I942 



N^ht Chib Reviews 




MAISONETTE, N. Y. 

(HOTEL ST. BEGIS) 



Freddy Miller (4) and Bob Terry 
Bands (Ri); $2 minimum. 



The Hotel St. Regis' ultra Maison- 
ette ftusse is now simply billed by, 
its flrst name. The Russe purt ha:> 
been judiciously dropped, not in the 
interests of snobt>ery, but in tech- 
nical adherence to realities. Where- 
as the present-day Russe calls for a 
salute to the proletariat, the sundry 
Maisonette Russes that formerly 
stretched from New York to Paris 
to Shanghai were all in the czaristic 
tradition of aristocracy and swank. 

Since the tenor of the hotel calls 
for a class room, today more than 
ever the Russe appellation would be 
a misnomer in view of the lush en- 
virons which former French de- 
signer, Jean Pages, endowed this 
boite. It's a rich gold-and-brown 
room, effective in Its simplicity, and 
so managing director Gaston Laurys- 
sen has a basically appealing class 
room. 

All he needs now is to put some- 
thing into it. Just two bands aren't 
enough. The theme this year is no 
more ice shows, floor shows, enter- 
tainers, etc., but this policy calls for 
a revision of plan, predicated on the 
business and what is unfolded. 

Freddy Miller's instrumental quar- 
tet Is a suave enough cocktail coml>o, 
and Bob Perry's major dance band 
(8) is sufFicient unto the hoofing 
purpose thereof, but the Maisonette 
calls for something extra. It's an 
Ideal setting for a neat name and 
business could be commensurately 
very worthwhile with some such 
attraction as a Hildegarde or a Jean 
Sablon, 

The atmosphere Is ultra: the 
cuisine is in the best Russo-French 
tradition; the service Impeccable, un- 
der maitrp August's supervision, but 
biz is NSO. Same is said to hold 
true in the main floor Iridium Room, 
where the former ice revues have 
now b^en displaced by Paul Sparr 
end Ethel Smith's instrumental 
combos, brought downstairs from the 
Viennese Roof, In both boites. in 
keeping with the new wartime idiom, 
the keynote now calla tor informal 
dress. In both, business calls for 
something new which must be added 
to hypo the b.o. Abel. 



Cocoanut Grove, N. Y. 

(PARK CENTRAL HOTEL) 



Line (8), Daro & Corda, Lazara & 
Castellanot, Bunny Hotnard, Yacht 
Club Boys (4), Arturo Arturos and 
Louis Bettencourt's Orch, Wendy 
Bishop; $1-3 minimums. 



generally seems to be out of place 
in this setting. 

The eight line girls are all shapely, 
young and oka.v for the optics, ap- 
pearing three times in routines de- 
signed neatly by Jennetle Hackett. 
The line also engages in the P.C.'s 
standard hobby-hoise race prelimi- 
nary to a customer competition, for 
which the flrst prize is a bottle of 
champagne. 

Arturo Arturos and Louis Betten- 
court's bands alternate neatly on the 
stand. Arturos plays the show and 
straight hoofology, with Bcttencourt 
handling the Latin rhythms. Wendy 
Bishop, vocalist with Arturos, lends 
considerable of a decorative touch. 

Kahn. 



MAYFAIR, BOSTON 



Bo.iton. Oct. 16. 
Bill Robinson, Cynda Glenn. Carol 
& Columbus, May/air Girls (8); Bill 
Dooley's orch; Don Rice's orch; min- 
imum $2 u-eehdays, $3. 



What was seemingly a sock formula 
for success in the early "303 has ap- 
parently served the Yacht Club Boys 
well in the revival of the harmony- 
turn that, at its peak more than a 
decade ago, made them the wows of 
' vaudeville, films and niteries. With 
only Charlie Adler and George Kelly 
remaining of the quartet that at one 
time or another also included Jimmy 
Kern, Billy Mann and the late Chick 
Endor, the Yachters have maintained 
the former stylism, and it still man- 
ages to achieve considerable cus- 
tomer approbation. Rodney Mc- 
Lennqn and Billy Dwyer are the re- 
cent replacements. 

The nitery's management has 
given the headliners somewhat of a 
nautical billing, but the title of the 
show. The Fleet's Here,' only serves 
to suggest its elementary purpose — 
a rather Innocuous back-up for the 
singing quartet. All the other talent 
are strictly of the landlubber type, 
and leaning towards the Latin. 

The Yachters are still vocaling. In 
their recitative style, all things 
topical, and they reach back for 
some of the better lyrics of their 
heyday. Some of the gags that they 
Interpolate Into their turn are also 
old, but the method of presentation, 
though smacking of corn, manages to 
get by sufficiently well for most 
nitery patrons. Audience, when 
caught, brought them back for a 
couple of encores. 

Bunny Howard is a singer of pops 
and gets by on looks and a fairly 
pleasant voice. A brighter gown, 
however, than the black, white- 
specked one she wore at this catch- 
ing would be more in order. It is 
much too drab in contrast to the 
rather conservative interior of this 
room. 

Daro and Corda are a comedy ball- 
room team that goes over mostly via 
the girrs contortions. The comedy 
is rather nebulous and evokes an in- 
evitable comparison to the Hart- 
mans, and the former don't get the 
best of It. The act needs consider- 
ably more briskness, too. The gal's 
a looker, and the finale trlclc, where- 
in she surprises in lifting the guy 
and spinning him on her thouloers 
with her apparently meager strength, 
is ■ good cUmaxer, thotigh certainly 
not new. 

Lazara and Castdlanoi ara voodoo 
dancers whose terjring diaraetalstia 
•re rather vague. The girl's ■ vivid, 
dark-haired looker, bnt the team 



Mickey Redstone, who sees to it 
that the Mayfair keeps up with the 
swank new Latin Quarter (which he 
maintains to compete with himself), 
has booked in a tasty down-the- 
middle show topped by Bill Robin- 
son, and is pleasin.^ the heavy trade 
that's been characterizing this spot 
for months. 

Bojangles works harder and long- 
er here than he has since "The Hot 
Mikado.' getting off his usual assort- 
ment of stories and asides and going 
through a peppery set of tap and 
soft shoe routines. Chastened some- 
what after his series of audience tiffs 
at the Boston recently, where he fell 
for some audience baiting and 
walked off in a huff, he was solid 
with the customers from the out- 
set, doing five routines as only he 
can do them. He finished with his 
old-timer stunt, encores with an au- 
dience-participation gag and had to 
beg off. 

Cynda Glenn, coming here with 
a staunch set of rave notices behind 
her, has the stuff but misses her full 
share of ktidos. As an intimate per- 
former, she needs just the proper 
setup to catch on — an always handy 
mike, for instance. -Her material is 
broad, but there's a subtlety about 
it that escapes if one can't hear 
every syllable. She works a conti- 
nental satire with a piano as a prop; 
does imitations of Miranda, Garbo 
and a sleazy drunk. The latter, with 
contortions, is sock. Charles Embler 
at the piano keeps up the tempo 
nicely. 

Carol and Columbus, a terp duo, 
dance okay inside the space limita- 
tions, catching attention with their 
rhythmic demonstration of styles 
through the years. Both have stuff, 
bnt need a better line of chatter if 
they're going to use any at all. The 
Mayfair girls, lookers, do a lively 
gypsy routine and a G-string butter- 
fly novelty. Bill Dooley, whose band 
satisfies the dancers, m.c.s the show. 

Playing to standees when caught 
Friday nite (16). Elie. 



MUSIC BAR, PITT 



Pittsburyh, Oct. 1. 
Two J's, Betty FaltJO. Genevieve 
Lipton, Lillian Morton, Phil DeJong; 
$1.50 minimum. 



Town's newest smash hit in the 
nitery belt is Music Bar, which was 
'in' 24 hours after the 'open for busl 
ness' sign went up. It's cozy, taste- 
fully decorated, with class written 
all over it. Not a night club in the 
strict sense of the word, since there's 
no dancing, but just a 150-seater for 
comfortable tippling and quiet en 
tertainment. 

Music Bar Is a Mercur Brothers 
venture. They've been in dine-and 
dance trade locally for nearly a 
quarter of a century and have had 
plenty of winners, including the old 
Plantation, Harlem Casino and, even 
currently, the Nut House on the out' 
skirts of town. While Al Mercurs 
been running the booby hatch lo- 
cally, his brother. Lew, has been in 
Miami for several winters operating 
a similar place but he's sold out 
down there for the duration and is 
back here again. With gas rationing 
around the comer and highway trade 
fast disappearing, Mercurs no doubt 
figured their Nut House has at best 
only a few months more, so they be- 

§an scouting around for something 
owntown. Music Bar is the result, 
and it should prove a gold mine. 

Entertainment, which Is practically 
continuous, fits In exactly with the 
surroundings. Two J's (Joe Lecksak 
and Johnny Butch) are at the twin 
baby-grands and offer some first-rate 
two-pTano stuff and during their rest 
periods, Skeets Light sits down at 
the ivory for a change of pace with 
boogie-woogie stuff, also vocalizing a 
bit Phil DeJong's a first-rate violin- 
ist, specializing in gypsy and semi 
classical numbert, and precedes his 
bowing with a bit of neat magle to 
give Ua turn a fresh novelty start 
Three gal alagers have been picked 
with showmaiuy. eye to varied types, 
(Continued on page M) 



JACK CABSON 
Talk, Sinfinc 
Strand, S. Y. 

Jack Carson, WB film player who 
has been gaining notice lately in 
productions such as 'Wings for the 
Eagle.' has a routine for his bit here 
thai could well be a review of his 
act. He explains he was told that all 
he'd have to do onstage is 'stand and 
let fans take a look at him,' which 
cues profile, rear poses, etc. One of 
his next lines is the inevitable 'It's 
great to be in New York. 

Though his apoearance here is con- 
sistent with most visiting firemen 
from Hollywood in that material, 
gags, etc., could better have been 
left home, Carson displays a likeable 
personality and the audience seemed 
to enjoy his bit. He winds up by 
singing 'Melanchaly Baby,' in fair 
voice. 

It's a cinch he satisfies the femmes. 
He's tall, good-looking and immacu- 
lately attired. IVood. 

MARTIN BROS. (2) 
Marionettes 
10 MIns. 
Strand, N. Y. 

Martin Bros, manipulate a group 
of puppets in a way that suggests 
they've been around for some time. 
Decked in bladk and never in the 
spotlight, which Is focused on the 
dolls, the two men earn solid 
plaudits with routines above the 
ordinary. 

Open with both men putting a pair 
of Latin femme puppets through 
conga paces in unison; next comes 
the inevitable skeleton dance on a 
darkened stage, also done by two 
dolls. Followed by a single clown 
bit which draws lusty guffaws from 
the doll's attempts to hurdle a suit- 
case. 

Finale brings on a blackface pup- 
pet In white formal clothes, a bit 
that turns ventro when lip move- 
ments of the doll coincide realistic- 
ally with the handler's voice. This 
winds with the puppet ostensibly 
playing the piano, being joined by 
another for a jive exit. 

Clever act. Wood. 



VmOINIA FAITH DAVIS 
Songs 
1* BUns. 
Embassy, Phllly 

Initial bow before a nitery audi- 
ence for the brunet daughter of 
Meyer Davis, society's favorite maes- 
tro. Recently on tour with .Ilka 
Chase in "Susan and God,' Miss Davis 
is a little at loss trying to divert an 
audience which is busy guzzling and 
eating. However, the kid is a 
trouper. Her voice shows signs of 
intensive training and she sells her 
songs nicely. When caught she sang 
'Make Believe,' 'Can't Help Lovin' 
That Man,' 'Left My Heart at the 
Stage Door Canteen,' and an original 
tune by George Clifford, Embassy 
m.c, titled, 'Midnight Mirage,' 
backed by the Embassy line. 

The gal can use a little advice on 
her wardrobe. When reviewed she 
wore a black satin, bespangled thing, 
with a black jet around her neck, a 
getup not in keeping with her youth. 

5hal. 



BOSITA A DENO 
Spanish Dancers 
7 Mhu. 

Belmont-Plaza, N. Y. 

Mixed Latin ballroom team has a 
trim act suitable for night clubs and 
hotels. Attractive femme '^nd male 
are diminutive, but make up in 
action what they lack In stature. 

Pair's opening stint incorporates 
back-to-back hoofing and twirls that 
are smart. Faster rhumba number 
brings in more movement and finale 
Is a whirlwind gypsy-like dance 
with the stolidly built male tossing 
the gal about like a ragdoll 'as 
climax. 

Both wear colorful costumes. They 
could use more showmanship, but 
that will come in time. wear. 



BILLT Se ANN TltlS 
Dancing 

5 Mins. 

Centfal, New York 

Mixed colored dancing team Is 
strictly a tlme-klller. 

Routine consists of five minutes of 
straight tapping. Biggest drawback 
Is lack of a good climaxer. Mori. 



LABBT STORCH 

Imitations 

T Mlns. 

Central, New Terk 

Storch essays too many Imperson- 
ations of screen and other notables 
and does none of them too well. 

He shows promise with one or two 
bits, such as the takeoffs on Cary 
Grant and Ronald Colman, but 
should cut his repertoire accord- 
ingly. Delivery Is amateurish. 

Mori. 



Circus for West End 

I^ndon, Oct. 8, 
London's West End Is to have a 
real circus for the first time In its 
history, according to local show folk 
with long memories. 

Big Top is being promoted by 
Ooodard, former police superinten- 
dent. 



Inside Stnlf-Vande-Nitery 



Detroit nitery editors, as well as that city's Metropolitan Cabaret Own- 
ers Assn., in Its advertising, are carrying direct appeals for the public 
here to make up foursomes instead of twosomes. It provides a sharp in. 
sight into the kind of biz the clubs are doing in Detroit — particularly on 
weekends; 

The appeal is being made along the patriotic line of 'sharing your fun 
with others and helping to keep up the public morale.' Back of it Is the 
nitery problem of having couples come in and take up a table where they 
could seat four. 

Several of the spots have figured that they have lost customers on busy 
nights by crowding one twosome in with' another. One embarrassing in- 
cident broke loose, not to mention a couple of fights by pairing up 
strangers. 



Units of the Izzy Hirst burlesque wheel will have a press book for 
newspaper ads and marquee and lobby displays when they go on the 
road hereafter. The neV policy was formulated by Hirst following sev- 
eral tangles with, newspaper editors and municipal authorities because of 
so-called 'lewd advertising.' In the past the theatre managers took care 
of advertising. 

The advertising under the new standard setup will be under the di- 
rection of George Nonnamaker, Philly publicity man, who has been named 
publicity and advertising head of the Hirst chain jof 14 houses. He will 
work under Jay Hornick. general manager of the wheel. Houses using 
Hirst units are located in Philly. Allentown, Newark, Pittsburgh, St Louis. 
New Orleans, Union City. Washington, Reading, Detroit, Dayton, Hartford,' 
Waterbury and Rochester. 



Bands and acts playing Stanley theatre, Pittsburgh, a six-day week, have 
always hated that seventh day (Sunday blue laws) in Stubenville, O., 
where they play the Capitol, a WB house. Now they hate it worse than 
ever before. Since first Stubenville show Isn't until 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon, in the past performers have always left Pittsburgh an hour 
and a half or so before that, since it's only a 30-mile drive, in busses pro- 
vided by theatre management. 

When busses became unavailable, Stanley arranged with fleet of airport 
cabs to take troupes to Stubenville, but government last week clamped 
down on this form of transportation, too. So now acts have to leave 
Pittsburgh by train to get to Ohio city and only train for there leaves 
Smoky City at 9 o'clock in the morning. Even as it is, WB has to hire 
an entire car going and returning (at midnight) every week In order to 
insure facilities. 



Eddie (Renee and) Root, ballroom dancer, has enlisted in the U. S. Naval 
Reserve, going into service as a seaman, second class, shortly. Simul- 
taneously, Renee (Mrs. Root) goes to work at a defense plant 

Root's' former partner, Hope Minor, was married to Edward E. Stokes, 
Cincinnati millionaire, last April, Root who was playing at the Royal 
Palm Club, Miami, at the tiipe, went to Cincinnati to give the brida away. 

Stokes, president of the Sebastian Lathe Co., Cincinnati, among other 
interests, who recently presented his home town with a Victory Centre 
built in the form of a battleship, donated his yacht to the Navy and pre- 
sented a tank to the Army, offered Root a spot in his defense plant which 
the former turned down in favor of active service. Root plans to train for 
a spot as an aviation machinist's mate after his preliminary training. 
He was a student pilot six years ago. 



The rousing click of George Jessel — the same actor, with the same 
jokes. In the same theatre, and within the same year — is still the talk of 
show business. At the Broadhurst, N. Y., in the spring he virtually did 
the same routine with 'High Kickers' (Sophie Tucker co-starrer) as now. 
In 'Showtime,' a vaudeshow, where he has been suddenly 'discovered,' 
including that 'Prof. Labermacher* routine. . 

The 'Labermacher' character is a grotesque refugee Czech lecturer and 
it recalls that when it was first done by Jessel, one of the N. Y. dramatio 
critics waxed righteously Indignant as to 'why the funniest thing in the 
show, an anonymous foreign comic, wasn't given proper program credit.' 



Gypsy Rose Lee has done it again. As with her 'G-String Murder Mys- 
tery,' her new 'Mother Finds a Body,' an Inner Sanctum-Simon & Schuster 
($2) whodunit is breezy reading. It's penned in her own unique style, 
semi-autobiographical, using her own name, and a pseudo-husband, localed 
in a tourist camp of a Texas border town which abounds with a 'Varlety'- 
addicted sheriff, dope smugglers, a dope peddler who's murdered, hurley 
comics, strippers and, of course, the titular "mother.' There are no less 
than three homicides and Gypola's bridegroom, Bi9 Brannigan, finally 
collars the guilty one. 



Statement In a 'Variety' house review of the Earle, Washington, re- 
cently that Ralph Edwards used plants in his 'Truth or Consequences' act 
in the stageshow Is contradicted by Edwards. Smoothness with which 
Edwards handles contestants from the audience in both his radio and 
theatre versions of the act has fooled innumerable people since 'Truth' 
was flrst launched, but it is recognized by those In the know that plants 
or stooges are not used In any of Edwards' goofy 'consequences.' Even 
Edwards is constantly amazed at the outlandish pranks the contestants 
will put up with. 



Audience yen tor comedy is kcynoting the initial weeks of the girl 
revue policies at the Star, Brooklyn, and Central on Broadway, with 
management at both houses admittedly seeking strong comedians instead 
of strippers or dancers. Raymond Bros., who operate the Star, are trying 
to line up as many comics as possible for the season and already have 
Chester 'Peanuts* Bohn set to open this month. They opened strong with 
Bobby Morris, another 'name' burley comedian. 



Mayris Chancy and Julio Alvarez are not splitting as a dance team 
following their current click at Bal Tabarin, San Francisco, as they have 
some film shorts commitments in Hollywood. Also further vaude-nitery 
dates, via the Morris agency. 



George Wood's tieup with the William Morris agency as a roving cafe 
and talent agent Is also a protection shot for the office, since Sam Bram- 
son and Jack Flynn of the nitery dept. are likely to join the Army. 



Joy (Mrs. Sam) Lyons, widow of the agent, is continuing her profes- 
sional career under that name, although known before as Joy Lynn. Her 
relations with A. ti S. Lyons, Inc., agency, headed by her ex-brother-in- 
law, Arthur S. Lyons, are a bit strained, due to some inheritance dif- 
ferences. , 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Qenway 



Saranac. N. Y., Oct. 20. 

Camp Intermission has shuttered 
for the winter season, and so Mrs. 
William Morris, bag and baggage, 
went back to Broadway. 

Richard 'Dickie' Moore, ex-W'll 
Rogersite, is now resting at the 
Steams cottage, 24 Front street. 
He'd like to hear from friends. He 



was of Killlan and Moore, standard 
vaude team. 

After a two-year bed routine. 
Harry 'Slipfoot' Clifton Is okay, and 
will soon resume work. 

Frank Palmer ogling.the big street 
and mittlng the folks in Harrison. 
N. J., first time away from the 
colony in three years. 

The local Fontiac theatre, under 
the management of Carlton Cornell, 
has passed the $20,000 mark in its 
Bond drive. 

Write to those who arc UL 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



VAUDEVILLE 



81 



HOTELS MAKING 
IT TOUGH FOR 
USO UNITS 



Company managers of USO-Camp 
Shows, Inc., back in town after th« 
windup of the current CSI route, are 
practically unanimous in their reac- 
tions to the living and eating prob- 
lems confronting troupers once they 
hit the small towns. 

The best hostelries are giving 
troupers, even names, a brushoflf 
when it comes to living quarters, es- 
pecially when a transportation snag, 
of one kind or another, brings the 
troupe into town late. The hotels 
would rather do a turnover biz with 
servicemen than book the per- 
formers. 

Another problem, confronting 
troupes arriving in town late at 
night, is the early closing of restau- 
rants of all grades. Due to shortage 
of help, the eateries are unable to 
stay in operation around the clock, 
have to close about 11 p.m. Around 
midnight, In many a sizable town. 
It's impossible to get even a cup of 
coffee. 

Jean Btoek checking out of the 
USO-Camp Shows, Inc., press depart- 
ment and joining Judy Medlock as 
freelance. 



No More Det Moines I 

Sea Moines, Oot. 10. 

With K mv>y lofal hotela taken 
over by the WAAC, and with the 
remaining hotels doing s.r.o. busi- 
ness, Ada Leonard, ivho brought a 
stage show to the Paramount last 
week, spent an uncomfortable first 
night In town. 

She slept in her automobile. 



LAURA 
DEANE 
DUTTON 

(Blue Network) 
LOEW'8 STATE 

New York 

Week Oct. 22 



End of liquor Store Strike 
In Pa. Averts Shnttering 
Of Cafes Lacking Stock 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 20. 
End of strike In state liquor stores 
last week didn't come a minute too 
soon for at least half of Allegheny 
County's night clubs and tap-rooms. 
Their stocks depleted by the 10-day 
walkout, during which time they 
were not able to make any booze 
purchases, spots were faced with 
either closing or continuing to ope- 
rate exclusively on a soft-drink 
policy. 

Rush to outlyiAg sections of the 
state, where stores were still open, 
emptied shelves there and situation 
was such right before strike was 
called oft that restaurant and hotel 
men's associations here were contem- 
plating a drastic protest to state gov- 
ernment in which they planned to 
hold state responsible for their pros- 
pective losses. 

Store employees, calling their $23 
weekly starvation wages, had orig- 
inally staged a one-day walkout two 
weeks ago buf when., they returned 
ready for work the fc/llowing morn- 
ing found the stores locked to them. 
Terms of settlement weren't an- 
nounced but they came under the 
heading of a 'peace plan' proposed 
by the state and accepted by the 
clerks and managers. 



Motter Kelly PoDs Out 
Of BVay Cafe After Tiff 

A tiff over a drawing account 
caused Andy Somma, who ran the 
kitchen, and Bob (Mother) Kelly, 
who fronted the Mother Kelly's 
nitery in the Wintar Garden build- 
ing on Broadway, to bow out of the 
venture. Between, them they con- 
trolled 50%, another syndicate own- 
ing 50%. 

Irving Zussman, p.a. and nitery 
operator, who has been doing pub- 
licity for Lou Walters' Latin Quar- 
ter, N. Y., now has the 50% fof a 
reported investment of $4,000 and 
other considerations. Mother Kelly's 
will reopen soon as the Mardi Gras, 
and Ethel Shutta and Bert Frohman 
are being mentioned as the new 
headliners. 

Kelly, meantime, is returning to 
his usual spot in Miami for the win- 
ter. 



PHIL 
REGAN 

On Tour 

Peraonat Repreaentatlvai 
PRANK VINCENT 
Beverly Hllla, Oallf. 



MVkee Eateries Close 
Due to Help Shortage 

Milwaukee, Oct. 20. 

Shortage of help has reached such 
proportions here, and the food prob- 
lem has become so acute, that many 
tavern-restaurant combinations have 
given up their eatery business en- 
tirely, going to the status of self 
service drinkeries solely. 

About 50 eating places have closed 
up entirely, the proprietors joining 
former employees in going to work 
in the war factories. Many are open 
only on certain days of the week, 
while others that formerly remained 
In operation until late at night or all 
night now close shortly after the 
supper hour. Patrons now have to 
hunt their spots to eat and telephone 
their favorite places in advance to 
inquire if they will be open at din 
ner time. 



Aero Hurt in Frisco 

San Francisco, Oct. 20 
Priscilla White, of White Sisters, 
aerial and aorobatic dancing act, 
suffered a broken nose and two frac- 
tured ribs when she fell IB feet 
while performing at the Music Box 
local nitery. 

She's at a looal hospital, while her 
sister, Crystal, Is doing a single. 




Longer Runs in Fewer Towns Cue 
Henie Ice Show to Ease Transit Snag 



Honor Piermont 



Contlnnea from page 49 



]afe Brokers 
In Split With 
Phiily Outfit 



Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 

The long-threatened split in the 
ranks of the Entertainment Man- 
agers Association (bookers) has at 
last come to a head here— and the 
only question remaining Is how 
serious the splitup will be 

The members of the organization 
who book niteries have quietly set 
up their own organization, known as 
the Cafe Bookers Assn. But there's 
a division In opinion among them 
whether to divorce themselves en- 
tirely from the EMA or still remain 
affiliated with It as a parent organ- 
ization. 

Chief gripe of the cafe agents is 
that the EMA has been run by club- 
date bookers who, they claim, know 
nothing about the problems of the 
cabaret business. "The nitery boys 
want their own grievance commit- 
tee, so that when they're hauled on 
the carpet for alleged Infractions, 
they'll be heard by a tribunal that's 
familiar with what they're up 
against. A more disgruntled faction 
wants to break away entirely from 
the EMA, claiming they get nothing 
out of the dues they pay to the body. 
The club-date bookers declare that 
lack of representation of the cafe 
crowd is the letter's own fault. They 
seldom show up at meetings, is the 
claim, and they let the club-date fac- 
tion carry the ball. 

Meanwhile, Florence Bernard, 
former president of the EMA, who 
has been nominated for another 
term, announced that she will de- 
cline to run unless there's a 'com- 
plete reorganization' of the setup. 



insult there, worked like a Trojan to 
keep the speech part of the buffet 
dinner from dipping too far into the 
trough of emotionalism. O'Donnell, 
briefly and Walker, poetically, were 
both in the serious vein also, so 
Flippen held Jessel off until virtu- 
ally the very last. It was conceded 
that two of Jessel's gags alone were 
worth the price of $10 per person to 
the affair; one paralleled the ulti- 
mate punishment of the Axis with 
the sister teams playing Loew's 
State, while the other concerned 
Toots Shor's rise to become 'the 
George Rector of N. Y.' 

Piermont followed and Anally must 
have realized how tough it is to 
close a show. He talked about the 
close bond between himself and 
Marvin Schenck, who gave him his 
job at Loew's more than 20 years 
ago, and Lubin. He also pointed out 
that when he was a youngster 
Walker was Mayor of New York. 
Piermont said he never dreamed that 
someday Walker would be on a dais 
at a dinner in his honor. 

The committee for the dfnner pre- 
sented Piermont with a gift of $1,000 
in cash. Another gift Piermont re- 
ceived was a watch from the Night 
of Stars charity group. Loew's also 
made a presentment, but its nature 
was not disclosed. 

The luncheon on Friday for Broder 
was attended by around 45 friends. 
Toastmaster was Bill Kent, president 
of the 'Artists Representatives Assn., 
and other speakers were Jonas T. 
Sllverstone, counsel for. the Ameri- 
can Guild of Variety Artists; at- 
torney Mike Vallon, Tom Kennedy 
and Jack I)avies, agents, and Joe 
Schoenfeld ( S o h o ) , of 'Variety.' 
Broder was presented with 
specially engraved wrlstwatch. 



Indianapolis, Oct. 20. 
Longer runs In fewer towns, with 
several days between jumps to giva 
baggage plenty of time to catch up 
with the company, will be the rula 
for the tour of her 1942 Ice revue, 
Sonja Henie announced here last 
week. 

The show, she said, will open at 
the Indianapolis Coliseum Nov. 26, 
then visit Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit 
and Madison Square Garden in the 
order named. According to present 
plans, it will reach Chicago Christ- 
mas night and remain until Jan. 7. 
The local booking is for 11 days. 

Miss Henie and her co-producer, 
Arthur M. Wirtz, indicated that 
transportation dlfflcultles may keep 
them out of western dates this sea- 
son. The show may stop at St. IjOuIs 
and Omaha on the way back to the 
Coast from New York if these prob- 
lems can be ironed out. 

The troupe already is in rehearsal 
at the Coliseum here. The military 
is dominant in routines. Catherine 
Littleaeld is directing the ballet 
numbers. A male ensemble, includ- 
ing boys under draft age, has been 
recruited, but the star still hasn't 
selected her leading man, 

Vnlon Wrangle 

Chicago, Oct. 20. 
Arthur Wirtz anil Sonja Henia 
have been placed on the unfair list 
by the American Guild of Variety 
Artists for refusing to negotiate 
minimum basic-agreement contracts 
with the Guild. 



Philip E. M. Thompson, peacetime 
manager of Atlantic City Convention 
Hall, has organized an ice hockey 
team to be known as the PhiladeU 
phia Falcons and entered it in tha 
Eastern Amateur Ice Hockey League. 



D 



Screwball Grid 



Continued from page I 



that and a bit of clowning on the 
side by Leon Errol with his rubber 
legs, Chester Conklln with his Key- 
stone Kop uniform and Victor Moore, 
who refereed the game In a jin- 
rlkisha, a lot of film stunt men took 
over the field and put on a rough- 
house all over the field, interspersed 
with music, rodeo riding and acro- 
batics. 

For the Leading Men, the lineup 
consisted of Rita Hayworth, captain; 
Allan Jones, Cesar Romero, Dick 
Purcell, Phil Harris, Anthony Quinn, 
Wallace Ford, Jack Mulhall, Tom 
Keene, Bernard Nedell, Broderick 
Crawford, Alan Marshall, Jack La- 
Rue, . George Montgomery, Eddie 
Norris, John Wayne, Don Barry, 
Dennis Morgan, Tim Holt, John Car- 
roll, Lon Chaney, Jr., and George 
Beban. 

Representing the Comedians were 
Betty Grable, captain; Arthur Lake, 
Billy Gilbert, Andy Devine, GU 
Lamb, Dewey Robinson, Don Bar- 
clay, Jack tlakie, J. Carroll Naish, 
Sammy Stein, Frank Mitchell, Jack 
Fredericks, Vlnco Barnett, Allen 
Jenkins, Fred Kohler, Jr., George 
Tobias, Nat Pendleton, Jimmy Du- 
rante, Buster Keaton, Bobby Bar- 
ber, Clyde Cook, Luclan Littleton 
and Clarence Muse. 

Edward Arnold delivered the wel- 
coming oration and turned the mike 
over to Milton Berle, who tossed a 
lot of verbal passes between the 
passes on the field. 



GEORGE 




CHEZ PAREE 

CHICAGO 



Somuel Letner 
Chicago DaUy Newt 
"Beatty scored highest on the applause meter." 

Sam Honigberg 
BUlboard 

"Qeorge Beatty, next-to-closing, scored with a set of 
comedy songs and his standard drunk bit." 

Charley Dawn 
Chicago Herald-Ameriean 

"George Beatty, a singing comedian, has a good chance 
of being one of the Chez Paree's successful laugh art- 
ists. His stature commands respect and' his song mate- 
rial is both new and funny. Listen well to his 'Peoria,' 
the tale of the 'Tattooed Woman' and the trials and 
tribulations of a guy who 'Married a Strip-Tease 
Dancer,' and you'll find yourself forgetting the world's 
troubles and your own case of the blues. I enjoy lauglis 
and I enjoyed Beatty's style of providing 'em. So did 
the Chez cxistomers! 



MANAGEMENT 

PHIL OFFIN 

48 West 48th St. 
New York, N. Y. 



sa HOUSB REVIEWS 



Wedne8da7, October 21, 1942 



PARAMOUNT, N. Y. 



Gene Krupa's Orch (16) with 
Anita O'Day, Ray Eberle, Roy 
fidridge; Alan Carney, Lathrop k 
Lee, Beatrice Kay; 'Major and Minor" 
(Pflr>, reviewed in "Variety/ Sept. 2. 



Gene Krupa's smooth outfit and 
Beatrice Kay are new to the stage 
lineup this week as The Major and 
the Minor,' mainstay of bill, goes into 
Its fifth week. Krupa's crew stays 
over next week with the new film. 
The le-piece aggregation, spotlight- 
ing the skins-pounding maestro, 
works at an advantage in the large 
Paramount because of the theatre's 
tisually fine production effects. But 
on its own it continues to rely too 
much on familiar niunbers and ar- 
rangements, with most of burden on 
the three band singers. 

Ray Eberle, singer with the Krupa 
layout, goes over okay. He's opening 
with 'When Lights Go on Again' and 
doe.s 'White Christmas' deftly. Anita 
O'Day does a swingeroo warbling of 
'Mister Five by Five,' but the audi- 
ence is left to guess the title of her 
encore, if it has one. Eldridge, Negro 
trumpeter, mops up with his blasting 
of 'Big Fat Mama,' with snatches of 
the chorus sung. He really scorches 
out the notes to the furthermost 
reache.i; of this house. Okay if one 
likes it. but too loud for most audi- 
ences. 

Krupa crew is Introduced via a 
giant drum backdrop, with motion 
picture shot of the maestro bearing 
down on the traps, this fading and 
the entire orchestra moving into 
view on stage. Band continues in 
about the same groove as usual. 
Krupa has his version of the 'Ameri- 
can Bolero' as excuse for the whole 
outfit to play the familiar small 
drums. It gives him the opportunity 
to work out an assortment of skins, 
with two kettle drums moved down 
front for his solo. Latter is exceed- 
ingly mild and nebulous. 

Miss Kay, from radio's- 'Gay *90s' 
program, is different, if nothing else. 
Most of her songs naturally are of 
the 'Gay '90's' vintage, but loud. 
Manner In which she kids 'Jingle 
Jangle' is perhaps a perfect example 
of how to ruin a good tune. 

Alan Carney's repertoire is rather 
familiar by this time. He's added 
several timely gags and new inter 
pretations, especially the 'united we 
stand' speech with his imitation of 
Al Smith. His satires are socks all 
the way. Lathrop and Lee, who are 
holdovers along with Carney, also 
register strongly, though in their 
fifth week. 

Business holding up well, consid- 
•ring long run of film. Wear. 



way, with a breakup imminent when 
the leader goes into tha Navy. 

Two McKennas give show what it 
needs in the form of fast, chuckle- 
filled, slap-bang travesty. Joe's 
mimicry as a drunk, punctuated with 
resounding prattfaUs, is sockeroo in 
satirical pantomime. Their burles- 
que on adagio dancers, with stocky 
liartner taking high dives from the 
op of a piano, had first crowd 
shouting them back for three en- 
cores. Pull. 



MAJESTIC, PATERSON 



Paterson, N. J., Oct. 17. 
'Temptations of Broadway' with 
Cy Reeves, Bob & Maxine Clayton, 
Kelvin & Lynn, Robb ft Clifford, 
C'tester Doherty GirU (8); 'Rubber 
Racketeers' (Afono). 



PALACE, CLEVE. 

CieveUind, Oct. 17 
Claude Thomhill Orch, Snowflakes 
uitfi Lillian Lane, Bttddy Stewart, 
Martha Wayne, Art Malvin; Mary 
$Tian, Joe & Jane McKenna, Marion 
Hutton, Tex Beneke & Modemaires; 
'Here We Go Again' (RKO). 

Claude ThornhiU is not having 
such a happy tiane on his farewell 
week at the Palace before going into 
the Navy Oct. 26. He may be one 
of swingdom's pied pipers but his 
orcliestra doesn't show to such good 
advantage in this bill which shifts 
uneasily from too much jive to Jests, 
with other acts offering a consider 
able amount of competition. 

His most dangerous competitors 
are Joe snd Jane McKenna, who 
knock the clients for a long row of 
laughs with their improved knock- 
about comedy, and an ingratiating 
vocal sextet from Glenn Miller's re- 
tmue. They all sell their wares with 
such enthusiasm that they practi- 
cally wrap up the show. 

Marion Hutton, Tex Beneke and 
the four Modernaires, who trouped 
with Miller's crew, have a distinct 
big-time slickness in their repertory. 
It's all tingling, smartly arranged, 
top-drawer harmony. They hit the 
button with each of their numbers, 
from 'Kalamazoo' to 'Juke Box on a 
Saturday Night,' doing a particular- 
ly neat job on 'Strip Polka.' 

After hearing them, the audience is 
spoiled for anything similar, which 
puti Thornhill's four Snowflakes in 
a lough spot. They precede the 
Miller aides, but they are complete- 
ly eclipsed. It's not exactly a fair 
comparison to the Snowflakes, who 
are extremely youthful and have 
not had so much experience, but their 
stylized harmonizmg does sound 
pretty sophomoric. Martha Wayne 
and Buddy Stewart in 'Knock Me a 
Kiss' sound like two high school 
([ids who could take some valuable 
tips from the sextet. 

Former film actress Mary Brian, in 
a dance act with Douglas Dean, her 
personable partner, ia a pretty grace- 
ful dancer who has mastered some 
nice ballroom lifts and spins. Or- 
chestral accompaniment at opening 
was very jittery but the boys prob- 
ably hit their stride at following 
performances. 

Yet they still sounded a bit too 
brassy and strident when whamming 
out jitterbug favorites. Only times 
that the band seemed distinguished 
here was when ThornhiU took the 
lead with his expert, rippling piano 
work. His version of 'Autumn Noc- 
turne' is his standout but the outfit 
oppears too taut and nervous. They 
can't be criticized for feeling that 



The 'resurgence' of vaudeville is 
old hat here. The Majestic theatre, 
last diehard of the variety metier as 
it used to be, has operated on a 
straight vaude policy during the last 
eight years, and managed to wind 
up each season in the blue. Eschew- 
ing name bands, film personalities, 
big acts and other furbishments, 
house dishes out its vaude straight, 
and makes it pay off. An 800-seater, 
the Majestic is scaled from 20c. to 
55c., an outstanding buy at this scale. 
With a twice-weekly change in bills, 
house is also giving its patrons 
plenty of variety. 

Current showcase, 'Temptations of 
Broadway.' offers 60 minutes of 
diversified entertainment that em- 
braces five separate acts. The Broad- 
way angle is provided by the eight 
Chester Doherty girls, who appear in 
three production numbers and keep 
the show nicely paced. Gals aren't 
bad for sight values and, wisely 
enough, confine their dancing to a 
few standard routines. Costumes 
show off plenty of epidermis without 
raising any eyebrows. The natives 
can take it or leave it alone. 

Bob and Maxine Clayton, first of 
the regular acts, have a good hoofing 
turn, and with a little more polish 
should be okay bets for the smaller 
niteries. Act, as presently consti- 
tuted, is too long and requires faster 
pacing. Gal is pretty, but costume 
doesn't show her off to advantage. 
Male hoofer could also do with a 
sartorial change. 

In the deuce, Kelvin ti Lynn, pop 
songsters who appeared here last 
season, go through four ditties, none 
of which has any particular merit. 
Get best response with 'Ferryboat 
Serenade,' an oldie. 

On next, Ben Ross's gags and 
crossfire patter with Mary ClifTord 
were mildly received. Ross hokes 
up the turn and apparently has a 
better time on stege than do most 
of his auditors. His Charles Boyer 
takeoff is plenty clicko, and would 
score in virtually any big house. 
Gal, an eye-flUer, is a first-rate 
stooge. 

Cy Reeves, who emcees the show, 
comes on last with a repertoire of 
chatter that want over the heads 
of most of the audience but would 
go over big in a more Intimate spot. 
Reeves, who should be traveling in 
faster company, knows his way 
around a story and would be an 
asset in any 52d street, N. Tf., boite. 

Jona. 



CHICAGO, CHI 



Chicago, Oct. 15 
Jaiic Pickeni. IVfarfej* & Mionon 
Jay & Lew Seller, Allen & Kcnt^ 
Maude & Jim Kennedy, Chicago The- 
atre Ballet; 'Desperote Journew' 
(WB). 



STRAND, N. Y. 



Stan Kenton Orch (16) tvith Dolly 
Mitchell; Dor^en Russell, Martin 
Bros., Jack Caraon, 6 Stoojges, 'You 
Can't Escape Forever, (wB). re- 
uieuied in 'Variety,' Aug. 26, '42. 

Current show is a winner. Backed 
by the solidly received Stan Kenton 
band and topped by the antics of the 
Three Stooges, it runs approximately 
one hour, but seems much shorter, 
due to the fast pace. 

Audience reaction to the Stan Ken- 
ton outfit, a California band which 
came east last summer with extreme- 
ly heavy advance exploitation, is un- 
usual. It is probably the loudest out- 
fit in the business for its size (five 
sax, six brass, four rhythm), yet a 
late evening audience, including few 
youngsters, evidenced a distinct lik- 
ng for its work. 

Lighter and looser in its arrange- 
ments and playing than when it 
opened at the Roseland Ballroom. 
N. Y., six months ago, Kenton's group 
clangs the bell often. It is clean as 
could be expected of most tired bands 
on opening night; it's full, and rides 
on a beat that, figuratively, sandbags 
one. From the response it gathered 
here the band is headed for better 
things:. 

Kenton has also straightened out, 
at least for stage purposes, his seem- 
ing aversion to commercial music. 
After an opening that sets his style, 
up comes an arrangement of 'Sere- 
nade in Blue,' featuring a five-man 
clarinet team, that's nicely done. 
When he's not directing in a style 
that reminds of a calisthenic. Kenton 
plays piano, and well. Dolly Mitchell 
is the band vocalist. She shows Just 
fair voice, but sells her stuff 
smoothly and easily, doing 'Idaho' 
and 'Hip Hip Hooray.' 

Doreen Russell, tapstress. shows 
unusual ability. However, when 
caught she had been ill through the 
day. and her work suffered. Her 
costuming, however, left a definite 
negative Impression. 

Martin Bi;os. (2) (New AcU) hit a 
jackpot of laughs with a covey o^ 
puppets. Jack Carson (New Acts), 
WB film player on his first personal 
appearance, gets by easily on per- 
sonality alone. 

Cleanup spot ia held by the Three 
Stooges, and it's a cleanup for them. 
There have been few if any changes 
in their routine. It's as dirty as ever, 
but they're smash hits. Material they 
use seems to land twice as solidly on 
a more sophisticated audience such 
as this. 

Biz good. Wood. 



EARLE, WASH. 



vole* to match and bla ua« of march- 
ing songa waa a good Idea. 

The vaud* speolaltles are not up to 
par tnii week. Top half ot tnt Kelly 
and Hayea a«t worka ■ barroom 
tenor for good results with 'Did 
Your Mother coma From Ireland/ 
but their opening bit doesn't mean 
anything and th« itrip routine like- 
wise misses fire. Noel Hlghtown, 
the other act on the bill, was ■ last- 
minute replacement for Miaco, the 
magician, who didn't show. He works 
in a red fez, deadpan, and uses 
breakaway musical Instruments to 
get laughs. His whistling and sing- 
ing are more effective. 

Charlotte Vogue, the 'stripper,' 
does a modified bump and grind in 
an early production number, then 
her specialty, a parade on stage with 
two Russian wolfhounds that detract 
from her peeling. Works under 
wraps all the way, yet apparently 
plea.<;es the trade. Fran. 

HIPP, BALTO. 



Baltimore, Oct. 18. 
Charlie Bamet Orch (16) trith 
Nita Bradley, Chubby Jackson, Huck 
Andrews, Cltj^ Leenuin & Howard 
McGhee, Artine Harris, Canfield 
Smith, Winifc & Mae; 'Counter Es- 
pionage (Col.). • 



•■ Washington, Oct. 16. 

Wally Bron»n, Oliue White 
Adrlana A Charly, Ben Beri, Roxy- 
ettes, Joe Lombardi's house band; 
"Flyinfii THfers* (Rep) . 



Excellent stage presentation fea- 
turing leads of recent, local nitery 
shows and the comely house ballet 
make for an entertaining hour's di- 
version at the Chicago this week. 
Full house at opening performances, 

Ballet gets show down runway 
with cheery opening routine which 
features pair of old-time dancers and 
duo of modern artists, doing popular 
tap steps of their day. Maude and 
Jim Keimedy, a couple of oldsters, 
step through Gay Nineties routines 
to great applause, with Allen and 
Kent, youngsters, terping modern 
steps. As modern pair does each 
new step, Maude Kennedy calls out 
its old-fashioned counterpart and 
dances it. 

Jane Pickens, who's just concluded 
a run at the Mayfair Room of the 
Blackstone, warmed the audience 
with spirited rendition of various 
popular songs and som« 'down 
yonder' spirituals. Southern thrush 
has a warm, intimate style of pre- 
sentation. 

Jay at i Lew Seller do a swell 
comedy act \/ith broken dialects and 
flashing red capes which tney twirl 
expertly. Pair then come out on 
half-moon comedy skiis and do 
hilarious turn in which they march, 
b.jnce and slide all over stage in 
exaggerated, about-to-tumble fashion 
to great effect. 

Martells and Mignon, three men 
and a slender girl, recently seen at 
the local Rainbow Gardens, offer a 
superior adagio act. Closing number 
of the Chicago Ballet, entitled 
'Autumn Nocturne,' is nifty to watch, 
girls being in br6wn and gold cos- 
tumes with huge gold scarves. They 



Production manager Harry Anger's 
new policy on stage shows is to dress 
up moderate-priced vaudeville with 
Qashy stage trimmings. With this 
gala decoration modest four acts look 
imoortant enough for star values. 

Opens with Joe Lombardi's 'Red 
skins' overture, which Introduces 
Roxyettes for flashy, red-costumed 
pigskin passmg, winding up with 
autographed football tossed to audi- 
ence. Ben Berl Is then brought on, 
working Ughtnlng fast with rubber 
balls and clubs. He has good com- 
edy sidelines. 

Olive White Is introduced as song- 
bird but does her best work with hot 
fiddling and hotcha on the tenor sax. 
Girl works neatly and act had 'em 
winging first show Friday. 
. Wally Brown, with double-talk 
monolog, mixes In some Joe Millers 
with fresh material. Really gets 
under tiielr vests with trip-ham- 
mer vocalizing, Adriana and Charly 
on trampoline are six minutes 
of swift aerobatics, featuring nifty 
leaps from the net. The Roxy- 
ettes with their bouncing ball num- 
ber close a short and snappy stage 
.chow without a lost moment. Arke. 



etch a picturesque and striking pic- 
ture on the dimly-lit 



efToctive fini to show. 
Biz fine. 



stage 
Loop. 



for 



STAR. BROOKLYN 

Bobby Morrit, Milton Frowm, Bcr- 
nie Miller, (Charlotte Vogue, Kelly A 
Hayet, Noel Hlghtown, Line (8), 
Showgirls (6), Mike Lorraine Orch 
(6), shorts. 

Now In Its seventh week with 
policy that Is a melange of vaude 
and mild burlesque, this house, long 
time burley theatre, continues to 
offer 85 minutes of diversifying stage 
entertainment. Staging is by Ned 
McGum. 

Opening number Is a can -can by 
the girls. Bobby Morris, comic fin- 
ishing a four-week stand. Is up to 
his p/evious efforts. Does the old 
blackouts, 'Who's Got Pockets,' 'Pay 
the $2/ and the 'Backfire Bit' for 
solid laughs. One ot the showgirls, 
Shirley Llnd, steps out of line to 
.straight and also does 9 bump solo. 
Milton- Frowm and Bemie Miller are 
the straightmen and know their way 
around. Miller also sings In produc- 
tion numbers and Frowm also steps 
out In one for a flve-mlnute chirping 
routine. He's a big fellow with 



Charlie Barnet is making a rather 
quick repeat here after a rather hec- 
tic week some months ago. Has a 
well-rounded aggregation leaning 
heavily on brass, and is. utilizing 
lights and production to good effect 
Fronting with his torrid sax and em- 
ceeing the layout, he enlists from his 
own outfit solo spots for Chubby 
Jackson, a personable and comic bull 
fiddler; Nita Bradley and Huck An 
drews for vocals, with femme scor- 
ing well, and a brace ot colored 
trumpeters who have their moments. 

Interpolated specialties spot, among 
others, Arline Harris, radio's 'Human 
Chatterbox.' Carries on a typical 
monolog a la feather-brained matron, 
and garners considerable laughter, 
Has good presence, but is somewhat 
out of place in this layout, with 
hand-clapping jitterbugs. hungry for 
jive and nothing else. Makes for en 
tertaining spot, however, andi gener- 
ally fits into vaude very nicely. 

Canfield Smith is a ventriloquist 
using a somewhat larger-than-usual 
dummy and manlptilating the hand 
of the prop as well as Use head to 
point his chatter and rather legit vo 
calizing. Has some okay materiel 
and punches out some strident high 
notes to a solid response. Had to 
beg off when caught. 

Wlnlk and Mae, boy and girl hoof- 
ing duo, smack out a routine of swift 
tappery, selling adroitly and contrib- 
uting a fresh ind pleasing interlude, 
Biz, thanks to vaude, very solid 
Burm. 



ROXY, N. Y. 

Stan Kat>anagh, Fred It Elaine 
Barry. Lou Skuct, Novack Sisters 
(3), Bob Hatmon, Gae Foster Girls 
Paul Ash, House Orch; 'Iceland' 
(20th), reviewed in 'Voriefy' Aug 
12, 42. 

Title of current stage bill at the 
Roxy is 'Pre-Holiday Greetings,' 
though the meaning isn't entirely 
clear. The Gae Foster girls' costumes 
for the opening number suggest the 
holiday is Hallowe'en, which is 
timely enough, but the setting for a 
dance number by Fred and Elaine 
Barry suggests winter, possibly 
Christmas — which is really reaching. 
Maybe th* title is just one ot those 
gestures and not to be taken too 
iterally. 

Stan Kavanagh, whose droll 
juggling has been a music hall and 
revue standard for years, heads the 
present bill, doing all his usual stuff 
and winding up with a strong stunt 
as he sings, tap dances and juggles 
Indian clubs while balancing a glass 
of water on his head. Dance act ot 
the Barrys. who appeared on Broad- 
way recently in the first 'Priorities' 
vaude show, is another high spot of 
the Roxy bill. Pair do three routines, 
all ingeniously conceived and at- 
tractively danced. 

Novelty of the show is Lou Skuce's 
cartoon drawings, projected on the 
screen from a desk-like contrivance 
on which he works on stage. It's 
pretty much standard cartoon stuff, 
with only the screen projection to 
distinguish it. But since animated 
cartoons on the screen are long since 
an oldie, that angle seems to lack 
)oint. Show opener, following the 
roster girls' Intro bit, is the acro- 
batics and balancing of the three 
Novack Sisters. It's an effective turn, 
though the ponderous comedy by- 
play adds little. 

Bob Hannon, something of a regu- 
lar at the house, sings two numbers 
iroficiently. First is the slow-to- 
gnite 'An American Prayer' and the 
second is the rousing 'Pass th* 
Amunition.' Foster femmes demon- 
strate their recognized ensemble 
skill, but their routines fail to test 
the girls' remarkable versatility. 

House was about two-thirds full 
downstairs at the dinner show 
Wednesday (14). Hobe. 

KEITH'S, INDPLS. 



RKO, BOSTON 



Boston, Oct. 17. 
Dick Stabile Orch (16) with 
Grade Barrie; Jane Withers, Paul 
Winchell, Betty Bruce, 'Here We Go 
Again' (RKO). 



Combining showmanship and prod 
uct, this is an okay show with 
enough jive lure for the hepcats and 
sufficient solid entertainment for 
the conservative element. Although 
the zoot suiters were conspicuously 
absent at the first show, making for 
an unusually quiet and well behaved 
audience, business was good. 

Stabile, whose outfit Is capable of 
solid swing as well as a distinctive 
sweet style, m.cs the show and pur 
veys his well-known sax virtuosity. 
The band leads off with a crisp ver- 
sion of 'Idaho,' then brings on vocal 
ist Paul Warner, who registers with 
'Just As Though You Were Here' 
and other tune£. Paul Winchell, 
billed in against the Bergen fllm^ 
'Here We Go Agahi/ clicks solidly 
notwithstanding the obvious com- 
parison between his and Bergen's 
dummy. His material Is fast enough 
and his vocal stuff novel enough to 
do the trick. 

Grade Barrie, certainly one ot the 
top ranking band warblers, whams 
with 'My Devotion' and 'Strip Polka' 
and has to beg off with 'You Irritate 
Me So.' She's got a more substantial 
vocal technique than most of her ilk 
put together, and this combined with 
her hep personality and her flair for 
the proper lyric emphasis puts her 
across plenty. 

Betty Bruce, last seen here in 
'High Kickers,' does three standard 
tap routines, getting a nice recep- 
tion. She'd doubtless go bigger if 
she planned a heftier wlndup, for 
her encore is anticllmatic. After 
couple ot J>and interludes spotting 
Walter Bushing's boogie-woogie ai 
the piano and Stabile's high-altlttlde 
sax-tootling, Jane Withers comes on 
in the featured spot 

Slanted for the younger set, her 
material's a little weak, especially in 
the standard vislt-to-the-stars'-homes 
monolog, which Is only occasionally 
funny. It elves her a springboard 
into her imitation of Miranda, Zasu 
Pitts, Hepburn, Shirley Temple, et al 
and they put her over. She sings 
'Three Little Sisters' and other tunes, 
but depends mainly on her person' 
ality and her hard work to catch the 
audience favor. She finishes the 
show on the upbeat, though, getting 
a handsome' hand. Elie 



Indianapolis, Oct. 17. 
•Hour 0/ Cheer,' with Henry 
Kramer's Hollywood Midgets (9), 
Mayse & Brach. Lou Ashe, Paul 
Kirfcland, Violet Carlson, Irene's Dog 
Stars; 'Timber' (U). 



This show has more novelties than 
a dime store. It opens with a dog 
act and closes with a troupe of 
midgets, running a wide range ot 
variety in between. The bill is get- 
ting a good play from the family 
trade, with Henry Kramer's Holly- 
wood Midgets as the main draw. The 
little people offer a complete minia- 
ture revue, brightly costumed and 
smartly staged. 

For a starter, the doll-like en- 
semble sings 'Hello Everybody' and 
parades' down the aisles, snaking 
hands with the customers. Then they 
go into their specialties, with Dolly 
Kramer, singing m.c, bringing them 
on. Margaret Williams and Eddie 
Adams do a nifty tap dance and 
Mary Lou Berryman follows with a 
rhumba. Paul Dale, a piping tenor, 
sings 'From the Halls of Montezuma' 
into a knee-high mike. Mary Ellen 
Bacon then displays the 'Evolution 
of the Dance,' from minuet to boogie 
with a modified strip-tease. Buddy 
Kerkendell puts on a comedy drunk 
act and Adams repeats with a 
nifty 'Goofus' dance. Miss Williams 
comes again with a fan dance, which 
is then burlesqued by Kaye Erick- 
son In his union suit and cowboy 
hat Marcella Porter does a neat 
tap-on-toe routine and the revue 
ends with a lively conga finale. It's 
well paced. 

The rest of the bill Is made up 
mainly of standard acts. Lou Ashe 
does an exceptionally good job as 
m.c. in addition to his impressive 
singing of ;There's a Great Day 
Coming' and''This Is Worth Fighting 
For.' bene has a lively routme ot 
canine capers. Her kennel includes 
a fancy assortment of dogs, from 
poodles with fancy haircuts to just 
plain mutts. They walk on two legs, 
dance, skip the rope, do fiip-overs 
and perform other tricks that show 
good training. 

Mayse and Brach perform difficult 
teats of equilibrium on unlcycles. He 
sits on his high perch, working the 
pedals, while she poses with one toot 
on top ot his head. For a clincher, 
he spins 11 hoops, In several differ- 
ent directions, while keeping his 
seat firmly aloft. The act got a nice 
reception. Violet Carlson gives the 
bill some needed comedy relief with 
her amusing antics in Imitation ot 
somebody's neighbor practicing on 
his old brass horn and an opera 
singer warming up for an aria. She 
also does an amusing novelty num- 
ber, 'Nobody Makes a Pass at Me.' 
Paul KIrkland dishes out some Army 
humor, juggles'a bit with his hat and 
c .ne, introduces some 'new steps' on 
an unsupported ladder and balances 
a conical paper sack on the end of 
his nose, setting fire to the sack for 
a climax. Corb. 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



HOUSE REVIEWS SS 



STATE. N. Y. 

Tw^ 6 Ctessonlans, Ruby 
g:ieriinT'Ho«e Orch; 'Eyes *n the 
jiighf (M-G). 

l»y """et including the acrobats, 

'lltVa Aoltvel the loud^peak- 
eK has undoubtedly been achieved 

"MS-n Btoles is the No. 1 headliner. 

tSe rellonse he gets from the 
»"^.„!^^riuUy confirms the billing. 
SJlftUW garbed^ and still comporting 
^'' iif with olenty of juvenile dash, 
Luverra repertiire that Is as 
ffied and familiar as it is melodic 
* J fomiiinr After a choice blend 
SJ^Jerome Kernia there's the swift 
Snrt fler^'Conchita- and then a quick 
-Ude m^o the torso-vibrating 
it 'Chatt — "° 
minutes 

wi?h''h"e pi^o^ni?r,^c.^iji5^*,!^t ^'h; 



routine of the usual type of itunts. 
For their finale, which once was a 
'Believe It or Not' subject, the sextet 
performs a spectacular three-high 
buildup, which gets Uiem off with a 
big hand. 
Biz strong opening day. Earl. 

CENTRAL, PASSAIC 

Passolc, N. J., Oct. 17. 
Will Osborne Orch (13) tuithMari- 
atine, Dick Shanahan, Jerry & Turk, 
Wesson Brothers (2), Andreto; Sis- 
ters (.3); 'Phantom Killer' (JMono). 



SHEA'S, BUFFALO 



Buj^alo, Oct. 16. 
Major Bowes' '8th itiititversari/ 
Revue' with Arthur Melli, 3 Har- 
monica Beei', Hank James. Viola 
Layne, Dannv Drayson, 3 Knapp Sis- 
ters, Virginia Tull, Joy Alan, 3 
Sweethearts, Sam Sarti, Jan Bart; 
Seven Sweethearts' iM-G». 



My Baby's Coming Home,' is only a 
so-so chanteuse. 

Separate acts include the Sterner 
SisJers, a couple of blonde lookers 
who know their terpology and went 
over big, and the Nonchalants. an 
aero turn loaded down with humor. 

Joiia. 



Sf •Chattanooga Choo Choo.' It's 15 
minutes of vocal punching, with 
minutes tempo or gusto, 

witn ine performance b"8h«y gf ■ 
■,vw.rf hv the impression that the 
JinSl? is getUng a lot of fun out of 
hi2 offering The exhilaration proves 
hatching that the audience not 
S^ly spplaSds him back for an en- 
SJJe, but makes it tough for h.m to 
\u>a off from doing more. 
•^Sf dubious comicality are the sev- 
««1 routines that are heaved around 
bv the Slate Bros. The three boys 
their sleekly platinumed stooge, 
lS5 Carroll, work between the vari- 
ous acts, and close the show with a 
b"t of clowning that requires the par- 
tWpatlon of five male outsiders, 
whether payees or planU. Least im- 
pressive was the team's 'Buy Ameri- 
can' number, whose. Uglmes are ac- 
Mmpanied by a strip routine. The 
Some gives a slightly better ac- 
count of itself in some military drill 
shenanigans, but manages to score 
substantial laughs with a burlesque 
of adagio acrobatics. 

Renee DeMarco's dancing lends a 
wealth of grace and rhythm to the 
proceeding She's spotted Just be- 
iore BoleI''U»e closing item. Abet- 
ting her In her exposition of the 
fln?r points of Interpretative ball- 
room dancing is a Uio billed as John, 
Norman and TOndy. When the oc- 
casion requires they fill in as dancing 
partners, and acceptably so, but the 
threesome's main assignment is to ply 
romantic ditties as she glides and 
gyrates to a colorful melange of ar- 
rangements. The act drew a huge 
sendoff. _^ . 

The highpoint of the Trumpet 
Twins' turn Is their brassy impres- 
sion of the theme songs of currently 
top name bands. This mixed pair of 
youngsters make a neat appearance 
end their trumpetings go over nicely 
The Six Cressonlans provide a snap- 
py and quite exciting open event. 
Flying from teeterboards is their 
specialty, and the landing fields are 
tables and barrels. The climactic feat 
Is Bud Sparks'. He does a double 
somersault from springboard to 
• barrel. Odec. 



TOWER, K. C. 



Kansas City, Oct. 16. 
George Bell, Gillette & Richards, 
Lew HoiS'man, Ted Clouse, The Dan 
wells (6), House Orch with Don Tiff 
Afilce Carle & Marilt/n Bollinger; 
'Gioe Otit, Sisters' (U) and 'Get Hep 
to Love' (U). 



Current format adds up to 60 
minutes of staunch entertainment, 
with every act clicko. Show was 
spotted at 1:20 a.m., when the Cen- 
tral presents a special Saturday night 
'Victory Show' for the benefit of de- 
fense workers who knock off about 
midnight. House was fairly well 
filled, and audience was plenty chip- 
per. Late show idea seems to be 
paying off well in this defense town, 
even though audience is comprised 
mostly of hepcats rather than muscle 
men. 

Csborne's band, staffed with five 
bras.ses, three rhythm and five saxes, 
get"! the show off to a good start with 
•Village Blacksmith,' and follows 
with "White Christmas' from 'Holiday 
Inn.' Maestro then mikes My 
Devotion' and crew comes through 
with "Keep the Home Fires Burning.' 
a prime fave during the First World 
War and well worth reviving. 

Marianne, Osborne's chanter, is a 
tall blonde with plenty of eye appeal 
and a .sock song seller. Does a swell 
job with 'Kalamazoo' and Gershwin's 
Embraceable You.' 

Osborne gives a featured spot to 
Dick Shanahan, his young drummer, 
who does a drum specialty that's 
plenty solid. 

Jerry and Turk, brother and sister 
team, are out of the top drawer with 
their legmania and comedic sense. 
Only weak point Is guy's mike chat- 
ter. 

Wesson Brothers, recently out of 
'Wine, Women and Song,' current 
Broadway revue, go over with a 
bang in their sock impersonations 
of Wendell Willkie, Charlie Mc- 
Carthy and President and Mrs. 
Roosevelt. Latter takeoff raises n 
lot of talk about 'bad taste' but they 
preface the skit with an explanatory 
curtain speech that should mitigate 
any resentment. 

On last, the Andrews Sisters give 
plenty of vocal evidence that they're 
still the best harmohy team in the 
business. Warble 'Boogie Woogie 
Bugle Boy.' 'Mr. Five By Five.' 
•Pennsylvania Polka,' from their oic 
'Give Out. Sistefs,' and encore with 
their jukebox klller-diller, 'Strip 
Polka.' Could have stayed 'forever.' 

Jona. 



ORIENTAL, CHI 



Chicago, Oct. 16. 
A. B. Marcns unit with Senator 
Murphy. Harold Boyd & His Jigsaws, 
Maxellos, Grace Doro, Latasha It 
Laurence. Behee Rubyatte Troupe, 
Kirk & Clayton; 'A Haunting We 
Will Co' 120(h). 



Catching this rather tired gal- 
limaufry (hodgepodge to youse 
muggs!) of second-rate talent serves 
chiefly as a reminder that here is 
practically all that's left of what was 
hailed less than a decade ago as a 
revolution in show biz and a last 
word in stage and radio entertain- 
ment. This is what lured hundreds 
of Bowes-zos on ambitious peregri- 
nations toward synthetic stage 
careers and glued thousands to their 
radio receivers popeyed at the 
Major's bathetic small-rolls over the 
tribulations of the participants. Now. 
at least. Bowes has discarded the 
•amateur' tag. and with It goes al- 
most the last ve.stige of whatever it 
was that rated these shows for 
passing attention. 

They're still pitching the one about 
the little lassie 'heard on the Major's 
program last Thursday night and is 
currently with the revue by special 
rcque.<>t of the management of this 
theatre.' 

The three Harmonica Bees were 
minus one buzzer at catching, but 
the remaining duo delivered breath- 
lessly and in a manner calculated to 
moke the major beam. Virginia 
Tull. an oversized raucous canary, 
scored mildly with 'Strip Polka.' 
Colored Hank James whistles, dances 
and exploits his physical deficiencies 
for plenty of applause. Joy Alan is 
the singing lass from the last Thurs- 
day night's broadcast. The m.c.'s in- 
troduction stresses her inexperience, 
but she takes over th^ proceedings 
lock, stock and barrel with her 
veteran-like stage tactics. 

The' 3 Sweetheart<f"9)litribute an 
ncro-tumbling stint with possibilities 
far beyond their surroundings. Viola 
Layne has moments as a vocal 
mimic, while the harmonizing of the 
3 Knapp Sisters is all on the ex- 
plosive side. Siim SartI,. Danny 
Drayson and Jan Bart in succession 
too the routine for the high spota 
of the proceedings. Drayson is an 
eccentric tapper with comedv over- 
tones who possesses possibilities 
which might be better realized with- 
out his obvious oirating of Will 
Mahoney's gag footage. Sarti de- 
livers a pantomimic comedy routine 
cued to vocals on the phonograph 
anH. within the limitations of his of- 
ferine. looks to have the essentials of 
a comedian. 

B?rt. an overweight tenor, holds 
down the closing slot with some 
striking radio imoersona.tions. but 
qppears to be stressing the operatic 
anples overmuch for here. House 
O'Tbrstra. on stage under the baton 
of the unit's conductor, oerforms 
crrflitablv and on the musical side 
.srunds at par with some of the stage 
b?''rto heard here recently. 
Wc-ither and biz bad at ooening. 

Burt. 



CAPITOL, WASH. 



Washington, Oct. 15. 
Smith & Dale, Richards-Adnir. 
Terry Lawlor, Juggling Jewels. 
Rhythm Rockets, ,sn7ii Jack Kn«/- 
innn'.'! house orch. Art Brown; 'Eyes 
in the Wight' (M-G). 

The jitterbugs groaned when Sam 
Jack Kaufman announced that his 
overture was culled from the 
Stephen Foster library, but after it 
was over and well vocalized by 
Lynn Allison, audience gave it a 
great hand. Art Brown follows with 
a 'Hayride' organalog which mixes 
in oldtime tunes with today's cham- 
pion's, climaxed by a whist'in? 



STANLEY, PITT 



Pittsburgh. Oct. 16. 
Glen Gray Orch (15). Kenny Sar- 
gent, LeBrun Sillers i3). Pee We* 
Hunt. Di.rie Dunbar, Pot Hentiing; 
"You Can't Escape f'oreuer' (Wfl). 



Nobody's going lo come away from 
the WB deluxer this week dissatis- 
fied. The band's on the beam and 
the acts are .socko. In his Casa Loma 
orch Glen Gray has always had an 
outfit to meet every musical taste. 
He still has. They. c;in play swing 
with the best of them, and sweet, 
too. plus the nort.iif.ic ballads of 
ye.'^terday. like 'It's Dip Talk of the 
Town.' What's nicic. there's intel- 
ligence, and authorily well, about 
fverylhing Gray his boys do. 

The swing's never too blaring, the 
sweet's seldom sticky and the nostal- 
gia's strictly in key. 

Band's made up of five .snxes, three 
ircmbones. three Irumict.'. guitar, 
I bass, drums and n':v ). and each 
'.«cclion's .1 poli.slioc' w'ole. Recent 
i i'nd okay addition lo the outfit are 
chorus for 'Sleepy La,';oon. WOL|,,^g i.eBrun sistr"". On early, 

announcer is (.'Citing a biR audience ,hcv tie things into krc ■ with their 
for his work at the console. |cr.-(rk .^ong arranucnicnls. 

Smith and Dale have freshened up ppj-j orch opening's followed by a 
their 'Dr. Kronkhite' .skit but it s Uwell 'Dancing in the Dark.' with 
still familiar. Barbershop vocali-'iing RjUy poush lr>kinK a trombone solo, 
which brinies on two assistanis re- , LeBruns. .-^nd right after 

fracrant memories of old 



vives fratrant memories 
Avon Comedy Four, rousing hearty 
applause. The Richards-Adair dance 
quintet is introduced by the Rhythm 
Rockets for graceful adagio and ball- 
room terps. Terry Lawlor's song 
budeet is highlighted by 'Same Old 
Shillelah.' which served Kate Eli- 
more and Maggie Cline in the good 
old days. The Juggling Jewels have 
worked steadily for 60 weeks, being 
a standard standby for the county 
fairs. Girls have flashy spangled set, 
work fast and end up with a stage 
full of flying clubs. 

Wow of this show is the personal 
appearance of Friday, the seeing-eye 
dog previously seen as a canine star 
of 'Eyes in the Night.' William Steuer 
pi'ts the bow-wow through a brace 
of tricks and shows how certain dog 
effects, such as sneezing, are accom- 
plished in the picture. Canine works 
perfectly to cues and was given an 
ovation by this flrstshow audience. 

Arke. 



No big names are up in the lights, 
this week, but the Tower stage show 
Is 45 minutes of proof that careful 
booking and smart production can 
combine to give patrons satisfying 
entertainment, regardless. Top for 
the week again is 35c, making the 
dual screen bill and the vaude a real 
buy for the amusement-hungry thea- 
tregoer. 

Tower orch opens the show with a 
tpecial arrangement by Don Tiff of 
Kalamazoo,' with Mike Carle trum- 
peting and Marilyn Ballinger singing, 
using slight changes in words to fit. 

Bobby Gillette, seen later with 
Shirley Richards in a dance turn, 
doubles as m.c, and first brings on 
George Bell, billed as 'The One Man 
Band.' He playes clarinet, violin and 
trumpet," using Instruments straight 
and then in various trick styles as he 
goes into some nifty tap routines. 

The deuce spot goes to Gillette and 
Hichards. who have a smooth way of 
satirizing various dance styles. Their 
Mexican number is delightful 
enough, but their finale is show- 
stopping. It Is a fanciful characteri- 
zation of a reformed strip-leaser do- 
ing a number with a prissy partner. 
Who insisU that It be kept clean. The 
bumps and the other familiar strip- 
per technique, attempted when man 
IS whirling or looking the other way, 
are worked in with neat finesse. 

Lew Hoffman does tricks with an 
assortment of stiff and soft hats, 
lighted cigars, billiard balls and 
other items. His skill with rubber 
balls, particularly. Is outstanding. 

Ted Clouse, the 'Discovery Night' 
winner this week, is heard in imita- 
tions of roosters, pigs, donkeys and 
other animals. 

'The closing spot goes to The Dan- 
«.ui ; ""obats -and springboard 
athletes, who are seen in a brisk 



Standard tourists in vaude for a 
quarter of a century, the A. B. 
Marcus Iroupe, replete with dancers, 
comedians, acrobaU, and a very 
pretty chorus, are In the Oriental for 
a lusty, entertaining hour's show. 

Chorus starts show off in lively 
fashion with an Irish routine; for 
which they are appropriately at- 
tired in traditional green, with Ruth 
Darrell, a buxom but attractive 
canary, presenting familiar Irish 
tunes. 

Grace Doro. pianist, does imita- 
tions of an old player-piano, music 
box. Irish harp and a colored porter 
doing a hot jive tune. Assisted by 
the orchestra, she does a little band 
in a cheap cafe to perfection, with 
all the inevitable mediocrity of such 
an offering. 

Chorus comes out with picturesque 
routine, more posing than dancing, 
to music of 'Tropical Magic' with 
Kirk and Clayton doing ballroom 
stint in professional style. The 
Maxellos offer fine examples of 
tumbling, somersaults and pyramid- 
ing. 'There is also a humorous 
lerp.'ichorean comparison of dancers 
of the Gay Nineties and the hep- 
cats. 



ADAMS, NEWARK 



Netrnrk, Oct. 16 
Snnimy Knye Orch (16) with 
Tonimi; Ryoii. Arthur Wright. Nnncy 
Wonnaii. 3 Kaydets. Sterner Sisters 
<2). Noitcho'onl.i (3); 'Not a Ladic.t 
Man' (Col). 



Casino de Paree, N. O. 



New Orleans, Oct. 16. 
Tommy (Moe) Raft, Princess 
Alomn, Lcs & PopWTDick Winkler, 
Mam Ann Rus.'sell, Steve Mills & 
Johnny Cook, Eleonor Sheridan, 
House Orch. 



Stage .<;how this week is shorter 
than ii.sual. adding up to 50 minutes, 
with Kavc'.s band augmented only 
bv two short acts. Band, however, 
as pc:- ii.Mi;.l in this house, is the .sole 
draw, the hepcats taking to Kaye's 
elaborate ciew with considerable 
fervor. 

Leader's practice of letting four I 
volunteers from llie audience come i 
uo «nd le.-,d the band, with S35 a? ; 
ihe iillimatc reward for the best | 
baton wiclcler. i.-n't doing hi-; popu- ; 
liiritv with the jitterbugs any harm i 
cither. It's Eood .•showmanship and j 
a clever .-tuni. but many kid.'; have 



New show here has enough variety 
to spice it up. with comedy on the 
strong side. The antics of Tommy 
(Moe) Raft, pint-sized funster, again 
grab off top honors. 

Princess Aloma, billed as the .star 
of the show, fails to live up to ad- 
vance advertising and publicity no- 
tices. Gal proves ju.st so-so dancer 
who needs to shave off some surplus 
weight. 

Dick Winkler, harmonica player, 
got a nice hand with his playing, as 
did Les and Poppy for their spe- 
cialty. A new singer. Mary Ann 
Russell, has been added to the show 
and proves far better than her 
predecessor. Has nice pipes and 
clifks solidly. 

The work of the comedians is the 
mainstav of this show. Sharing the 
honors with Raft in new offering are 
Steve Mills and Johnny .Cook- 
"They're top comedians a'nd 'he 
crowd goes for their stuff in a big 
wav. 

Eleanor Sheridan, the shapely red- 
head who came to strip and tease, 
but stayed to be the No. 1 feminme 
player in the troupe, drew several 
encores. . 
Full house at show caught, l.uir. 



them Pee Wee Hunt, which is bad 
spotting for Hunt. Even so. he man- 
ages to keep the palms out front 
\varm with 'Gal in K^'imazoo." 'Mr. 
Five by Five' and 'Strip Polka.* 
bringing the house down with the 
latter. For an encore, he gives 'em 
'Bottom Man on the Totem Pole' but 
should pick something stronger or 
else fade on 'Strip.' which is his 
natural exit anyway. 

Dixie Dunbar on next, and able 
and attractive little hoofer is tapping 
her way gingerly into another hit 
which is nothing new for her. Skips 
blithely through 'Alice Blue Bown' 
and then sheds her .'k'rt to pouncl 
out a staccato rhumbn to 'Amapola 
that's smartly routined and neatly 
executed. She's still among the No. 
1 tapsters and over Me here. Band 
follows with Take V A^ain,' which 
goes up and down the stand with 
lead men taking solos, and Kenpy 
Sargent clocks himrclf a sock ses- 
sion with his top-notch ballndeering. 
'Mv Devotion' warms 'em up. then 
I Came Here to Talk For Joe,' 
with the LeBruns ar-omoanying him 
on another mike. Finally 'It's the 
Talk of the Town.' a swell -oldie, 
with the rest of the band doing the 
glee club background. Had to give 
them another and picked 'For You 
to fade off strong. 

Closing spot reserved for Pat Ken- 
ning, and he was a oanic with open- 
inp-show crowd. Guy's a comedian 
with a dellghtfullv satirical view of 
things, people and evpn himself, and 
tied the layout into knots with his 
nonsense. Swell-lorking blonde 
femme is with him hut she's seen 
onlv for a moment or two. It was a 
mistake for Grav to try and follow 
him with 'Don't Do It Darling'; band 
should dissolve into theme im- 
mediately after Henning geU him- 
self off because he's a tough bird to 
come after. 

Biz poor, steady all-day rain ap- 
narently keeping them out of the 
Triangle. Cohen. 

CIRCLE, INDPLS. 

Indianapolis, Oct. IT. 
Ted Lewis Orch., with Lindsev, La 
Verne & Betty, Geraldine Du Bois, 
June Edwards, Knyne Sisters (3), 
Byron Kay & Louise- Glenn, Audrey 
Zimm, 'Snowball' Whitlier,- 'The Big 



CENTRAL, N. Y. 



Street' (RKO). 



Once a year, like clock-work, Ted 
Lewi.s comes lo town— and he never 
forgets to bring a .'ihow. His bat- 
tered high hat, clarinet and walking 
stick. 'Is Evei-ybody Happy' and 
■When My Baby Smiles At Me.' even 
I hi- 'shadow' and the other old. fa- 

. „ n«c» (-hi,, i miliar louches are only the trade- 
Looncy Lewis. Harru Rose. Chic .^^ ^ .showmanship 
Hunter, Lee Mormon. Lnrry itorch. ^^^^^.^ ^^^^ ^^ack of pack- 

Billy & Ann Titi.i. Cnppy Bnrrd Har- | ^^^j. ^j^^ entertainment, 

nionica Boys House Line dZ). j^.^ , picked .^^hrcv. cdly for nov- 
,,f,irls ..■5) Mu. ray Auster House ; ""p'^JJ / 



Shot 

Orrh i7l 
(Col.) 



'Blonde From Singapore 



The girl .show premi.sc. with mar- 



cdiiiretl l!ie habit of siHiiu! through ' nu'ce'and house front slres^ng that 
v.o <);■ three <'nows idea being Ihali^ « . 



it il-ev're not lucky enough lo be 
picked' the first time there's always 
an"ihcr chance awailina them. It's 
iirovidiPg plenty of headaches for 
the •ranasemen'i. aiul clearing 



Harold Boyd and His Jigsaws are 
three comedy knockabouts who are ; ho^,.,, has become a problem 
really funny. The old fan dance 
routine, using newspapers for fans, 
is suggestive and could be cleaned 
up lo advantage. 

Lalasha snd Laurence, an Austra- 
lian adagio team picked up by 
Marcus Down Under, are fast-mov- 
ing and competent, the girl being 
particularly deft and loose-limbed. 

Senator Murphy, with his political 
nonsense, double talk, zany coni- 
meiits on the war. women, hit-and- 
run drivers, and other timely topics, 
had the audience in an uproar. An 
old campaigner. Senator Murphy 
knows his audiences and garnered 
healthy laughs. 

Entire cast comes on stage for 
finale, with Behee Rubyatte Troupe 
getting off some breathtaking pyra- 

Biz strong. ^OOP 



the , 



thoine. continues to *je largely bait 
for passing trade, and so business 
at this Broadway house is being 
determined largely by uniformed and 
other stag attendance. 

Production numbers in which the 
! girls appear are tired and unimagina- 
K.1VC has welded together a strong i ^-^^.^ ^ee Harmon, peroxide vocjliM 
I ronibo that'.-: heavy with eye appeal. j,,,.^ ^^.^rks in a couple of .ski'.s, 

; Rhythm s:!d sax .-ections arc evenly . harcly adequate. For the rest. 
I divided and crew's .hx brasse.i Looney Lewis. Harry Rose and Chick 
turn on the he.it without going , ^^^j^^ j^^pij .p^y 

strident. Kaye '!=. P^^^tuamg the ^ overlong bits. Entirely point- 
darkened stage with Pho.'^phorescent ^^^^ ^^.y^^^^ henpecked 
light inc elTects '^ea as exemplified | ^..^ husbands turn tables on 
,n the 'Starda^l' number, pack., a '01,^3^^ ^iher. There's another painfully 
of rudience appeal. _ Ijiow piece with Lewis trying to put 



Kaves numbers 
Janole.' 'My Gal Sal' 
dust.' are not any too 
nlaving nnlv one new 



ncluding 'Jingle. 



and 
new. 
one. 



'Star 
band 
'Let's 



through a phone call. 

Of the three outside 
Cappy Barra harmonica 



(urns the 
quintet is 
o 



'Iceland' 

appears. ... , , 

Orch i.s studded with singing tal- 
ent, making for good harmony and a 
lot of monotony. Tommy Ryan, 
warbles 'Begin the Beeulne,' Nancy 
Norman, who chirps 'Wonder When 



Ann Titi.s, are reviewed under New 
Acts. 

Previously, shorts were the lone 
.•screen fare, but this week there's 
a full-length picture, 'Blonde From 
Singapore' (Col). Mori. 



e'lty appeal, fit smooth. y into his pro- 
i;rain and it clicks as a unit 

Lcw.s opens the bill a'.one before 
(he curtains in a typi-al soft-tonea 
paite.- number on fre theme of Be 
Youi-.sclf,' his private formula for 
success. The band then .swings into 
St. Loui.s Blues.' follov/ed by 'Yan- 
kee Doodle Dandy.' in which the 
vocal is handled attractively by the 
Kayne sisters, a nifly trio with a 
deep-voice combinr.lion. Maestro 
brings Snowball' Whiltier out for a 
dance during this nu.Tiber and then 
goes into his old reliable. 'When My 
Baby Smile At Mc' 

Next on are Byron Kaye and 
LouL-e Cleri. a .smart ballroom team 
costumed all in white, for a (:lassy 
exhibition. Temp-i is immediately 
.-peeded by Geraldine Du Bois, pert 
-wing singer, who gets plenty hot on 
Let's Be Buddies' and '.My Mother 
V/ould Love You.' Band takes an- 
other turn on 'Anvil Chorus' while 
little .Audrey Zimm goes to town 
with a .set of batons. She keeps two 
of them going so fast they look like 

wheels. , , ... , 

Then leader turns back the cal- 
endar and introduces his five-piece 
jazz band for a lively session on 
•Jazz Me Blues' and 'Melancholy 
(Continued on page 60) 



84 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



Variety Bills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 16 

Nunerab la eonnectioD witb bills below indleaia openlnf day of 
•haw, wbettaer fnll or spilt week. 



Loew 



NEW TOBK CITY 

Sla«« (««) 
Richard* Adair DcrB 
Laura D Dutton 
Uurlah 61a 
Jamaa Barton 
A. Roblna 



PnTSRI'MiH 
8Ual«y (2S) 
Bluo Barron Ore 
Lathrop & Lee 
Cookie Bowcm 
WASinNCTON 
Capitol («S) 
Horace Keldt Ore 



Paramoent 



KBW TOBK CITY 
Pumvout (tl) 

§eQe Krnpa Bd 
ha Marry Maca 
Bob Bvana 
Lane Bros. 

CHICAGO 
Cklcu* <tS) 

Sob CroaSy Bd 
lUy RayM 
Bay ft Trant 
Bvalyv Famay 



DES MOIN-E8 
OrpbcBK (t3-«6) 
Cab Calloway Bd 
MIAMI 
Otmpte (2I-34) 
Frank Paris 
3 Barons 
Prltchard k Lord 
3 Dennis Sis 
N Rae * liraiprrall 
8H>i;X CITY 
Capitol (S7-JS) 
Cab Calloway Bd 




BOSTON 
BeatoD (23) 
Billy Bose Revua 

(ie> 

Jana Wither* 
pick Btablle Ore 
Oraola Barrle 
Betty Bruce 
Pant Wlncbell 
CLBTELAND 
Palam (U) 
Bombshella of 1948 

<ia) 

iThomhin Ore 
[arlon HottoD 
ex Baneke 
h* Modemalrea 
lary Brian Co 
& Jane McKenna 

COUTMBUS 
PBtece (t7-«») 
4 Ink^ota 
Lucky UlUlnder Ore 



Sister Tharpe 

Gordon & Rogera 

Pet Leg Bates 
<M-t2) 

Bombshells of 1943 
DATTON 
ColoBlal <«S) 

Ray Herbeck Ore 

Bonnie Baker 

J & Jane McKenna 

H WUllams 3 
(l«) 

4 Inkspots 

Lucky Mllllnder Ore 

Sister Tharpe 

Oordon & Rogers 

Peg Lag Bates 
BOTireSTEB 
BKO (1«-19> 

Bluo Barron Ore 

6 Janeleys 

Sunny Rice 

Cookie Bowera 




KBW TOBK CITY 
Stmiad (U) 

ftan Kenton Ore , 
Stoogea 
Jack Caraon 
Martin Bros 
Doraaa Rnasall 
<1«> 

ftan Kenton Ore 
Stoogea 
Jack Caraon 
Martin Broa 
Doraen Ruaaell 
PHILADBLPHIA 
Bwla KM) 
Andrews Bis 
VIWX Oeborne Ore 
Wesson Bros 
Jerry h Turk 
(1«) 

Billy Roae Revue 
PITTBBCRGH 
Stanley («S) 



' Blue Barron Ore 
Lathrop & Lee 
Cookie Bowera 
(16) 

Olen Gray Oro 
Dixie Dunbar 
Pat Hennlng 
UTICA 

Stanley (S7-Sa) 
Bobby Byrne Ore 
Beatrice Kay 
Dave Barry 

WASHINflTON 
Enrje (28) 
Johnny Lone Ore 
Rochelle & Beobe 
P Sydell & Spotty 

(16) 
Roxyettes 
Wnlly Brown 
'Olive White 
Adrlnnn * Charly 
Ben Berl 




NEW TOBK CITY 
Moalc BaU (M) 

Anthony. Allen & R 
Belma Caye 
Edwin StefTe 
Jean Guella 
Norma Gentner 
M'hltay's Jlverdeera 

Baxy (21) 
Tex Beneka 
Btan Kavanagh 
The Barrya 
Lou Sktiee 
The Novack Sla 
Bob Hannon 
Marlon Button 
4 Modemalrea 
Al Donahue 
Nadin* Gae 
Tommy Wonder 
Paul winchell 
Broadhsnt Tlwstra 

(ZD 
George Jeesel 
Jack Haley 
Ella IiOgan 
The De Marcos 
Berry Bros 
Bob Wllllama 
Con CoUeano 
pisen & Shirley 
Iiucllle Norman 

(ts) 

6 Lucky Girls 
Central (2«) 

Iioonay Lewis 

Chick Hunter 

Burton & Janet 

Don Francisco 

t Olrmplea 

Kay & Karol 

Prlmroae & Gold 
BBOOKLTN 
Muke (SMh aaly) 

BamoB & Diana 

ii to mi) 
rayCoIr (84tli osly) 
Ramon & Diana 
(4 to (111) 

Uiiewoed 
(Ud oaly) 

f'rimrose A Gold 
4 to All) 



BIdaav 
(iBi QBly) 
grant Gardner 
RaraoD A Diana 
Johnny Fault 
\t to fill) 

Star («8d ealy) 
Cha Taantite^ Bohn 

vialMSm^t) 

Count BeraMol Rav 



(4 to nil) 

XEU'AUH 
Adams <M> 

Jerry U'alil Ore 

DuMier Shaver 

Olive St OeorKe 

Chnncer Dolphin 

Al Bernle 

I'ASSAir 
Central {ti^ 

Charlie Splvuk Ore 

Knmima 

r»on CunimliiKS 

3 Arci»ninn;:ios 
PATKRS4>N 
MiUeHflc (Sf-SH) 

Th'^ <:ib.*<orui 

Joe. .Mne A Green 

Wulsnn S|9 

Hob Hnwnrit 
(S8.SH) 

Byrne Sis Co 

Kellv & Hnyes 

Primrose & Gutd 

< Marks 
PHILADELPHIA 
Carman («S-««) 

3 Hearts 

Dave Barry 

Bob Carney Co 

6 Naval Cnflels 

Mickey Kluff 



Krod Stewart 
Brookins & Van 
Charlo A Dupree 

Fay'a («3) 
DIosa Coatello 
Candrld Smith 
Roy Smeck 
Rosalind Oordon 
Bert Walton 
Roxyettes 

PROVIDENCE 
Melropolltaa (tS-tS) 
Tony Pastor Ore 
Fraok Sinatra 
Stroud Twins 
Sylvia * CIcmenre 

WATKBRURV 

PoU's («]-{«) 
Tony Pastor Ore 
Grandma Perkins 
Sylvia & Clemence 

WORCESTER 
Plymonth (1»-«1) 
Borrah MInevllch 
Stroud Twins 
Anne Nagel 
Kay & Karol 
4 Sanders 

VO|-N<iSTOWN 

Palace (ST-iB) 
Ted Lewis Ore 

ili-W> 
Count Bernlvlcl Rev 



Cabaret Bifls 



NEW TOBX CITT 



Ted LewiH Orr 
ATLANTIC CITT 
8t«^l Plrr 

(3i5th only) 
3 Hearts 
Roy Snierk 
Paul liflVftrp Bro 
Bob Carney Co 
B Naval Cadets 

HALTIMORR 
Hippodrome <29) 
Sammy Kaye Ore 
3 Nonchatanta 
Sterner Sis 

Boynl (33) 
Marc Ballnro 
Fay Parrel I 
Tip. Tap & Toe 
Gaudsmith Hroi* 
Deep River Hova 
Hoo Shee 

Stale (22-34) 
The Ballotern 
(20-20) 
Tr»'n#> Verm II linn Co 
Olive White 
Helen Honan 
JuKOllnR Jewoln 

nsnxaEPORT 

I^ri« (10-21) 
Jerry Wald Ore 
Deep River Boya 
Johnny Barnen 
Al Gordon')* VKt^n 
CAAfDBN 
Towen (23-2(1) 
MIckev King 
Fred Stewart 
Roberta. King 9i M 
, Bob Raaton 
Charlo ft Duproe 
KMZARETH 
1.n>ertf (22-23) 
Billy &, Ann TItUR 
Cy Reeves 
Ray ft Harrison 
Johnny Fauat 
TJIalne Mallov 
FALL RTV'RR 
Empire (20-22) 
Bobby Byrno ^rc 
Al Trahan Co 
3 Heartn 

HARTFORD 
Stnte (23-'»n» 
Bobby Byrne Orr 
Jane WIthnrp 
Johnny nown« 
MInevltrh FRj»"ni' 
LYNBROOK 

(eith onU> 
PrtmroM ft Gold 



Aquarinm Rest. 

Red Norvo Oro 
Lillian Roth 
BlU BortoloCtl'i 

Cvelyo Daw 
Lynn ft Marianne 
Norma Lucero 
Shlrl Thoraaa 
Helene Stewart 
Don Sylvio Ore 
Roberto Ore 

Blira (iaj tO*a 
Ethel Gilbert 
Harry Donellr 
Charlie Ross 
Bernle Grauer 
Gay 90*8 Quartette 

Cafe Society 
(MMtowD) 
Haisel Scoii 
Revueru 
B ^: K Kraft 
KUdle Maibews 
Bill Moore Ore 
Teddy Wilson Ore 

Cafe Society 
(Vlllase) 
Doroihy Knox 
Albert Ammons 
Pete Jobnaoo 
Relchman Lewis 
Sam Gary 
L ft L Young Ore 

Caslao MMse 
Nina Tarasova 
Gypsy Murkoft 
George Sattan 
Nudla & Sasha 
Larry Murphy 
Dmitri Matvlenke 
Kris Kay Ore 
Nicholas Matthey i 

Ceruttl'e 
Walter Lynch 
Mae Uurnes 
Mary Tnlley 
4 Chanllcleere 

Chateau Mudeme 
Maryon Dale 
Doioihy Tiiniier 
TeiTiire UoyH 

Clover Cla^ 
John Hale 
Helcne & Hayes 
I'ull Mar Daoo 
Sanchez Ore 

Club Hall 
Heniivu Claire 
lleibf-rt I>oiter 
Willie Smiib 
[liill-ettes 

Tonuny Nunez Oro 
L^ai'le Hanson Ore 

Club Caravan 
Jerry l{n ker 
Helen Kox 
June Uarrett 
Uoloroii L'olvert 
.Marion Myles 
Allan SiM 
[.arry Wnrd Oro 

Club IB 
Fruiiiue llyers 
Uud Sweeney 
C'arrle Klnnell 
Vince Curran 
Lillian KUzgerald 
Diane Fontana 
Hazel McNulty 
Gaye Dixon 
Jerry Blanchard 
Joe Frisco 
Cordon Andrews O 
Frankls Kroeba Ore 

Clab Maxim's 
Dave Barry 
Junle Astor 
MoDU Wlndell 
Blatr ft Deans 
Mlltfa 

Cni loa Campos Ore 
Ed Farley Ore 

Clab Samoa 
.Mabelle Russells 
LInfIa Castro 
<Milng 

Coparubuaa 
.toe K. Lewis 
Hi»rry Broa. 
Connie Russell 
Fierre D'Angelo 
Olga San Juan 
Fernando Alvurex 
Siiniba Strens 
Ted Slraeter Ore 
Frank Marti Ore 
Diamond Uontrshoe 
Harriet Hector 
W C. Handy 
Panfiy the Morse 
Willie Solar 
(?alts Form 
nilly Wells 
Four Fays 
Herman Hyde Co 
[<uclenne ft Ashour 
Bddle Kddy 
Perm a 



Virginia Mayo 
Pedro Lopei 
June Melva 
Great Daniel 
Brama Francis 



Hotel Edison 
Bobby Byroe Oro 
Hotel EesoB Honse 

(Casino on Park) 
Don Brown 
Kerwin SomerTllle 
Judith Arlen 
Amy Arnell 
Tommy Tucker Ore 

Hotel J^ln^ton 

(Bnwallsn Bm> 
Kahnla 
Tallma 
Momlkal 
LanI Oro 
Kea Lake 
Leilani laea 

Hotel IJacotn 
(Bloe Boom) 
Helen Forrest 
Johnny MacAfes 
Harry James. Oro 

Hotel HcAlpla 

(Marine OrtU) 
Gladys Tell 
Johnny Measoer Ore 
Hotel New Yorker 

(TOrruoe Boom) 
Benny Goodman Ore 
Uob Ruflsell 
Ronny Roberts 
Audrey Miller 
George Banyas 
Grace May 
Btsselle ft Farley 
Hotel Park Central 

(Cocoaant OroTo) 
Taoht Club Boya 
Glover ft La Mae 
Buddy Clarke Ore 
Benny Howard 

(Boyml Palm) 
Dell O'Dell 
Jack Reynolds 
Sandro Rosatl 
Bennett Green 
Jerry Green 
Bunny Howard 
Hotrt Penaaytrnnln 

(CnTo Boom) 
Bob Allen Ore 
J Rodrlguei Oro 
Hotd Plerro 
(CotUUon Boom) 
Brenda Forbes 
Myrus 

Ellsworth ft Falrc'd 
Stanley Melbs Ore 
Hotel PInan 
(PeisInD Boom) 

Hlldegarde 

Bob Grant Ore 



Carlos ft Carlla 
Machlto Ore 
Jack Harris Oro 
La Martinique 
Betty Daniels 
Mary Parker 
Jockio MlleH 
Marilnlqueena 
Max! Uergere Oro 
Morales Ore 

Latin QiAirtet 
Helen Carroll 
Jado Ling 
Stanley Twins 
Kaniarova Ballet 
GlI Golvan 
Mazonno Apncties 
Carol KlRK 
Anuandit ft I.lia 
J Jt E Chnrtn-lcli 
Wally Wanger Ens 
Hob Fuller (C> 
Jane Wood 
Pamela Brlltnn 
Dr. Giovanni 
Don McOrane Oro 
Caney Orr 

[a Vie Parlatennr 
Joy Lyons 
Tvonne Bouvler 
Marg OalnHworih 
G Ray Terrell 
Rasha ft ftllrke 

1MB ft Rddle's 
Eddie Dmv;* 
Adrian I >ant-ere 
4 KU Kat!) 
Kirk A- Mnfleltne 
Paula Drntie 
Francin Cirlyle 
Bob Field 
Jean Mode 

Mother Kelly's 
Cully Richards 
Toranek-RelM Bros 
Bartmrn Lee 
Lollta Cordoba 
Mousey 
Gates Ore 
Chaves Ore 

161b Hole Clab 
Steve Murray 
Barbara Lee / 
Chlqulta Venlzia 
Mickey Mntlory 
Milt Mann Ore 
Onyx Clab 
Billy Daniels 
Pete Brown 
Willie Dukes 
Toy Wilson 
Baby Hlnev 

OM Roomanlan 
Sadie Banks 
Freddie Bernard 



WlTSl 

Bob Lee 

Lllyan Dell 

Cbas Bowman Ore 



Theodoro Brooks 
Psnlens 

Tommy Haydsa 
Doris Nsllson 



CHICAOO 



Ambnasador Hotel 
(Pomp Boom) 

John KIrby 
Bismarck Hotel 

(U'alnnt Boom) 
Art Kaasel Oro 
Gloria Hart 
TAP Vallett 
Maurice ft Maryea 
H. Smith Gls 

(Tnrem Boom) 
Edith Lorand Oro 

Blaekbnwfc 
Chico Marx Oro 
Skip Nelson 
The Alblns 
tSUlae Cooper 
Woody ft Betty 
BlackotOBO Hotel 

(Bnllscflo Bm) 



Johnny Duffy Ore 
Pattl ClsTton 

(Mayfnlr Boom) 
Dwight FIske 
Nell Bondsbu '-Oro 
BrerooH Hotel 
(Crystal Boom) 
Tony ft Lisa 
Bob Bluings 

Brown Derby 
Tbree Ryans 
Margie Kelly 
Wacky Wayne 
Diane Barry 
Jack Prince 
Betty FarrcU 
Sherwood Gls 
P'chell & Blanks Or 
Ted Smith 

Cbos Paree 
Jack Cole Dancero 
Sue Ryan 
IJnda Ware 
George Deatty 
Burns 2 ft Evelyn 
Adorables 
Franklin Ore 

Clab AInbnm 
Paulette lAPIerro 
Harriett Norrls 
Florence White 
Jean Dixon 
Cal Herbert 
Cassandra 
Del Estes 
Allan Coe 
Dave Unell Ore 
Bddle Roth Ore 



BOOKING THE NAnOITS LEADING INDEPENKNT 
VAQIXVILIE THEATRES 

EDVUARD SHEMMN AGENCY 



NEW YOBK 



BEVEBLY HELUS. CAL 



Norlne Robinson 
Nellie Durkln 
Billy Banks 
Perry Bruskin 
Roy Fox Ore 
Sid Prussin Ore 

CI ChIco 
Dorlta ft Valero 
Consuelo Moreno 
Gloria Belmonte 
8 Qultara 
Jack Navarro 
Del Duca Oto 
Herman del Tore 

El Morocco 
Chauneey Grey Ore 
Chlqulto Ore 

Flamoas Door 
Zorlta 

Frances Wayne 
Nick Jarrett Oro 
Fefe's Monte Carlo 
Narlta 

Sonny Kendis Ore 

SI anb 
Bert Frohman 
Tjcon Fields 
Chlqulta 
Pearl AVIlllams 
Joy Dixon 
Margo Goods 
Rene Villon 
Stuart Oro 

Fisher's Gay M*s 
Annie Kent 
Betty Jane Carlton 
Lounle Grace 
MInnIo Allen 
Gay 90*8 4 ft Oro 
Greenwich Village 
Inn 

Benny Fields 
T<ennv Kent 
D ft E Dwight 
Joan Brandon 
Rene ft Lnnra 
Dlnorah Ore 
Enoch Light Oro 
Havana-Madrid 
Valero Slaters 
Anita Scvllla 
Jt>se Fernandez 
Terrl l^a Franconl 
Trio Mlxteco 
Maya Ore 
Don Gllberto Oro 
Hickory Hoaso 
Anrll Sweet 
Norma Shepherd 
Bddle South Oro 
Hotel Astor 
(Aster Boof) 
^Alvlno Rey Oro 
King Slaters 
Hotel Belmont 
Plaxa 
(Glass Hat) 
Jack Marshall 
Paul Winchell 
Siadlers 
Jerry Mahoney 
Bill Johnson 
Roslta ft Dene 
Anita Rosal 
Kay Penton 
Bobby Parks Oro 
Hotel Blltmoro 
Hcasley Twins 
Hazel Franklin 
Ray Heatherton Ore 

Hotel BroTOort 
Roaalls Grant 
Myara 

Dana Collier 
Jan Bruncsco 
Jaekson Hlnee 
Hotel Commodore 
(Century Boom) 

Four V's 
Lee Sisters 
Marylln Duke 
Zlggy Talent 
R ft E Reyes 
Peter Rotunda Ore 
Vaughn Monroe Ore 



Hotel ■nansrelt 

Guy Lombardo Ore 
Walter Pernor Orch 
Hotel Baroy Ptnn 
(Cnfe Loango) 

Morton Downey 
Paul Barron Oro 
Hotel Sheraton 
(Satire Boom) 

Jerri Blanchard 
Townsmen Ore 
Hotel SC Bevts 
(Iridhim Boom) 
Ethel Smith Ens 
Paul! Sparr Oro 
(Malsonetto> 
Bob Terry Oro 
Freddy Miller Oro 

Hotel Taft 
Vincent Lopes Ore 
Hotel Wnldort- 
Astorla 
Wedgwood Boom 

8racle Fields 
eorgea ft Jalna 
John Klrby Ore 
Hotel Warwirk 
(Ralelffk Boom) 
Vlckt George 
Sande Williams Ore 

Hnrrlcane 
Willie Shore 
Cabot ft Dresden 
Alphonse Berg 
BancofC ft Cannon 
Jerry Bergman 
Jerry Kruger 
Vincent Pirro Ore 
Dick Warren Ore 
Iceland Restouranl 
Danny White 
Brady ft Barton 
Nils ft Nadynne 
Penn ft Devon 
Klkl 

Lea Kramer 
Frances Miller 
Linda Fagcn 
Jean -Harvey 
Jane Waring 
Ted Eddy Oro 
Angelo Ore 
Jock Dempney's 
B'way Restanmnt 
McFarland Oro 
Rose MacLean 
Milt Herth 3 
Jimmy Dwyer's 

Sawdnst Trail 
Bobby Heath 
Pat O'Shea 
Arlene 
Bea Foley 
Frances O'Connell 
Marls Daley 
Dorothy Mack 
Msrlene Francis 
Paula Vftlera 

Jtnuny Kelly's 
Joe Carter 
Glenda Hope 
Renee 
Denies 
Lorna Rose 
Roslta ft Romero 
Montmarto Boys 
Margaret Grey 
Faith Arlen 
Joe Cspello Oro 

Kelly's Stable 
Leonard Ware I 
DIanne Reed 
Dixie Robcns 
Bunny Brlggs 
Dorothy Manners 
Thelma Carpenter 
Walter Fuller Ore 

Kilty Davis 
Bill Ames 
Frank Marlowe 
Rose Magrllt 
Johnny Silvers Ore 

Ln Concn . 
Georgle Price 
Estellta «. 
Claire ft Arena 
Carmen DeRlvero 
Jerri Vance 



Ada Lublna 
Ginger Layne 
Joe LaPorte Ore 
Place Begnnte 

Bill Farrelt 
Vincent de Coaia 
Art Tubertlnl 
Ernest Franz Ore 
Qaeen Nary 
Noel Toy 
Joun Collier 
C'Mrlyle Sl?» 
Carol Chap|>^l 
Bill Glass Ore 

Querns Terrace 
Phil FoAter 
SuHan (.'nrol 
Jeiine &. Plillllps 
Aduina & Dtrll 
Jack Allyn 
Ned Harvey Ore 

Bnlnbew nrlll 
Russ Smith Oro 
Vera Sanoff 
Ash burns 

Rainbow RiMim 
Perllta Greco 
Monn Mooter 
Alexis Dolindff 
Senor Wencoa 
Tom Scott 
Daciin 

Del Cnsino Ore 
Sogers Corner 
Johnny Pineapple 
Harry I,efcourt Ore 
Jean Claire 
Pat Rooney, Sr 
Roas MacLean 
Harold Green 

Riiban Dlea 
Maxinc Sullivan 
F'red Keatnlg 
Delta Rhythm Boys 
Ruth Herman 
Jull'js Monk 
Herman Chltilson 
Bll Baird 
Bubbles La Rue 
Russian Kretchnu 
Darla Blrsc 
Darin Sokol^kaya 
Senya KaravaelfT 
Michel Mlchon 
Micholns Matthey 
Valdimlr Kaynlort 
Nastla Pollakova 
Marusia Sava 
Cornelia Cedolban O 

Bplry's Boot 
Splvy 

Arthur Blake 
Stork Clob 

Grace Rellly 
Charles Baum Ore 
Ted Steele Ore 
The Place 
Irene Berkley 
Pat Ring 
Evelyn Brock 
Skeeis Tolbert 

CbangI Club 
Al Guster 
Tondelayo ft Lopez 

gkvanna Churchill 
Ick Montgomery 
Columbus Ore 
Versailles 
Ben Cutter Ore 
Pancltlio Ore 
Maurk-e & t'ordoba 
Gloria Gilbert 
Avis Andrews 
Lois Baniierman 
Cyrel Rodney 
Carolyn Marsh 
6 Ver-ttlgha 

Village Barn 
John GrIfDn 
Blenions 
Diane Davis 
Alkali Ike 
Al RobliiBOn 

Village Vangimrd 
Richard D Benneii 
Tony Ferrer 
Betty Garrett 
Eddie Heywood Ore 



Col 

Ralph Cook 
De Mays, M'ore ft II 
The Apptotons 
Lee Royee 
Val Ernie Oro 
Lucille ft Richards 
Don Lang Oro 
Edgewnter Bencb 
Hotel 
(Marine Rm) 
Ifenry King Oro 
Marge & Ma ye 
Pelletlers 
Richard Gordon 
Dorben Gls 

Ellers 
Ocleite Ore 



Eleanor Lutton 
Bnthskellar 
Louie ft Gang 
51M Ctnb 
Danny Tbomas 
Hagley Gls 
Mark Fisher Oro 

no Clab 
Gus Van 
Ruth Wayns 
Karr ft Mage 
Mark Talent Oro 
Johnny Honoert 
Onrriek Stngebar 
June Price 
Ascot Boys 



Kat ft the Fiddle 
S Stiarps ft Flats 
Oladys Pnlmer 

Qmsmsis Hotel 
(OInan Hom Bm) 
Billy Chandler Ore 
Bllesn O'Hara 
Mary Sinclair 



(VodrO Lonnso) 
Frank Payne 
Dorothy Davis 
Chet Robles 
The Dufflelds 
John Trio 

Irnnkoo 
Florence Schubert 
Barney Rlcharda O 
Vterra Uawallsns 
Helen Sumner 
L'Algloa 
Splros Stamoo Oro 
Gwendolyn Veausell 
Hurray ft Simon 
George Devroa 
Isobel de Marco 



(Pu-Am Boom) 
A I Chamberlain 
Jose Mansaneres O 
Lntln Qmirter 

V. Bragale's Oro 
Bddle Prippa Oro 
Bernard Dancers 
Jackie Heller 
Anita Alvares 
Rosa ft West 
Joe Norman Oro 
Patmer H omse 

(Bmpire Bmb) 
Griff Williams Ore 
The Hartmani 
Carlyn Traax 
Walter Lonff 
Del Rlos 
Abbott Gls 

Wkeimaw Hotel 
(Celtio CnCe) 
Gene Kerwin Ore 
Jaros 81s 

(Fkntbsr B«>m) 
Woody Herman Ore 
3 Hakebelteves 
Carolyn Gray 
Ruth Prydr 
Alfred Fldyd 

•M Clab 
Paul Hall 
Vera Allen 
Jon ft Ingbord 
Lee Camp 
Del Ohrel 
Romayne 
Diane Lou re 
Alma ft Roland 
Ftorenza 
608 Gls 
Dolly Sterling 
Sol Lake Oro 
Tripoli 8 

Tar Beet 
Geo Scherban Ore 
Lorraine Westfall 
Claudia Coralll 



ATLAHTIC CITY 



Alpine TaverA 

Carman Leland 
l>on Bennett 
Clirr Anderson 
Eva. MargK Mary 
Chateau RenAolt 
Sid RoKe 4 
Z Knlghis ft Day 
Cllqnot Club 
Sammy Han-Is 
TonI Sorrell 
Runiona 
llulh Warren 
Ituthle Martin 
Babe Cummlngs 
Jnckle Martin 
Ellalne Ellis 

El Morocco 
Danny Harti 

SM Cafe 
Six Lovlles 
P Travera & Men 
Shiiley Stewart 



Gables Inn 
(Black Horse Pike) 

Nan Demar 
Joe Spud 
Rush Taylor 
Earl Applegats 
Tiny Klelii 
Marge McGurk 

Crob's Cafe 
Bill Ockenlander 
Herman's Mtulc Bar 
Al Miller 

Peach Orchard 
Dolly 

Charlie King 
Penn-AtlaaUc Hotel 
(Palm Boom) 

Al Francis Ore 

Tally-Ho TnverA 
(White Horse Pike) 
Paul JelTrles 

Coniniodores 



BOSTON 



Beachcomber 
Sammy Dale's Oro 
Artie Dann 
Artlnl & Consuelo 
Darbara Lonf 
Teil Phillips 
CUrle & Vludson 
Dernu Marie Olrls 
Beaen-charniera (ft) 

Bllnstrab'i 
Peter Bodga Or* 
Boyd Heathen 
B & Maxine Clayton 
Pane & Conehlta 
Trio Continental 

Caas Ma nana 

(TheatTB-cnnb) 
Eddie Lands On 
Jack Shea 
Sergl A-Flat 
Mile GlKl & Alvarez 
Tony Mareey 

(Mnaltal Bu) 
Alice O'Leary 
Adrian O'Brien 

Clnb Hajfair 
Billy booley Oro 
Juno Weltlnt 
Cynda Qlenn 
Columbus & Carrol) 
Bill Robinson 
T. UcCabe Olrls 
HenrlQuetta Braill 
Clnb Tanltj Fair 
Frankle Newton Or 
riorence Ray 
Ulnnle O'Keet* 

CoGoaaat Orara 
Mlekey Alpert Ore 
Alfred Pineda Oro 
Buster Kelm Rav 
Billy Pains 
Orare Rellly 
R & Mary Nolan 
J Hoist ft Milady 
.Tune Sheeron 
Lynn Reynolds 

(Melody Lonntc) 
Herb Lawla 



Copley riaa* 
(Oval Boom) 

Ramon Ramos Ore 
Joan Edwards 
John Hoysradt 
Mario & Fiona 
(Mera7-0«-B<»Bd> 
Mark Gilbert 1 
Copley Squar* Uslal 

(Sfoalo B«x) 
Johnny Cole 
Donald Van Waft 
Bl'nor Frothlnfnam 
Tanya 

Julia Barbour 

Feagy Hangarter 
Crawford Hons* 

Sally Keith 

Fox A Uoondi Club 
(Bhwnba Caaloo 
Ba<MD> 

Charles Wolk Oro 

Don Dudley Oro 

Maxlno Coleman 

Georges & Nannette 

Paul Wlnlck 

Edna Wilson 

Stella Ray 

Hl-Ha* 

Pet* Herman Ore 

Frank Patty 
Hotel Bradford 
(Boof OardCB) 

Andy Jaeobsens Ore 
(CIrcD* Boob) 

Kenny Brilliant 

Luclll* A J Ha]on*y 
H*t*l EMaa 

Buddy .Smith's Ore 

Jack Manning Ore 

Bill Cronin 

Dorothy Dennt* 

Sally Harris 

Armand & Julia 
Hotel Femgat* 
(BsUr* Bomb) 

Ruth Landl 

Al Robinson 

Alkali Ike 

Nell Phillips 



Hole! 
Bob Hardy Oro 
Gloria Carroll 
Hotel Slatler 
(Tame* Room) 
Jack Ifdward* Ore 

(Cat* Boose) 
Saivy CavleebTo Ore 

Hotel I'endom* 
(Fif* A Dram Bm) 
Jimmy ftlcBal* Ore 
Jolene 

Nan Vincent 
Helen Dougia* 
Blaine Uorrlaon 



MlUon George Oro 
Ruaa Howard 
Latte Quarter 

Tony Bruno Oro 
Don Rico Ore 
Cardlnl 

Dick A Dot Remy 
Sons of Boulh 
Bnrica A Novel In 
Hum A Strom 
Don Arden Rev 
Hlo Casino 
Rarr.« de Anicellp o 
Harry Rose A Co 
Nat Renard 



Frankle Keni 
Cartler Sisters 
to DancInK Itloirera 
Burner Kelm Kcv 

(Garden Lounge) 
P A May Denrboro 
Ruth Wallace 
Havoy 
Sabby Lewis Oro 
Seven .Va'a 
Karl Rohde Ore 
Vernon Hussell 
litealM>n's 
(Vienna Reoa) 
Lew Conrad Or* 
Harold A Ix>la 
Carl A Fay Simpaoa 
Zoska 

JImrey Marr 
Doris Abbott 

The Can 
Don DlBona Or* 
Jack RIsher 
Tamara Doriva 
Kdna Rogers 
Pr'ce A Pr'e Selandl 
Frank Fontaine 
Jimmy Marr 
Pir elleii E 

Tie-Toe 
Mnl Hallett Ore 
Ella Flmeeraia (2I| 



CLETELANS 



Alpta* Vllhtge 

Laurette A Clymai* 
3 SoplilH ladles 
Sen A Wong 
Myron Ryan 
Bruce Norman 
Willie Uatihla* Ore 
Gregory A Raymond 

EMarado Clab 
Napua 

lluna de Bournat 

Hotel Carter 
Charles Wick Ore 
EHtrollios 

Hotel Ckreland 
Bernle Cummlna O 
Hotel Pewaay HaU 
Don Dl Flavlo 
E'klne Butterworth 

Hotel HelloBdoB 
Bob Hall 
Allen A Revel 
Mnta Mouterta 
Henri 



Sloan A nsry 
.■tammy Watklna • 

i1a!rl Nliiller 
Barry WInliin Oro 
tJH t'oagn I'lob 
i.'hick Alberga Ore 
Umbay's Rkvter 
Four Are;* Quees 
Marya .Manley 
Poison Clftrdner 
Penri rte I iM-ca 

Moaaro'* rata 

Carmelltn A Leo 
Eileen O'Brien 
Carolyn Watts 
Franc Reynolda 
Versatlllans Ore 

SIM Hob 
Barry I'orks 
Virginia Rae 
Hal Hall 
r>nn Walsh OlO 



DETBOIT 



Boah-CndlUae Hotel 

(Booh Caaloo) 
Copacabana Revue: 
BatcUe A LeRoy 
Carole Dexter 
Betty Jane Smith 
Andrlna 

Jere T McManon 
Samba Sirens 
Setty Apple 
Jan Uartel 
Ben Young Ore 
(Motor Bar) 
Bddle Frita 4 
Bowery 

Ti'elte 
Louis Tops 
Radio Aces 
Mildred A Manrlce 
Harvey Stone 
Donn Arden Co 
Johnny King 
Benny Rcah Oro 

Braaa 'Ball 
Connie Barleau 
Skeeirr Palmer 
Roy Swartx 
Earl Beauflrle 
Jeannle Rand 
rvaoova 
SylvlH Froos 
Bob Stevenson Ore 

Clab Coago 
Congoettei* 
l.arry Steele 
Nina M MfKlnney 
Nortons 2 
Lorenzn Robenson 
JolniMOns 2 
Viola Jefft^rson 
Claudia Oliver 
Congo Ore 

riub San Diego 
Rndln Jei«l(»rH 
Tito (.'iivallero 
.1a(-<iu(»lyn 

Vuleiu-hi A Yolandn 
Tony Norera 
Don Pedro Ore 
Club Three MS 

Oiilvpno KUIh 
Claudia McNeil 
Pete Niignnt 
Jean A Vernon 
Morton Brown 
Taylorettes 8 



Sam Fouche 
Jon-Anna Holmes 
George Sanders 
LAnky Bowman Or* 

Hnyaiarhet 
P A M .Quackenbuah 
Pallne A Rosa 
I^ta Lee 
Tex !^ulll\*Bn 
Mel Snyder 
Wally Johl 
CharmaWb Oro 
Loodoo Chop Hoaa* 
Alice Dawn 
Ethel Howe 
Ruby Ore 
Sammy DIbert Ore 
Ohle n'nyae Clab 
Jimmy Clark Oro 

l^lm Reach 
Qus llnwnrd 
l!iabi'llt:i Castro 
n Garilner Girls 
n * Klhol Wlnlfry 
lliin I'ablii ')ro 

Royal* 
Slnin A Itailey 
SHminy Walsh 
WlilrlwInrtB 2 
Jenn Monn 
Royaleltei* 
Ceo. Dully Oro 
Saks 

Colleltc A Barry • 
Jane Uuncsn 
Les Scott 
Jackie Hllllard 
Bonile Oreen 
John .Morrison 
Pcle Vipi-R Oro 

Club Three 6d4 
The Tliioc Riffs 
Jeun A Vornon 
M 'Swing' Drown 
RnsMn Lorkhart 
Prince Albert 
Jon-Annii Holmes 
8 Tayloretlcs 
Snm Fouchp 
Lanky Bowman OfV 

Woader Bar 
Aylene Mason 
Eddie Paisley Of* 
Duv Welsh Oro 



PHILASELFHIA 



Alpine Monlenl 
Bar 

Riff Robbins I 
Irene IlHrker 
Beoay the Barn's 

Alma 

Eddie Young 
Scamps (4) 
Zeke 

Anita Chandler 
Club Ball 
Joe A Belly Lee 
Borbara Ulalne 
Allen C.alen 
Danny Rogera 
BalUovelles 
Earl Denny Ore 
Luis Fernandfz Ore 

Stratford Garden 
(Bellarae Stratford 

Hotel) 
Waller Miller Oreh 

Ben FVaaklln 
Aladdin 
Stewart A T.ea 
June Robbins 
TonI Hart 
Claruaii 
Gale Manners 
Nat Brandwynn Ore 

Cadillac Tarcra 
Harry Dobbs Oro 
Anita James 
Vic Earl.ion 
Billy Elton 
TonI O'Boyle 
Roye Sis 

Canwen'a Mnsleal 
Bar 

Ruth Anderson 
Dons Elliott 
Blacky Johnson 
Elton Brown 
3 Dukes 

Carrotl'a 
Eddy Handley 
The Heatwaves 
Marian Colby 
Galnea Ore 
Carrollettes 

College Ino 

Joyce r»enny 
Helen Jerico 
The 'I'ltunderbnltfi 
Jack Spnngler 



I*ee Warwick 
Viola Klaiss 

De (iorgne Cato 

Don Martin 
Joe lleiii}*ley 
Billy McKee 
Cicms (3) 

Ul PIntoa 
Crescent (6) 
Bob Baxter 
(li-nrc Kilwiii-d 
lliin Dun Uuddles 
Chuck A Chuckles 
Pedro Blanco On 

Grabaasy 
La Cllanllla 
Mildred Stanley 
The Rmtonsylpha 
nita Lopes 
Erick Rhumba Ore 
Vlckl George 
Jeanne King 
Geo Clifford 
Pal Sherlln Ore 

OenoaatowH Bar 
Sam Price 
Kurt Weller 

(H WaltoB BooO 
Rose Gallo 
Jackie Marshall 
Bubbles Shelby 
Ruth Clayton 
Ihe Girar<loii 
Stump A Stumpy 
Glamour Gls 
Bddia De Luea Ore 
R Moneblto Oro 
HopUaa'Balhakeller 
Bernardettes 
Pat Bernard 
Johnny Cablll 
Kay Hamilton 
Kaye A Grey 
Clara Evans 
Tony Bennett Ore 
Hotel Phlladelphtaa 

Don Massey 
Betty Johnsoif 
Jon Arthura 
l«ilnatoB CaelB* 

Btlly Moropco 
Irene Kaye 
IrkIk Woiringtoa 
E'lilif While 
The nrandowa 



(Continued on page 82) 



Wcdnei^ay, October 21, 1942 



LEGITIMATE 



S5 



Equity's Officers in a Stew Over 
Frequent Absences of Councillors 



' There have been no important 
jgsues before Equity'i councU In 
gome time, but officers of , the asso- 
cUtion have become Irked over the 
lackadaisical attitude of some mem- 
bers of that body who have not at- 
tended meetings for months. The 
sessions are held every other week. 

Declaring In its house organ that 
being on the council is not an hon- 
orary job, Equity leaders call upon 
the erring members either to attend 
the sessions or resign. 

There is no provision in Equity's 
regulations whereby councillors 
could be forced to withdraw because 
of refusal to attend meetings, but 
8n amendment to the constitution Is 
being considered which would cover 
such insUnces. In recent discussions 
it has been proposed that the names 
of those who attend regularly be 
published in the monthly magazine, 
along with those who are absent 
without adequate excuse, but no 
resolution to that effect has been 
adopted.' There are 50 on the coun- 
cil, 10 newly elected eaoh year for 
■ flve-year term. 

Because of slim attendance 
Equity's quarterly meetings may be 
dropped for the diu-ation of the war. 
At the recent general meeting there 
were but slightly over 200 present, 
possibly explained by the number 
of actors in uniform who would 
probably have attended. The small 
volume of topics considered is an- 
other reason for limiting general 
meetings to once per year. 

m RAISE DISPUTE 
STYMIES MGRS., ATAM 

Dispute between the managers and 
the Association of Theatrical Agents 
li Managers over salary increases has 
become stymied after two sessions 
with a federal conciliator. League of 
New York Theatres stood pat, as in- 
dicated last week, declining any in- 
termediate offer to the union's de- 
mand for a 15% boost. Next step Is 
for a three man conciliation board to 
get the matter before it reaches the 
War Labor Board, which probably 
has received the report of James 
William Fitzpatrick, the first con- 
ciliator. Understood that Sidney 
Cohn, attorney for ATAM, was in 
Washington with the idea of getting 
the attention of WLB. Developments 
In the pay ceiling situation may af- 
fect the decision of that bureau. 

ATAM lost its arbitration over the 
Temberton Clause,' stipulation in 
the basic agreement with the league, 
- whereby certain managers can act as 
their own press agents or company 
managers. Case arose when Michael 
Myerberg became company manager 
of. "Skin of Your Teeth,' which he is 
producing. Arthur Garfield Hays 
ruled that he had that privilege be- 
cause of having previously produced 
a play within the period specified in 
the agreement (1935-38). 

Arbitrntor's opinion, however, was 
to the effect that while his decision 
was based strictly on the phrasing of 
the clause, it was not intended to in- 
clude occasional producers such as 
Myerberg. 



John Golden Unanimous 
tambs' Shepherd Choice 

John Oolden was unanimously 
elected Shepherd of the Lambs club 
Thursday (15), succeeding Fred 
Waring, and thereby became the first 
producing manager to head the ac- 
tors organization. Previously in the 
managerial class was A. O. (Bert) 
Brown, who formerly managed the 
Playhouse for W. A. Brady. There 
are around 1,100 members of the 
Lambs, of which number 175 are 
classified as nonpros or lay members. 

Complaint has been made by a 
number of Lambs over a regulation 
that keeps the club bar closed on 
Sundays, understood to be effective 
for the duration of the war. They 
say it is a sort of hardship to be 
deprived of the privilege of sitting 
in the grill on Sundays without liba- 
tion, especially with winter temper- 
atures soon due. New regime may 
revise the bar restriction. 



Hans Bartsch Wbs 

Rights to 'Maytime' 

After years of controversy, the 
rights to 'Maytime' have been estab- 
lished, the Appelate Division of the 
N. Y. supreme court, last Friday (16) 
filling that ownership belonged to 
Hans Bartsch. Operetta was origin- 
ally presented' ' by the Shuberts. 
wtsch contended that their rights 
lapsed through failure to present the 
show - - 



over a period of years. He 



Was upheld in the lower courts and 
we Shuberts lost their appeal. 

Maytime,' with a book adapted 
no ma foreign source by Rida John- 
son Young, had a Sigmund Romberg 
More. It was originally produced 
1917 and was on the boards for 
wur years on Broadway and the 
™ad, with occasional revivals there- 
Bartsch sought to clear the 
nghts, figuring that 'Maytime' is 
ooout ripe for another revival. Case 
was argued for him by Pincus 
jefner, of the legal firm of Ernst, 
r?ne F- B:rner. . 



Biz, Civic Leaders Behind 
Plan to Set Up Musical 
Stock Company in SL L 

St. Louis, Oct. 20. 
The Associated Retailers of St. 
Louis, bankers and civic biggies, are 
giving financial support to a plan- 
to establish a musical comedy stock 
company In the downtown district. 
The undertaking, conceived by Max 
Koenigsberg, one of the founders of 
the Municipal Theatre Assn. that 
sponsors the alfresco Forest Park 
theatre, has a swell chance of going 
over. 

Approximately $50,000 of stock 
will be dished out to the public to 
make it a city-wide project. With 
the plan underway only a few 
weeks, it appears that the stock will 
be entirely subscribed. This burg 
has only one legit house, the Ameri- 
can, and one burlesk theatre, the 
Grand, and both are located in the 
downtown district. 

The Associated Retailers feel cer- 
tain that the opening of another legit 
theatre will do much to revive the 
night life in the downtown sector. 
The Orpheum. owned by the Cella 
interests, will be the house utilized 
for the' new undertaking. It has 
been dark for three years. Origin- 
ally built for vitude, the house has, 
on occasions, ai-so been used for 
stock company presentations. Fan- 
chon ii Marco operated it for one 
year as a second-run film house. 



'CLAUDIA' 1ST SHOW HIT 
BYR.R. HANDICAPS 



'Claudia' is believed lo be the first 
louring show which has encountered 
extended transportation delay. In 
jumping from Portland, Ore., to 
Fresno last week, train carrying the 
troupe was sidetracked four hours 
because of military priority. It made 
the date ju.it about the lime the audi- 
ence started filine in. 

Eddie O'Keefe. back with the .<how. 
took the player.5 off the train at 
Davis Junction. Cal., and. after hir- 
ing a bus. arrived at the Fresno 
auditorium at 8 p.m. The bus trio 
took eight hours, the driver being 
slipped $20 to keep her rolling. Only 
the costume trunk traveled with the 
company and the performance was 
played without the lihow's settings, 
stage manager Buford Armitage do- 
ing the backstage hustling. Gross 
was $2,168. 



WAR K.O.S LEGIT 

Memphia Olvie Theatre Cancels All 
Aotlvltles for Daratlon 



Memphis, Oct 20. 

On the verge of curtain-raising for 
its fifth season, the Memphis Civic 
Theatre suddenly cancelled all legit 
plans for the year and suspended 
activities for the duration. 'Heaven 
Can Wait,' In rehearsal for opening 
tomorrow night at Ellis Auditorium, 
will have to wait tintil the war's 
over, John Ward, president said, 
adding that the Civic has lost 
virtually all its directorial staff and 
much of its talent to war services. 

Plays scheduled for the season had 
included 'Petticoat Fever,' 'Alice Sit- 
By-the-Fire' and 'Jupiter Laughs.' 



7 Lf GIT SHOWS 

SET m 
CAMPS 



USO-Camp Shows, Inc., legit sched- 
ule for the winter-spring session, 
which tees off Nov. 23, has definitely 
set the following shows and direc- 
tors: 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Hugh Ren- 
nie; 'Junior Miss,' Irving Schneider 
and Henry Ephron; 'You Can't Take 
It With You,' Luther Adler; 'Male 
Animal,' Ronald T. Hammond; 'Room 
Service,' Lou Mandell. There is a 
possibility that 'Claudia' may be the 
other eastern production. 

From the Poast are to come 'Watch 
on the Rhine,' with the director un- 
announced, and possibly "the Goril- 
la.' Latter is just In the mulling 
stage and may be replaced-by a sec- 
ond production of 'Room Service,' 
the idea being to tour the show on 
both the Red and White circuits. 



MILW;S STOCK 
TEST BRODIES 



Laura Hope Crews ID 

Laura Hope Crews was forced out 
of 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton, 
N. Y., last midweek and is under 
treatment at the Leroy sanitarium. 
Illness is diagnosed as pleuri.sy, but 
there is a complication and the vet- 
eran actress may be confined to bed 
for an indcnnitc period. 

Ruth McDevilt, understudy, has 
replaced Miss Crews and will prob- 
ably hold the assignment until the 
nrincioal rrrovpr.s. 



Milwaukee, Oct. 20. 

Heroic effort by legit fans to es- 
tablish a local professional produc- 
tion theatre. Intended to make up 
for the possible paucity of travel- 
ing shows due to wartime transpor- 
tation conditions, collapsed Satur- 
day night (17) after three weeks 
of increasingly bad business in a 
town booming with wartime pros- 
perity. The flop was attributed by 
insiders to an unfortunate selec- 
tion of outmoded and untried plays. 

Bankroll garnered by subscription 
under the sponsorship of the So- 
ciety of Allied Arts for the sea.son 
at the Pabst theatre was figured to 
be ample for a four-week trial, but 
money ran out so much faster than 
it came in that the fourth week 
never materialized. Arthur Sircom 
directed the troupe. 

Francis Lederer and Tamara were 
featured in the first bill. 'The Play's 
the Thing,'^ followed by Constance 
Collier and Violet Heming in 'Our 
Betters,' and then by Jose IJuben 
and Erin O'Brien-Moore in 'Char- 
lotte Corday.' First week, at S2.20 
top, grossed le.ss than $5,000; second 
week went way below that and third 
week nose-dived even further. 
Great Neck Stock Folds 

Lowest takings for stock yet rec- 
orded are reported for the outfit that 
closed at the Chapel theatre. Great 
Neck, L. I.. Sat. (1) after three weeks. 
For one performance the boxoffice 
take was said to have amounted to 
80c. gross, while the week was esti- 
mated around $100. Last week's play 
was 'A Murder Has Been Arranged,' 
an Emlyn Williams melodrama not 
regularly presented over here. 

Stock was operated by Sam Hoff- 
man, who hails from the Coast. Last 
spring he was involved when start- 
ing lo ready a radio show with 
amateurs and the matter of joining 
the American Federation of Radio 
artists arose. Situation was straight- 
ened oifl after threatened legal pro- 
ceedings. 

Great Neck house was open in 
August, when the lessee. Andrew 
Billings, also offered stork. There 
was a hookup with the Nayy Relief 
Fund and. on the strength ^of that 
connection, subscriptions were se- 
I ciirril. 



Earlier Curtains Than Normally Eyed 
By Some Mgrs. for Sunday Night 



'Gertie's Garter' In 
Brooklyn; Detroit Soon 

Henry Duffy is readying a revival 
of the old comedy, 'Getting Gertie's 
Garter,' originally produced -by A. H. 
Woods In 1021. 

Show would play the Wilson the- 
atre in Detroit, where Duffy cur- 
rently has a musical version of 'The 
Patsy' in action. 

'Garter' is currently running In 
stock at the Flatbush, Brooklyn, and 
is a click in London as 'The Night of 
the Garter.' English producers, inci- 
dentally, have queried local play 
agents for revival rights to 'Up in 
Mabel's Jloom' and 'Ladies' Night in 
a Turkish Bath,' bo(h originally done 
by A. H. Woods. 

The London negotiations for 'La- 
dies' Night' are temporarily snagged 
by the Chicago click, now in its 27th 
week of a revamped version, titled 
'Good Night Ladies.' Th« producers 
of the Chicago version, Al Rosen and 
Howard Lang, secured the English 
rights to 'Ladies Night,' 9long with 
the domestic revival rights. 



Strawhat Reopening 
In Philly Hotel to Get 
Share of Big War B.O. 

Bucks County playhouse, which 
moved from New Hope, Pa., to the 
Bellevue-Stratford hotel, Philadel- 
phia, last summer because of the 
gasoline and tire situation, will re- 
open Nov. 9 at the latter spot for a 
fall season of at least five weeks. 
Theron Bamberger will again man- 
age the venture. 

Regular summer season of the 
theatre was extended from 10 to II 
weeks on the strength of the good 
business, and, with' Philadelphia 
booming with war industry, the idea 
is to cash in on the general show 
biz boxoffice upbeat there. Difficul- 
ties with theatrical unions were set- 
tled to permit the reopening. 

Philadelphia, which some years 
ago had 11 legit houses available, 
now has only the Forrest, Walnut, 
Locust and, on rare occasions, Er- 
langer. That excludes the Mast- 
baum, long-dark mammoth film 
house reopening next week with 
'This Is the Army,' and the Bucks 
County strawhatter. 



NIXED 4 TIMES, ARMY 
DRAFTS BRUCE COOK 

St. Louis. Oct. 20. 

Before accepting the directorship 
of the St. Louis Theatre several 
weeks ago Bruce S. Cook, Philadel- 
phia, had unsuccessfully tried four 
times to enter the armed forces of 
the U. S. He was waved aside be- 
cause of his eyesight. Last week, 
just after he had started rounding 
up the thesps for the forthcoming 
season he was ordered to report to 
his local draft board for induction 
into the service. 

Cook, 27, came here from Buffalo 
where he was engaged in theatrical 
work. He also was to have been the 
theatre's scenic designer. The biggies 
of the local enterprise are now try- 
ing to find a successor to Cook. He 
succeeded Gordon Carter who re- 
signed to accept a position on the 
production staff of radio station 
KMOX, the local CBS outlet. 



More Spice 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Al Rosen will try to duplicate the 
surprise success of 'Good Night 
Ladies' with another spicy stage 
piece, 'Harem Scarum.' which has to 
do with a harem. Piece gets a break- 
in at Fresno and then moves to the 
Geary in Fri.sco. If it clicks it goes 
ca.st. 

Principles being .sought by Ro.scn 
are Frank McHugh. Sally Eilcrs. 
Billy Gilbert and Mischa Aucr 
•Harem' is from the typewriter of 
Milton Groppcr. 



Movement has been proposed for 
starting Sunday night performances 
earlier than on other evenings, a 
number of house managers already 
having expressed themselves favor- 
able to the Idea. Theory Is that 
average visitors to Broadway dine 
rather early on that day, and are in- 
clined to reach home sooner than 
usual so that they can get to their 
jobs on Monday promptly. 

Opening curtains for straight 
plays start close to nine p.m. It is 
believed that, if an 8 p.m. starting 
time were adopted, more patrons 
would be attracted. Goodly percen- 
tage of shows are playing Sundays, 
a number giving two performances 
that day. There is a variance in at- 
tendance, some being better sup- 
ported in the afternoon than at 
night. .• 

Idea of starting night perform- 
ances earlier on weekday evenings 
to attract suburbanites was proposed 
a number of times, but the plan 
didn't work out because office hours 
did not permit early dinner. 



EQUITY AGENTS' LIST 
DUE FOR PRUNING DEC.1 



There are still 32 casting agents on 
the approved list at Equity, but not 
all are currently active. Indicated 
that a number will drop out Decem- 
ber 1, at which time the annual fee 
of $25, which was ordered by Equity 
last season is due. Believed that 
legit casting in |ome agencies is so 
sparse that they may not pay the 
fee and will request being deferred 
until production becomes more ac- 
tive. 

Al Ochs, who has an Equity li- 
cense, has gone to the Coast and 
closed his office, temporarily at 
least. Denis DuFor, who was granted 
a license last winter, has joined USO- 
Camp Shows and is connected with 
that outfit's Chicago office. Both are 
eligible to again become active 
agents. Austina Mason had dropped 
out of the field. 



'Arsenic' Angels Di?vy 
Up 48G Sept, Melon 



Backers qf 'Arsenic and Old Lace' 
got their portion of $48,000 proflta 
of the hit for the month of Septem- 
ber. 

Profits of the play at the Ful- 
ton, N. Y., and the company on the 
road were boosted by additional pic- 
ture advance money amounting to 
$7,875. 

Canadian Rights 

Canadian rights to 'Ar.senic and 
Old Lace' have been secured by 
Frank McCoy, who ha.s been prin- 
cipally occupied with stock for the 
past several seasons. Some Ameri- 
can stands are included in the route, 
principally Detroit, where a run at 
$1.65 top will be attempted. McCoy 
aims to open the play within two 
weeks, two of the leads engaged be- 
ing Walter Hampden and Ci&sle 
Loftus. He may also be active in 
stock during the season, 'Burlesque' 
being one of the plays to be used. 

Warners have set back the relea.se 
date of 'Arsenic' in film form until 
Feb. 8. after having set it for .show- 
ing around New Year'.s and getting 
the right to release one week 
earlier than that. Play's run at the 
Fulton, N. Y., is figured lo continue 
after the picture reaches the screen 
if not longer, same going for the 
road show, in which the original cast 
is appearing. 



Reviying 'Ram' With 
Lenore Uhric As Star 



Margaret Hewes is readying a re- 
vival of 'Rain' with Lenore Ulric for 
the Sadie Thompson role. 

Rest of the cast and tceoff date 
not as yet. Production is slated for 
Broadway, with theatre also not yet 
set. 



Coast Camp Legiter 

Hollywood. Oct. 20. 
The Ac-lors Laboratory is readying 
' 'Three Vicn On a Horic' for presen- 
!l,Tti'in in military concenlration.s. 
I Few months ago the group toured 



56 



LEGITIMATE 



Wednesdaj, October 21, 1942 



Inside Stuff-Lc^ 



'Rosalinda,' which was postponed at the 44th Street, N. V.. where It is 
now due next Monday (26), has been presented several times. Last pres- 
entation was at ?»ie Morosco. N. Y.. musical then being called 'Champagne 
Sec,' presented by Dwight Deere Wiman for a moderately successful en- 
gagement. Show was first known as "The Bat' (no connection with the 
melodrama of that title, which also scored a long run at the Morosco) 
score being by Johann Strauss. First showing here of costume show was 
in 1881, under its original German title, 'Die Fledermaus.' 
In 1881, under its original German title, "Die Fledermaus.' Operetta is 
credited with 300 performances in Paris and Berlin when originally shown. 

'..odewick Vroom is presenting 'Rosalinda' for the New Opera Co., headed 
b> a group of socialites including Mrs. Lytle Hull, Mrs. Myron C. Taylor, 
Mrs. Cornelius Dresselhuys, Mrs. Moritz Rosenthal, Mrs. George H. Shaw, 
Mrs. Ralph Seward Allen, Mrs. Edgar W. Garbisch, Mrs. David K. E. 
Bruce, Mrs. Cornelius V. Whitney, Walter Moving, Lauder Greenway. New 
opera outfit had a season at the 44th Streist last year and went far into 
the red, partly because of the managerial setup..r.. 

New Opera will hold forth at the Broadway'this season and it is the 
expectation that 'Rosalinda,' aimed for a run, will support the operatic 
venture. Brochure, entitled 'War's challenge to the lovers of music,' has 
been sent out by Mrs. Hull. Opening paragraphs point out that, in the 
face of invasion threats and bombmgs. Great Britain is subsidizing music, 
and that Russia, with her principal cities under siege, still supports sym- 
phony and opera. Also that China has organized a philharmonic and 
o" er musical projects. 

'.'s contended that with European talent sources entirely out, the New 
Opera can become the source of native singers. Stated that $150,000 will 
be required this season, over and above boxoffice receipts, and a fund 
has been started seeking enrollment of various classes of contributors, 
ranging from $1 to $1,000. 



Nixon theatre, Pitt's only legit house, which already has six weeks 
under Its belt, is booked solid to the first of the year, probably first time 
in house's history contracts have been stacked up for such an extended 
period. After current This Is Army,' Nixon gets Muriel Angelus in re- 
vival of 'Merry Widow' and then 'Tobacco Road' tor the 'steenth time 
Oct. 26, a date which had originally been reserved for 'Best Foot Forward." 
Letter has been pushed back to Nov. 23. 

Other shows are as follows: 'Three Sisters,' Nov. 2; 'Liady In Dark,' for 
two weeks, then 'Forward'; 'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Nov. 30-Dec. 7, and 
'Sons O' Fun' for the holiday sessions. First season Nixon has ever gone 
In so extensively tor two-week stands, which should give it 40 weeks easily, 
sr ^.ething town hasn't had since turn of century. Cramer. 
Pittsburgh legiter had to say no to Katharine Cornell last week when Lyceum: 

she wanted to push back the road getaway of her Three Sisters' revival McGauley. 

for a fortnight. Show had been scheduled to open its tour here originally Longacre: 

on Nov. 2, but star's inability to sign leading supporting players in time Hirsh. 

fr -ed her to postpone preem since she needed extra time for rehearsals. | Martin Beck: Dora Chamberlain, 
owever, Nixon couldn't accommodate her, since house had already | Daisy Lawrence. 

p ciled in Gertrude Lawrence's 'Lady In Dark' for weeks of Nov. 9 and 

16, and no shifting of this was possible. Miss Cornell, however, landed 

week of Nov. 23 here, with house trying to get 'Best Foot Forward,' which 

had l>een scheduled en that date, for Nov. 2. Elmer Kenyon, Pittsburgher 

and tor many years Maurice Evans' advance agent, goes out ahead of 

'Sisters.' 




Legit Houses 

Contlnned (rom pate 

ants. 28 being girls, seven being 
wholly staffed by the distaff side. 
Staffs under contract, including tem- 
porarily dark spots, first named 
being treasurers and others the as- 
sistants, follows: 

Alvin: Thomas Brotherton, 
Herman Fallik. 

Ambassador: William Brennan, 
Jack Wolf, Edgar Perry. 

Biltmore: Lewis Harris, Arthur 
Wright, 

Barrymore: Lillian Peabody, Mil- 
dred Anker. 

Booth: Margaret O'Rourke, Har- 
riet Hayes. 

Broadhurst: Cora Gibbs, Eddie 
Friedman, Catherine Low. 

Belasco: William Goldhardt, Ellen 
Beamish. 

Broadway: Robert Howard. 

Center: Paul Dauer, Louis Berge. 
Gerard Connell, Charles Walters. 

Cort: Genevieve Stewart, Georgis 
Fursman. 

Cosmopolitan: Harold Jacoby, Carl 
Young. 

Empire: Lee Arnold, Arthur 
Clarke. 

Forrest: Max Sager, Fannie Levine. 
44th Street: Herman Fuchs, Wil- 
liam Steveo. 

4eth Street: Dan Meliiick, Helen 
Monroe. 

Fulton: Harry Martin, Leo Miller. 
Guild: Marvin Roth, Mary Ackley. 
Golden: David Mayer, Helene 
Glenmore. 

Hudson: Murray Helwitz, Mar- 
garet Hildreth. 

Hollywood: Jesse Long, David 
Stewart, George Cohan. 
Imperial: Aaron Helwitz, Gordon 



FLYER-DRAMATIST OF 
TLAREPATH'N6WINU5. 

Terenc* Rattlgan, young English 
author whose 'Flare Path' li a cur- 
rent hit In London, arrived in th* 
U. S. last week. He is a flyer in 
the RAF ferry command. 

Harold Friedman, of the Brandt 
Sc Brandt agency, la setting deUUs 
for a Broadway production of 'Flare,' 
drama about the RAF. Gilbert 
Miller is supposed to have it for 
America. 



Irving Morrison, Hugh 
Lep Solomon,,^ Anna 



Frank Frayer, 



Equity is seeking revision of a rule regarding the switching of players 
to other parts in shows which are running. Council adopted a resolu- 
tion to the effect that, after a specified period, players must be retained in 
thsir parts 'as cast.' It cannot become effective, however, unless the League 
of N. Y. Theatres assents, managerial outfit having a basic pact with 
Equity not to change rules until the expiration of the agreement early 
next season. 

1 requesting the change. Equity told the League that it virtually is 
or. y an amendment to an existing rule. 

""here's no objection to ntanagers switching parts if that is done within 
thL- first half-dozen weeks of performance, by which time casts should 
be definitely set. Matter arose when an actor in a play that has been 
running more than a year was assigned another part, played by an actor 
who was getting twice as mTuch salary. When an actor is replaced by 
another not in the show, replacement player must receive as much pay 
as the original, but the rule did not cover switching within the cast. 



New scene went into third act of S. N. Behrman's 'Pirate,' starring the 
Lunts, at the Nixon, Pittsburgh, and also a new actor. Clarence Der- 
wcnt took over role of viceroy, which had been played until then 
by Reynolds Denniston. ' Added material also expands the part for 
Dcrwent. Smoky City critics were two to one for 'Pirate,' admitting, 
however, that there were some rough edges still to be smoothed out. Play 
Wrights Company and Theatre Guild, co-producing it, obviously felt same 
way, for the Broadway opening, scheduled for Oct. 26, has been post 
poned to permit show to stay out for two more weeks. It's currently in 
Washington for a fortnight and then goes to Boston for the same length 
of time. 



Henry Miller 
Charles Bowman. 

Morosco: Arthur Lighton, Anna 
Yurdin. 

Music Box: Charles 'Thomas, Mur- 
ray Lang, Edwin McPartland. 

Majestic: Jack Pearl, Maurice 
DeVries. 

Mansfield: Abe Baranoff, Ethel 
Archer. 

National: Thomas Clarke, William 
Harris. 

Plymouth: Constance Coble, Philip 
Kenney. 

Playhouse: Marie Dickson, Clara 
Geffinger. 

Royale: Irving Keyser, Jean 
Cohen. 

Ritz: Harry Stehle, Harry Bedell 
St. James: Albert Hildreth, Kath 
ryn Walsh. 

Shubert: Elsie Nichols, Josephine 
O'Brien. 

Winter Garden: Irving En^el 
Betty Barker, Jack Melnick. 



One reason why 'Count Me In' out-grossed 'Beat The Band' in Boston 
where both new musicals played day 'n' date, may have been the ticket 
situation there, one which managements have complained about every 
now and then. Shuberts, who are interested in 'Count,' control most of 
the Hub's legit theatres and it is alleged that they are interested in 
Herrick's agency, which handles the "bundles' and distributes to other 
a; cncies. Hub support of 'Count' was probably influenced also by Catholic 
pulpits, show having originated at the Catholic University, Washington 
D. C, and similar aid may figure during the Broadway (Barrymore) en 
ga;;ement. 

Shuberts have frequently denied being connected with Herrick's. 



Pa. Draft Bi Differs 
With FJ).R.'s Deferment 
Of Hedgerow Conchies 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 
The Hedgerow Theatre vs. U. S. A. 
entanglement flared brightly again 
yesterday when Delaware County 
Draft Board (No. 7) was announced 
as having sent a lengthy and in- 
dignant letter to General Lewis Her- 
shey, national draft admlnistraibr, 
protesting President Roosevelt's or- 
der deferring three of the Rose 
Valley players from Army service 
on the grounds of conscientious ob- 
jection. 

The three men, all classified 1-A 
by the draft board, are Morgan 
Smedley, chairman of the property 
department and 'front-of-the-office' 
department; George Ebeling, head 
of the maintenance department, and 
Joseph W. Lieberman, Jr., in charge 
of the scenery, finance and con- 
struction department. All three are 
also members of the Hedgerow 
Theatre's acting company, it being 
the outfit's system of doubling in 
brass for all members. 

The Draft Board's letter contended 
that the President's decision could 
not have been based on all the facts. 
Board served notice on General 
Hershey that it did not intend to 
notify the Hedgerow members of 
their re-classification until it learned 
what action is to be taken on a re- 
quest for a new investigation. 

The reclassification order came 
as Jasper Deeter, Hedgerow di- 
rector, was carrying on his attempt 
to win public support for his con- 
tention that Hedgerow actors should 
be given blanket deferment because 
'the theatre and their work in it 
are of national importance.' 

Board No. 7's letter to General 
Hershey asserted that the three men 
live 'Bohemian type' lives which 
contain no religious tendencies or 
background. 



Await Okay By Guild 
On Play Sold to Fifans 
Prior to B'way Prod. 

Contemplated production by the 
Shuberts of Allan Kenward's 'Cry 
Havoc' ii in abeyance pending a 
waiver by the Dramatists Guild of 
its minimum basic agreement rule 
prohibiting Broadway presentation 
of a play within a year after its sale 
to Hollywood. Metro bought the 
screen rights to 'Havoc' for $20,000 
in advance of its legit production. 
Indicated that the Guild council will 
okay the waiver if satisfied no 
scheme to circumvent the basic 
agreement is involved. Fact that the 
play is timely, dealing with the hero- 
ism of nurses on Bataan, may be a 
factor in the Guild's waiver. 

Kenward, a film writer, wrote 
'Havoc' and the William Morris of- 
fice sold it directly to Metro, with- 
out offering it to Broadway man- 
agers. Play was subsequently given 
an amateur presentation on the 
Coast, where Fanny Brice saw it and 
wired Harry Kaufman, of the Shu- 
bert organization, suggesting a 
Broadway production. Although the 
film rights had already been sold, 
the Shuberts agreed to do the show, 
also giving Kenward a $1,000 ad- 
vance and permitting him to buy a 
share of the production and making 
other concessions. 

Kaufman would be the nominal 
producer for the Shuberts, but the 
deal depends on Guild permission to 
make an exception of its regular 
rules. Explained that the one-year 
regulation of the minimum basic 
agreement is designed to prevent a 
film company from obtaining screen 
rights to a play in advance at a low 
figure, then financing its Broadway 
production, either directly or 
through an intermediary. Presum- 
ably the screen rights to a play 
would be much cheaper before it had 
clicked on Broadway. 

Guild council considered the 
'Havoc' case extensively at its meet- 
ing Monday (19), but reserved de- 
cision pending further study. 



treasurer, and May Ruppert. Latter i^ the only paid officer, a very mod- 
est sum being indicated as the dues are but $1 i>er month. 

Union obtained a small pay raise, having a contract with the managers 
tor two years. If working 40 weeks or more, each member is entitled to 
a week's vacation with pay. 



Str. Plays Lead 



Over a period of 50 years Frederick H. Meserve has been collecting 
old photographs, 75,000 of which are theatrical. Latter arc referred to 
as card pictures of players who appeared in the 1880*5 and about a score 
arc reproduced in Life magazine. 

Many are not identified and combined captions are used for each group, 
such as: 'AH leg art in the 1880's was coy and corny. These buxom stage 
beauties wore hip-length stockings and frozen smiles as they posed on 
picture gallery props." 



Indicated that this will be a cleanup season for Hassard Short as a 
stager, he being one of the few directors who receive a percentage of the 
gross for the run of the play. Short gets 1^% of 'Lady in The Dark' and, 
for the high takings of that musical in Philadelphia, his end approached 
the $500 mark wee)cly. He gets the same percentage or more trom 'Star 
and Garter' (Music Box) and Is slated to also stage 'Something For The 
Boys' musical fpr Michael Todd this season. 

In addition to the percentage arrangements. Short usually gets $500 
weekly before and during rehearsals, his deals calling for such remunera- 
tion for a minimum of seven weeks. 



Harry Schumei and Sol Freedman, theatrical truckers (latter operates 
Tail's), have been rivals for yeers. "They suddenly realized that it wasn't 
good business to compete too keenly in angling for new jobs, because, 
as one explained it, the fellow in the middle always gets the benefit. 
That means the producers. 

Schumer has been mentioned being interested in shows every now 
and then. Currently he has a script he'd like to sec produced, but won"t 
invest his own coin unless permitted to rewrite the third act. 



"Time, Place and the Girl' was postponed from last week to tonight (21 ) 
Bt the Mansfield, N. Y., Edgar MacGregor having been called In tor re- 
ctaging. Musical dates from 1907, when it was produced at the La Salle, 
Chicago, by Mort Singer and the late Harry Askln, cast being topped by 
Anna Laughlin and Arthur Deagon. It later toured and was shown on 
lower Broadway and neighborhood N. Y. spots at pop prices. Scale now 
Is $330 top. 

'Girl' was revived in Chicago at the Harris In 1930 by Joe E. Howard, 
who coUabed in the original book and is appearing In the revival. Second 
Loop showing was a flop, folding after three weeks. Late Ned Waybum 
staged the dances for that showing. 



Legitimate Theatre Employees union, formed by Dick Scott of the 
stagehands international as a subsidiary, with a membership of ushers, 
. doormen, ticket takers and restroom matrons, has elected officers, all 
being women and all being ushers: Catherine Worden, president; Betty 
Qulnn, vlce-pres.; Fay Beshinger, recording secretary; Genevieve Adams, 



The Shuberts got excited about recent story anent Sigmund Rom- 
t>erg's tour with a 47-plece orchestra and the mention he might do tabloid 
versions of his operettas (most of 'em produced by the Shuberts). The 
maestro-composer, whose concert tour opens today at the Arena, Phila- 
delphia, will play the scores of many another composer, besides his works, 
and while there will be vocal excerpts from such operettas, the intent is 
by no means to tabloidize them. Obviously this would constitute a 'grand 
right' and call for some special copyright arrangements. 



A stunt was pulled in connection with the opening of stock at the 
Morosco, N. Y. 'Bird In Hand,' the first play, opened Monday (19), but 
there were previews, one being held" Saturday afternoon. Ads in the 
dailies billed it a 'public preview' at $1.10 top, regular evening scale be- 
ing $2.20. 

It is being presented by Ronald Hammond, former stage manager, who 
has been operating summer stock at Stony Creek, Conn. Lee Shubert Is 
associated in the Morosco showings. 



Johnny Burke has been added to 'Count Me In,' Barrymore, N. Y., with 
his recruit soldier monolog. Possible that he will be written into the 
book, since his vaudeville characterization is a natural for the story. 



Currently being negotiated is a revival production of 'The Belle of 
New York,' musical produced at the Casino theatre, N. Y., some 45 years 
ago. Edna May starred in the original show. 



- Continued from page 1 s: 

settled down for a run at the Miller. 
'Strip for Action' aroused a difference 
of opinion, but is collecting real 
money at the National, aided by a 
strong advance sale prior to pre- 
miere. 

Four musicals have been trotted 
out. First was 'Let Freedom Sing,' 
an intimate revue that faded quickly. 
Initial major musicals were 'Count 
Me In,' Barrymore, and 'Beat tlie 
Band,' 46th Street. Neither got oft 
to a fiying start. 'Band' appears to 
have the edge. 'Count' looked like a 
cinch in Boston^ getting virtually 
double the grosses drawn by 'Band,' 
which was there at the same time. 
Next musical for N. Y. is 'Rosalinda,' 
due at the 44th Street, Monday (26), 
it being a pretentious revival rather 
than a new show. 

Musicals 

More than a score of mu.sicals had 
been listed originally, but many of 
them are now doubtful of production, 
all the more reason why the run 
musicals should play into the winter 
period or longer. 

There is to be a new "Ziegfeld 
Follies,' according to present plans. 
This will call for shelving by Shu- 
berts of 'Needle in the Haystack.' 
Milton Berle, set for' "Needle," will 
instead star in 'Follies." A revue 
is on the way, producer to be Jean 
Le Seyeux, Parisian showman who 
may combine it with 'SpiCe of Life,' 
planned by Lou Walters, operator 
of the Latin Quarter, click Broadway 
nitery. Mae West is reported getting 
ready to produce and appear in a 
musical comedy, and George Abbott 
is slated to do 'The Umpire's 
Daughter.' 

Peter Arno is due to start his new 
cartoon revue, tentatively called 'Hit 
the Ceiling,' in about two weeks. 
'Something for the Boys,' which Vin- 
ton Freedley dropped after disagree- 
ing with Cole Porter, was quickly 
snapped up by Michael Todd. Nat 
Karson figures on beginning 'Mary 
Anne.' 'Green Grow the Lilacs' is 
due in December, about which time 
'Heels Together' should come along. 

Among the more or less doubtful 
musicals are Take It Easy," which 
Chester Hale lists. 'Carmen Jones' 
(colored), 'Check and Double Check." 
'Sweet Danger,' a revival of 'Show 
Boat,' 'Femme Mania'-and 'My Dear 
Public," which flopped out of town 
last season. 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



LEGITIMATE 



57 



Weekend L(^t Boom Also m Qa; 
'Spring Again' Gets Good $13^ 



Chicago, Oct. 20, 

Chicago is enjoying one ot the 
neatest weekend legit seasons In Its 
history. Friday, Saturday and Sun- 
day crowds creating sellouts and 
thousands turned away. Only the 
midweek slumps are keeping grosses 
from being really sensational. 

■Maid in the Ozarks' is catching 
ob finally, word-of-mouth that show 
is "dirty seeming to help patronage. 
Equity paid salaries first week, but 
management has paid them since out 
of its own receipts. Having used 
every trick of the trade, including 
cut-rates, show is now running com- 
fortably on a small nut 

Eitlnutcs tor Last Week 

•BellzapopplB' (Erlanger) (3d 
week) (1,400; $2.20). Closed Satur- 
day after a disappointing run; 
grossed $17,000 in Anal week. 

'Janlor Miss' (Harris) (4th week) 
(1000; $1.65). Did nice $10,000 and 
looks to stay to first of year. 

•a««d NIfht Ladles' (Blackstone) 
(27th week) (1,200; $2.75). Rolling 
on its merry way and should last 
Into 1943; sock $16,000 for past week. 

'Best Foot Forward' (Studebakcr) 
(8th week) (1,200; $3.30). Closed 
Saturday night (17), having dropped 
sharply after move to Studebaker; 
$13,500 in final week. 

'Maid in Ocarks' (Great Northern ) 
(Sth week) (1,300; $2.20). Picking 
up. garnering $5,060 last week, on 
which figure it shows neat profit. 

'Spring Again' (Selwyn) (1,000; 
$1.65). Got fine opening notices and 
helped by American Theatre Society 
subscriptions; fine $13,000. 

LUNTS BIG {25,000 
IN 1ST WASH. WM 



Washington, Oct. 20. 

The Lunts in 'The Pirate' pulled 
estimated $25,000, a flattering take, 
at the National last week. Sam 
Behrman's comedy drew mixed no- 
4ices from the critics, and he is here 
doctoring the first two acts. 

This is the first play under the 
Theatre Guild-ATS two-week-run 
policy. ATS hopes to have 10,000 
signatures before the subscription 
books for the 1942-43 season are 
closed. This would give shows play- 
ing under the ATS banner a sus- 
taining fund of $12,000 weekly. 



'ARSENIC FINE $18,000 
IN RETURN TO FRISCO 



San Francisco, Oct 20. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace' reopened 
here in fine form after an absence of 
two weeks, while 'Watch on the 
Rhine' closed on an okay basis. 
Eatlmatea for Last Week 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Geary (1,- 
800; $2.75) (1st week-return engage- 
-ment). Play still popular to tune 
of $18,000. Played four weeks here 
previous to Los Angeles. 

•Watch on the BhJne,' Curran (I,- 
T74; $2.75) (3d wk). Pulled out after 
third session at $16,500, which was 
better than opening week, but still 
no Jackpot. 



Cincy 



Stock's 2d, With 
Lederer, So-So $4,600 

Cincinnati, Oct 20. 

Francis Lederer, in 'Pursuit of 
2?PP'"*ss,* grossed approximately 
♦4.800 last week, second of the pop 
the 2,300-seat Emery 
auditorium. Warm weather hurt 
0.0. and biz was two notches under 
Tiie opening week's mark with Fred 
Stone in You Can't Take It With 
«ou. Scale is 25.40-50c for three 
"«""ees and 25-50-75c at night 

Advance sale was heavy for this 
week s 'Pygmalion,' with Sylvia Sid- 
ney and Staats Cotsworth. 
In .e^ y>eatre has Everett Marshall 
m Student Prince' for four night 
S!™'™«nces and Wed. (21) mati- 



'Skb' $12J00niN.H. 

Tr„« . .^^^w Haven, Oct. 20. 
nT«, ,V*J" Our Teeth' (15- 

Prl-SVi .? season's top gross to date. 
«actically a four-performance sell- 
700 a? *•??«■;"' approximate $12,- 

rni, •?'*-*°P was sock money. 

T^i,'!^" f"" wee"^ 'Junior 
by riii^^'^*>'. followed Oct 29-31 
oy Gilbe rt and S ullivan troupe. 

TAKING A BATH 

B ^J""^"* "eiman head ot the United 

L«^,'"^.9"'" Pr" of the 

to*"^"' °' ^- Theatres, is in Sara- 
wea Springs for the baths 



Current Road Shows 

(Oct 21-31) 

'Angel Street' (2d Co.)— Park, 
Youngstown, O. (21); Colonial, Akron 
(22); Virginia, Wheeling. W. Va. 
(24); Hartman, Columbus, O. (26-28); 
EngUsh, Indianapolis (29-31). 

'Arsenic and Old Lace' (1st Co.) 
—Geary, San Francisco (21-24); 
High School Auditorium, Sacra- 
mento, Cal. (25); Auditorium, 
Oakland (26); Capitol, Salt Lake 
City (28); Auditorium, Denver (30- 
31). 

'Best Foot Forward'- American. St. 
Louis (21-24); English. Indianapolis 
(26-28); Hartman, Columbus, O. 
(29-31). 

•BUekonU of 1942' (vaude) — El 
Capitan. Los Angeles (21-31). 

'Clandia' (1st Co.)— Biltmore, Los 
Angeles (21-31). 

'Com Is Green'— Hanna, Cleveland 
(21-24); Paramount, Toledo (28); Vic- 
tory, Dayton (27-28); Shrine, Ft. 
Wayne (20); State, Kalamazoo (30); 
Keith's, Grand Rapids (31). 

'Firefly' (tryout)- Bushnell Audi- 
torium, Hartford (23-24). 

■GcUIng GerUe's Garter' (stock)— 
Flatbush, Brooklyn (21-25); Windsor, 
Bronx (27-31). 

Gilbert and Sullivan — Majestic, 
Boston (21-24); Court Square, 
Springfield, Mass. (26-28); Shubert, 
New Haven (29-31). 

'Good Night Ladies'— Blackstone, 
Chicago (21-31). 

'Guest in the House' — Plymouth, 
Boston (21-24). 

'Hellzapoppin' — Davidson. Milwau- 
kee (21-24); American, St. Louis 
(26-31). 

'Her First Mtt>det' (tryout)— Mc- 
Carter, Princeton (28) (premiere); 
Community, Hershey, Pa. (29); Play- 
house, Wilmington (30-31). 

'Janlor Mlas' (2d Co.)— Harris, Chi- 
cago (21-31). 

'Junior Miss' (3d Co.)— Shubert; 
New Haven (21-24); Wilbur, Boston 
(26-31). 

'Lady in the Dark'— Forrest. Phila- 
delphia (21-24); Ford's, Baltimore 
(26-31). 

'Let Freedom SInf' (stock)— Flat- 
bush, Brooklyn (27-31). 

'Life of the Party' (tryout)— Wil- 
son, Detroit (21-31). 

'Life With Father' (2d Co.)— Wil- 
bur, Boston (21-24); Walnut Phila- 
delphia (26-31). 

'Little Darling' Uryout)— Walnut 
Philadelphia (21-24). 

'Maid in the Oiarks'— Great North- 
ern, Chicago (21-31;. 

'Man Alive' (tryout)— Pabst, Mil- 
waukee (21-25). 

'Merry Widow'— Nixon, Pittsburgh 
(21-24); Forrest, Philadelphia (26- 
31). 

'Mr. Sycamore' (tryout)— Colonial, 
Boston (21-24); National. Washing- 
ton (26-31). 

'Old Acquabitance'— Lafayette, De- 
troit (21-31). 

'Papa la All' — Masonic Auditorium, 
Rochester, N. Y. (21); Erlanger, Buf- 
falo (22-24); Hanna, Cleveland (26- 
31). 

'FIraU' (tryout)— National, Wash- 
ington (21-24); Oolonial, Boston 
(26-31). 

'Porgy and Bess' — Cass, Detroit 
(2--24); Taft Auditorium, Cincinnati 
(26-31). 

'Priorities of 1942' (vaude)— Shu- 
bert Boston (21-31). 

'Private Lives' — Masonic Audi- 
torium. Rochester, N. Y. (30-31). 

'Skin ot Onr Teeth' (tryout) — 
Ford's, Baltimore (21-24); Locust, 
Philadelphia (26-31). 

'Spring Again'— Selwyn, Chicago 
(21-31). 

'Student Prince'— Cox, Cincinnati 
(li); English, Indianapolis (22-24); 
Davidson, Milwaukee (25-28); Or- 
pheum, Davenport, la. (29); Shrine 
Auditorium, Des Moines (30); Coli- 
seum, Sioux Falls, S. D. <31). 

'This Is the Army'— Mastbaum, 
Philadelphia (26-31). 

'Tobacco Road'— Royal Alexandra, 
Toronto (21-24); .Nixon, Pittsburgh 
(26-31). 

'Topsy and Eva' (tryout)— Music 
Box, Hollywood (28-31) ipremiere). 

'Vinegar Tree' (stock)— Windsor, 
Bronx (21-25). 

'Watch on the Rhine'— Orpheum, 
Phoenix. Ariz. (22): Riallo, Tucson, 
Ariz. (23); Shrine Auditorium, Okla- 
homa City 126-27); Convention Hall. 
Tulsa (28); Melba, Dallas i30-31). 

'Without Love' (tryout )— Cass, De- 
troit (26-31). 



Shows in Rehearsal 



'Great Big Doorstep'— Herman 
Shumlin. 

"Three Sisters' (revival)— 
Katharine Cornell. 

'Fare Thee Well'- Marie Louise 
Elkins, Edward Choate. 

'Sweet Charity'— Alfred Bloom- 
Ingdale, Shuberts. 

'Without Love'— Theatre Guild. 

'Her First Mnrder* — Marion 
Gering, Victor-Payne Jennings. 



TRIORITIES'HUB 
WOW AT $26^ 



Boston, Oct. 20. 

There were six legit houses lighted 
last week and there are five this, and 
biz has been okay all around. All 
the shows had an extra matinee last 
week to lift the takes slightly. 
Estimates for Last Week 

Boston Comie Opera Co., 'H.M.S. 
Pinafore' and 'Mikado' (2d week- 
split) (Majestic) (1,667; $2.20). Holi- 
day week, plus extra matinees (nine 
performances) and good reception, 
brought the toUl here to about 
$12,000, impressive. 

Ballet Theatre (Boston Opera 
House) (2,900; $2.75). Quotecl at 
$16,400 for six performances, dis- 
tinctly okay. 

'Damask Cheek' (Plymouth) (1,400; 
$2.75). ^timated gross under $6,000 
for sec:nd week was plenty disap- 
pointing. 

XUe With Father' (Wilbur) (2d 
week) (1,22?:— ♦a^). It's draw- 
ing power remains potent, pulling 
close to $16,000. 

'PriorlUes* (Shubert) (1st week) 
(1,590; $3.30). Low comedy sock at- 
traction here, drawing capacity all 
shows but matinees; registered great 
$26,500 

'Mr. Sycamore' (Colonial) (1st 
week) (1,643; $2.75). Guild-ATS 
subscriptions helping In face ot 
mixed notices; stars strong enough 
to build it to estimated $12,300, not 
bad. 



TORGY;J22,500,UFE,' 
m, GREAT IN DET. 



Detroit Oct. 20. 

Legit here is currently booming, 
with musicals catching nice support 
at both the Cass and Wilson. This 
week also will see. all three legit 
houses in the town lit. Lafayette, 
closed suddenly through the death of 
Joe E. Brown's son, relights Thurs- 
day (22) with Jane Cowl in 'Old 
Acquaintance.' It puts two houses, 
Lafayette and Wilson, under Henry 
Duffy auspices. 

'Porgy and Bess,' at the Cass, tal- 
lied big approximate $22,500 in its 
first week. Top is $2.75 and it stays 
another week. DuflFy's new musical 
comedy, 'Life of the Party,' regis- 
tered estimated $18,600, great in its 
first 10 days at the Wilson with the 
top at $1.65. 



XLAUDIA; ^BLACKOUTS' 
BOTH $14,000 IN L A. 

Los Angeles, Oct 20. 

Steadily climbing since opening 
night 'Claudia' kn(x:ked off close to 
$14,000 In its initial week, and should 
better that figure on second of three- 
week stand at the Biltmore. 

'Blackouts of 1042,' at Hollywood 
El Capitan, continues its profit-tak- 
ing and posted $14,000 for Its 17th 
week. 



mw' IIG in Balto 



Baltimore, Oct 20. 

•The Merry Widow,' with Muriel 
Angelus in the title role, attracted 
some fairish trade to Ford's last 
week, garnering estimated $11,000 at 
$2.78 top in 1,500-seater. 

Good advance sale racked up for 
current 'The Skin of Our Teeth,' by 
Thornton Wilder, with Fredric 
March, Florence Eldridge and Tal- 
lulah Bankhead starred at $3.32 top. 



'Anger N.G. 6G in Boff. 



BufTalo, Oct. 20. 

Despite rosy Broadway rep and 
enthusiastic local reviews. Angel 
Street' was slow on the take-off and 
lagged throughoJt most of last 
week's session at the Erlanger. 

At $2.75 top. best the gaslight 
thriller could gamer in eight per- 
formances was estimated $6,000. 



Rain Melts B way B.0.$ Slightly; 
'Band' Fair $18,000 in Ist 6 Shows, 
'Sl Mark,' 17G, New Str. Play Leader 



Saturday again had visiting hordes. 
Drenching rain hampered boxoffices. 
but most shows claimed capacity. 
'Beat the Band' opened at midweek, 
drawing mixed notices, but got fairly 
good business after premiere. 'Count 
Me In,' the other new musical, got 
moderate gross. New 'Eve of St. 
Mark' is distinctly the best draw of 
straight plays. 

Estimates tor Last Week 

Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), 
CD .(Comedy-Drama), R (Revue), 
M (Musical), O (Operetta). 

'Angel Street,' <3oIden (45th week) 
(D-789; $3.30). Although there were 
some gross decreases, this rum meller 
claimed to have advanced and was 
quoted at $11,700. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton (91st 
week) (CD-803; $3.30). .Held its im- 
proved gate and was protected from 
Saturday's downpour by advance 
sale; $11,500. 

'Beat the Band,' 46th Street (M- 
1,347; $4.40). Including a paid pre- 
view, first six perfonnances approxi- 
mated $18,000; boxofflce activity re- 
ported early this week; can top $30,- 
000 at the scale in eight perform- 
ances. 

'BUlhe Spirit,' Booth (49tb week) 
(CD-712; $3.30). Not much affected, 
with the gross quoted around the 
$11,000 level; can glide into winter 
period profitably. 

'By Japlter,'. Shubert (20th week) 
(M-1,325; $4.40). Standees reported 
at most performances and, without 
much new musical opposition, 
chances are good for lengthy stay. 

'Count Me In,' Barrymore (M-i,- 
104; $4.40). First full week was es- 
timated over $17,000; l>etter than ex- 
pected after the weak notices; has 
chance to climb. 

'Hello, Out There,' 'Magic' Belasco 
(3d wM). (D-1,000; $3.30). Short cast 
plays getting light money; although 
operating nut limited. It's doubtful of 
staying; $5,500 estimated. 

'Janie,' MlUer (eth week) (C-040: 
$3 JO). Getting sedate audiences; 
new laugh play drawing profitable 
business, and rates with l>est of 
newer arrivals; over $13,000 esti- 
mated. 

'Janlor Min,' Lyceum (50th week) 
(CO-1,004; $3.30). Sundays upped 
the pace satisfactorily, with the gross 
going to $11,500 or more. 

'Lei'a Face It,' Imperial (47Ui 
week) (M-1.450; $4.40). Another 
show getting a Uft via Sunday per- 
formances; gross again approximated 
$30,000. 

'My Sister Eileen,' Beck (951h 
week) (CD-1,214; $1.05). Picture 
version opening at Music Hall Thurs- 
day (22), but intention is to keep 
stage play going: making money 
weekly; over $0,000. 

'Life With Father,' Empire (153d 
week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Varies at 
times, but keeps profitable pace right 
along; last week quoted at $11,500. 

'Sons o' Fun,' Winter Garden (46th 
week)( R-1,519; $4.40). New musi- 
cals have not dented this one, which 
cleans up at weekends; dipped tome- 
what last week, but with extra holi- 
day matinee approximated $32,000. 

'Star and Garter,' Music Box (17th 
week) (R-991; $4.40). Registering 
SRO $24,000 weekly; no indication of 
slowing up. 

'Strip for AcUon,' NaUonal (3d 
week) (C-1,162; $3.85). There was 
doubt about this one, but boxoffice 
speaks for itself; last week quoted at 
$20,400; very good at scale; matinee 
attendance improved. 

'Stars en lee,' Center (14th week) 
(R-3,000; $1.65). Gave an extra mati- 
nee last week (Columbus Day), while 
most other shows switched midweek 
afternoon performance to holiday; 
takings around $32,000. 

The Damask Cheek,' Playhouse 
(C-865; $3.30). Presented by Dwlght 
Deere Wiman; written by John van 
Druten and Lloyd Morris; opens 
Thursday (22). 

■The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (2d 
week) (D-1,064; $3.30). Broadway's 
new straight play leader; first full 
week quoted well over $17,000; drew 
more favorable press in Sunday fol- 
low-up comment. 

'Uncle ttarry,' Hudson (21st week) 
(D-1,042; $3J0). If meller approxi- 
mates recent pace it will play 
through winter; claimed around $11,- 
000 last week. 

•Vickie,' Plymouth (4th week) (C- 
1.075; $3.30). Weekend business has 
kept comedy going, attendance on 
other days being light; about breaks 
even at $7,500. 

Added 

'Claudia,' St James (return en- 
gagement; 21st week) (original run. 

I 56 weeks') (C-1,520; $1.65). 'Without 
Love' slated for this spot soon; 

; 'Claudia' due to move into another 

> large capacity house; $6,500. 

I 'Native Son,' Majestic (D-1,715- 
$1.65) (repeat engagement). Brought 



back at pop scale; starts Friday 
(23). 

Vaude-Revnea 

'Show Time,' Broadhurst (5th 
week) (1.142; S2.75). Getting more 
money and earning bigger profit than 
any vaude-revue since the vogue be- 
gan last winter; $26,000 and more in 
12 performances. 

'Wine, Women and Song,' Ambas- 
sador (3d wk) (1,200; $1.65). Getting 
plenty for burley-vaude, which goes 
on 16 times weekly; estimated at 
$12,000; surprised after press pan- 
ning. 

Bcvlvals 

Three Men on a Horse,' Forrest 
(1st week) (C-1,195; $1.65). First 
full week not up to expectations; 
somewhat under $4,500 and needs 
more to break even; may climb. 

Time, Place and the OirV Blans- 
fleld (M-1,050; $3.30). Postponed 
from last week; slated to light to- 
night (21). 

'Bird in Hand,' Morosco (C-939; 
$2.20). English comedy did well 
enough when first shown in 1929; re- 
vived as stock; opened Mo'nday (19). 



TAPA,' $14,000, 'GUEST; 
$9,000, PHILLY WINNERS 



Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 
Legit biz was still strong in PhiUy 
last week, with the three regular 
UBO-Shubert houses all lighted at 
once. This week's only newcomer is 
'Little Darling,' Tom Weatherly's 
production of Eric Hatch's new 
comedy, in for a single week at the 
Walnut 

Next week will see no less than 
four openings. They include Irving 
Berlin's 'This Is the Army,' in for 
two weeks at the Mastbauqi; 'Skin 
of Our Teeth,' in for two weeks at 
the Locust; "The Merry Widow,' re- 
vival, in for same time at the For- 
rest, and 'Life With Father,' return, 
set for three weeks at the Walnut 
Estimates for Last Week 

'Guest in the House,' IxKnist (one 
week only) (1,700; $2). Got neat 
$9,000 in single week's return en- 
gagement here. 

'Lady In the Dark,' Forrest (3d 
week) (1,800; '3.50). (Sertrude 
Lawrence's illness cancelled two 
Saturday shows, which clipped 
$9,000 off gross. Week's take was 
$23,000. 

'Papa b AU.' Walnut (2d week) 
(1.100; $2.50). This ATS subscription 
show we nt^close to $14,000, okay. 

KOAD'S' 1ST TINE IN 
CANADA NEAT $11,000 

Toronto, Oct 20. 

With Tobacco Road' presented for 
the first time in Canada, Caldwell- 
Kirkland opus grossed estimated 
$11,000 at Royal Alexandra here. This 
was excellent in MSl-seater scaled 
at $1.50 top. Piece is holding over 
currently. 

Local drama scribes, who had seen 
the play in New York, had earlier 
predicted that it would never be tol- 
erated in Canada. Some fear was 
evident that the Morality Squad 
might step in, but no interference 
has been forthcoming. 

$1^ Indpls. Top Brings 
Nice $9,500 for 'Eileeii* 

Indianapolis, Oct 20. 

'My Sister Eileen' took estimated 
nice $9,500 in eight performances at 
$1.50 top on return engagement at 
English's (1,500-seater) here this 
week. Low price scale drew many 
new faces to audience. Including 
some who probably never hail seen 
legit t>efore. 

Advance sale is good for "The 
Student Prince,' opening Thursday 
(22) for three days, coincident with 
state teachers' convention. 



'Eileen' lOG m Mont'l 



Montreal, Oct. 20. 

'My Sister Eileen,' in seven days 
and two mats at His Majesty's, 
grossed estimated good $10,000 at 
$1.99 top. Play was first topranklng 
comedy to come here in many months 
and was hit from opening night in 
1,584-seater. 

Georgette Leslie and Betty Fur- 
ness starred. 



S8 



IfGITIMATE 



Wednesday, October 21, 1 942 



Chances of Stock on B way Quite Dim; 
'3 Men' B.O. Light; %(!' Not So Gay 



By JACK PULASKI 

Two of Broadway's three listed 
revivaisi are supposed to be stock 
showings. They are' 'Three Men On a 
Horse" and 'Bird in Hand,' the lat- 
ter having opened Monday (19), be- 
ing Ihe first of several former Broad- 
way presentations announced for the 
Morosco. While repertory is not new 
in N. Y., stock is something of an 
experiment. 

Judging from the start of "Three 
Men,' the stock idea is questionable 
on the Main Stem despite pop prices. 
'Bird' failed to draw the regular 
flrst-niKhlcrs outside of the press, 
and the rear portion of the house 
was in cut-rates, initial performance 
slill not selling out. Top hereof $2.20 
seems hardly an inducement what 
with fresher shows nearby at scales 
not so much higher. 

Success of stock this past summer 
in key cities, especially those with 
war plants, evidently inspired a 
rural stock manager to try the 
Broadway going, with the assent and 
support of Lee Shubert. Stock in the 
neighborhoods which fared so well 
during summer continues to flourish. 
Currently 'Getting Gertie's Garter' 
is in Brooklyn and 'The Vinegar 
"Tree' in the Bronx. 



BIRD IN HAND 

r'<iin"lt' ill throf^ iii-t.". if^vlvcd nn n i>lo<-k 
■ llOWiiiiC ni Ihv Mn|-nij<;o. N. Y.. Oct. )l>. 
by 1(»m:iIiI 'J'. H:iitiiiii)nil : wiKten by Jntin 
pi I^l:\^'>4lol : M:(Kf<l l>y ttie pretienier ; pet- 
tiiiKs \iy lluliik: lop. 

Jti:in CiTpnIpnf Fninceii Rel<l 

Allt-M (iior^nleiif Viola Hnuclte 

Thiiiimv Otcrnlcar Hurry Irvine 

C-'ialil Arnvviind Herbert Pntlersun 

y>v. Ilniry Sothern 

<'yi ll Bevi*! ly Rninnev Hr4>nl 

Aiiiltinrt^ Codnlphiii. K.t' NIcltolaH .Toy 

Sir Ciilift t Ai ii»on<l I. W. AilPtIn 

iii:.i.l i:]i7iil)eth Suiton 



'Bird in Hand' is one of the few 
English comedies which got across 
on Broadway. It scored a run orig- 
inally in 1929, getting real money for 

BEAT THE BAND 

C**!,!*:,? Al>l)ntt nuijJti-iimeily pr<Ml«i-llon. 
ni-enliiK <Xl. 14. IIMJ. ut -Itllh Si.. N. Y., 
1ii|t (ftr<M) iiioiiiici'O i*riile). Dook. 
Kfiiriun. Jr.. iinil Abbott; muHlc. 
Jtihnity Ciccn; l.vrlcH. .Miirlon: dnnrPH. Da- 
vlil I.tihiie: solttiiRt*. Stiinup) I*cve: ruB- 
tiiinc^t. Kieitily Willul): nrcheittratlunH. 
D-tiiuM Wnlkt^r: Ulrcctlun, Ablwtt: conUuc- 
till, AiThle Blcyei*. 

Hiisler Da C'oiita Tlomo Vlnrpnt 

^'|•luiti(.-ll Juan CuulHelil 

lIuKo Dllllnuliiiin .ferry L^Hter 

%Villun' WilluuKliby TonI Ulliniin 

nil. Hlintti , Ralph Bunker 

't*iinre8> I-Iunlce Healpy 

Diiiiuin UillinKliuDi Ja<-k' Whitlnu 

Dmirinan laniea Lane 

UrumiiiPi Johnny Mack 

TrainiMi PlaNi-r I.,<»onnnl Suwi 

BhiiiI CJIrl Kvelyn Dronks 

KKiiiiIIh: JU'inila Juarf-v, 

QuerldfV SuHun Miller 

p.in DiiiiiliiKi^ .\vcrell llarriii 

Klii«l iJoKM-itx e Hrian ConnaUKht 

S*M-..na OPtiH-iUe John Wray 

Hmnl ManaKi-i Cliff Dunstan 

Iti-U Girl Dorle Dowllni: 

>l„(el ftwner John Clarke 

liiini'InK tilrlH: nnr,.ihy Parretl. TeMie 
Cm I lino, Kll'*en Devlin. DorlH DowllnK. 
MnillVii lllKlilnu-er. Rhi-da Huffman. Mu- 
riel Hunt. Terry Kelly. Mftrjfnret I^nK. 
Murv Mnt-Donneil. l-'ninieit Mnitone. Juily 
O Hrlen. KSlcn Taylor. .MIml Wall hers. 
D.tiln Ynrk. 

^iimiiiK Ciria: .\nl!.T Dillon. Polereii flny- 
li,r,l. ItMHaliiiil M.MliHim. l.eiuiove Uae, JanA 
Sliiniei. It-i»ieila Wel^li. Ncllilcw Winner, 
B.-veily Whllney. 

Dini-inK HiiyB: .lark Allen. Richard Andre. 
I.Miry Raker. Ititli fulisey. Stanley Donen. 
Biilney ( :i>i'(tiiii. Hariilu Xiiskiii. Heib Lurip. 
Hiiberl Mi-KeinHii. 

Daman DlllinKhiiiit'}! Pond; Johnny Sfnrk. 
(Irinnn: T.eoi>iiril Sueii. Steady .\"elaon. Cliir- 
eii<*,> Wlllard. IniinpelH; l-'ord T^enry. Spud 
Mnriilix'. lron»liiine:i: Tele Puinicllo. I'lar- 
iliel : D.ive Harris, tenor MX; I>ifk Kl«- 
aiiicer, ban-; David I.o Winter, liinno. 



a time, then the run was strung out 
with the aid of cut-rates. Limited 
stay is currently intended because of 
the stock policy, and limited box- 
office is indicated. Operating cost is 
low. 

John Drinkwater hardly etched his 
name among playwrights with 'Bird,' 
his 'Abraham Lincoln' winning far 
more attention over here than any 
of his other works. 'Bird' is a mild 
comedy with few real laughs. 

There is a cast of nine, two set- 
tings being used. Slight story is iiet 
within the Bird in Hand, an inn near 
Gloucestershire, England. Proprie- 
tor, 'Thomas Greenleaf, is an Irasci- 
ble old codger, unalterably opposed 
to his attractive daughter Joan s at- 
tachment to Gerald Arnwood, f.on of 
a neighbor who has a title. 

Old boy's objection first is that 
the young man's intentions may not 
be honorable, and then he storms 
against her idea of marrying Gerald 
because his social status is above 
hers. Whatever fun the play has 
is derived from the way three newly 
arrived guests at the inn blithely 
mix into the family situation, one 
scene bein^ in a bedroom. 

Harry Irvine carrie.'; the burden 
of the performance as old Greenleaf, 
brought up to believe that he and 
his should remain in their own sta- 
tion socially. It is genuine acting 
but not funny the way intended. Di- 
rectional error. Nicholas Joy is a 
barrister who takes over the assign- 
ment of trying to convince the inn- 
keeper he is out of step, he too, giving 
an okay performance. Romney Brent, 
who has spent most of his recent 
years in England, gives the play 
more lightness. Harry Sothern is 
the placid guest who 'travels in sar- 
dines.' In the bedroom scene he cut 
a finger and bloodied his nightie. 
Frances Reid is (luite personable as 
Joan. Viola Roche, as her mother, 
J.. W. Austin. a:i Sir Robert, and 
Herbert Patterson, who subbed for 
Henry Barnard at the last minute, as 
Ihe boy, virtually complete the cast. 



'Beat the Band' just misses being 
one of the season's sockier musicals. 
It's spotty and light on comedy, due 
to libretto shortcomings, despite the 
presence of a couple of funny men 
In Jerry Lester and Romo Vincent; 
and while promising musically, with 
a jive score by Johnny Green, and 
an otherwise lush and big league 
George Abbott production investi- 
ture, its Broadway b.o. fate will be 
moderate. However, the b.o. may 
be further hypoed by the recently 
manifested trend by theatre-feoers to 
devotir almost anything that smacks 
of girls-and-music (viz., 'Wine, Wom- 
en and Song') and may again point 
up the fact that what the profes- 
sional critics think and what the 
Wiirlimc public buys are two differ- 
ent fellers. 

Libretto is a meandering thing, 
with Jack Whiting cast as an out-of- 
this-world dance maestro; Jerry Les- 
ter as his meddling brother; Susan 
Miller as the Latino ingenue; Juanita 
Juarez as her s.a. mama; Romo Vin- 
cent, as an agent; Joan Caulfleld as 
a dumbdora vis-a-vis; Toni Gilman 
as a decorative femme interest; Eu- 
nice Heale^ as the No. 2 ingenue, 
who almost takes it away from Miss 
Miller, and Leonard Sues, trumpeter, 
and Johnny Mack, dancing drummer, 
who almost take everything away 
from the rest of the cast. 

On form and paper the jive theme 
looked like a George- Abbott natural 
—modern, youthful, and in the con- 



Healey. Incidentally, production 
lyrics are punnlly captioned "Down 
Through the Agents' (for agent Romo 
Vincent's opener), and "The After- 
noon of a Phoney' (also for Vincent), 
but the humor entls with the titles, 
nor can the rotund Romo overcome 
his material, Abel. 




temporaneous idiom. On perform- 
ance it doesn't jell. 

The reportedly ailing Jack Whit- 
ing, who almost was forced out of 
the cast, is the perennial juvenile 
opposite Susan Miller, an Al Segal 
protegee, who impresses in hit-and- 
miss manner. There are times when 
she clicks; others when she falters 
vocally, but. in toto, bespeaks of 
promise for her future in the theatre. 

Lester, also from the cafes nnd 
varieties, is an energetic funster who 
is less hampered by his script than 
Romo Vincent, rotund comic who 
indicates real boff impact in future 
production, once given the proper 
libretto fortification.- Vincent, too, 
is an alumnus of the cafes. 

Miss Miller has one of the belter 
show tunes, 'Song of Two I.slands.' 
and Whiting handles the ballad plug, 
'Proud of You." 'Break It Up' is a 
good rhythm ditty and 'America 
Loves a Band' is a rahrah finale for 
the first act where, much more effec- 
tive, might have been the show's 
top tune, 'Steam on the Beam.' Had 
it been so, the intermission impres- 
sion was bound to be more favorable. 
Instead, 'Steam' is saved for mid-sec- 
ond act, and finale is a Boiler-Room 
Cafe, with 'The Four Freedoms' in 
calypso tempo, making for a danc- 
ing finale. Said four freedoms are 
the shoulders, hips, knees and ankle, 
with Juanita Juarez, Whiting. Lester 
and Vincent participating, backed by 
the stage band. 

'Steam Is on the Beam' is located 
in a D.C. hostelry, where the errant 
band (of the plot) has been shifted 
from the roof to. the cellar, in an 
effort to force them out of a contract. 
Instead, the boiler room, with its 
sieam pipes to give visual produc- 
tion support for the 'Steam On Beam' 
rhythm number, becomes a new fad. 

Interspersed are detectives, an 
irate Latin guardian, army maneu- 
vers, etc. A bit complicated are 
George Marion, Jr.'s overly literate 
lyrics which, unlike the Rodgers & 
Hart mating of wordage and classic 
music, aren t as fortuitously wedded 
here. It's a spotty score, brilliant 
on the rhythmic stuff but not boffo 
otherwise. However, militating 
fhiofly against the tunes are Ihe 
ragged book sequences and comedy 
shortcomings. 

Its failure to jell en mas.°e makes 
for a sum total negative impression. 
Thus, there are highlights when Sues, 
the boy with the horn, or drummer- 
hoofer Johnny Mack wham 'em, as 
does tapstering Eunice Healcy; and 
others when the plot motivation is 
lethargic, its comedy strained and 
its antics more early Abbott & Cos- 
tello than late George Abbott— and 
Abbott St Costello ain't bad. if :t's 
funny, but George AbboV isn't. 

Samuel Leve has designed some 
effective sellings: Freddy Wittop. cx- 
Pari;<. has done an excellent costum- 
ing job; David Lichine's tcrp stag- 
ing is obviously ballet-infiuenced. 
but good albeit limited. Merc Plait 
(nee Platoff. of the Ballet Rtisse) 
has one meager opportunity with 
Doris York in the beachcomber set- 
ting, and later doubled with Miss 



BE HAPPY 

tMUSICAL) 

Muxii-nl by William Sleuel nnd Klmlein 
Sccunda; lirodured by Mfniiaha Skiiliilk: 
Dlara Sklilnlk. .MIchnel MIclinleMko ami Mi- 
riam Kres!<yn; slaKOd by Abe Crowi; 
lyrlcd. I>ldur l.llllan: Uunres alniteil by Lil- 
lian Shapein; aellliiiin, Mirhal Sali>;nian; 
at the jd .we. ihenlre, N. v.: »•-'.;.'■ lup. 

i'anlara S|iOdi.k Anna Thinnaahersky 

\"ke Seymour Itublzelt 

l;elvel spudi. k i„,.oli y.anK-er 

'^'^ i'"* Yaetib SuHHanaff 

Sonhi Fannie I.iibri'akv 

V\nnie : Willie Sdundli 

•^"'lule MeniiKlia SUulnIk 

J'Indel Yeila ■/,wi-rliiii{ 

'•'"I'i' \;\u\\ l.iilielika 

'•eon Mi.>elerr .Mlibal .MUbalesk.. 

■"""V" .Miriam KreiciMi 

Teihele .Malkeb- HIeler 

A rourlut t;ulde Minim Zvvlebaek 

"'iiy (bil.lle KIsinan 

A Doorman Iniibir Shm lial 

.Panel Shlffi In Pauline Hoffman 

IliK H.iiiied Jim .M;ix i-Hui 

Drama, comedy and music— they're 
all doled out in ample lots in 'Be 
Happy.' Menasha Skulnik's latest 
starring musical comedy at the 2d 
Ave. theatre. Also starring Michal 
Michalesko and Miriam Kressyn, 'Be 
Happy' is thus an entertaining pre- 
sentation that should enjoy consider- 
able success. It's the type of show 
which appeals to theatre parties and 
benefits, upon which the Yiddish 
theatre-depends for the bulk of its 
business. 

Skulnik. with his broad comedy 
and inclusion of many English-lan- 
guage jokes recruited from 'uptown.' 
has seemingly never been better in 
a show that demands much of him. 
Yetta Zwerling is an able foil for his 
comedy, while the drama, comprising 
the triangle theme, links Michalesko, 
Miss Kressyn, as his wife, and Paula 
Lubelska, the 'other woman.' 

All the familiar cliches of Yiddish 
drama are prevalent, but the sterling 
performance of Miss Kressyn partic- 
ularly dissipates the scenery-chew- 
ing. The story is trite, but then 
again it's the type of plot that Yid- 
dish Old WorltJ audiences prefer. 
To them outstanding Yiddish drama 
is measured only by its tear-jerking 
qualities. 

This production also has consider- 
able to appease, for novelty's sake, 
the entertainment demands of many 
native-born Americans with an un- 
derstanding of Yiddish. For those 
with just a smattering of the lan- 
guage there is sufficient in the Eng- 
lish idiom, particularly the comedy 
and Yiddish interpretation of Amer- 
ican songs and fiances, to warrant 
many laughs. 

Miss Kressyn remains the most 
attractive of the younger stars in 
the Yiddish theatre, being the closest 
approach in this medium to Broad- 
way calibre. Her singing voice, 
charm, acting ability, chassis and 
ability to wear clothes are unpara- 
llelled in present-day Yiddish the- 
atricals. 

Michalesko plays Miss Kressyn's 
straying husband with reasonably 
conviction, while Miss Lut>elska is 
a. believable 'menace.' Notable play- 
ers among the support are Seymour 
Rechtzeit, Yacob Sussanoff, Fannie 
Lubritzky, Malkele Bleler, who plays 
Miss Kressyn's and Michalesko's 
daughter; Goldie Eisman and Pauline 
Hoffman in a bit. 

Production is inclined lo be over- 
long due to the many encores fol- 
lowing each musical number, and 
with the exception .of Skulnik, whom 
the audience at this catching couldn't 
seem to get enough of. the encores 
could best be eliminated. 

Sholem Secunda's music is ser- 
viceable and Abe Gross has staged 
well excepting for the sometimes 
too-maudlin dramatic sequences. But 
generally this production indicates 
plenty of effort. 

Since this is the only legiter on 2d 
avenue for the first time m the his- 
tory_^f the Yiddish 'Broadway,' the 
chances for its boxoffice success are 
that much greater. It looks like 'Be 
Happy' and the Molly Picon starrer 
uptown, 'Oy Is Dus a Leben,' will 
be dividing practically all of the 
Yiddish legit coin this season. 

Kahn. 



spicuous comedies. There Is plenty 
of talent in the cast but a lack of 
pace nullifies the little that does 
achieve merit. 

The story is modern in setting if 
not technique. It all happens down 
in Miami where the boys are in 
uniform and the girls have a yen 
for wedlock sans regard for the fu- 
ture. Everything hinges on the prob- 
lem confronting a father whose 
daughter wants to marry into a fam- 
ily rumored to possess a heritage 
of congenital insanity. All of which 
affords ample and obvious opportun- 
ity for the presentation of every- 
thing in the handbook of Yiddish 
action. All too much of everything 
to let anything stand out. 

Feld seemingly wasn't up on his 
lines (the promptor was audible 
back in the eighth row. His best 
song — and he uses the title as a run- 
ning punch-line — is 'We Did It Be- 
fore and We'll Do It Again,' done to 
Yiddish lyrics. 

Rest of the cast is excellent but 
handcuffed by lack of material and 
direction. It particularly needs 45 
minutes of pruning. Fran. 



Fewer Loanouts 

Continued from page 



General Fishel Duvid 

>ti»'li-al coinrily in (wo ri Ih, prcHPnicil at 
Hniikitiauii tliodii 0. Drouklyn. N. Y.. Oft. 
M. 41'. l»y lizlj* reld nml Od4Hr Green: 
yinrn Felil: hnok, Osi nr OMirolT: inUHic. iltii 
Tiillint:: lyii-;*, IniUnr IJIIinn: (iiitic**H. lleii- 
t ieii:i .liii-nliHfin : HeitinKC SiillnnHn Bruw. : 
>t;iuinir. liviiiH Ilonlenmn: $1.H.' lop. 

A nitio I lonrieu:) .Im-nliiion 

Mennte JuHiin Adier 

l>v..!<lf t'lHiA (Inld 

■ .''itei Mux Wilnor 

l.'lli'^ KHnl.i nuliliin 

lli.iiy Miit ItARCnliliili 

Siiliitnnn U':i rf<liii rxUy Ii viiiK li<inicituin 

Siiiiili. w ifp Annn ),il|iiiii 

M''\y-v\ Atinit 'ri)b.i<-k 

V-'iii:" l>.nftr Arkd 

1^(1 (iniflelil 

l.i-iliii>h Alii-Hliiini 'l>ll*»lli:iiiii) 

KUlifi Uiui-i lir.iU Felil 

Sliiiiiilih At imM narnrHkv 

'Icifttt"" Il7,ik 1VI»I 



Stude Directors 



Continued from page Z 



0 



A pawky production, tenuous plot 
and an opening-night curtain that 
camo down well after midnight 
pigeon-holes 'General Fishel Duvid' 
Bs one of Itzik Feld's more Incon- 



tee. Remaining members of his 
corps are Irving Pichel, Jules Das- 
sin, Laszlo Benedek and Fred Zin- 
nemann. In effect, they will set out 
lo show pupils how it is one goes 
about showing actors how to act, 
which may be a' little complicated 
in the stating. But. in presentation, 
will be nothing that a man with 
sound gumption cannot saw. . 

Fees for the course, covering ma- 
terial, rental, etc., are nominal, be- 
ing $18 for 12 lectures, or $1.50 
each. In fewer words, out of the 
depth of their generosity and talent, 
they are giving something away that 
can't be bought for $10,000. There 
isn't anything in the prospectus 
about anybody being barred, though 
mention is made that the 'course 
is designed to acquaint active 
screen-writers and other Holly- 
wood professionals with the prob- 
lems of transferring written ma- 
terial onto film.' The approach 
to the - subject will be made 
in both practical and theoretical 
mediums and. according to the pro- 
jected schedule, the continuity of 
the course— using a shooting script 
as the basic text — will follow the 
normal proces.!; of directing a pic- 
ture, viz., analysis of script, break- 
down. ca.>;ting, planning, dialog and 
camera direction, movement and 
composition, cutting, dubbing and 
scoring. 

The price scale quoted above Is 
typical of those charged for the va- 
rious courses, the sole exception be- 
ing the new department in story 
and screen reading, which roughly 
plans to show students what to look 
for in scripts and how to properly 
analyze it. In charge of the course 
is Al Levitt, head of the local 
Screen Readers' Guild. 

Courses in screen-writing, short 
story writing,, novel writing, radio 
comedy writing, radio and war 
writing, the short play, skits and 
revue forms, and journalism are in 
equally capable hands. Gordon 
Kahn, former New York news- 
paperman and successful Hollywood 
writer for some years, will take 
charge of the first two phases of 
the screen-writing lecture cour.se, 
i. e., those having to do with the 
fundamentals of the craft. 

The advance stages — technical 
problems, in developing a story idea, 
new market possibilities, present- 
ing the war hero and the industrial 
hero; the boy-and-girl story in war 
tiiiie, the esca'pe story, etc. — will be 
presented in two sections. Waldo 
Salt, for five years with Metro and 
now with 20th-Fox, will conduct 
the first with the writing team of 
Robert Lees and Fred Rinaldo han- 
dling the second, 

A fourth phase of screen-writing, 
featuring the workshop in which 
the producer-writer relationship is 
emphasized, will find Le\yis Meltzer 
on the dais. Now under contract at 
Columbia, he has screen credits for 
'Golden Boy,* 'Tuttles of Tahiti,' 
'Lady in Question,' Texas' and many 
others. 

Guy Endore, well known author, 
and Marian Spitzcr, successful 
magazine flctionist, will handle the 
two phases of the short story. W. 
L. River, supplemented by guest 
lecturers, will handle novel writ- 
ing. Roland Kibbee is in charge 
of radio comedy, and Milton Merlin 
continues his summer workshop on 
Radio and the War. 

In addition, William Kozlenko, 
winner of drama awards, will dis- 
course on the short play, with Ed- 
ward ('Meet the People') Eliscu — 
assisted by Jay Gorney and Harry 
Myers — discussing skits and revue 
forms. Asa Bordages, former 
Scripps-Howard feature writer, .has 
the chair in journalism. 



tributors for the first time on equal 
terms with the 'haves,' 

Those majors with important 
names on their lists may refrain 
from raiding others for fear of be- 
ing in turn raided. This is a deter- 
rent which is not likely to figure 
however, with those companies that 
have little talent to' lose and plenty 
to gain. 

Among the majors with big talent 
lists no suggestion of a gentlemen's 
agreement to shun raiding has been 
mentioned even in private huddles 
due to the anti-lrust law implica- 
tions. 

Optionitis 

As legal counsel now interpret the 
law, there is nothing to prevent 
talent from leaving a major studio 
upon the expiration of a contract if 
the studio cannot fulfill the terms of 
option agreements. Further, top 
ranking studios can now offer talent 
no more than smaller studios be- 
cause of the $25,000 ceiling on in- 
come. 

Competitive bidding for talent via 
money offers may be largely elimin- 
ated under the wage freeze and in- 
come ceiling. But raiding of talent 
can become a matter of special con. 
cessions, pandering to the vanity of 
players, directors and writers, and 
possibly offers of more authority in 
story and production details. 

The income ceiling plus the in- 
ability to raise salaries may bring an 
end to star loanouts among studios. 
It is generally known that most im- 
portant players have been antagon- 
istic to outside pictures on a loan 
basis, and the wage freeze is be- 
lieved likely to provide them with a 
means of escape. A number of play- 
ers who have hitherto been protest- 
ing against more than two or three 
piRures annually may al.'io find an 
out under the new regulations freez- 
ing wages. If studios fail to exercise 
options, some of these players may 
be able to get new pacts calling for 
fewer pictures per season. 

Stock and Other Deal.s 

One industry attorney was ap- 
proached by a player asking for 
stock participation, but was turned 
down as it is unknown whether 
stock participation plans, constitut- 
ing additional compensation, would 
be legal even if provision is made 
that no stock be sold until after the 
war. 

Most dangerous bait, which some 
studios fear may result in loss of 
players, Is that of offering talent a 
producer status on pictures In which 
they appear. In this way players 
become producers, lo some extent, 
and share in net profits. On this 
point, also, there is no unanimity of 
view with regard to legality. 

Question of percentages has also 
come up. If a star earns a greater 
income as result of a percentage 
figure, which does not vary, but due 
to increasing boxoffice value there 
is an automatic increase in salary. 
Some attorneys hold that so long as 
the percentage terms are not raised, 
the producer-distributor would not 
be held liable for the automatic 
earnings increase resulting. 

Fears were also expressed by some 
attorneys that the law might lead to 
unethical practices and off the rec- 
ord agreements, some perhaps not in 
writing, between talent and pro- 
ducers in the • -ad scramble which 
may ensue. 

Film attorneys and Charles Francis 
Coe. vice-president and legal counsel 
for the Motion Picture Producers & 
Distributors of America headed back 
for the Coast last Friday (16) lo con- 
tinue discussions and await further 
clarification of wage and .salary 
legislation fr6m Washington. Official 
rulings on problems pertaining spe- 
cifically lo the film industry will 
then be sought. 

WLB Order No. Six 

Indicative of the confusion sur- 
rounding the wage stabilization or- 
der issued by the President on Oct. 
3, is the reported blanket approval 
announced last Wednesday '14) by 
the War Labor Board for automatic 
wage increases provided by con- 
tracts. 

The WLB ruled that individual 
wage adjustments can be made with- 
out the approval of the WLB but 
only if they fall within certain pre- 
scribed limitations. Among adjust- 
ments specifically listed are provi- 
sions for 'individual merit inciea.'^cs 
within established rate ranges, in- 
creased productivity under piece 
work or incentive plans, individual 
promotions or reclassiflc.Tlions. 
Whether these provisions would be 
applicable to studio workers is not 
considered definite by Industry at- 
torneys. 



yj edneeday, October 21, 1942 



Plays Out of Town 



SKIN OF OUR TEETH 

New Haven, Oct. 15. 

CunieJy In three acts by Thornton Wilder: 
dlrtcied by Ella Kazan: •ettlnn by Albert 
ji*neon; co»tume« by Mary Bchenck: »tar- 
rins Tallulah Bankbead, Fredric March, 
Florence KIdrldge: featurlns Florence Reed: 
nreMnied by Michael Myerbenc at the Shu- 
K^TNew Haven. Oct. 16-17, -42 ; *3.il0 top. 

jiVBoanctT .....Arthur Elmer 

£,),I„B Tallulah Bankbead 

Mr Fllzpairick E. O. Marehall 

Ml* Antrobua Florence EldrldKe 

Dinosaur Hemo Bufano 

Mammoth Andrew Ratousheff 

TelFgraph Boy Dickie Van Fatten 

A)ji(jyB Frances Beflin 

ggnry Montgomery Cllft 
r AntroliuB Fredric March 

n^ior Arthur GriRIn 

ProfenBor Ralph Kellard 

Judge Joseph Smiley 

Homer Rulpll Culllnan 

Ulw E. Muse Emily Lorraine 

Miss T. MuKC Mrs. Wm. U. Faversnam 

MI'S M. Muse Eva Mudge Nelson 

Archimedes Enrl Sydnor 

Usher Stonley Pruxer 

^iiher Stephen Cole 

Drum Majorettes I Elizabeth Scott 

) Patricia RIordan 

Fortune Teller Florence Reed 

Chair Pusher Carroll Clark 

Heritor Eula Belle Moore 

Ivy VIolo Denn 

Convecners: Stanley Weede. Seumna 
Flynn. ,\ubrey FoHwett. Clement Gary. 
Hiirrv CInrk. 



The title of Thornton Wilder's now 
comedy is not prophetic insofar as 
Its ultimate reception on Broadway 
Is concerned. There will be nothing 
close about the verdict on this one. 
It will be regarded either as a great 
piece of stagecraft, or as a colossal 
effrontery to playgoers who pay out 
their good American dollars in sup- 
port of stage entertainment. 

No matter what eventual critical re- 
action to the play may turn out to be, 
due to its unorthodox presentation, 
neverthele.>;s 'Teeth' must be tab- 
ulated as one of the more important 
contributions to the theatre of this 
season, or any other. It took nerve 
to assume the 'nut' that goes with 
a star-studded cast of this nature in 
a play of this complexity. Michael 
Myerberg, who produced the opus, 
will find his reward at the boxoAic(\ 
— or at Cain's — according to the 
, number of playgoers who like their 
stage fare 'aifTerent.' Present status 
of the show indicates that the b.o. 
angle will have the edge. This opin- 
ion is based on the production's triple 
appeal potentialities of a cast of top- 
flight names (involving some grand 
trouping), plenty of laughs, and dis- 
tinct novelty of presentation. 

Those looking for another 'Our 
fown' will not find it here. They 
will, however. And a production that 
follows the 'Town' tradition by evolv- 
ing in a class decidedly its own. 
Nothing quite like it is liable to crop 
up for some time. "Teeth' provides 
a freshness of presentation that is 
bound to excite favorable comment; 
as a play, it belongs in the cumula- 
tive category. Meaning that its full 
value soaks in long after the final 
curtain, in whicl) a character advises 
the audience to fold up its programs 
and go on home. Although the story 
Is timely today, due to the current 
world conflict, it is the type of script 
that will play just as well 10 years, 
or more, from now. 

Plot traces struggles of mankind 
from the Ice Age to now. There is 
depth and sincerity to the composi- 
tion and Inspiration in its central 
theme that man will survive any ca- 
tastrophe, even though often it is 
only by the skin of his teeth. As 
expected, Wilder's dialog is fine. A 
Florence Eldridge speech, expound- 
ing the theory that no man ever 
really knows or understands a wom- 
"EVTs rich v/ritlng. Same goes for 
Florence Reed's fortune telling pas- 
gge on man's past and future; also 
the stirring philosophy of act three 
■s delivered by Fredric March. 




■tot. LCD CUASTON 
e/o,Vart«ty, Hollywood 




THROW A POSEY TO 



ABE LASTFOGEL 
For U-S-Olng For U.S.A. 
OirMtleni Wm. Merria 



Wilder likewise givea to tho lighter 
character portrayed by Tallulah 
Bankhead pithy llbes that leave their 
mark. 

ExceUent oasting features the pro- 
duction and expert Qiesping is one 
of its standout qualities. Miss Bank- 
head is Sabina, maid in the house- 
hold of Mr. and Mrs. Antrobus (the 
average couple down through the 
ages). As such, she has wide "lati- 
tude for her talents as well as her 
physical appeal. She draws laughs 
in straight lines, handles numerous 
asides cleverly, then shifts to more 
sober sequences with facility. Her 
work Is topnotch throughout. Fred- 
ric March gives a fine picture of 
Father Antrobus with his human 
fraUties, but with the spirit that 
carries the race along, always striv- 
ing for a better world. March makes 
good use of his resonant voice in 
several vibrant speeches. Miss Eld- 
ridge is ideally cast Is the sturtly, 
patient wife and mother who battles 
ceaselessly to hold the home to- 
gether, who forgives the shortcom- 
ings of her husband and who pro- 
vides the inspiration that forms a 
foundation for family life. 

In support, Florence Reed regis- 
ters as a boardwalk fortune teller, 
although her somewhat brief appear- 
ance is confined to a single act. As 
the Antrobus children. Montgomery 
Clift and Frances Heflin sustain the 
high standard set by the leads. Clift 
exhibits a keen understanding of his 
role and Miss Heflin gives tenderness 
and appeal to a youthful part Other 
characters, largely bits, are on a 
quality plane. 

Elia Kazan rales a salvo for his 
Intelligent staging of a complex 
work. It has been no simple matter 
to convey this play to an audience in 
a lucid manner. Albert Johnson's 
settings are fanciful and faithfully 
carry out the theme of novelty obvi- 
ously intended by the author. Sets 
are used to combine symbolism with 
reality in a telling manner, as for 
.instance when the mother of the 
'family reassembles the broken pieces 
of her home after the ravages of 
war, the character actually pulls to- 
gether the four walls of the shat- 
tered domicile with her bare hands. 
It's a flne scenic effect. Frank Se- 
van, Yale drama school mentor, is 
credited with polishing up the tech- 
nical end of sets. Bone. 



CRY HAVOC 

Hollywood, Oct. 13. 

War drama In three acta (rive scenes) 
Ity /TllflM Kenward; produced by Vladimir 
Sokoloff; directed by Michael Audley; pre- 
sented by Beachwood Studio at its theatre. 
Mollynood. Oct. 18. '42. Adrolsh, eOc. 

t'nst: victoria Fatut, Mancaret Douglns, 
Pntrlcia Ironside., Anne Loos, Louise Ar- 
iliur. Mary Herrlot. Clementine Marx. 
Molva Doney. Pax Walker. Diane DuvnI. 
Janan Evans, Sarah Teschke. Delorls Hud- 
son. 



Even in its humble habitat and 
with a cast of dramatic novices, 'Cry 
Havoc' will make the grade to Broad- 
way. Sounds like rather unusual 
praise for this little theatre prod- 
uct, but this is an unusual play. It's 
a war story that Allan Kenward, 
writer-director of shorts at Metro, 
has put into three driving acts and 
that means that M-G has flrst call 
on the picture rights. 

Some who remember 'Journey's 
End' say this might well be called 
the distaff version, circa 1942. The 
story is about volunteer nurses in a 
bomb shelter on Bataan, 13 femmes 
of high and low degree from the 
States. It is how they react emo- 
tionally to the unequal struggle with 
the Japs around them that gives the 
drama its sweep and power. Ken- 
ward drew his title from Shake- 
speare's Julius Caesar, 'cry havoc, 
and let slip the dogs of war.' 

The very premise of such a theme 
is loaded with dynamic force — the 
inner feelings of IS women facing 
death in their mission of mercy. 
Consider the conglomerate collection 
of femininity— a PBX operator, a 
hurley queen, a ^al from the back- 
woods with a lesbian stigma, an Eng- 
lish girl with a burning desire for 
revenge, a steno, a giggly, hare- 
brained dame, the wis^-cracker and 
a Nazi spy. Wrap them all up with 
a good script and you've got stark 
drama, and that's exactly what un- 
folds in this crackerbox theatre with 
its 79 seats. 

The spy angle gives the piece its 
only skein of running plot. Other- 
wise it's a straightforward and bris- 
tling account of what happens when 
13 dames are tossed together in a 
bomb shelter on Corregldor, under 
Nip fire day and night Some are 
heroio, some cringe, while others 
make light of their adventure. 
There'f only one objection to Ken- 
ward's play and it may have to be 
rewritten or ruled off the boards. 
Showing, as it does, the life of a 
nurse at its very worst, it won't set 
so well with those campaigning for 
the enlistment of nurses. Ana the 
need rl2»t now is very great. With 
a gal Intent on joining up, it isn't a 
very pretty picture to see nurses 
go mad, get shot up, lying in a fox 
hole with a half dozen corpses and 
finally marched ott by the Japs to be 
shot. The Red Cross may ask for 
a postponement of further staging 



UGITIMATE 



59 



until war's end, or, at least, until 
the nurse call has reached the set 
quota— at this •writing, 35,000. 

Barring this unfortunate incident, 
it may go on to great success and 
prove one of the year's best war 
plays, tlie first from the Pacific 
theatre. 

To the cast of unknown amateurs 
must go much of the credit for mak- 
ing this slice of life under war clouds 
vivid and arresting. No one stands 
out and there's bright teamwork all 
the way (St Loo Cardinals fashion). 
Some talk that the Shuberts have 
flrst refusal on the play and they 
undoubtedly won't Jet it get away. 
But they're up against the picture 
proposition, as it is not very likely 
that Metro will wait until the Broad- 
way run is over before putting it on 
celluloid. Things are happening too 
fast and a year from now Bataan 
will be but a milestone of great 
courage on the road back to peace. 
Just now it's Stalingrad and a month 
later it'll be some other Verdun. 

Sokoloff worked miracles in his di- 
rection of the 13 amateurs, making 
each character stand out and keeping 
the pace moving with its interrup- 
tive shafts of humor. Audley's stag- 
ing and the one set dugout are of 
professional stamp. 

'Cry Havoc' is the biggest sur- 
prise the town has had since 'Meet 
the People.' Helm, 

Very Unusual Weather 

Pasadena, Oct. 14. 

Coiix-ily In five s<-ene8 by Qene Stone and 
Jju-k ItobintK'i). Presented by Pasadena 
^'•,iiiii)uiilty Playhouse. Qllmor Brown, 
."uiiervisiiiK dirntor: George Pbelpa, direc- 
tor. At Pasadena Playhouse. Oct. 14, '42. 

Ciiil: Uette Cochran. Virginia Lyklna. 
Hinil Sumlil. Kxther Trynln. Ann Melvln. 
Jim DcUKliiH. I'Vod Dlanchard, Graydun 
Sicihlln^:, Willliim Southwood. Jack Ven- 
di : " y. k. .):i. klc I-'oyil, JImmIe Mend. Don- 
Bill P;n Leonard Foreyttie, Vera Grunt. 
H<-.\ .\;iili. llowiird Grahnin, Kay Sapplng- 
ton. H<,K«>rs Wood. Mormon WUnor. Uruce 
H;ill. W'llthtni Grueneberg. Denny Hawkins. 
ChamllT .McClure. John Doucctte. Al 
w,-,.!..,. Hi ll Toliln. Larry Toung, Richard 
K.iliihil.l, c. W.illy Wallace. Kobert Cur- 
ray. Ilill IVeljpf. Robert Pace. Frank Hnzen. 



Opening of 'Very Unusual Weather,' 
benevolent satire on the floral and 
fauna! phenomena of the Golden State 
was well received by typical Pasa- 
dena Community Playhouse audience 
usually noted for its lack of native 
sons and daughters. Play by Gene 
Stone and Jack Robinson kids the 
traditional laugh items stored up 
against California, to wit, the weather 
the orange groves, the patios the sun- 
shine mania, the freak religionists, 
the pseudo-hermits with long hair 
and flowing beards, the real estate 
shiboleths, etc. Folk who have got- 
ten over their flrst shock at these 
Los Angeles oddments, and who have 
watched others go through the initi- 
ation, find the proceedings ludicrous. 
How widely the show will be rel- 
ished elsewhere, however, must de- 
pend largely upon how many people 
there are who are familiar with the 
California cliches. 

The comedy ties in very closely 
with the characters and conditions 
lampooned. It's sectional and exclu- 
sive nature wiU probably limit its 
success outside tlie coastal region. 

Scene is a suburban home in out- 
skirts of Los Angeles bought on spur 
of the moment and as an adjunct to a 
free chicken dinner by the unstable 
mother of the Chapman family. 
Mother becomes the victim of a 
phoney yogi, who rambles about 
with a smelly sacred goat and a near- 
nude male companion; the two 
daughters fall in love with the local 
rancher and ex-football star; the 
house becomes the rendezvous of 
numerous strange characters, and 
the family is gradually conditioned 
to the land of sunshine and 'un- 
usual' weather. 

Fred Blanchard. as the leader of a 
phoney cult; Esther Trynin, as the 
volatile younger daughter; A!nn Mel- 
vin. the susceptible mother of the 
transplanted Cleveland family: Vir- 
ginia Lykins. the cynical maid; Fay 
Sappington, Rogers Wood and Nor- 
man Wilnor, the trio who imperso- 
nate starving Okies; and Denny Haw- 
kin.-:, as the hermit score in the gen- 
erally capable performances. Piece is 
ably directed by George Phelps and 
is attractively presented in the single 
living room and patio set. Jung. 



LITTLE DARLING 

Wilmington, Del., Oct 17. 

Ciimedy In three acta by Erlo Hatch. Fea- 
tures T.eon Ames and Karen Uorley. Dl- 
recte<l by Alfred de Llagre. Jr. ; aetting by 
Watson Barratt: presented by Tom Weath- 
erly at the Playhouse, Wilmington, Del., 
Oct. ie-17. '42: 12.20 top. 

Kiitherlne Wilson Karen Mprley 

Wong Peter Goo Chung 

Kenneth Brown Leon Ames 

Cynthia Iirown Barbara Bel Oeddea 

Teddy Graves Arthur Franz 

Doctor Jnrvts Qerald Cornell 

Miss Falrchlld Betty Kelley 

Alice Bushfelter Phyllis Avery 

Sully Peters Jamea J. Coyle 

Ralph Pahst Erik Martin 

Danny Dick LAndsman 



Eric Hatch has authored a pleas- 
ant, although mild comedy in Xilttle 
Darling' and, by the timb the rough 
spots are ironed out, Broadway au- 
diences should be in a fairly recep- 
tive mood. Its main assets at present 
are snappy, sophisticated dialog and 
an excellent cast. On the debit side 
is a slim plot which barely stretches 
through three acts. 

Hatch, however, is not so much 



concerned with plot. His forte lies 
in 'smart cracks' and Tom Weatherly 
has supplied players who know how 
to throw lines over the footlights. 
The slight framework which serves 
as a plot is built on a single situa- 
tion—that of a 'model father' who 
steps high, wide and handsome in 
a futile attempt to prove to his 18- 
year-old daughter that he can be 
as gay and lecherous as the next one. 
That he chooses his daughter's pret- 
ty and empty-headed college room- 
mate as his girl friend only adds 
to the complications, but of course 
everything comes out okay in the 
end. 

All the proceedings take place in 
a tastefully designed Watson Bar- 
ratt living room 'somewhere in Con- 
necticut.' Father, played to the hilt 
by Leon Ames, is introduced as a 
stuffy but successful author of 
stories favored by Ladies Home 
Journal readers. 

His transition from model father 
to a 'sinful' life in night clubs and 
writer of risque plays is caused, so 
Hatch says, by the knowledge that 
his daughter is fed "up on having 
a perfectly respectable father 
around. For two and a half acts 
father does his best to be naughty, 
but it's no use — at the end he is as 
respectable as ever and more than 
recSy to wed the pretty and self- 
effacing secretary who has been the 
real heart-throb all along. 

Ames, both in acting and tossing 
off lines, always is master of the 
situation. Karen Morley, as the sec- 
retary, has little to do but makes 
a good impression. Phyllis Avery, 
in the role of daughter's best friend 
who leads father astray, stands out 
in the female contingent She plays 
a difflcult role in just the right key. 
Barbara Bel Geddes is flne as the 
daughter. Peter Goo Chung, as the 
Chinese house servant, is good for ; 
a laugh on every appearance, and 
Arthur Franz and Erik Martin arc 
authentic in collegiate roles. I 

Alfred de Liagre, Jr., who direct- 
ed, maintained a fast pace. Klep. 




The Duke in Darkness 

London, Oct. 9. 
Lir.ima by Patrick Hamilton in three aota| 
l<rv»entevl by l.lnnit & Dunfee, Ltd.. 
• iiri*(-t<d tiy .Michsel Redgrave: at St, Jamear 
thv.ili*e. LonJon. 

Grlkuud .Michael Redgrada 

Uiike uf Lullvrulne Leslie Bunka 

Vtiuliiln Hugh Btirden 

Chnuvel D. J. WlllUma 

.Miirteuu Fred Groves 

hiikc of Uunurrc Walter Fitzgerald 

Cimnt d'Aubluye Richmond Nairn* 

GrasHln Charles Deana 

Hiiubot Humphrey Heathcota 

Dubois Spencer Moor* 

Another all-male play.- While well 
written, it is unsatisfying. 

Curtain rises on a dilapidated 
chateau in France during the late 16th 
century civil wars. Two men are 
seated in a large room, and from 
their conversation it is developed 
one is a duke and the other hJa 
manservant. They have been im- 
prisoned there for 15 years, and 
while the master is strong in will, 
not abandoning hope, the other is 
pretty well broken in body and 
mind. 

'The Duke in Darkness* Is mag- 
nificently acted by Leslie Banks and 
Michael Redgrave, but despite the 
first act's development of the ploi 
there is comparatively little progrea- 
Conflict is continuously impending 
but never happening. 

It is to the cast's credit and direc- 
tion by Redgrave that the play was 
so enthusiastically applauded. The 
venture had been touring success- 
fully to excellent business, probably 
due to drawing power of the 'stars. 
However, there's small likelihood of 
its popular appeal in the West End. 

Jolo. 



Gert Lawrence 



Contlnaed from page 3 



□ 



protect. It was planned to similarly 
insure the star for half the original 
amount for the tour, but the idea 
was dropped. Such policies stipu- 
late that the management shall not 
be indemnified unless more than 
three performances are cancelled 
through Illness, with payments com- 
puted on a pro rata basis. 



Ill for A Week 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 
Matinee and evening performances 
of 'Lady in the Dark' were cancelled 
Sat. (17) when Gertrude Lawrence 
was stricken with laryngitis. Miss 
Lawrence had been iMttling the af- 
fliction all last week. Despite this, 
she had been entertaining at the 
Stage Door Canteen as well as giving 
shows at the Mercl^ant Marino USD. 
Friday night she was barely able to 
pull through and collapsed back- 
stage after the final ctirtain. She 
failed to appear for her curtain 
calls. 

The four week engagement of 
'Lady' winds up here Saturday (24), 
the company then moving to Balti- 
more. 



Current London Siwws 



London Oct. 20, 
'Belle of N. T.,' Coliseum. 
'Blithe Spirit,' Duchess. 
'Clandla,' St. Martin's. 
'Dancing Tears,' Adelphl. 
'Doctor's Dilemma,' Haymarket 
D'Oyly Carte Opera, Princess. 
'FUre Path,' Apollo. 
'Fine and Dandy,' Savllle. 
'Foil Swing,' Palace. 
'Gangway,' Palladium. 
■Get a Load of This,' Hlppodromt. 
Importance of Being EarneaV 
Phoenix. 

Han With Bed Hair,' Ambassador. 
'Man Who Came to Dinner,' Savoy. 
'Men In Shadow,' VaudeviUe. 
'Morning' Star,' Globe. 
"Harder Witheot Crime,' Comedy. 
'Night of the Garter,' Strand. 
'No Orchids (or Blandlah.' Walaa 
'Qolet Week-End,' Wyndbam'a. 
'Bebeecs,' Lyric, 
'Bose-Marle,' StoU's. 
Bnsslan Ballet, Cambridge. 
Sadler's WeUs BaUet, New. 
'Salt of Earth,' VaudeviUe. 
■WUd Bose,' Prince.' 
'Walts Without End,' Cambrldgo 
'Warn That Man,' Garrick. 
"Wateh on the Bhine,' Aldwych, 
■Veniis Comes vTo Town,' Whit*> 
hall. 



WILLIAM LTNN "IS QUITE WONDERFUL." 

— i. N., Times. 

WILLIAM LYNN "is lU GREATEST ASSET." 

— Richard Barnes, Herald Tribune, 

WILLIAM LYNN "is a gain doplne the horses with the SAME 
AMUSING BEWILDERMENT?' —Bums Mantle, News. 



WILLIAM LYNN 

A HORSE'." 



'Is a GOOD HALF OF 'THREE MEN ON 
—Richard Lockridge, New York Sun. 

WILLIAM LYNN "MAKES HIM AN EARNEST, SYMI>A- 
THETK! UTTLE FELLOW. IN THE HANDS OF MOST 
TROUPERS HE VfOULD BE A HARD PILL TO SWAL- 
LOW." —Robert Colemen, Mirror. 

WILLIAM LYNN "IS SURPASSING HTMflKT.F IN THE ROLB 
OF ERWIN." —WUlela Waldorf, The Port. 

WILLIAM LYNN "unlike ibe funny papers IS REAIXT 
FUNNY." —John Uaaon Brown, World-Telegram. 

WILLIAM LI 
Of HIS 



LYNN "Is playing Erwin once again with much 
OLD APPiSAL." —Louis Kronenbergej', "PM". 



WILLIAM i,yNN "J mcoy 

MEN ON A HOR^'."-t 



MENP HIS ACTING IN 'THREZ 
*ard Morehouse, New York Sun. 



-WILLIAM LYNN- 

♦*THE ORIGINAL ERWIN" 
Three Men on a Horse 

liV RADIO; 

"CASPAR MLQUETOASr-The Timid Soul 
"MAC-Tillic The Toiler 



60 



Wednesday* October 21, 1942 



Lit 



e ra t i 



Press, Radio 'Essential' 

PM yesterday (Tues.) stressed the 
'essential' recognition granted by 
Selective Service lo 92 occupations 
in the communications services — 
newspapers, radio, telephone and 
telegraph — as in line with Ralph 
Ingersoll's Aght for recognition ot 
the wartime values of press and 
radio. Local draft boards have beei^ 
directed to use the list, confined to 
jobs requiring six months or more 
for training and preparation, in 
classifying registrants for possible 
occupational deferments. 

Ingersoll's views on the issue, ex- 
pressed In a letter to Selective Serv- 
ice Appeal Board No. 5, before 
which an appeal was taken in his 
draft case by Marshall Field, owner 
of PM. were that 'there must be 
recognized the status of editors and 
writers of books and magazines, di- 
rectors of newsreels. and radio com- 
mentators who have built large audi- 
ences for themselves — all those 
writing, editing and even managing 
newspapers. These all have special 
skills, of great value to the war 
effort. Many are irreplaceable. Their 
talents are unique. Other men 
simply cannot be trained to take 
their places. 

'The whole question of the classifi- 
cation of such writers, speakers, 
journalists and commentators ap- 
pears simply to be left to the dis- 
cretion of individual local boards. 
Deferment as a publicist, however 
important to national health or 
morale he may be, is optional. It 
seems proper to me, then, as a 
journalist — speaking now not for 
myself alone but in the name of my 
profession — to ask that you take this 
ocoasion to express a clear and un- 
equivocal opinion on this larger 
Issue.' 



picture industry's public relations 
committee. 

Newspaper men, who have left 
the Hollywood beat for the Army, 
Navy or " larines, are: Herbert 
Bregstein, Doyle Bretano, Art Car- 
ter, Walter B. Clausen, Louis Dyer, 
Dudley Early, William Farquhar, 
Hubert Gagos, Charles Garland, 
James. Heneghan, Gladwyn Hill, 
Read Kendall, Ben Maddox, David 
McCture, Charles H. McCurdy, Bob 
Miller, Ken Morgan, Curtis Pepper, 
Richard Pollard, Hal Raynor, George 
Reineking, Thomas Nord Riley, Dud- 
ley Ross. Ed Stansbury, Herb Stein, 
Nathaniel Tanchuck. Robert Wallace 
and Robert White. 



Germans Nab Canadian Newsman 

Former sports editor of The 
Leader-Post. . Regina, Sask.. Tom 
Scolty' Melville, a lieutenant with 
the Cameron Highlanders of Winni- 
peg, is now a German prisoner of 
war. He was nabbed at Dieppe. 

Killed in action in the middle east 
was Sgt. Fred Santy, of the RCAF. 
Santy worked for the Regina Daily 
Star in Regina and Moose Jaw and 
had served as Moose Jaw correspond- 
ent for the Winnipeg Tribune. 



Canadian Newsmen Elect Wm. Young 

William Young, editor of the Salt- 
coats. Sask.. Observer, was elected 
president of the Saskatchewan divi- 
sion, Canadian Weekly Newspapers' 
association, at its annual convention 
in Regina. He succeeds W. C. Need- 
ham, Wynyard, as president. 

S. J. Dornan, editor of the Alame- 
da Despatch, was re-elected secre- 
tary-manager for the 22d year. 



House which enabled the Tribuns to 
publish certain information deemed 
inimical to government interests. He 
declined a pardon from President 
Wilson, rather than reveal his source, 
fought the case and was vindicated 
by the Supreme Court. 



Raymond W. Sheldon, 48, presi- 
dent of the Times Publishing Co. 
and Sheldon Press of Webster, Mass., 
died Oct. 15 after a brief Illness. He 
was v.p. of the Massachusetts Press 
Assn., composed of weekly newspa- 
per executives. 



NIgilt Club Reviews, 



Contlnaed from page W i 



CHATTER 

Roscoe Fawcett looking over the 
Hollywood scene for Fawcett Pub- 
lications. 

Dorothy Lawton in Hollywood to 
write star interviews for Journal- 
Times, Racine. Wis. 

Kate Holllday covering the Holly- 
wood beat for Associated Press, suc- 
ceeding Bob Meyers, who has joined 
the Marines. 

James M. Kahn, veteran New York 
sports writer. Is now a senior-grade 
lieutenant in the Navy. He quit the 
N. Y. Sun lo enlist. 

Dan De Luce, A.<;sociated Press 
war corre.spondent, spending a 
month in Hollywood before shoving 
off on a new assignment. 

Dorothy McAulay. amusements edi- 
tor for the Fort Worth Star-Tele- 
gram, married recently to Army 
Lieut. Ralph Shields McGill. 

Henry C. Ford, city editor of the 
Worcester, Mass., Telegram for 11 
years, commissioned a first lieuten- 
ant in Army and assigned to Boston. 



Philadelphia, Oct. 14. 
Vir0inta Davis, Mildred Stanlev, 
Billte Burr, Rita Lopez, George Cli]- 
ioTd, Embassylphs (6), Pat Shevlin 
Orch (6), Eri« Correa Rhuniba Orch 
(4) ; )io couer, no minimum, dinners 
$1.50 up. 



See Xmas Book Bii Boom 

Book publishers are rubbing their 
hands gleefully in anticipation of the 
biggest Xmas they've had in some 
years. War restrictions cutting down 
on usual Xmas gifts, dimouts and 
- gas rationing holding people at 
home, and eagerness of the reading 
public to learn as much as it can 
about the war and where it's being 
fought, are all contributing to Im- 
minent upsurge. Undercurrent of 
the tide has already been felt by 
publishers in advance orders on cur- 
rent lists, with special emphasis on 
books like 'Victory Through Air 
Power,' 'Last Train from Berlin,* 
•They Were Expendable,' 'Sabotage' 
and a couple of -I-Escaped-from-the- 
Japanese stories. Continued popu- 
larity ot historical novels is attrib- 
uted to natural inclination to escape 
into past, plus relief to find some- 
thing that won't change in tomor- 
row's headlines. Lending library 
romance Action is out for the dura- 
tion. 

For the first time, signs point to 
books even outranking toys this year 
as Xmas gifts. Metal priorities and 
vital materials going into manufac- 
ture of toys have all been turned to 
war industries, leaving books. as next 
best thing for kids. Grownups de- 
prived of new cars, new radios or 
new electric refrigerators this year 
similarly turning to books. Vast 
quantities also being shipped to 
armed services, with circulating 
libraries being set up for soldiers at 
overseas camps and bases. 

Harry Scherman, prexy of the 
Book-of-the-Month Club, figures best 
sellers during the next few months 
will probably be serious, non-fiction 
tomes — fact finders, fact interpreters 
and 'inside stories.' Contention Is 
borne out by flood ot war corre- 
spondent books that followed Wil- 
liam .L. Shirer's 'Berlin Dl((ry,* in- 
cidentally still on the best seller lists. 
According to Scherman, any period 
of sustained worry— differing from 
temporary period of heightened ex- 
oitement — usually brings on tremen- 
dous desire for Information ot all 
sorts. Holds true now just as It did 
in 1917-18. 

Slight chance of booK publishers 
feeling any pinch of war restrictions 
In paper, though transportation is 
likely problem. All books published 
consume less then 1% of total paper 
used in the country. And in Eng' 
land, a cut of 60% In paper was 
counteracted to considerable extent 
by a rise ot more than 40% in book 
buying. Publishers feel English rise 
fai book demand will be paralleled 
here. 



Prof. Bob Gessner's New Book 

New York University prol Bob 
Gessner's new novel, 'Treason,' Is 
to be published by Scribners. Author 
has received double the advance he 
got on his first book, 'Here Is My 
Home' (Alliance), though former not 
yet completed. "Treason is a revolu- 
tionary war theme with contempo- 
rary overtones. 

Gessner has been in Hollywood 
for Warners; he's now head ot 
N.Y.U.'s film instruction dept. 



Fadlman's Theory 

Clifton Fadiman will return in two 
more weeks to his book-reviewing 
assignment for the New Yorker mag. 
He has been taking a 'vacation' for 
the last two weeks, with Vincent 
McHugh, his assistant, filling in. 

Besides his regular Friday night 
stint as m.c. the 'Information, Please' 
program for Lucky Strike, Fadiman 
is also currently m.c. on a special 
series of Office of War Information 
'benefit' serial programs on NBC five 
mornings n week. In addition, he is 
devoting considerable time to 
Writers War Board activities. 

He explains his ability to handle 
so many assignments simultaneously 
to the fact that he has no hobbles. 
Also, he says, he considers sleep a 
waste of tim^. 



HollywoodiaDS' Gold Cards 

Permanent credential cards, printed 
In gold' letters, are being Issued to 
every accredited Hollywood press 
oorrespondent who has Joined the 
armed forces. To date there are 28 
on the list complied by the motion 



Dealey's S9th Year With Paper 

G. B. Dealey last week began his 
69th year with the Dallas Morning 
News— the newspaper with which 
he began as an office boy and ulti- 
mately became its publisher. 

The 83-year-old publLsher has iust 
taken back some of the responsibili- 
ties of running the newspaper be- 
cause his son, Ted, who in 1940 be- 
came his successor as chairman ot 
the board, is in the army as a ma- 
jor. 



House Reviews 

Continued from paice U s 

CIRCLE, INDPLS. 



Baby,' in which he does the moody 
vocal. Lindsay, La Verne and Betty 
start their act with a snappy can- 
can, then make some acrobatic 
breaks. They're good at both. The 
colored Whittier then comes back 
for his popular 'Me and My Shadow' 
routine with Lewis while the band 
and trio dish out suitable background 
music. Lewis does a patriotic num- 
ber, 'It I Could Shake Hands With 
Gen. MacArthur,' with 'Over There' 
for a rousing finish. After the Kayne 
Sisters sing Birth of the Blues,' June 
Edwards gets the audience excited 
over her spectacular back bends. 
The Du Bois gal leads the ensemble 
in a lively finale to 'Aurora.' 

Biz is good and the youngsters 
seem to like the show as much as 
the oldsters. Cor6. 



EMBASSY, N. Y. 

(NEWSREELS) 



LITERATI OBITS 
William W. Morreli, 42, former 
columnist ot Miami Herald Tribime 
under the pen name Hugh Hough, 
died Oct. 14, in Miami. 

Lnellle Bcntly Frederick, 68, col- 
umnist for 14 years for the New- 
ark (N. J.) Evening News under the 
name of Ruth Lang, died Oct 12, In 
Norwalk, Conn. 

Omer N. Coster, 68, publisher ot 
the' Galesburg Register-Mail, 111., 
died Oct. 17 in Galesburg. 

Jasper C. (Jap) Mama, 77, former 
newspaperman, died Oct. 18, in New 
York. At one time he worked for 
the old N. Y. Herald and was New 
York correspondent for the Cincin- 
nati Inquirer. 

Frank D. Caruthers, 75, Oct. 18, 
at his home on Long Island. He was 
long active in the business end of 
newspapers and was business man- 
ager of the old New York World. 

William Lawton Curtin, 64, in New 
York, Oct. 15. A former ship news 
reporter, in 1914Jie faced a jail sen- 
tence for refusing to reveal his 
source on a story that ran in the 
New York Tribune. Article re- 
volved around a leak at the Customs 



The various types of planes, their 
fortes and weaknesses, plus an out- 
of-date history of airplane develop- 
ment, are covered in the majority of 
the footage of the current bill at this 
Times Square newsreel emporium. 
Considering the present Importance 
ot air power and the intense public 
interest in the subject, that should 
provide an unusually interesting and 
provocative show. IThat it falls to do 
so Is a reflection on the quality ot the 
Alms. 

One ot the longer-bits on the sub- 
ject is Tex McCrary's special, in 
which he displays positive opinions, 
but offers little information or ex- 
planation. The other lengthy portion 
is Universal's resurrected short. 
Cavalcade of Aviation,' whose only 
pungent shots are clips from such 
classic reels as the Hindenburg 
dirigible explosion and the like. Age 
ot the film is indicated by the fact 
that its narration is read by the late 
Graham McNamee and that its shot 
ot a President Roosevelt request for 
plane production is obviously more 
than a year old. * 

Otherwise, the bill is interesting 
chiefly for action pictures of the 
Tacoma bridge collapse ot many 
months ago, clips of Willkie's re- 
turn to the U. S. from his trip to the 
Near East, Russia and China, and 
several angles on the proposed law 
change to lower the draft age. There 
are the seasonal clips from the 
previous weekend's college football 
games, with the usual failure to 
make- use ot the opportunities for 
slow-motion stult and expert ex- 
planation of standout plays. And, as 
has been characteristic of this 
severely-censored war, there's no 
action stuff from the battletronts. 

Possibly the two most notable 
aspects of the bill are not what is 
shown on the screen, but the audi- 
ence's reaction (or, more precisely, 
lack of reaction) to it. In Universal's 
'Cavalcade ot Aviation' a brief shot 
ot Lindbergh taking off from Floyd 
Bennett Field tor his flight to Paris 
draws absolutely no response. And 
in the H. V. Kaltenborn short, the 
commentator's snide criticism ot 
Roosevelt and an expression of his 
anti-labor bias are greeted by com- 
plete silence. Hobe. 



MUSIC BAR, PITT 

Betty Falvo, originally from Pitts- 
burgh and a sister of BeEa FaTvo, 
former nitery thrush here ' now 
known In London as Diane Ward, Is 
a stunner, dripping s.a., with a warm, 
throaty torcher's set of pipes; Gene- 
vieve Lipton, also easy on the eyes, 
is a high soprano with an easy style 
and Lillian Morton's the always-in- 
there-punching personality kid who 
makes with the eyes and the hips. 

Cohen. 



EMBASSY, PHILLY 



Another of George Clifford's re- 
vuettes is the fare offered at Herb 
Smiler's and Sam Silver's redeco- 
rated Embassy this sesh. It's titled 
Hip-Hip-Hooray.' 

ClifTord has whipped up a couple 
or original tunes, one of which, 'Mid- 
night Mirage,' has possibilities of 
catching on. Fritz Prospero, talented 
fiddler with Shevlin's band, did the 
music for this concoction. 

Featured is Virginia Faith Davis, 
daughter ot Maestro Meyer Davis 
(New Acts). 

Standout is clever terpwork of 
Billie Burr, who's nice to look at, has 
plenty of grace and makes the most 
difficult steps appear easy. 

Other chanteuse on the bill is Mil- 
dred Stanley, who gets across nicely 
with 'Neck of the Chicken' and 
'Dreaming Last Night.' Rita Lopez 
opens the shindig with a Spanish - 
Latin-Castllllan series of dances in 
which fast pirouettes predominate. 

Clifford and his Embassylphs (sex- 



ning costumes for her comelv 
chorines, who do four smart routinS 
in appearances. OuUtandlng are the 
colorful, hoop-skirted dresses repre- 
senting the Allied Nations, richly, 
conceived and beautifully-designmL 
Costumes for the can-can number 
and the filmy, romantic outfits ther 
dance in to King's piano renditton 
of Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' are 
outstanding. 

Harper and Maye are a better-than- 
average ballroom team, the femme 
being a particularly fine looker 
Their routines are fast-moving- and 
smart, particularly their Interpreta- 
tion of 'St. Louis Blues.' 

Richard Gordon, tall and good, 
looking vocalist, with a vibrant bari- 
tone and unusually wide tonal range, 
sings favorites from 'New Moon,' 
also 'Song ot the Vagabonds,' 'Night 
and Day' and other musical comedy 
hits. 

King's piano virtuosity is a stand- 
out, especially effective in collabora- 
tion with the Dorben routines. Loop, 

NIXON CAFE, PITT 



which there's attached the flags in 
tet of lookers) start and' finish theH miniature of all -the United Nations, 



show with a prolog and epilog, 
crusted with CUflford-inspired lyrics 
—some smart, a lot of It a little too 
heo for Phllly. 

Pat Shevlin's band accompanies 
the show in its usual smooth style, 
as well as giving out with sweet and 
hot rhythms for dancing. Eric 
Correa's rhumba crew takes care of 
the lulls with the south-ot-the-bor- 
der stuff. 

House was jammed to the walls, 
with plenty of standees at the bar 
when reviewed. Shal. 



GLASS HAT, N. Y. 

(BELMONT-PLAZA) 

Rosita & Deno, 3 Smoothies, Roy 
Benson, Bobby Parfcs Orch (10), Joe 
Pa/unly Orch (3) lulth Anita Rosal; 
mtnimtim, $1.80 weekdays; $2 Satur- 
days. 



A smaller lineup than usual at 
this cozy dlne-and-danca spot, but 
the presence ot the Three Smoothies 
gives It some name b.o. appeal. More 
elaborate show Is due In shortly. 

Rosita and Deno (New Acts) are 
holdovers from the last show. The 
Smoothies, doubling from Kate 
Smith's radio show, open with 'Ala- 
bama Bound,' then swing into a well- 
done 'Der Fuehrer's Face.' 'Praise 
the Lord and Pass the Ammunition' 
and 'White Christmas' are best sold. 
'Strip Polka' encore Is put over for 
its novelty value. 

Roy Benson, m.c, has a trim magic 
act In which his palming Is outstand- 
ing. He kids his Initial stunts, with 
his work with golf balls being best. 
Main weakness Is need for fresh 
patter. 

Bobby Parks crew, which plays 
for the show and some of the danc- 
ing, has been here since mid-summer. 
Outfit's dansanatlon Is made to order 
for the spot Parks does most of the 
singing for his orchestra. Joe Pat umy's 
orchestra almost «. B-P fixture by 
this time, again Is registering nicely 
with the (.atln danoe music, basked 
by Anita Rosal's vocalizing. Wear. 

Marine Dining Room, Chi 

(EDGEWATEE BEACH HOTEL) 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 14. 
Al Marsico Orch (8), Bob Carler, 
Giiili Guilt, Pelletiers (2), Hollyuiood 
Co-Eds (2); 50c cover. 



Not a big show but a socko one, 
with every act on the nose. Head- 
liner is Guili Guili, the magician. 

The big Egyptian sleight-of-hander 
deserves the top position. He's a 
clever manipulator and a crack 
showman, with his card stuff, the 
palmed chicks and the things he 
seemingly brings out of his mouth in 
an endless stream. These include 
eggs, rubberballs and, finally, a long 
string (a bus boy hauls it out) to 



topped, ot course, by the Stars and 
Stripes. Over big. There was an 
added fillip to Guili Gulli's turn 
when caught, his soldier-stooge, 
called up from the audience, proving 
to be Sgt. John Prince Mendes, who 
was playing upstairs In This Is The 
Army' and only two years before 
headlined at Nixon himself with his 
magic act. ' 

Pelletlers open the show with 
some nifty ballroomolgy. They're a 
graceful, airily light couple, showing 
little effort In their skillful gliding. 

Bob (barter, in his fourth year here 
as m.c. and band vocalist, follows 
Pelletlers with flock ot neatly sold 
ballads. Preceding Guili Guili are 
the Hollywood Co-Eds, a couple ot 
gals who mix tumbling with hoofing 
and work their heads off to achieve 
a four-star click. Femmes are good- 
looking too, adding just the right 
note to their stunts, which rate 
among the tops for distaff acro- 
hoofers. 

Al marsico's music is still pleasing 
the Nixon customers and that's what 
counts at Tony Conforti's downstairs 
spot, where the clientele is pretty 
regular and not too jlve-mlnded. 
Comes next March artd Marsico will 
be celebrating his fourth anniversary 
at this stand. Cohen. 

I Writers War Bd J 

I^^s Contlnoed from i>a(e * ^^bI 



Richard 
Dancers; 



Chicooo, Oct. 18. 
ch, Hdi-fler & Mat., 
. Dorothy Dorben 
turday minimum. 



}1enTy Ignjr Otch^Jtiffier t_Mdye, 



Henry King and his music-makers, 
a deft and aompetent musical aggre- 
gation, capably led by the piano- 
playing maestro, are drawing a 
goodly crowd ot diners to the Marine 
Room, which is doing better-than- 
average business sine* his opening. 

Of course, ail orchestras playing 
this Class A spot tuna down con- 
siderably, m keeping with the at- 



mosphere of reanement for which it 
IS known. The njuslo la consistently 
subdued, and ^lta]^l9 to the some- 



what matui 

Dorothy po: 
hotel's shows 



in, wgp pr«)>4uce3 the 
laa Mcurea some stun- 



Lindsay, Clifford Odets, Paul Os- 
borne, S. J. and Laura Perelman, 
Elmer Rice, Irwin Shaw, Louis 
Weltzenkorn, Edna Ferber, Jack 
Kirkland. Newmap Levy, George 
Marion, Jr., Percival Wnde, Arthur 
Kober, John Cecil Holm, Kenneth 
Perkins, Harold Rome, William 
Hazlitt Upson and John Van Druten. 

Other sources of original or old 
scripts are most of the name comics 
ot radio and vaudeville, as well as 
legit' and vaude managers, agents, 
play brokers, advertising agencies 
and networks and such script-leasing 
outflU as the Dramatists Play Serv- 
ice and Samuel French. All material 
deemed suitable la being turned over 
lo Col. Marvin Young, of the Army 
Special Service. Scripts of up to 
20 or 29 minutes' rimnlng time are 
being accepted, and there Is little 
limlUtlon on the type of subject 
matter, except as to lines censor- 
able for moral or policy reasons. 
The committee Is particularly anx- 
ious to get scripts with soldier lo- 
cale. Scripts with femme charac- 
ters' are acceptable, as most training 
camps are figured to have USO or 
Red Cross workers who could plav 
such parts. 

Dorothy (Mrs. Richard) Rodgers 
is chairman of the committee, which 
includes Edward Cohen, Russel 
Crouse, Max Gordon, Lester Ham- 
mel, Oeorga S. Kaufman, Richard 
Lockridge, John T. W. Martin, Rich- 
ard Marvin, Henry Souvaine, Paul 
Streger and Edith Van Cleve, 



t, .♦.»'> 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 



CHATTER 



61 



Hughie Leblang's daughter to wed 
10 on. 

Orson Welles' deal with 20th-Fox 
gtill in throes of negotiation. 

Billy Rosa very secretive about 
an Army job he's dickering for. 

Freddie McKay, in town after sum- 
mer at Provincetown, leaves for 
tnorlda soon. 

•By Jupiter.' Shubert, first show 
to announce New Year's eve ticket 
sale $6.60 top. 

John Joseph, Universal advertis- 
ine-Dubliclty chief, due in from the 
coast Friday (23). ^ . . .„ 

Harry Homer in from Coast, is de- 
signing scenes for Sol Lesser's Stage 
Door Canteen film. 

With exception of Miami papers, 
only two New Orleans dailies in the 
fouth carry racing news. 

Marjorie Knapp, of the 'Star and 
Garter' cast, is now doing a weekly 
song propam over CBS. 

Rube Bernstein, who handled a 
road 'My Sister Eileen.' back with 
the Boston 'Junior Miss.' 

Track hounds taking awful beating 

?[oing to and from races because of 
ransportation restrictions. 
John Zanft due back at the A. & S. 
Lyons office in New York after an 
eight-week stay at the Coast branch. 

Lambs lost another non-pro mem- 
ber Joseph L. Rafetto, who died last 
week, was in brandied fruit busi- 
ness. 

Allan Attwater is manager of 
Katharine Cornell's revival of The 
Tbieb Sisters.' Judith Anderson also 
in "^sst. , 

Nat Wolf, in charge of Warner 
theatre operations in the Ohio terri- 
tory, returned to Cleveland over the 
weekend. 

Helen Hoerle recovering at home 
from thyroidectomy operation which 
prevented her taking advance agent 
assignment. 

Sylvan Taplinger, radio p.a.. sold 
his song and title, 'Tropicana,' to 
Gregory RatoR for a Columbia 
ilmusical. 

Tickets for American Theatre 
Wing's office personnel party at As' 
tor roof Sunday (25) are 99c, inclU' 
five of federal tax. 

A. A. 'Shuby' Schubart, manager 
of exchange operations for RKO, 
back from a tour of the company's 
branches on the Coast. 

The doughty westerner, Harry 
Cohn, Columbia prexy, bothered by 
i N. Y. cold while east. He and Bob 
Taplinger return west Friday. 

Music men point to Columbus Day 
as being a significant day when 
James Cesar Petrillo won his legal 
bout with the Government in Chi- 
cago. 

Irving Mills working with H. S. 
Kraft in N. Y. on the Negro fllmusi- 
cal which the former will produce 
for 20th-Fox. Mills returns west in 
10 days. 

Beefsteak party for Murray Brls 
coe. Charley Wexler, Willie Honig 
' and Pete Buffano, who are going into 
uniform, held at the Palace bar and 
grill Monday. 

Members of the WAACs here are 
protesting again.st alleged discrimi- 
nation on theatre's part in admitting 
men, but not women, in uniforms of 
the armed forces at half prices. 

Vagaries of nitery biz manifested 
•gain of late, with the 'New Year's 
eve' weekends but sUtic throughout 
the week. A month or so ago every- 
thing boomed from Monday on. 

Oscar Oystel. editor of Coronet 
and associate ed of Esquirq^now in 
the Publications Dept. of OWI in 
N. Y. office. Donald Flamm. ex- 
WMCA owner, in the same dept. 

Warner homeofflee execs tos.<!ed a 
farewell party to Ben Kresch. legal 
»^?,of Warner theatres in the 
5*"J<leJphia zone, during the past 
week, Kresch goes into the Army 
soon. 

, B. Kuttner has been named 

w the N. Y. board of review. Office 
Of Censorship, which, .h^inJUfts jlTX: 
port and export custdms cenSoHng. 
S^ith Rithard R. 

B.m*% Jion of James F. 

neiUy, head of I.«Bgue of N. Y. Thea- 
YS: P^'omoted to lieutenancy "in the 
He IS .Rationed at New Cale- 
younger brother now in Ma- 
rine Corps. 

wife*'n.r'*«' ='"Ber. and his 

mJ..?L.°«" Manners, head into Essex 
2?^- New York, on their arrival 
»om Hollywood. Clark goes into 

to thVSJ'as?''- 

iiifr^?''?".'* finally got its spectae- 
ujar electrical sign, over the service- 
S?i?or '■^^"at'on center at Duffy 
Ijiuare. mto operation thi.s week, 
loff .1' constructed so as not to vio- 
'aw the dimout regulaUons. 
Rhi^^^'J^^^'^ appraisal of Toots 
g^r m his rise from Philly 'to the 
u^SS?« Rector of his day,' was a 
"le farewell to Capt. 
Sidney Piermont. The original crack 

M^""'"?.****' obvious reasons. 
«»w!l Broadway and 51st street 
D?e«^,'«*f- Skipper's Corner, got 
fahrtJV^'Ji"'" ^y distributing a live 
th- i5 u newspaper bunch, with 
th^ i^I!)*"*]'"' "> '"•inn " back to 
Dp««f resUurant and it'll be 
Properiy served. 

Tom Connors, distribution v.p. for 
Sinifj"' » grandfather 

^ursday fi5) when a son was born 
ir il' t"^. ^'■s- Thomas J. Connors, 

Dick Gilbert, WHN's singing disc 



jockey, will be m.c. at the Stage Door 
Canteen Friday night from 8-mid- 
night during which time he will in- 
troduce the bands of Bob Allen and 
King Johnson and numerous enter- 
tainers of the stage, screen, and 
radio. 



By Hal Cohen 



The Carl Dozers expect their sec- 
ond child in December. 

Tommy Tucker's band booked into 
the Stanley but date hasn't been set 
yet. 

Betty Smiley. WCAE songstress, 
has gone into the Music Bar for a 
run. 

Saxman Lenny Sims and his mis- 
sus 'expecting' before the first of the 
year. 

Betty Flavo's engagement at Al 
Mercur's Music Bar is her first in the 
home town. 

Little Jackie Heller held over at 
the Latin Quarter in Chicago for two 
more weeks. 

John Kalish, ex-bassist with Billy 
Yates' band, has Joined the Johnny 
Laiui outfit. 

Charles Lewis, the veteran circus 
clown, has gone to work here as a 
railroader. 

Ernie Picconi, one of the Villa 
Madrid garcons, shoves off for the 
army this week. 

Dorothy Nesbitt pianiste at Hotel 
Henry's Gay Nineties lounge, back 
from a Coast vacation. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace' coming 
back Dec. 7 but with original cast, 
headed by Boris Karloff. 

Milt Baseman planning on install- 
ing floor shows at his Mcrry-Go- 
Round in next few weeks. 

Leo Heyn is closing his Summit 
Hotel for the winter and will spend 
it at Winter Haven, Fla. 

Jimmy Shea, Webster Hall man- 
ager, figuring on reopening his Im- 
perial Room as a nitery. 

May Beegle, concert impresario, 
coming around at West Penn hos- 
pital after serious illness. 

Nixon expects to get Olsen and 
Johnson's 'Sons O' Fun' for Christ- 
mas and New Year's weeks. 

Club 51 expects to lose its guitar 
act, newlywed Pat McCauley, to 
Uncle Sam shortly. He's 1-A. 

Miriam Seabold worked Yacht 
Club last week of her husband's (Jay 
Seiler) engagement there. She's a 
dancer. 

^1 Spink in town ahead of 'Lady 
in the Dark' and Marion Byram here 
beating the drums for 'Best Foot 
Forward.' 

Helen Foster is Pall Allwes' new 
vocalist, replacing Jenny Lee. who 
has enrolled at Ohio U to Mudy mu- 
sic and voice. 

Charlie Alley. Newsrcel theatre 
manager, able to leave Presbyterian 
Hospital, where he's been a pneu- 
monia patient. 

Wilford Sklar. former WB and 
England Bros, manager, home on a 
furlough from Camp Davis. N. C, 
where he's in officers school. 

Marcia Lewis, Arthur Murray in- 
structor here, to Reno to divorce 
Robert Ickes, stepson of Harold 
Ickcf. Secretary of the Interior. 

Steve Minton. leading man in 'Eve 
of St. Mark' at Playhouse, goes into 
navel training next week and will be 
replaced in Maxwell Anderson play 
by ,Tohn Reed. 

M-G's Buck Stoner screened Judy 
Garland-Gene Kelly's 'Me and My 
Gal' last week for Cpl. Kred Kelly. 
Gene's brother, and his "This Is the 
Army' buddies. 



Memphis 



Vilacraph manager. 
v:!l« on business. 



Trade in all amusement lines here 
terrific. 

H. G. Krum 
■y'. .ned to Ni.shv 

R. L. McCoy. Warner division 
manager, in for a onceover ^on the 
territory. * 

'Skating Vanities' riiie at Ellis 
Auditorium for week beginning Sun- 
day night (25). 

John Rowley, city manager for 
Robb St Rowley in Lillle Rock, re- 
ported recovering from serious ill- 
ness in Arkansas hosp. 

Casino Ballroom at the Mid-South 
Fair Grounds now operating dances 
every Saturday night. Uses Colie 
Stoltz band minus maestro, who's in 
the Army now. 

Army is taking over swank East- 
man hotel at Hot Springs a."! annex 
for Army-Navy General Ho.spital. 
Spa hostelry grabl>ed by condemna- 
tion proceedings. 

Maj. Arthur Halle, former member 
Memphis Auditorium Commission 
and a founder of Memphis Cotton 
Carnival, transferred to Utah Quar- 
termaster Depot at Ogden. 

Fred Sears and frau. Judith Elliott, 
will co-slar in Little Theatre's The 
Guardsman' next month as drammer 
group's second vehicle of season. 
Sears is director, nis spouse technical 
director for organization. Both are 
former pros. 

Frank Ahlgren, editor and a 
former drama crick for The Com- 
mercial Appeal, will lake a six-week 
citizen's Army orientation course at 
Fort Leavenworth. Designed to ac- 
quaint leading civilians with mili- 
tary routine. 



London 



Dorothy Silk, concert soprano, left 
around $50,000. 

Syd Seymour taken suddenly ill 
with hemorrhoids. 

The father of Joe and Eddie Lee 
died in Leeds after short illness. 
Was non-professional. 

Al Bo'wlly, dance band crooner 
who was .killed in an air raid last 
year, left around $5,000. 

H. M. Tennent, Ltd., has obtained 
J. B. Priestley's latest play, 'They 
Came to a City,' which is in the 
throes of casting. 

U. S. troops located in distant parts 
of Britain are to have films, ath- 
letics and canteen facilities supplied 
by a Mobile Club Service. 

Harry Roy dickering with Butch- 
er's Films for one picture, with con- 
ditions English maestro gives okay 
on story, cast and director. 

A revival of 'Lilac Time,' replaced 
'Rose Marie' at Stoll's with a cast 
including Irene Eisenger, George 
Graves, Derek Oldham and Frank 
Titterton. 

At the close of his 'Macbeth' sea- 
son at the Piccadilly, John Gielgud 
revived Oscar Wilde's "nie Impor- 
tance of Being Emesf at the Phoenix 
for six weeks, starring himself. 

Tom Bostock to Manchester, to 
looksee Bernard Delfont's 'Old Chel- 
sea,' starring Richard Tauber, with 
view of playing it in one of his 
houses in the West End. 

Webster Booth and Ann Ziegler 
have been booked by Jack Hylton 
for his Arthur Askey revue, which 
is due at His Majesty's theatre some- 
time in November or early Decem- 
ber. 

Two American plays have their 
London debuts this week, 'Little 
Foxes' at the Piccadilly tonight (21) 
and 'DuBarry Was a Lady' at His 
Majesty's tomorrow (22). Emiyn 
Williams produces the former, which 
stars Fay Compton; latter directed 
by Richard Bird, stars Frances Day. 
Arthur Riscoe. It was first tried out 
in Manchester. 



John J. Payette, Warner zone 
manager, has just bought a new town 
house in Briarcliff. Moves up from 
his summer farm at Waterford, Va. 

Mervyn LeRoy had 'Random Har- 
vest' screened for the local critics. 
Here with Producer Arthur Horn- 
blow on preliminary 'work for 'Mary 
Smith, U.S.A.', next Lana Turner 
picture at>out a government worker. 

Loew's employees tossed a salute 
to Sidney Piermont and Mike CuUen. 
both now in the Army as specialists 
at Camp Meade. Eating and elbow 
bending was at Variety Club. 

Dorothy Lamour. in town over the 
weekend, became the first volunteer 
star for the President's Birthday 
Celebration in January, 1943. 

Kenneth Thomson. Screen Actors 
Guild, and Mary McCoU, Writers 
Guild, huddling with federal officials 
on that $25,000 wske ceiling. 

Sam Galanty. Columbia's division 
manager, threw a fancy preview for 
'You Were Never Lovelier.' Exhibi- 
tors and critics got engraved invita- 
tions, afterwards were hosted with 
buffet and such at Variety Club. 

Playwright S. N. Behrman. play- 
doctoring ■ his 'Pirate' signed with 
Metro for dialog in 'Quo Vadis.' 

Apex theatre to save oil has 
eliminated the midweek matinees. 
First house in this area affected by 
fuel conservation. 

Dave GirL<:burg of Hyatt.sville 
iMd.) theatre, drafted, was given a 
hotel Raleigh sendoff by Sidney 
Lust and associates, with Mayor 
Gower as honor guest. 



Australia 

By Erie Garrkk 



British Empire. 'Russia Aflame' goes 
out via Columbia. 

Sir Ben Fuller continues to add 
new theatres to his indie cinema 
chain. Knight says he's .staying in 
the pic biz for keeps. 

Hoyts due for a big take this year 
under the managership of Ernest 
TurnbuU, who came from the dis- 
tribution end of 20th-Fox to head 
Hoyts when Charles Munro quit the 
unit. 

Local newsreel cameramen cover- 
ing the Pacific war zones include 
Captain Frank Hurley. Damien 
Parer, Alan Anderson. Bill Carty. 
Frank Bagnall. ^nd Earl McNeil. 
Clips go through the Department of 
Information for distribution via 
Cinesound and Fox-Movietone. 



Qeyeland 

By Glenn C. Pulleii 



Musicians union organizing $500 
and $1,000 Defense Bond Club.^^ for 
members. 

Bob Kangesser took over Hotel 
Sterling's Chez Martce. renaming it 
Gold Room. 

Arthur Spaeth, ex-film critic for 
Cleveland News, promoted to cap- 
taincy in procurement division of air 
corps. 

Sheelah Carter, new Mutual net- 
works commentator, getting heavy 
buildup via lecture platform dates by 
WHK. 

Windsor French, former drama 
critic for Scripps-Howard Press here, 
now with Harper's Bazaar as editor 
of theatrical layouts. 

Clint Noble turning his string of 
.society orchestras over to Walt Bierg- 
man to handle when he enters Offi- 
cei-s Training School. 

Fred Conklin, who died in Florida 
last week and was buried here, was 
ballroom pioneer who started big- 
band policy at old Silver Slipper. 

Lois Miller, singer at Wonder Bar 
who married Kenneth Vincent last 
month, losing him to air corps. Hus- 
band formerly singer on Plantation 
Hour radio program. 

John Wlldberg. as.>:ociate producer 
of 'Porgy and Bess.' went gunning 
for Alpine Village Cafe on grounds 
of possible infringement. Nitery re- 
fused to stop its capsuled version 
of 'P. and B., saying it bought musi- 
cal score and didn't advertise it as 
operetta. 



By Let Rees 



Jan Rubini back to U. S. after run 
for Hoyts. 

Dave Martin reviving 'Susan and 
God' legiter. 

Major Bin Powers has become at- 
tached to Judge Advocate's Dept. 

Most newspapers are swinging to 
tabloid form with newspaper ration- 
ing. 

There's a great call for U. S. musi- 
cians, here on war service, to play 
jive music. 

Williamson -Tait will present "Let's 
Face It' in Sydney. Local cast set 
for musical. 

Tei'ry Walker, after a run for Wil- 
liamson-Tail in 'Claudia,' has re- 
turned to the U. S. 

Former showmen among the U. S. 
troops always make for the Ameri- 
can Centre. Sydney. 

Motion Picture Distribs Assn. still 
dickering with authorities on a 
major coin release for 1043. 

Vaude-revue biz still going alonp 
at a fa.st two-a-day pace for Tivoli 
chain. This despite few new faces. 

Herschell Stuart, lookseeing the 
new Hoyt.s' setup for 20th-Fox. hope.-; 
to return to the U. S. early next 
year. 

Most (lislribs have gotten their 
product safely vaulted in zones away 
from city areas. Just iii case of air 
raids. 

Ru.<u>ian-made 'Professor Mamlock' 
being handled throughout Au.<u!ie by 



Eph Rosen assigned as Metro Twin 
City salesman. 

Fats Waller into Happy Hour 
nitery next week. 

Jacques Cartier into Lyceum for 
one-nighter Oct. 31. 

Joe Prill of Paramount on hunting 
trip into South Dakota. 

Mae Hanson of Universal struck 
b<' auto and seriously injured. 

St. Paul Civic 'Opera season 
opened with 'Barber of Seville.' 

Many theatre men took advantage 
of opening of deer hunting season. 

'Ice-Capades' pulling better crowds 
at St. Paul Auditorium than year 
ago. 

C^ric Adams. WCCO newscaster 
and Star Journal columnist, bedded 
bv flu. 

Homer Overlook of Paramount 
gifted by fellow employees before 
entry into Army 

Richard Zeisler. manager of Grand, 
St. Louis, up for day to look over 
Alvin burlesque oadshow. 

Bob Crosby, Jack Crawford and 
Tony DiPardo orchestras played at 
M. rigold ballroom benefit dance. 

Cab Calloway and Glen Gray 
penciled into Orpheum Oct. 30 and 
No/. 6 with Russ Morgan also a 
I tentative booking. 
I University of Minnesota theatre 
presented 'ifreasure Island" for Army" 
and Navy enlisted men receiving 
training at the school. 

Mannic Got'.lcib and- Peck Gomer- 
sall. Universal western and district 
sales managers, respectively, here on 
Minnesota Amus. circuit deal. 

RKO staff tossed farewell party 
for Kenny Adams, who resigned as 
head booker to take position with 
U. S. Army booking service at St. 
Louis. 

Jan Savitt and Duke Ellington or- 
chestras play on same Saturday 
night, Oct. 31, at Minneapolis and Si 
Paul Auditoriums, respectively for 
balls sponsored by Minnesota League 
of Credit Unions. 



Chicago 



Walter Pidgeon spending a day 
here enroute to the East. 

Irene Manning stopping over for a 
day enroute to the Coast from New 
York. 

S. P. Eagle, accompanied by Gus 
Eysell. stopped in Chicago enroute 
from New York to the Coast. 

J. Harold Stevens has been made 
i branch manager of Paramount's Chi 
exchange. Came here from Indian- 
apolis, where he occupied a similar 
post. 

Irving Yergen. Warners press 
agent, to Minneapolis to arrange 
campaign on popular-price run of 
'Sergeant York.' His assistant. Nor- 
man Kessel. to Champaign, III., on 
•Yankee Doodle.' 



Gene Tierney hospitalized with Ail 

Joe Louis visited 'Cabin in the Sky' 
set at Metro. 

J. Cheever Cowdin in town for 
studio huddles. 

Walter Pidgeon to Canada on • 
bond-selling tour. 

■ Sid Goldbere in town on an inspec- 
tion tour for Decca. 

Joe E. Brown sw: rn in as City Play- 
ground Commissioner. 

Robert Gillham in town for Par- 
amount studio huddles. 

Henry Ginsber.<^ i^'^king out flu 
Rc<-ms at Palm Springs. 

Bonita Granville b'ck to work at 
RKO after a week's flu. 

Tex Rittnr home from the hospital 
a Tier an appendectomy. 

David Alison film acting again 
after two years as a press agent. 

DoriMhy Lamour to Baltimore, 
where tier mother is .'-eriou.'dy ill. 

Santa Claus Lane will b-> decorat- 
ed again this .year, without the lights. 

Itis Meredith, film act res.s. divorced 
Jack Otterson, Jr_ studio ar' ' " -cctor. 

Jack Conway's illness ha'u' * .-hoot- 
ing on '.\ssi.qnmcnt in Briliimy' at 
Metro. 

First Lieut. Jack L. Warner. Jr.. at 
Palm Springs recovering from pneu- 
rponia. 

Dick Purcell. screen actor, award- 
ed a divorce from Ethelind Terry of 
the stage. 

Frances Farmer obtained her re- 
lease from a player contract with 
Paramount 

Kenneth Thomson to Washington 
to learn more about the $25,000 in- 
come ceiling. 

Jean Renoir, film director, obtained 
a divorce from Catherine Hessling, 
French actress. 

Judy panova returned from an 
eastern stage tour to resume picture 
work at Republic. 

Jeanette MacDonald raised SBO.OOO 
in 12 concerts for the Army Emer- 
gency Relief Fund. 

James A. FitzPatrick returned 
from a tour of the northwest where 
he shot Traveltalk footage. 

Lionel Atwill given five year.s' pro- 
bation after pleading guilty to • 
grand jury perjury charge. 

Capt. Leland P. Lovetle. U. S. 
Navy, director of public relations, 
feted in Hollywood on coast-to-coast 
tour. 

Andrea Leeds and Judith Barrett, 
screen actresses, inherited $10,000 
each from the estate of their mother- 
in-law. 

Fred Sweeney, formerly of Duffy 
and Sweeney, and Alexander Ouman- 
sky, dance producer, now working 
in the Kaiser shipyards. 

Col. W. Mason Wright back to 
Washington after 10 days in Holly- 
wood, representing Pictorial Branch 
of the .War Department's Bureau of 
Public Relations. 



Mexico City 

By Douglas L. Gr»hame 



Agustln Isunza, pic star, signed to 
do personals in Latin theatres of the 
southwest and western U. S. 

Leopoldo de Samaniegos. announcer 
at local radio station XEW. to run 
for congress in San Miguel Allende, 
Guanajuato state. 

Symphonic orchestra of the Na- 
tional University of Mexico began its 
season at the Palace of Fine Arts 
(National th^tre). 

Novelist Rafael F. Munoz .signed by 
Ixtla Films to write dialog for Ba- 
laju' ('Ballyhoo'), which it is to re- 
lease during Christmas. 

Victory Troupe 'Herbert. Dolly. 
Joyce and Elizabeth Smith), acrobats 
and musicians booked in Chicago, 
headlining at the Folies Bergtrcs. 

Films Hundiales has signed Mau- 
ricio Magdaleno to do the dialog for 
the series of detective shorts it is to 
produce featuring Fu Muochu. the 
magician. Latter in private life Is 
David T. Bamberg, an Englishman. 

Titq Culzar^ Jojrge Negrete and 
Emilio Tuero, aces 61 Wexican pi* ' 
and radio, headed homage-Carewcll 
function (17) at Folies Bergeres to 
Hernandez Sisters, Columbia war- 
blers, who returned home after • 
long stay in Mexico. 



PUadelphia 

By SI SfaaHa 



"The Merry Widow' set to open at 
Forrest next Monday (26). 

Sigmund Romberg revue opens at 
Arena tonight (Wednesday). 

Daughter of Stanley Carroll, nitery 
operator, has joined the WAAFs. 

Jerry Stone, ex-WDAS pre.ss chief, 
attending Officers Training School at 
Fort Monmouth. 

J. George Lipsius, Tent 13 Barker, 
was sworn in as assistant district 
attorney last week. 

Mae Desmond, old-time stock ac- 
tress, back on air with 'home front' 
program on WDAS. 

Haro ld (BuzzI Davis, program boss 
of WDAS, handling a new interview 
program on WFIL. 

Ruby Wright canary with Barney 
Rapp's orch at Club Shangri-La, ail- 
ing at her Anderson (Ind.) home. 

Ken Stowman, who resigned as 
WCAU publicity chief to join the 
Nnvy, was feted by fellow-staffers 
Monday (IS), prior to leaving for 
Fort Schuyler. 



62 



Wednesday, October 21, 1942 




MAT BOBSON 

May Robson, 78, veteran stage and 
screen actress, died at her home in 
Beverly Hills Oct. 20. She had suf- 
fered acutely for years from neuritis, 
which contributed to her death. She 
had been confined to her home for 
the past 10 months, being bed-ridden 
most of the time. Her eyesight had 
been failing since her last picture at 
KKO. Her body was removed to 
Forest Lawn and services are to be 
held today (Wednesday). 

Even in failing health Miss Robson 
never lost her knack and passion 
for card tricks. Intimates also recall 
another hobby, that of making re- 
versible ties which she gave to 
friends at Christmas. 

Born in Melbourne, Australia, In 
1864, the actress' family name was 
Kobison but the '1' was Inadvertently 
dropped when she started her career 
In 1683 as an old maid In The Hoop 
of Gold,' and she continued under 
the name of Robson. 

Her first film appearance was in 
1024 when he starred in "The Re- 
juvenation of Aunt Mary,' a picture 
version of her most successful stage 

filay. She subsequently returned to 
egit for a few seasons but In 1930 
returned to Hollywood. 

The role of Apple Annie in 'Lady 
for a Day,' at Columbia in 1033, was 
her first big break In pictures and 
thereafter she was in constant de- 
mand. She was iinder contract at 
Metro for seven years, then went to 
Paramount and later freelanced. 

Her last appearance before the 
camera was for charity when she 
did a short, last November, with 
Lionel Barrymore and Lew Ayres 
for a Community Chest drive. Her 
last feature picture was In 'Joan of 
Paris.' 

Surviving is a son, Edward Gore; 

Srandson and two great-grandchil- 
ren. 



bravery, during combat at Chateau- 
Thierry, Soissons, Thiacourt, Jaulny- 
Xammes Ridge, Mont Blanc, Ar- 
eonne, Aisne and BayonviUe. Deco- 
rations included the Army and Navy 
distinguished service medals, Croix 
de Guerre and French Legion of 
Honor. After the war he entered 
politics and was elected treasurer of 
the State of N. Y. Later before join- 
ing the Internal Revenue Depart- 
ment, he was publisher of Motion 
Picture Magazine and Motion Picture 
Classic and was a director of the 
Commercial and Security Corp. 



MABIE TEMPEST 

Dame Marie Tempest, 78, stage star 
for more than 55 years, died in Lon- 
don Oct. 15 after a brief Illness. 

Born in London, she attended a 
convent in Belgium and studied mu- 
■ic in Paris. Later she studied voice 
under Manuel Garcia, famed as the 
tutor of Jenny LInd. At the age of 
21 she made her stage debut, In 188S, 
at the old Comedy theatre, London, 
In a revival of 'Boccacio.' Her sec- 
ond big part, and the one which 
established her as a star, was the 
name role in the opera Dorothy,' at 
Daly's theatre. In 1800 she opened 
In New York in 'The Red Hussar' and 
toured the U.S.A. for the next five 
years in "The Bohemian Girl,' 'Pi- 
rates of Penzance,' 'The Fencing 
Master* and 'The Algerian.' So great 
was her popularity that George Ed- 
wardes, a leading English musical 
producer, bought up her American 
bookings fo bring her back to Daly's 
In London in 'Artist's Model.' 

In 1800 Dame Marie went into 
straight comedy and was as popular 
as ever in this medium. Her first 
straight play was 'Nell Gwynn,' at 
the Prince of Wales. In 1914 she be- 
gan a world tour which lasted nearly 
eight years. In 1023 she had her only 
real flop, 'Good Gracious, Annabelle.' 
She clicked in 'Hay Fever' in 1925, a 
play that Noel Coward Wrote espe- 
cially for her. Her last success was 
The Marquise.' 

In the summer of 1935, during their 
own Silver Jubliee, King George V 
and Queen Mary honored Dame 
Marie by appearing at a testimonial 
matinee at the Drury Lane. The fol- 
lowing year she collapsed while on 
stage at the Queens theatre. 

At the start of the war, (58 years 
after her first stage appearance, she 
toured England in "The First Mis- 
tress Fraser' as part of her campaign 
to keep the British theatre alive dur- 
ing the war. Her home had been 
razed during the blitz bombings of 
London, and her fortune dissipated 
by the war. 

She made only one motion picture, 
'Moonlight Sonata,' with Paderewski, 
In 1836, and had broadcast only a few 
times. 



JAY J. ALLEN 

Jay J. Allen, 53, pioneer In the 
Canadian motion picture Industry, 
died in a Toronto hospital, Oct. 17. 
As an exec of the Allen theatres, he 
built houses in Toronto, Regina, Cal- 
gary and Moose Jaw. He also was a 
director of Premier Operating Corp., 
Ltd., which operates 38 film houses 
in Quebec and Ontario provinces. 

Born in Bradford, Pa., Allen 
moved to Brantford, Ontario, in 1906. 
He established theatres in Russia be- 
fore the first World War, later en- 
tering the exhibition field in Eng- 
land. When he returned to Canada, 
he imported the first big pictures 
from Great Britain. 

Survived by widow, two sons and 
three brothers, the latter associated 
with him in the Allen chain and Co- 
lumbia Pictures of Canada, 

LIONEL BAND 

Lionel Van Clouser, 83, song 
writer and orchestra leader under 
the name of Lionel Rand, in Queens 
General Hospital on Oct. 19. 

He was born in Shamokin, Pa., and 
started his musical career there play- 
ing piano with local orchestras while 
attending school. Later ha came to 
New York where he led bands at 
the International Casino and Para- 
dise Club. He wrote and appeared 
in pictures and composed numerous 
hit tunes, his most recent ones be- 
ing 'Let There Be Love' and 'Blue 
Nile.' 

He is survived by a widow, Mrs. 
Sally Van Clouser, two children, Lee 
and Lynette,-and his father, Oscar 
Van Clouser. 



ISAAC MABCUS 

Isaac Marcus, 72, film theatre 
pioneer in Harrlsburg, Pa., died Oct. 
14 in a Harrlsburg hospital of a 
heart ailment. 

Marcus opened the Nickelodeon, 
one of the city's first theatres, in 
1909. Later he opened the Star. In 
1914 he built the National, and in 
1922 acquired the Rialto. He oper- 
ated all three of the latter at the 
time of his death. 

Survived by widow, five daughters 
and two sons. 



MAJOB GEOBGE K. BHULEB 

George K. Shuler, 67, who was a 
major in the Marine Corps during 
the first world war, died in the 
Veterans Hospital, Bronx, N. Y., last 
Friday (18). He was deputy federal 
tax collector, 3rd district, N. Y., and 
for years was in charge of tax agenta 
who were assigned to the office of 
*Varlety' to aid professionals In mak 
Ing out their returns. 

Major Shuler was th* most decO' 
Mted Marine officer at tha tlmt of 
death, being cited ei|^t ttmet for 



TBENCHABD E. NEWBOLD, JB. 

Trenchard Emlen CTenny') New- 
bold, Jr., descendant of an old Phila- 
delphia family and one of the young- 
est nitery operators, died In Phila- 
delphia Monday (10) after a short 
illness. He was 23. He *was the 
operator of the Evergreen Casino on 
the outskirts of Philly, closed re- 
cently because of tire and gas ration- 
ing. 

Three weeks ago he married Vi- 
vian Vance, who worked as a pianlste 
and vocalist at the Casino. 

JOHN C. HAINES 

John C. Haines, 100, oldest mem- 
ber of the Detroit Federation of Mu- 
sicians, died at his home in Detroit, 
following a short illness. He formerly 
played with theatre orchestras, at 
the Empire and old Capitol Square. 
He also was Detroit's last surviving 
Civil War veteran, having been a 
member of the Stony Face band in 
the war. 

Among his surviving sons, two are 
members of the musicians' union. 



BEATBICE MICHELENA 

Beatriz Michelena, 52, film actress 
of the silent era, died Oct. 10 at St. 
Mary's hospital, San Francisco. 

Before entering pictures In 1913 in 
the title role of "Salomy Jane,' Miss 
Michelena had appeared on the 
stage. 

Surviving are her husband, George 
MIddleton, director of her pictures, 
and a sister. Vera Michelena, retired 
operatic performer. 



HENBT J. BOAM 

Henry Jeremiah Boam, former 
head of Phillips Film Co., which 
handled Universal product In Eng 
land, died of an Incurabla aliment 
racently. Boam was at on* tlqie 
president of the British film distrib- 



utors' association, Kinematograpb 
Renters Society. 
Survived by widow and a son. 



CONBAD LOTZ 

Conrad Lotz, 77, former member 
of the Philadelphia Orchestra and 
one of the oldest members of Local 
77, AFM, died Oct. 17 at his home 
in Philadelphia, Lotz played the 
bass viol and before his retirement 
in 1930 was a member of Philly's 
Mastbaum theatre orchestra. Sur- 
vived by widow, son and three 
daughters. 



NATHAN WOLF 

Nathan Wolf, 58, owner of the 
Lane Court theatre, in Chicago, died 
of a heart attack, Oct. 11. One of 
the founders and on the board of di- 
rectors of Allied Theatres, he spent 
40 years in local theatricals as ex- 
hibitor and theatre owner. 

Leaves widow and two daughters. 

Burial in Chicago. 



MBS. BBTANT WASHBUBN 

Mrs. Bryant Washburn, 40, the 
former Virginia Vance of the films, 
died Oct. 13 in Hollywood following 
a heart attack. 

Deceased was a star in silent films 
for six years, playing chiefly with 
Educational Pictures. 



DB. FBEDEBICK STOCK 

Dr. Frederick Stock, 70, conduc- 
tor of the Chicago Symphony 
Orchestra since 1005, died of a heart 
attack on Oct. 20 in Chicago. 

He had been associated with 
American music since 1895. 



JEBOME A. MACK 

Jerome A. Mack, 48, former singer 
on the Keith vaudeville circuit, died 
Oct. 3, in SharpsviUe, Pa. 



Oscar F. Hartman, ex-cornetist 
with the Arthur Pryor and John 
Philip Sousa bands, Oct. 10, at his 
home in Kingston, N. Y. He is sur- 
vived by a widow, Florence, and 
four children. 



L. Lome Dawson, 64, in a Regina, 
Sask., hospital, Oct. 1. He was father 
of Don Da^rson, former traffic man- 
ager of CKCK, Regina, now with 
the RCAF. 



Mrs. Ida Clucas, 96, mother of C. 
Carroll Clucas, veteran stage per- 
former, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, on 
Oct. 12. 



Nathan Abrams, 77, father of Leo 
Abrams, New York branch manager 
for National Screen Service, died in 
New York Sunday (18). 



Father of Frank Gallop, announcer 
of 'Stella Dallas' and 'Second Hus- 
band' programs, died Oct. 5 in Bos- 
ton. • 



Mother, 53, of Mrs. Leslie T. Harris 
(Rosemary Cox) died suddenly in 
New York last week. Harris is 'Va- 
riety' correspondent in Miami. 



Evelyn Smith, 35, wife of the 
owner of the FennviUe theatre, at 
her home -in Fennville, Mich., Oct. 
13. following a long illness. 



Mother of Charles Paul, organist 
of 'Young Widder Brown' program, 
died Oct. 2 in New York. 



Studio P.A.s 

Contlnned from page 6 — 

in tact, worth the title it had taken 
up. Moreover, it put the kibosh on 
a lady's, career which, up until then, 
had l>een promising. 
More Mahomet and the Mountain 
There was also the studio publicity 
stunt of naming a nearby foothill 
after the studio, with nobody— not 
even the head of the company — be- 
ing especially interested in the idea. 
But the department head insisted it 
would be great exploitation, inas- 
much as he planned to have the 
newsreels and reporters and every- 
thing there for the dedication cere- 
monies. 

So insistent was he that everybody, 
including the studio head, showed up 
and, after speeches and various 
formalities, the place was to be 
christened with champagne which 
was to be broken against an ersatz 
marble pillar. Trouble was that the 
latter was supplied by the prop de- 
partment, which made the thing out 
of plaster or some such; and the 
champagne was supposed to be In 
a breakaway bottle, only somehow 
that didn't work out either, with 
the result that the bottle broke the 
shaft Instead of vice versa. 

But. . .no mere. It was great while 
it lasted but, take it from the flacks 
themselves, they're going legitlmata. 
And, gad, how they dread Itl 



Bills Next Week 



Contlnned from page M , 



Rays a 
Ted Ollvor Oro 
Ltttto Bathik«U«t 

Nan Huston 
The St. Clairs 
Margie Winters 
Johnny & Qeorg« 
Ann Howard 
Tim O'Connor 
Victor Hugo's Oro 
l4>a*» Cbaoccllor Bar 
Qloria Mann 
Doyd & Bmlth 
Don nenoldo 4 

UlDstrel Tavera 
Ell McGoldrlck 
Stilly Foy 
Anita Tlioma 
SIsay Qlnnlo Loftua 

Moravian Bar 
Smiley Littleton 
Kenny Shaffer (3) 
Ann nubort 
Cookie Williams 

Morrny's Rhythm 

Bar 
Fay Wroy 
Mary Love 
Shirley Ames 
Gene Marshul 
Dotty King's Oro 
Nell Dleshan'a 
Ming & Ling 
OIU Grey 
Dotcy Landy 
Serenaders 
Frank Murtha 
Geo Marchettl Oro 

Old Falls Tnvera 

PeRgy Phillips 
Ralph Michlal 
Jack Hutchtntion 
Jeanne Van 
Billy Hays Oro' 

Open Door Cafs 
Day, Dusk, Dawn 
Dot Lull 
Delmam Ore 
Eloiss Mack (6) 
Chick Mullery 

Franli Falambo'i 
Grooveneers 
Zola Grey 
Iris Wayne 
Franklo Schluth 
The Pastlnes 
Jeanettes 

Powelton Cafe 
Joe Jovonelly 
PrIncesH Nina 
Charlie Ray 
Nan O'Rourke 
Billy Kelly 
Betty Keenan 

i-Rendeivoae 
'DelToyd MacKage 
Betty West 

Kits Carlton 
Jos Stern Ore 

Romno Orllle 
The Hamlltona 
Dee Wayne 
Jewel EUo 
Danny Richards 
Marty Dovlne Orcb 

Sam's Cnfe 
Murray Wood 
Gypsy ItolitH 
Grace Allen 
Billy Richards 
Kings of Rhythm 
Mike Ray Oro 
Bclolla's 
Franklo Rlchardsor 
Paul Rich 
Little Skceior 
Teddy iynn 
Lola MoshI 
Bob KnrI 
Gertie Taylor Oro 



Shang'Rl-La 

Barney Rapp Oro 
Julie Lynn 
Jack Millard 
Roddy Stowart 
Shirley Wyatt 
Barbara Cole 
Mort Denis Oro 
Rossi Sis 
John Langdon 
Diana Gray 
Eddy Mills 
The Blanchards 
Harmony Sextet 
Floradora Girls 

Silver Lake Inn 
Mnrlo & Maria 
Mile. Lillian 
Col Geo Reed 
Alice Lucey 
Mickey Fomllant O 

Sun Ray Gardens 
Teil Hale 

Kitty Hemllng Ore 
Jiiiwn Lovely 
Cosmo & Anita 
Beatrice & Danny 
Agnes Willis 

Town Tavern 
I^n Parker Ore 
Jerry Marcella 
Rita Ziine 
Grnce Huson 
Syil Golden 
eoth St. Rathskeller 
Jack Hlf^h 
Don & Dorese 
Kuth Haney 
Franky Ralston 
Jacqueline Herman 
Ituth Brewer 
Harry Adnr Oro 

Swan CInb 
Frances Carroll 
Vincent Klzzo Ore 
Pussy DeCnrmo 
Fla»h Lane 
Graoo HuHon 
Duke McHale 
Dorothy Mann 
The Morrymen 
Armand Camp 
Marty Bohn 
Loe Bohn 

Trans Atlantic L'ge 

Sally I,AMar 
Richard Boch 
SOtb Century Clob 
Dorothy Johnson 
Don CrlMt 3 
Men of Rhythm 
Venice flrlU 
Antone Dove 
Bobo Caneino 
Harry Nichols 
Ruth Gntlngher 
Bob Tolly 
Don Nicholas Oro 
Weber's Hot Bran 

Camden 
Rny O'Day 
niulr & Dunn 
Jimmy O'Loury 
Green & Dooley 
Jules FIncco's Ore 
Raths'r Eldoradlans 

Wilson's 
Art Mnthues 
Joo lIouRh 
Geo Daquet Oro 
Helen Lnne 
Jennne Kendall 
GInKer Harris 
Cath Derney GIs 

Yacht aab 
Joan Corez 
Garvey 
Ann Tally 
Dolly Bruce 
EInlne Ellis 
Harry Holly 
Victor Nelson Oro 



LOS AMQELES 



Band Boa 

Billy Grey 
Mae Brewster 
Geo Tibbies Ore 
Billy Lankln— 

Bar of Hnsle 
Ann Trtola 
Bll! Hoffman 
Michael Edwards 
Dick Wlnsltr^ Ore 

Blltmore Bowl 
Harris & Shore 
Penny Lee 
Donald Novls 
Marjorle Day 
Joe Relc)iman 'Ore 

Casa Matenoa 
Ersklne Hawkins O 

Cocoanat Orove 
Freddie Martin Oro 

Earl Carrolla 
Gall Gall 
Happy Folton 
Dorothy Ford 
Wlore Bros. 
Beryl Wallace 
St Clair &. Day 
Aurora Miranda 
Roily Rolls 
Shirley Wayne 
Al Norman 
Manny Strand Ore 
Michel Ortiz Oro 
FlM«ntlne Oarden 
Fred Scott 
Mills Bros 
Sugar Gelse 
NTG*s 'Army* 
Gertrude Nlesen 
Diamond Bros 
Francis A Grey 
Jeanne Foreman 
M Marcelllo Ore 
Grace Hayes Lodge 
Jlmmle O'Brien 



Maurice O'Brien 
Dolores Gay 
Grace Hayes ' 
H Carroll & Pauline 
Hollywood Tropica 
June 'Kit' Carson 
Harkers '& Dale 
Paul Neighbors Ore 
Dick Thomas 
HoDSfl of Hnrphy 
Beth Reynolds 
Charley Thorpe 
(.arry Burke 
Bnb Murphy 

Loalslnnn 
Al Gale Band 
Les Kite Oro 

Bfacambo Cafa 
Phil Ohman Oro 
Richard Smart 
Eddie LoBaron Oro 

rallodlara 
Jimmy Doreey 
M Malneck Oro 

Stapsy Uailea 
Bon Blue 
Shaw & Lee 
Joseph Kirk 
Lorraine Billot 
Tommy Mack 
Norma Squires 
Patricia Page 
Joe Plumer Ore 

Stveeta of Parte 
Art Tatum 
Mead 'Lux' Lewis 
Murray He&kren 

Swanee Inn 
Charlie Davis 
Ivle Anderaon 
Trianon 
Ray McKlnley Oro 

TrooTtlle Clob 
Leo Morgan Ore 



PITTSBUBGH 



Alpine Lodsa 

Howard Baum Ore 
Managean GIs 
LIbonatI 8 
Adele Parrlgh 
Jack Herbert 

Arllnaton Lode* 
Pall AilweB Ore 
Helen Foster 

Balconadef 
Bob Lazar Oro 
Dais Bpohrer 

BUI OrMB'l 
Baron Elliott Oro 
Mary Krerg 
Babe Rhodes 

Bins BIdse Ina 
Lou Lucky Ore 
Cornell Cooper 
Boosle-Wooal* Olob 
Cozy Harris 
Ben Wise 
Dancing Buddy 
Boos Sherman 
Culmer Oalnes 
uMttr Cemorado 



Club Petite 
Jack Peek Oro 
Molly Paplle 
Eddie Bhaffner 
Ralph Springer 

Colonial 
Tommy Carlyn Oro 
Betty Smiley 

Cork and BotUe 
Lloyd Fox 

Eddie rerton'i 
Geo Overholt Oro 
Eddie Peyton 
Marlon Muller 

61 Club 
Mas Tarshls 
Pat McCauler 
Unda Cotta 
Sally Rice 
Mary Steele 
Carta Moor* 
Louise Dona 

Ken Bailey Ore 



Johnny HItohell 
Harry Walton 
Jessie Wboatley 

notel HeniT 

(Silver flrlll) 
Dorothy Matthews 
EsQulres 

(Oay eo'e) 
Dorothy Nesbltt 
Hotel 7tli ATeooe 
Frank Andrlnl 
Argentinians 

Hotel Roosevelt 
The Kaalhues 
Sal Recchl 

Hotel OchenlcT 
Billy Hinds Oro 
Joy Unil 
Motel \Vm PcDD 

(Chutterbos) 
Bob Aator Ore 
Marcia Rice 

(ronllnental Har) 
Billy Catlzone 
Lenox QordoD 
Deno Belli 
Jf>hn Fritz 

3leriy-no-Rnnnd 
Ken Harris Oro 
Dob Sherman 

Muslo Bar 
Sterllngii 
llctty Falvo 
Otonovleve LIpton 
Lillian Morton 
2 Jnys 
Hlldebrand 
Betty Smiley 

New Hlllcmt 
Marly Schramm Ore 

NIzoD Cafe 
Al Marsico Oro 
Bob Carter 
Hywd Co-Bds 
De Mar A Denlse 
Quill GulM 

Nut House 
Piccolo Pete Oro 
Hal & Dolly 
Joey Kline 
Jimmy Muzzo 
Tiny Miller 



Ted Ulake 

Nile Court 
Eddie .Miller 
Huy Dunn 
Pat McUowan 
Chuck Murray 
Jerry Tafress 
Tommy Mandres 

Orchard Ina 
Benny Uurion Ore 

Oasis 
Al Snyder Oro 
Johnny Wiles 
Pines 
Don Hiiuer 
Dill Leltoy Ore 
Jacques La Belle 

Redd'B Cnfe 
Rudy Paul Ore 
Maxlne & Odette 
Uobby Normnn 
Eddie Palmer 

Hqnlrrel Coop 
Dothory Mason Bd 
Mnreo Price 
Elhol Mason 
2 Mohnmcdti 
Snow (Miiionds 

Trelon 
Joey Reyniilds 
Freddy Itose 
Eddie Meyers 

Vncht CInb 
H Middleman Ore 
ICddle Mclrairs 
Arthur Illake 
DcShnone Dnncers 
JoHcphlne Delmar 
Kirk & Maili'llne 
Chl<iulln 

«ky-Vue 
6 SwlnK AriHtucratea 

Union nnii 
Sammy Walters 
Frank Natale 
Mike Sandreite 

Villa Madrid 
Etzl Corato Ore 
Mark Lane 
Jock McCarthy 
I^olR gi Andre Dcra 
Flo Miller 
Lord & Lyon 

Vlctorr Lonnse 
Victory 3 



MARRIAGES 

Mary Elizabeth Connor to Ensign 
William Dodge, Oct. 10, in Melrose, 
Mass. Bride was In the John E. 
Glbbs radio production office. 

Elinor Klein Mayer to Ralph Mar- 
cus, in Newark, Oct. 7. He's manager 
of the Mosque theatre there. 

Mary Hughes to Eddie Freer, In 
Memphis, Oct. 10. He's saxer with 
Ray Herbeck's band. 

Nancy Duncan to Norman G. Da- 
vidson, in Fitchburg, Mass., Oct. 6. 
Bride is legit stock actress. 

Alma Archer to Sgt. T. Bklward 
Fox, in San Antonio, Oct. 10. Bride 
is New York Daily Mirror women's 
page columnist; he's son of Lola 
Sommers Fox and late Harry Fox, 
former vaudc vets. 

Louise Fiske to Charles R. Marion, 
in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 14. Bride's 
a screen actress, groom a writer. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mackora, 
daughter, Oct. S, in New Britain, 
Conn. Father is WNBC engineer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gold, daugh- 
ter, Oct. 7, in Hartford, Conn. 
Father is WNBC sales exec. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Nutt, son, 
in Hollywood, Oct. 13. Father Is 
story editor at HKO. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Schroeder, 
daughter, in Pittsburgh, Oct. 11, 
Father is sales manager for WCAK 
Pitt. * 

Lieut, and Mrs. Marshall Grant, 
daughter, in Hollywood, Oct. B. 
Father was formerly associate pro- 
ducer at Universal. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mack Julian, daugh- 
ter, in Hollywood, Oct. 13. Father Is 
still cameraman at Warners. 

Mr. and Mrs. John Rapp, daughter, 
Oct. 15, in Hollywood. Father Is 
one of EMdie Cantor's radio writers, 

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Drake, son, 
in Beverly Hills, Cal., Oct. 8. Father 
is film actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. 'Morris StoUer, 
daughter, Oct. 19, in New York. 
Father is with William Morris 
Agency. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gene Kelly, daughter, 
in Hollywood, Oct. 17. Father is a 
film and stage actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Mel .Tass, son, Oct 
10, in Salt I^ke City. Father is 
program director for KUTA, Blue 
network. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dunne, son, 
last week, in New York. Father is 
announcer at WOR, New York. 

Mr. and Mrs. Irving Chezzar, 
daughter, Oct. 13, in New York. 
Father is executive of Republic 
Music Co. 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Reed, son, in 
Los Angeles, Oct. 19. Father is film 
actor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lester K. Haddow," 
son, in Hollywood, Oct. 8. Father Is 
a cameraman. 

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Hazard, 
daughter. In Hollywood, Oct. U. 
Father is a screen writer at Metro. 

Mr, and Mrs. Duke Robinette, son, 
Oct, 17, in Kansas City, Mo. Father 
Is announcer at KCKN. 

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Reisman, Jr., 
son, Oct. 19, New RocheUe. Father is 
script writer at RKO; Reisman, Sr„ 
Is foreign ules chlet 



Weducsday* Ocstpber 21, 1942 



63 



Uncle Sam's Roll Gall 



COBtlDBed from pace 4 



Bctor, commissioned Oct 1, assigned 
to F. A. H. C, Fort Bragg. 

The performers I have contacted 
the short time I've been In are all 
doing a sweU job, giving a laugh 
when It's needed, and In there pitch- 
ing with the best of them when 
there's work to be done. Whoever 
said that actors are lousy soldiers is 
hi3t plain nuts. 

■Variety* is doing a swell Job too; 
keeping in touch with the business 
does a lot for keeping up the actor's 
(in the ranlts) morale. 

Richard M. Pinner. 



Hollywood BoUeall 

Hollywood, Oct. 20. 
Cesar Romero, film actor, Coast 
Guard. 

Ed C. Randolph, film actor, Navy. 

Gene Filler, screen writer. Army. 

Paul Price, press agent for Holly- 
wood Victory Committee, Army. 

Lou Lusty, former film producer. 
Marines. 

Larry Witten, film production as- 
sistant. Army Air Force. 

Jimmy Anderson, film unit man- 
ager, Signal Corps. 

Richard Day, studio art chief. 
Uarines. 

Al Berlie, studio technician. Army. 

Joe Allen, Jr., film actor. Army 
Air Force. 

Sid Sternstein, studio musician, 
Army Air Force. 

Eddie Jones, studio technician. 
Army. 

Richard Day, head of 20th-Fox art' 
' department. Marines. 

Louis Lindsay, film cutter. Army 
Air Force. 

Michael Blankfort, Michael An- 
ion, screen writers. Marines. 

Lee Tracy, actor. Army. 

Arthur Nadel, Dim editor. Army. 

George Lollier, film actor. Army 
Signal Corps. 

Gabriel Dell, Ray Montgomery, 
Norman Abbott, film actors. Mer- 
chant Marine. 

Rob Roy, Kenney Blarttndale, stu- 
dio technicians, Ferry Command. 

Tom Conlon, film cutter, Army. 

Carroll Young, story editor. Army 
Air Force. ' 

Frank Testa, studio technician, 
Army Air Force. 

Nick Troesti, flim caster, Coast 
Guard. 

Paul Norstrum, film exchange 
clerk. Navy. 

Bob Meyers. Hollywood correspon- 
dent, Marines. 

George R. Giroux, film cartoonist. 
Army Air Force. 

Syd Fogel, studio prop man. Army 
Air Force. 

Ralph Tiller, film cartoonist. Army 
Air Force, 

Bernard Loftus, film editor. Navy 

Cliff Carling, talent agent, Army. 

William Ehrenkranz, musician, 
Army Air Force. 

Jack Wells, studio technician. 
Army Air Force. 

Ben Markson, screen writer, Sic- 
nal Corps. 

Dick Simpson, studio technician, 
SiRnal Corps. 

Hal Sanford, film actor. Army Air 
Force. 

Bob Collander, studio technician. 
Army Air Force. 

Butltta Indaeted 

Anthony Butltta, of the Jean Dal- 
iTmp e publicity office, reports for 
w"S"°", Army today 

(Wednesday). After four weeks- 
basic training at Camp Lee, Va., he'll 
as.signed to publicity fortheQuar- 

«!„r'*".^°'"P' Already the 

autnor of several novels, ButitU 
Plans wTittng a humorous book on 

WilU^ .''i!' *° called 'Private 
Without Prejudice." 



Detroit's Latest 

p Detroit, Oct. 20. 

Wilt^ . "O'nberg, auditor for the 
WisjHir & Wetsman chain, a major in 
He was named chief ac- 

nance Headquarters, which is being 
up here. 

tlni!f"'*^ employed at 

Universal here and son of Moe Du- 

>;«."' manager for United 

Artists, Army. 

thfoV*"" ^Hosier, manager Calvin 

fh?°u*'* °"**' assistant manager of 

'he Harper, Army. 

^Charlie Carlisle, nitery m.c. 

From Denver 

Tu,: . . Denver, Oct. 20. 

Mitchell Kelloff and his brother. 
^IvT' °' Aguilar. Colo.. 

On film row several have joined 
the armed forces: Lynn Fetz, Metro 



shipper and business agent for the 
Film Employees Union, Joined the 
Navy, accompanied by Herman Nei- 
derstadt, former Universal sliipper. 

Lee Cronk, president of the Film 
Employees Union and Paramount 
shipper, intends joining the Navy as 
soon as his teeth are fixed up. Claude 
Newell, Metro checking supervisor, 
has passed his air cadet examina- 
tions; Mike Stewart, Warner Bros, 
accessory salesman, the Army; Owen 
Clough, UA shipper. Coast Guard; 
and Bernle Newman, of PRC ex- 
change, Navy, Nov. 5. 

4 CIRCUS GAMBLERS 
PAY FINES IN CAROLINA 



Chuilotte, N. C, Oct. 20. 

The hand proved quicker than the 
eye when the strong arm of the law 
descended upon four followers of 
Wallace Bros. Circus for operating 
gambling games at the circus grounds 
at Bellamy Park Field. Wilmington. 
Arrested were Reba Wheeler and 
Ida Wheeler, operators of a penny 
pitch game; Frances Burke, operator 
of a chuek-a-luck wheel; and Harvey 
Moore, who ran a shell game. 

All four pleaded guilty to charges 
of gambling. Recorder Leimon fined 
the Wheeler women, whom a detec- 
tive described as mother and daugh- 
ter. $10 and costs each. The other 
two drew fines of $25 and costs each. 



St L Pob'ce Swhcb 



Chicago. Oct. 20. 

Howard Bary and Bob Morton re- 
ceived the contract for the annual 
police show in St. Louis, which is 
considered one of the biggest special 
booking events in America. 

Contract for years has been held 
by Barnes &. Carruthers and Ernie 
Young. 



OUTDOOR SHOWS GET 
RESPITE UNTIL DEC. 1 



Washington. Oct. 20. 
Circuses and carnivals may con- 
tinue to operate until Dec. 1, when 
they must be in winter quarters,. 
Office of Defense Transportation 
ruled Friday (16). To provide im- 
mediate aid for these entertain- 
ments. ODT relaxed its order freez- 
ing passenger schedules and services 
to permit circuses and carnivals to 
operate until Dec. 1. 

Under a special permit, railroads 
are authorized to furnish motive 
power to move the entertainers and 
their equipmept and to supply a ca- 
boose for the train crew. The per- 
mit embraces only those companies, 
which, on or before Oct. 5. owned or 
leased the cars they are now using. 
No extensions will be granted to the 
permit, ODT said. 

Attorneys of ODT said no con- 
sideration has yet been given to 
the problem of whether the cir- 
cuses and carnivals will get special 
treatment under the prohibition to 
permit their operation in 1943. 



WHAT THEY THEVK 



Mangan's Memory of Paris 

New York. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

it was with keen Interest that I 
read of the recent bombing of the 
Rex in Paris by French Patriots, and 
I well remember the horror 1 felt 
when 1 learned that this beautiful 
theatre was turned over to the ex- 
clusive use of the German Army, 
for it was in this cinema that I had 
spent both time and money to put 
across a diversified program such as 
thj entertainment given here at the 
Radio City .Music Hall. 

I will long remember that yVi&M 
of Dec. e. 1932. which was about 
three weeks prior to the opening of 
the Music Hall here in New York. 
I make comparisons in re.iipect to 
the Music Hall because the Rex had 
the same stage machinery and or- 
chestra pit arrangement, having 
been installed by the late Peter 
Clark, in fact it was in the presence 
of S. L. Rothafel (Roxyi that 1 
placed the order for purchase and 
shipment when Clark and Raxy 
were in London on their return from 
their trip to Russia, and needless to 
say I felt very proud of t>eing able 
ti have and operate a Contour Cur- 
tain similar to those at the Music 
Hall and Center theatres. 

Determined to have an atmos- 
pheric theatre in Europe. 1 had John 
Eberson, the American architect, 
whose specialty it was to plan and 
construct that particular type of the- 
atre, come across the pond and build 
the Rex. and when I say he caused 



• 


Grideast 






By NAT KAHN 





GAMES 



COLLEGE GAMES 

FBISAY, OCT. 23 

WINNERS ODDS GAMES 



WINNERS 



ODDS 



Auburn — VilUnova ViUaneva 

The Wildcats have the more versatile attack. 



S-S I Temple— N*. Car. Cadets Cadeto 2-1 

The Pre-Flighters to rebound from B.C. setback. 



SATUBDAT, OCT. 24 



EAST 

ManbaUan — DuqnesBC Daqnesne 12-5 

The Dukes to return to winning form. 

Boston College — Wake Forest B.C. 12-S 
The Eagles are among the best in the nation. 

Army — Harvard Army 1-1 

Mazur & Co. have too fine a ground attack. 

Holy Cross— No. Car. State SUte 1-5 

This may be the place for a Crusader upset 

Lafayette— Va. Lafayetto 8-1 

The favorites are due to break into a scoring spree. 

Lehigh— Rutfcri Rutgers 6-5 

Rutgers rather surprised in upsetting Bucknell. 

Navy— GeorgU Tech Ga. Tech. 13-5 

Na\-y is moving, but not fast enough for Ramblers. 

Penn— Columbia Penn 13-5 

The Quakers to smash the weak Lion line. 

Penn Slate— Colgate Colgate 6-5 

Raiders may not have survived that Duke beating. 

Pittsborch— Dnke Duke 7-5 

The Blue Devils looked good in Colgate victory. 

Princeton— Brown Brown 2-1 

Brown has a guy named Margarita. 

Syracuse— CorneU Syracuse 2-1 

This is an Orange year. 

Tale — Dartmooth Dartmouth 14-5 

The Big Green will roll over the Elis. 

60VTH 

Fla.— Miss. Stale Miss. SUU 3-1 

Watch State from here on. 

Ky.— Alabama Alabama S-l 

The Crimson Tide and Ga. are best in the south. 

LSU— Ga. Pre-^llght LSU 5-8 

The Cadets 1o Uke their first defeat. 



WEST 



Mississippi— Arkansas 
Maybe a lie. 

I'ensacoU— TCU 

The Texans via the air. 

Tulane — No. Carolina 

The in-an-oulers to be 'in.' 



Miss. 



TCU 



Tulane 



Even 



13-5 



ft-U 



Deti'oit — Georgetown Detroit 

Tippy Madarik gives the Titans the edge. 

Illlnoi»— Notre Dame N.D. 

Bertelli's passes to swing an Irish win. 

Indiana— lawa Indiana 

The Hoosiers in a close one. 

Kansas SUle— Kanaas SUU 
State is the home team. 

Marquette— Arizona _ Marquette 

A romp for the favorites. 

MlchlcsB— MinnesoU Michigan 

Kuzma to hit stride for the Wolverines. 

Mich. SUte— Great Lakes Great Lakes 

State is having an off year. 

Missouri— Iowa SUte Missouri 

The Missourans go rolling on. 

Northwestern— Ohio SUte SUte 

Slate is the No. 1 team in the nation. 

Purdue— Wisconsin Wisconsin 

The Badgers to remain unbeaten. 

SOUTHWEST 

Baylor— Texas A. A M. Teaaa A. * M. 

The Aggies to coorfJinate their passing. 

OkUhoma— Nebraska Nebraska ^ 

This is one of the poorer Okla. teams. 

Rice- Texas Texaa 

Owls may be trouble. 

FAR WEST ■ 
Oregon— Idaho Oregon 

Idaho is the doormat of the Coast league. 

Oregon St.— Wash. St. Wash. SUte 

You might call this cither way. 

SUnford- So. Cal. So. Cal. 

The Trojans are moving. 

UCLA— SanVt Clara VCLA 
The Broncs to suffer their first defeat 

Wash.— Calif. Wash. 

The Calif, defense is too vulnerable. 



8-5 



Even 



Even 



1-1 



•-5 



13-5 



14-5 



14-5 



12-5 



t-I 



IS-S 



13-5 



3-1 



7-5 



2-1 



5-7 



2-1 



Dodgers— GlanU Dodgers 

The Giants are hit by Injuries. 

Bears— Eagles Bears 

Any question about it? 

Ram.s — Cardinals Rams 
A high-scoring spree. 



NATIONAL PRO LEAGUE 

SUOTAY, OCT. 25 

7-5 



B-1 



6-5 



Packers 



Lions — Packers 

A romp for the favorites. 

SUelcrs— Redskins Redskins 

Tho.se Pittsburghers will be tough. 



4-1 

12-5 



to be built a theatre that held far 
more beauty than any of a similar 
kind in the U. S. A., 1 am putting it 
mildly. 

Our stage programs were out- 
standing, being t..cked up with the 
popular line of the 30 Mangan-Til- 
lerettes and the 16 Ned Wayburn 
Girls. With such personages ■ as 
Jeaneite MacDonald, Johann Strauss, 
III, GusUve Chaipcnlier, composer 
of the opera 'Louise,' and many oth- 
ers, the engagement of Miss Mac- 
Donald in two weeks grossed a box- 
)frice of over 3.500.000 francs, all of 
the.'^e artists being booked by Clif- 
ford C. Fischer through the William 
Morris offices. 

Little we knew ihea of the even- 
tual fate awaiting this theatre, hav- 
ing no idea that the gaiety and glam- 
our surrounding it would be pitched 
into the midst of war and destruc- 
tion, even death. I have s.nce won- 
dered what other fate could be its 
end after the French, for whom it 
«;is built, were deprived of its en- 
leriainment value by an invading 
German army. I know it took me 
clays to come oui of the gloom I felt 
when I saw a picture in the Ameri- 
can papers of thg. Rex with big let- 
ters emblazoned across the front in 
German lettering. Tor German Sol- 
diers Only"; this, the theatre built in 
Paris, but by intuition, labor and 
artistry by Americans, practically 
from the time the ground was 
broken until our withdrawal from 
the field in Europe. 
• It wac nice to emember it as in 
I days of its glory and pomp and 
like an old friend gone wrong, bet- 
te:- forgotten in its unglorious last 
days. 

Francis A. Mangan. 



STANDING 
Won, 90; Lost, 50; Pel., .643 



Ex-Wm. Morrislte Writes Iran China 
835th Signal Serv. Co. 
APO 627, c/o Postmaster, 
New York, N. Y. 

China, Sept. 26. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

Above and to the right is the new 
APO address for your convenience 
in sending 'Variety* out to the sticks 
where I am located. Although I run 
about three months behind with each 
issue, I know that you are not to 
blame, and that conditions are re- 
sponsible. However it does give m« 
a chance to keep posted with our 
little world, and follow the other 
members of the William Morris 
Agency who are now In service. 

Read with Interest of yoor article* 
on the motion pictures and enter- 
Uinment units that are coming over* 
seas, but the question here is when. 
Some decent grade A's would really 
hit the spot out here. 

Have also been following the dif- 
ferent ratings of the new songs that 
have come out and will say thai 
although they sound good, thai Is the 
reading of them; they're really out 
of the world as far as we're con- 
cerned, and that's because we've 
never heard them In this neck of 
the woods. Guess well all have a 
lot to catch up with when we get 
back. 

PFC Sid Bakal. 



A Plug for the Femmes 

Rochester, N. Y. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

Noticing that the front page of 
Sept. 16 'Variety' carried the follow- • 
ing names: Adeie Jurgens, Mrs. 
Frances Lewando, Patricia Morison, 
Anne Nichols, Merle Oberon, Mrs. 
Eleanor Roosevelt, Dame May 
Whitty, ju.st for fun, I decided to 
count all the times "Variety' men- 
tions the names of real, live, women, 
in the news columns of that issue. 
The count is 450, more or less, not 
counting the acts listed In your 
'Variety' Bills page. And. in ad- 
dition you continually speak about 
girls and women, tneiitloning no 
names, but telling what they are do- 
ing in the field you cover. 

Even the N. Y. Times has a section 
giving the women's angle, but since 
The Skirt and Cecelia Ager stopped 
writing for your columns, the girla 
"ain't got nobody' to give them th« 
feminine viewpoint. 

Jake Bernstein. 



Blackoat ChevallerT 

St. Louis. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

Your last week's story in re th* 
immortal foo^rints in the Grau- 
man's Chinese (Hollywood) fore- 
court includes a reference to that 
great Franco-naziphile, Maurica 
Chevalier. That's the type of 'col- 
laborationism' which Hollywood 
shouldn't approve, .so how about 
blitzing out the droop-lipped actor's 
immortality — at least so far as our 
shores are concerned? 

RnnOT fltfron. 



64 



Wednesday, October 21, I9i2 





KNOCKING 'EM OVER WITH ONE BUSTED RECORD AFTER ANOTHER! 




BOUT NUMBER ONE! Lakeside, 
Denver, ^et on its ear with a nnusi- 
cal wallop that broke every record. 

BOUT NUMBER TWO! Tunetown, St. Louis, flattened by a 
socko box-office punch that even had the bank tellers 
fainting in the aisles. 

BOUT NUMBER THREE now has the Blackhawk Cafe, Chicago, groggy, reeling, and gasping 
for more table and dance floor space! First week— a knockout with records broken! Second 
week— broke the record of the first knockout week! Third hectic week now proceeding- 
reports will follow! 

BEN POLLOCK, Producer, Manager and Number One Second 

Management — WILLIAM MORRIS AGENCY 



SCREEN 



RADIO 




STAGE 



£9bUsheiI Waakl^ at It4 Weit 4Cth Street, New Tork, N. T.. by Variety. Inc. Annual subacrlptlon. 110. Single copies 2> cenla. 
DtereA ai Becond-claH matter December 22, 1906, at the Foat Oltlce at New YotH, N. Y., under (be act of March I, lITt. 
COPXBIOHT. IMZ, BX TABIETT, INC. Atl, RIOHTB RESERVED 



VOL. 148 No. 8 



NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1942 



PRICE 25 CENTS 






Fdms For Friendly Nations Must 
Avoid Provocation, Please OWI 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Hollywood producers will learn 
very soon, and probably by a direc- 
tive, that features intended for cir- 
culation in foreign markets will 
have to please the Office of War 
Inrormatiotl, or else. 

This doe^ not mean that Elmer 
Davis plans censorship or anything 
other than an amiable supervision, 
but it does mean the administration 
will not be embarrassed and forced 
to explain such features as 'Iceland,' 
which is a tender spot with a good 
neighbor to the north. 

The OWI has been collecting un- 
favorable reviews on the Sonja 
Henie picture— in fact It encourages 
slugs by film critics — to placate 
the natives of Reykjavik, who are 
Incensed because the world may 
seem to- regard them as dimwits. 
The Reykjavik Morganbladid has 
been conducting an editorial cam- 
paign against the picture, as unfair 
to Iceland and the U. S. Marines, 
and OWI is doing its best to prove 
the objections are well founded. By 
radio and wire Iceland is being to!d 
that the Hollywood conception of 
Iffe in this protected island base 
is hokum, and trained writers ac- 
cept It as such. 

'Yank at Eton' is another screen 
Irritation. Metro showed pic to Lord 
Halifax and he passed it as unobjec- 
tionable, after minor alterations were 
made. The exceptions noted by the 
British ambassador were remedied 
before the feature was nationally re- 
leased. With this green light from 
I?* '■'"bassy, Metro is content, but 
Owl Is collecting reviews in which 
the screen, writers contend it is no 
(Continued on page 52) 



N. Y. Nileries Prefer 
Self-Policins Rather 
Han Official Cnrfew 

"■■"'■'■ent bluenose agitation 
^■IJ "f^rtlme curfew, especially 
m.!. "'^ soldier encamp, 

"^onibined with the zoot-suit 
J ^° "mpant of late (fur- 
ther detailed elsewhere in this is- 
aue), has the N. Y. nitery men in a 
Gotham""*" * clampdown in 

thV^^^ ^3"' PatrioTTJally 

hey point to the unfavorable sfa- 
"sws in towns where curfews exist, 
and what it has done to encourage 
speakeasy and plosed-door vice. 
Furthermore, the N. Y. hosts favor 
ine theory of education and su- 
pervision, and are taking the in- 
"*i'^^specially the better- 
grade cafes, along with the hotels— 
By spotting the boys in uniform 
Who can't handle their liquor; 
o-o.Ing their tabs to see if they're 
f^?''^ on cxpendtiures. and thus 
tailing matters before they reach 
extremes. 



Fenune Riggers 



Toronto, Oct. 27. 

With so many circus men going off 
to the wars, girl aerialists in Bob 
Morton's Circus ate setting up their 
own rigging. Show at Maple Leaf 
Gardens here, sponosored by the 
Rameses Shrine Temple, has the trim 
trapeze artists toting bags of sand 
and cement to bolster the'irons an- 
choring the set. Thjs goes for the 
ropes and wires on which the girls' 
lives depend at all performances. 

The maze of ropes and wires once 
took a crew of 33 an hour or so to 
erect; now, with two or three men to 
help them, the girls set the act in 
something like six hours. 



Plan to MU^. 
On the Pix Biz s 
All-Out for Govt 



In order to formulate a more 
sweeping public relations policy in 
regard tr the film industry's war ef- 
fort, George J. Schaefer, chairman 
of ttv War Activities Committee, 
huddled last Friday (23) with the 
Public Relations Committee at the 
Hays Office. It was felt that tiio 
public sihculd have a better under- 
standing ind appreciation of the :n- 
dusti'y's wfir activities and coopen- 
tion. Schaefer and PRC also look 
up the delicate question of conserv- 
ing industry manpower wixhout 
creating an unfavorable impression. 

Understood that ii was pointed out 
that technical experts and player.-, 
who woic generally considered as 
being on the preferred list, were 
being tailed up. This is viewed 
as a serious problem if the en- 
(Continued on page 55) 



With Names Ballet Russe 
Gross Less Than Newer 
Ballet Theatre on Week 



The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo 
with names ended a nine-perform- 
ance stand at Ihc Metropolitan 
Opera House. N. Y.. Wednesday (21). 
with a gross of $31,000 as against a 
gross of $33,500 for the largely 
nameless Ballet Theatre's first week 
for seven performances. 

On Tuesday (20) the Ballet Russe 
presented repeats of 'Three Cor- 
nered Hat,' 'Rodeo.' 'L'Aprcs Midi 
D'Un Faun' and "Snow Maiden' and 
on Wednesday (21) repeals of 'Snow 
Maiden,' 'Rodeo' and 'Gaite Paris- 
ienne.' 



T. ARMY PIX 
ON Bl BASIS 



Rental Terms Already Set 
For U.S. Exhibition of Fic- 
tion-PIus-Reality Product, 
Made Under Auspices of 
British Ministry of In- 
formation — Feature Prod- 
uctions That Were Filmed 
Under Fire 



SEEING'S BELIEVING 



Fiction - with - punch - scenes - 
from-actual-battles is the moving 
picture by-product of the British 
Ministry of Information which is 
due to enter the American distribu- 
tor-exhibitor market in the near fu- 
ture. Arrangements have beeti com- 
pleted assuring Yankee business 
outlets for the product, both full- 
length features and also film shorts. 

While revenues from American 
theatres will aid the production pro- 
gram in England, getting the story 
of the British and the other United 
Nations' war effort onto the Ameri- 
can screens is coruidered the most 
valuable result of the agreement. 

Feature pictures, rfiade largely 
under fire, produced in theatres of 
(Contimied ,on page 5j) 



D.C. WOULD LIKE 
'ARMVPILM 
PRONTO 



Seek to Change Juke Box Label; 
Onus Given Name By Hi 



-4»- 



More Rest, Less Taxes 

Bobby Clark, appearing In 'Star 
and Garter,' Music Box, N. Y., Is not 
anxious to earn more money because 
of the new tax law. He Is said to 
have declined a radio offer which 
would pay him approximately $5,000 
weekly. 

Comedian is reported having de- 
cided that his income would reach 
brackets calling for such a high per- 
centage of tax, too little of the radio 
coin would be retained by him to 
make the effort worth while. 



LaGuardia To 
0.0. All Future 
N. Y. Canteens 



If the War Dept. has its way. 
Irving Berlin's 'This Is the Army' 
may curtail its road tour and hurry 
to the Coast in order to put the 
soldier show into film form as soon 
as possible. After President Roose- 
velt saw a 'command' performance 
in Washington a fortnight ago. the 
D.C. authorities became imbued 
with two things: (1) to film it pron- 
to; and (2), if possible, play in 
Mammoth arenas and auditoriums 
(Continued on page 53) 



Mayor LaGuardia ia repor'^cdly. 
mulling the idea of setting up a con- 
trol system to pass on and supervise 
ihe ftxinierous canteens foi" service- 
men that are in action or propose to 
swing into action in New York City, 
j Idea is purportedly the result of 
the recent Park Avenue Canteen 
fiasco. This was a promotion of so- 
ciety people and fell apart at the 
seams when a show biz exec, who 
had been contacted for cuffo talent, 
asked the Mayor to investigate. 

The N. Y. City Defense Recrea- j 
tion Committee has a building at 99 
Park Ave., where servicemen get 
free ducats, and a branch at Duffy 
Square, where servicemen get nickel 
hamburgers, free Pepsi-Colas, show- 
ers, shaving equipment, etc. 

Aside from the Stage Door Can- 
teen and the new Merchant Marine 
Canteen, due to open Dec. 1 (both 
run by the American Theatre Wing), 
(Continued on page S3) 



SENATORS AT LUNCHEON 
FOR SMITH AND COLLINS 



Washington, Oct. 27. 
A group of United States senators 
lunched Monday (26) with Kate 
Smith and Ted Collins in the pri- 
vate dining room of Col. Edwin A. 
Halsey, secretary of the Senate. 
The latter and Senator Richard B. 
Russell of Georgia were hosts. 
Smith-Collins pair are here for all- 
(Contlnued on page 55) ^ 



Detroit, Oct. 27. 

Juke box operators here again are 
casting around for a new name for 
the nickel boxes. Young mobs are 
casting plenty of onus on their biz 
and they hope to lessen their present 
plight— more theatrical restrictions 
on juke spots — by coming up with a 
new tag for the platter boxes. 

Latest trouble here was a dilly. A 
mob of 125 Detroit hoodlums — which 
the newspapers swiftly tagged as a 
'Juke Box Mob' — headed out In 
suburban St. Claire Shores and 
smashed up a Juke spot there known 
as The Sugar Bowl. It was no petty 
affair since the mob got out of hand, 
spread terrorism in the suburb be- 
fore police, bolstered by citizens, 
finally clapped 22 inhibited zoot suits 
into jail. 

Row had started originally over 
which records were to be played in 
the juke spot, Ave Detroit mugs got 
lough and were put out. They came 
back the following week-end with 
a big mob of nickel-dancers with 
the Intent of 'cleaning out the spot.' 

What kept giving the juke boxes a 
continuing black-eye was that when 
the young hoodlums were haled into 
court the judge gave them the option 
of going into the Army or into jail. 
This burned up the Army, which said 
it wanted 'No zoot-suit, juke-l>ox 
muggs In .the Army' and that giving 
them thR option cif jail or the Army 
was casting an aspersion on all men 

(Continued on page 53) 



Chi's System to Curb 
Hecklers of Baads; 
Lists Men in Service 



Religion and Killing 
Don't Mix, Bbenoses 
Would Ban Traise Lord' 



Religious groups are asking nitery 
and theatre operators in the hinter- 
land to prevent performers from 
singing 'Praise the t,ord and Pass 
the Ammunition' because it mentions 
religion and killing in the same 
breath. 

Performers coming into New York 
with this report have been told that 
same objections have been raised by 
bluenose bodies in the Manhattan 
sector also. 

In some cases reformers have ap- 
proached vocalists direct, trying 
both persuasion and pressure. 



Chicago, Oct. 27. 

Amu.scmcnt and Recreation Divi- 
sion of Greater Chicago has volun* 
tarlly come to front for orchestras 
and bands playing dates at cafes, 
dance halls and hotel dining rooms 
in this vicinity, currently the targets 
of hecklers. Through the American 
Federation of Musicians Union. Chi- 
cago local, the Amusement and Rec- 
reation Division is furnishing every 
band which has entertained service 
men. with a special 'Citation of 
Honor' issued by the U. S. Coordina- 
tor of National Defense, Mayor Ed- 
ward J. Kelly. 

Thi.s card, hung In a prominent 
place on the bandstand, has success- 
fully prevented harrassing of orches- 
tras by hecklers. Another innovation 
provided bands is a card, which is 
placed on hotel and cafe tables, cit- 
ing how many men this band has in 
the armed services. 

Card al.so states band has been 
cited for its work in entertaining 
.<ioldicrs and mcrltions that musical 
aggrc^'alion may only play the 'Star 
Spangled B.mner' at the . beginning 
of the show and close of the day. 
Thi.s is lo prevent Insistence of heck- 
lers who wish to hear national 
anthom played over and over again. 



mSCELLANY 



Wednesday, October 28, 191? 



Soviet Drama, Films, Music, Boob 
Brisde With War-Wimiiiig Vigor 



By NIKOLAI KARINTSEV 

(A Cabled Report of Riusian uinr- 
fime vxoTale activities by a member 
c) the Soviet Writers' Union as sent 
to the Writer^ War Board, JVciu 
York.) 



Moscow, Oct. 21. 

When one of the outstandine rep- 
resentatives ol the Soviet stage wa.'; 
asked whether the theatre is necc.<;- 
fary when the country Is over- 
whelmed by war, and whether the 
BCtor shouldn't discard his slaae 
costume to don the nobler uni- 
form of the fighter he replied 
'True, it's war now and our ron- 
cciousness is stirred by the will to 
conquer by deep devotion to our 
land and by the realization of ull 
great potentialities inherent in our 
race. That's why I say 'actors, to 
arms.' Your art is your mighty 
weapon. Act self-sacriflcingly, vivid- 
ly and with inspiration. 

These words of a Soviet actor re- 
veal the spirit of the Russian theatre, 
which lives and breathes in these 
(Continued on page 20) 



Saroyan to Army Bot 
Yarns to Get Fihnbg 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

William Saroyan, pausing on his 
way to San Francisco to Join the 
Army, signed a deal with a collabor- 
ator, Howard Estabrook, to complete 
various unfinished stories for filming. 

While in service, Saroyan hopes to 
derive Hollywood income to aug- 
ment Ris Army pay. 



Gypsy Sounds Off 



BUFFALO WAR WORKERS 
BOOM CURIOUS HOBBIES 



Buffalo, Oct. 27. 
Influx of war workers to this area 
Js bringing a flood of borderline en- 
tertainment ventures hitherto un- 
Icnown here. Local 'hobby-lobby' 
Ventura is advertising in the news- 
paper classified columns for persons 
seeking exchange of Ideas anent 
their pet hobbies, but what comes 
under that head Is not clearly identi- 
fied. 

Date bureaus have also reared 
their heads featuring 'service for so- 
ciabiUty' for persons 'aged 18 to 60 
wishing to find congenial companion- 
■hip,' sex unspecified. One outfit, 
•Introduction, Ltd,' asking the Buf- 
falo War Council for an endorse- 
ment was flatly rejected, the Coun- 
sel pointing out that It could not be- 
come interested in commercial pro 
positions. 



Keeping Up B.O. Draft 
Before Draftee Blowoff 



Editor, 'Variety'; 

Those darn green ['Variety'] en- 
velopes make the rest of the cast 
think I haven't paid the bill for the 
la.<:t ad. Couldn't you use pink when 
we're paid up? Funny looks I'm get- 
ting all evening. A couple of bum 
jokes from Todd, too. 

I'm glad you picked up one of the 
good reviews on 'Mother.' Since 
publication date, I have my breakfast 
before I read my mail. I'm so 
sick and tired of seeing 'novel-navel' 
in the first paragraph, and 'Script 
Tease' for a blackout that I eat well 
before casting an eye. 

I bought me a speller. A primer 
.speller. Those guys don't know what 
they're printing. 'Anvelope' with an 
E, They're the ones who gave me 
the .steer on the Literi, too. [Gypo- 
la means Literati. — Ed.] Do they 
think those books are for kids? 

Gypsy Rose Lee. 



LANNY ROSS IN OPERA 



18 Dates By Colambis Company In 
Detroit Instltnte 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Backlog of 15 completed features. 
\k-ith six more in work and five go- 
ing before the cameras within three 
weeks, will keep draftee names at 
20th-Fox on the marquees for at 
least six months. 

Meanwhile the studio is 'concen- 
trating on buildups for young male 
players to replace the old names 
when the backlog has burned out. 



Detroit, Oct. 27. 

Columbia Opera Company has 
been booked into the Detroit Insti- 
tute of Arts for 18 performances 
opening yesterday (26). It marks 
the first time an opera company has 
been put in the Institute's theatre 
which frequently has been used for 
legitimate productions. 

It also will mark the first appear- 
ance here in opera of Lanny Ross 
scheduled as guest star for the 
opening production, 'La Boheme.' 



Danced for Hitler, But 
Finds Newsmen Kind 

Pittsburgh, Oct._27. 
'■ Mirli<rtV- VL»ine,- Pittsburgh dancer, 
who won considerable front-page no- 
toriety some years ago when her 
work got a lot of attention from Hit- 
ler while she was appearing in Ber- 
lin, was married here last week to 
Lt. William C. DeLaney, USN. of 
New Hope, Pa. Some time ago. Miss 
Verne, when she found engagements 
difTicult to get on account of the un- 
favorable publicity, changed her 
stage name to Nancy Hunt and only 
]aiit month played the Yacht Club 
here under that tag. Local news- 
papermen knew her identity but 
kept it under their hats, figuring the 
gal had gone through enough. 

Still shy of publicity, she applied 
for the marriage license in her 
mother's name and reporters had a 
tough Job tracking down the wed- 
ding. Miss Verne asked them to 
lay ofT but they treated her kindly, 
sll of them, of course, being com- 
pelled to mention the Hitler angle, 
which bride was trying to avoid. 



ZaSu't Break-In 

Hartford, Oct. 27. 
In a prior to New York preem, 
ZaSu Pitts will be starred here in 
her first stage vehicle, 'Her First 
Murder,' Nov. 2, at the Bushnell 
Memorial. Victor Payne-Jennings 
and Marion Gering are co-producers. 

Comedy is an adaption by Major 
. Robert Presnell of j novel by Torry 
I Chanslor, 




It will cost money to defeat 
Germany. Japan and Italy. 
Our government calls on you 
to help now. 

Buy war savings bonds or 
stamps today. Buy them 
every day if you can. But 
bm them on a regular basis. 



Senator Nye s 
Cracks at Kyser, 
Winchell, Luce 



Washington, Oct. 27. 
Senator Gerald Nye (N. D.), .m 
part of an anti-Wendell Willkie at- 
tack on the floor Friday '23) took a 
gratuitous crack at Kay Kyser, Wal- 
ter Winchell, Henry R. Luce, the 
Time-Life publisher and, of course, 
Willkie. 

Ha kudosed Kyser in a left-handed 
manner for his yeoman work in bond 
selling, but looked askance at the 
draft-exemptions of certain band and 
radio personalities. 

Nye's reference to Kyser and 'cer- 
tain stars' was incidental and ap- 
peared to have been made in passing 
as he mentioned Willkie's connection 
with the motion picture industry. 

The purpose of the Senator's ex- 
tended speech on the floor seemed 
to be to attempt to explain away his 
pre-Pearl Harbor Isolationist' views 
and utterances. 

'For no reason would I strive to 
dodge responsibility for the fact that 
I carried my opposition to Involve- 
ment in the war up to the very 
moment of our being brought into 
it on Dec. 7,' he asserted. 

He explained that on the afternoon 
of Dec. 7 he was addressing an 
America First rally in Pittsburgh 
when a newspaperman handed him 
a slip of paper with the message 
scrawled on it: 

The Japanese Imperial Govern- 
ment in Tokyo at 4 p.m. announced 
a state of war against the United 
States and Great Britain.' - 
I Senator Nye charged: 'Mr. Luce's 
I Time magazine afforded the falsest 
(Continued on page 24) 



Laora Hope Crews Rallies 

Laura Hope Crews, out of 'Arsenic 
and Old Lace,' Fulton, N. Y., was 
reported much improved at the Le- 
roy Sanitarium yesterday (Tues- 
day), although she was in critical 
condition 'over the weekend. 

An emergency operation for kid- 
ney removal was performed Sun- 
day, actress rallying thereafter. 




ABBOTT and COSTELLO 

'Certainly on* of the funniest taami of zaniea — the** two boyi could 
■natch any ihcw from the doldrumt.' 

Laura Lee, Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. 
Universal Pieturei Camel Cigarettes, NBC 

Under Pareenal Management of: EDWARD SHERMAN 



Bernstein Salutes U. S. Pix Biz 



Slated to return to his native England shortly, following a six-moiith 
stay In America, Sidney L. Bernstein, director of the Films Division of 
the British Information Services, said that he had been strongly Impressed 
by the earnest desire of the motion picture industry In the U. S. to help 
the war effort 

He noted, also, a greater understanding in Hollywood of the various 
war problems and how the screen could be used to help. While here 
Bernstein gave the industry an Idea as to the kind of pictures most 
wanted in England and other United Nations. He compared notes with 
Hollywood producers, directors and writers, showed them the type 
of films made by the British Ministry of Information end studied the 
type of product considered most suitable for U. S. distribution. 

Bernstein regards motion pictures as the most effective means of 
communication between Government and people. His object is to 
ensure maximum results from that medium. 



^ » ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»>>♦♦♦>♦♦♦■ 

THE BERLE-ING POINT I 

By Milton Berle 



♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦>«>>>««♦♦. 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Saw preview of my new picture. 'Over My Dead Body,' last nite and 
afterwards ran into my producer, Walter Morosco. Told him I'd like my 
next picture in Technicolor. He replied, 'Don't worry, your pictures are 
always in the red.' 

20th Century-Fox is finally making money on ^y pictures. It's cutting 
up the films and using them for guitar picks. 

Mary Beth Hughes was at the preview and hundreds of soldiers flocked 
around her for autographs. She told me later, 'See, Milton, I told you 
it wouldn't do you any good to wear a sweater.' 

Now am working on 'Margin for Error.' I'm the error. 

Hollywoodope 

Lana Turner walked down Hollywood Blvd. the other afternoon and 
a fellow came up and handed her a slip of paper. It read, 'I'm a deaf 
mute, so please consider this a whistle.' 

Bob Hope has been spending so much time in Alaska his wife sent him 
a towel embroidered, 'There is No Place Like Nome.' 

Bing Crosby asked an Army general if they could use him. 'Yes,' said 
the officer, 'but you'll have to change your clothes. You dress too con- 
servatively for a signal flag.' 

Hollywood gals are sure funny. They'll scream at the sight of a mouse 
and then an hour later go out riding with a woU. 

Eavesdropped 

At Ruby Foo's Den, the Stork, Astor Roof, Reuben's and Toot Shor'i: 
'Some girls have a lot of will power — others have a lot of won't power.' 

At Mocambo, Dave Chasen's, Brown Derby, Slappy Maxle's, Mike Ro- 
manoff's and Mike Lyman's: 'He's missed one thing In bla life— his brain.' 

Whatever Became of— — T 
ember's Elephants Lewis It Moore _^ 

Will* & Davit Schlict's Monneqttins 

6 Broum Bros. Hill & Dale 



Ona MimsoD Turns Producer For 
CBS in If wood; Other Fenunes Next 



Cohan OK 



It was stated by two Broad- 
way columnists in Monday's (26) 
dailies that George M. Cohan 
was in a serious condition, which 
sparked news .servi"'^- 'nto ac- 
tion with negative results. 

Star has been ill for about a 
year, but on Sunday was re- 
ported in comfortable condition 
and on Monday it was stated 
that he shaved himself. 



CHEESECAKE IN DEMAND 
FOR PATRIOTIC APPEALS 



International Foreign Relations 
Committee of the eight major com- 
panies huddled last week with rep- 
resentatives of the U. S. Depart- 
ment of Commerce and the Office 
of War Information. They also took 
final steps on the Australian Aus- 
terity campaign. 

The IFRC members learned that 
the OWI wanted 'cheesecake' in the 
matter of photographs and stills 
from the film companies. They also 
were told that there is a demand 
for fashion stills in England. It was 
the second time that the 'cheese- 
cake' art was mentioned by an OWI 
rep. Hence, the IFRC is fairly well 
sold on the Idea. Members men- 
tioned that fashion stills have been 
in demand in Great Britain for 
years. 



Sonja Pays Scanlan 



Sonja Henie (Mrs. Dan Topping) 
has paid off Dennis F. Scanlan, thu;; 
settling a $76,000 agent's award for 
a reported $60,000 in cash. 

Scanlan sued and twice won the 
76G on claim he first effected Mi.<:s 
Henie's Fox film contract. It was 
up for appeal to the U. S. Suprci.ic 
Court when the star decided to wjjh 
it up. 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
It's now Ona Miinson, CBS pro- 
ducer. 

What with the war's drain on man- 
power and the crying need for net- 
work directors, the actress, who has 
been in show business for better 
than a quarter of a century, will try 
her hand at tossing cues instead of 
being at the receiving end. But otily 
as a supplemental duty to her pic- 
ture acting although she hasn't been 
very active in sprocket work since 
her big inning in 'Gone With the 
Wind.' 

A star in her own right for many 
years in Broadway musicals, dating 
from 'No, No Nanette,' .she has 
played in dramas, vaudeville, radio, 
and if that doesn't fully catalog her 
thorough versing in thespic en- 
deavors there's the little item of 
ballet dancing, which was her 
springboard to the theatre. 

Noting that the list of producers 
at KNX was thinning at a rate faster 
than substitutions could be made, 
she sought out Don Thornburgh, 
Columbia's headman out here, and 
asked for the job. He took her up 
that fast, the first femme to direct a 
program for the chain. Her back- 
ground, he deduced, surely fitted her 
for such a portfolio and as a starter 
(Continued on page 5,S) 



Freedley and Shaberts 
Now May Do Berle Show 

It's now reported that Vinton 
Freedley will present Milton Berle 
In a revue on Broadway this sea- 
son, rather than the Shuberts, 
though the production billing will 
read 'in association* with the Messrs. 
Shubert.' 

Shuberts originally Intended star- 
ring Berle in 'Needle in a Haystack,' 
a book musical, then switched their 
plans to a reviie, possibly another 
•Ziegfcld Follies,' and finally nssiKned 
Berle to Freedley, whose 'Lcfi Face 
It,' Imperial, N. Y., continue.-^ ns ons 
of the standout b.o. musicals though 
a holdover from last season. 

Berle comes east in two wt>i.l<a. 



Wedneaday, October 28, 1948 



MISCELLANY 8 





RUSSIANS AND MORALE 



Nikolai Karintsev'e cabled reports to the Writers War Board 
tof New York have been partly extracted into a news story 
appearing on page two of this issue of 'Variety.' A close study 
pi thiB arresting document is strongly recommended to all pro- 
(e»iionals in the United States concerned with morale manage- 
nent and war-winning utilization of the various entertainment 
tn«dia. Although Karintsev's reports have not yet informed 
the Writers War Board what our Russian allies are doing with 
radio drama and radio news, it seems evident from the material 
already on hand that Moscow is missing no opportunities. 

That blacked-out Moscow has a thriving legitimate theatre 
full of apparent vigor and mobilized solidly behind the war is 
significant. The similar role of films and music aiH books con 
jtitute challenging models for the United States. The greater 
feeliam and passionate feeling noticeable in Soviet activity, as 
reported, is due to a nearness to the enemy that the United 
States happily avoids and to a grim knowledge of what the 
Nazis are like that the. United States has probably been back- 
ward In acquiring. 

Soviet up-and-at-'em spunk has won the admiration of even 
those who turn pals at the mention of some of the political 
Ideology of that country. It would seem on the basis of reports 
supplied the Writers War Board that there are valuable lessons 
In morale to be learned by those on this side who fancy them- 
selves or would like to be expert in this area. 




SEEKS BREAK 



Tell J. C. Stein and Bette 
Davis Commercial Broad 
cast From Hollywood (and 
Latter) Canteen Jeopar- 
dize Radio Sponsorship of 
Original New York Project 
by Com Products 



NO SATISFACTION 



WB Ruslung Out Ehol Flpn's 
'Gendeman Jim' Anndst the Mess 



Although it had not planned mak- 
ing 'Sentleman Jim' available for a 
Wnlle. In view of th« fact 'Desper- 
ftte Journey,' also starring Errol 
nynn, Is just getting into second- 
run engagements, Warner Bros. Is 
rushing 'Jim' out Immediately in 
view of the Coast scandal involving 
Flynn. Proceeding with all possible 
haste on bookings, preparation of 
trailers, advertising, etc., WB has 
Quickly arranged to spot 'Jim' In 35 
to 40 of Its own flrst-run houses and 
negotiated fast dates with other ac- 
eounts, bringing the total to over 
loo. In the Warner theatres 'Jim' 
Will be rushed into openings this 
coming Thursday and Friday while, 
Where possible, other houses will 
also shift bookings so that they can 
also open it then or shortly there- 
after. Meantime, as many addi- 
tional datings will be sought as can 
be arranged. Trailers are being 
pushed to houses preparing to open 
the 'Jim' picture within a week. 

Additionally. Warners will trade- 
the newest Flynn picture on 
Thursday in all exchange centers. 
Release date is Nov. 14 

Company tried to shift band book- 
• mgs for the Strand, N. Y., so that 
wntleman Jim' could also be 
pushed in there Friday (30) but 
could not arrange it, with result 
George Washington Slept Here' 
opens on that date, as scheduled, 
with Phil Spitalny as the band. 
SplUlny was set to come in with 
George' about two months ago. 

More 'Gin Tronble* 
touT? <^''"cuit in Greater N. Y. 
^^'^n had 'Girl Trouble' doubled 
wiwi Desperate Journey' for last 
JJursday (22) quickly pulled 
"ouble, a 20th-Fox picture, be- 
h?. u, " ""'Bht suggest the Flynn 
|?»ubles. At the Palace 'Man in the 
iTunk (20th) was substituted, while 
m Bi,!!.*''^* 'Trouble' was replaced 
SL u ° ^ 'Mexican Spitfire's 

elephant.' 

'Gen'leman Jim' advertising 
Wd other matter making reference 
™ i!iynn that might be construed 
jn a manner to embarrass the actor 
« Being changed, where necessary, 
jin the trailer Warners had out on 
"esperate Journey,' a line has been 
!r"*" Speaking of the air com- 
mandos of which Flynn is one in 
Wat picture, the line deleted Is 'They 
Know but one command— attack.' 

Mull Gross' Fix 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
•Negotiations are on for Milt Gross 
« write and 



In Pitt It Hypoed Biz 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Errol Flynn's 'Desperate Jour- 
ney' was Just breaking in the 
Pittsburgh zone when his mess 
on Coast hit the front pages. 
Previous to that, according to 
WB biggies in that district, 
'Journey' was doing well, but 
nothing out of the ordinary, and 
24 hours after his mugg was in 
all the dailies, as result of 17- 
year-old gal's charge, biz more 
than doubled. Upbeat in prac- 
tically every case continued for 
the duration of the run. 

'Journey' hasn't yet played 
Pittsburgh proper; it opens there 
at Penn theatre Friday (30). 



Stoki Can't Perform 
Shosty Until Rasse 
Scenario Reaches U. S. 



One of the most unusual setups 
in a picture deal has Columbia 
waiting for the USSR to ship in a 
scenario before proceeding with 
plans for a picture about the Shos- 
takovich 'Seventh Symphony.' which 
was premiered locally by Arturo 
Toscaninl on NBC. 

Leopold Stowkowski is set to play 
the score in the film, but what the 
picture actually will be about — pre- 
sumably it will be the life of the 
composer — is in the script and that 
hasn't arrived. 

Understood that the script was 
prepared by Konslaiitin Simoncv. 
Theatre Guild has a Simonev script, 
tentatively titled 'Men of Russia' for 
the coming season. 



Gracie Fields May 

Also Do Film for U 



Hollywood, Oct. 27, 
American Theatre Wing's move to 
induce the Hollywood canteen to rC' 
train from any commercial broadcast 
activities resulted in a stalemate last 
weekend. Following a debate on the 
issue, with Actress Helen Menken 
and Attorney Sidney R. Fleisher 
speaking for the New York Canteen 
and Bette Davis and J. C. Stein rep 
resenting the Hollywood Canteen, it 
was decided that the local canteen 
hold all commitments in abeyance 
until the head of the Music Corp. of 
America goes east shortly to meet 
with the New York group. 

Miss Menken and Fleisher flew out 
to the Coast to urge the Hollywood 
Canteen's sponsors to lay off network 
radio, since such further might 
jeopardize the New York Canteen's 
tieup with Corn Products Corp. The 
sponsor had complained to the N. Y. 
Canteen that the use of the Holly' 
wood Canteen as sites for recent Bob 
Hope and Eddie Cantor programs 
tended to vitiate the value of Com 
Product's Thursday night New York 
Canteen shows over CBS. The Can- 
teen receives a weekly donation of 
$1,000 as result of the tieup. 

Stein personally assumed the origl 
nal costs of setting up the Hollywood 
Canteen. 



EPSTEIN BROS. SET 
DON TAYLOR AT M-G 



Topical Tides OK for Quickie 
Film Producers B.O. But Don't Help 
Hie War Effort, According to OWI 



Farewell to Modesty 



Army officials are reported 
still talking in Washington about 
the gall of one egomaniacal show-' 
man who submitted an elaborate 
pressbook on himself, reading 
'JOE SHOWMAN PRESENTS 
for the approval of the U. S. 
Army,' with the blatant billing 
devoted to his own name, and 
the U. S. Army in minor billing. 

This was supposed to be a dos- 
sier on his qualiflcations for a 
specialist's offlcership, and the 
'suggestion' was made unsubtly 
that the showman expected 'a 
major's commission or better.' 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Donald Taylor, Western Pennsyl- 
vania boy and a protege of Julius 
and Philip Epstein, WB writer-pro- 
ducers, has just been signed to a 
term contract by Metro, a deal the 
Epsteins tried to cook up for him 
at their home studio failing to jell. 
Taylor graduated from Penn State 
College, where Epsteins also went to 
school, last spring and the brothers 
ware enthusiastic about his acting 
ability when they caught him in a 
play at State during a visit back to 
their Alma Mater a year ago. 

Only professional experience 
young actor's had was with the 
Mountain Playhouse at Jennerstown, 
Pa., a summer outfit where he was 
an aprrentice for two seasons. 



Meat, Liquor Salesman 
Also Doing Comeback 
As Tzigani Maestro 



A new triple-threatre in show biz 
is vet. Joe Fejer, gypsy violinist- 
conductor, now doing a more or less 
involuntary comeback at Gene Cav- 
allero's Monte Carlo Casino. Fejer, 
who retired, now finds himself sell- 
ing liquor, meats and music to 
Cavallero, who owns the famed 
Colony restaurant and has just taken 
over the Monte Carlo as a 100% 
operation, since Felix (Fefe) Ferry 
is due to go into the Army. 

Fejer has been selling Somerset 
(J. P. Kennedy's Arm) liquor brands 
to the topflight niteries and restau- 
rants in N. Y., besides acting for a 
wholesale butcher catering to the 
same trade. Cavallero decided that 
Fejer, knowing the number of 
people he does, should also do a 
comeback as maestro of his string 
ensemble, and thus the showman- 
salesman finds himself with day and 
night jobs. 



MAESTRO BOB ALLEN 
DICKERS 20TH DEAL 



. Deal is being negotiated between 
General Anius. Corp. and 20th-Fox, 
which will place Bob Allen, band- 
leader now at the Pennsylvania 
hotel, New York, In a series of 20th- 
Fox films. It's understood that the 
roles Allen will be assigned, if con- 
tracts are completed, are those va- 
cated by Glenn Miller when that 
leader recently entered the Army as 
a specialist. 

Allen's orchestra has been held 
over at the Penn for an additional 
four weeks, or 0 in all. releasing 
him Dec. 20 when Charlie Spivak 
is expected to follow. 



Orson WeUes' Office Is '21' After 
Midnight; May Cut 'All True' for RKO 



produce 

Ripley's PRC unit, 



for Arthur 



I 



First for the cartoonist would be 
S ?il "",1*^* '^"esf to be foUowed 
Djr Should've Ate the Eclair.' 



Nate Blumberg, Universal prexy 
sojourning In N. Y., is mulling a 
film deal with Gracie Fields. The 
English comedienne has a prior 
Metro picture committment, but she 
has yet to see the script and, in view 
of her current click at the Waldorf- 
Astoria's Wedgwood Room, she is 
not rushing back to the Coast as 
was first believed necessary. Instead, 
she holds over another four weeks, 
making two months in all. 

When she shifts west, her Pall 
Mall radio series, with Harry Sosnik 
batoning, will originate from Holly- 
wood. , ■ ■ 



Lord & Thomas, agency on the 
Lockheed account, is having its dif- 
ficulties with Orson Welles, even 
before the Lockheed series has gone 
on the air. Welles and the agency 
can't agree, among other things, on 
the site for conferences. Welles has 
suggested the 21 Club between 1 and 
2 a.m., but agency execs have re- 
jected this proposal, holding that 
more could be accomplished in an 
L & T office during regular working 
hours. 

In any event the opening of the 
Lockheed series has been put oft a 
week. The original starting date was 
Nov. 9. It's the Monday 7:15-7:30 
p.m. period on CBS. 



•It's All True' at BKO 
RKO may work out a deal for 
Orson Welles to complete 'It's All 
^^^ConUnue^j^ajj^B^^^^ 



U Dickers Fibn Deal 
For Moppet in 'Rhine' 



Nale Blumberg. Universal prexy, 
and Herman Shumlln. producer of 
■Watch on the Rhine." are working 
out details attendant to giving Ann 
Blythe, 13-year-old player in the 
Coast road company of 'Rhine.' her 
first film break. Both Charles Boyer 
and Heni7 Hosier arc keen for the 
adolescent actress to go into 'Flesh 
and the Devil.' which Julian Duvi- 
vier and Boyer arc producing as a 
package at U. 

Film has Edward G. Robinson, 
Barbara Stanwyck; Thomas Mitchell, 
Dame May Whilty, Anna Lee and C. 
Aubrey Smith in the cast, besides 
Boyer. ■ . ' ^ ■ " ' • 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Problem that Is bothering Lowell 
Mellett's office here, the Motion Pic- 
ture Bureau of the Office of War In- 
formation, is the grabbing of good 
titles by quickie companies for us* 
on low-budget films. Often, as a 
matter of fact, the title has very lit- 
tle connection with the subject mat- 
ter of the picture and has been 
used merely for its b.o. value. 

That's something Mellett's crew 
has wrestled with for months, but 
there seems to be no solution. Re- 
public is the only indie company be- 
longing to the Coast Producers 
Assn. and hence bound by the lat- 
ter's rules concerning title regis- 
trations. But even at that, if titles 
are registered at the same time, the 
company that gets it is the one 
whose film is nearer completion. 
And while a major company may 
still be toying with a script, a 
quickie outfit can have the wl^ole 
picture finished and'in release. 

Unfortunate point about this grab- 
bing of good titles by minor produc- 
ers, from the OWI standpoint, is that 
it frequently causes a major com- 
pany to give up completely the idea 
of making a picture on the same 
subject. And while the $50,000 or 
$75,000 or $100,000 subject probably 
will be completely neutral from a 
propaganda standpoint — if it isn't ac- 
(Continued on page 16) 



OSCAR STRAUS, AT 80, 
MAPS ANOTHER TOUR 



Oscar Straus, .80-year-old com- 
poser, is back in New York follow- 
ing a lengthy concert tour under in- 
dependent auspices. His last recital 
was in Constitution Hall, Washing- 
ton, last Friday, and he plans going 
out again. 

Metro's fllmization of Straus' 
'Chocolate Soldier' and the sundry 
recent revivals of old Straus op- 
erettas have been reflected with 
booming b.o. biz in concert tour. 



Trado .Mark rcglsiorcd 
FOUNDED BY SIME Sfl.VEnMAN 
rablltlied We«klr by VAIIIK'n'. lac 

81d BIlvermAn, Prealdpnt. 
H4 Weat 46th Street, N«\v yorh. .N. T. 



BUB.scnirrfo.v 

Annual |lo Korelgn Ill 

Single Copies 21 Centii 



Vol. 148 



No. 6 



INDEX 

Bills 48 

Chatter 53 

Concert-Opera 37 

Film Reviews 8 

Gridcast .* 55 

House Reviews 46 

Inside — Legit 50 

Inside — Music 42 

Inside — Orchestras 40 

Inside — Pictures 24 

Inside— Radio 28 

Legitimate 49 

Literati 52 

Music 41 

New Acts 47 

Night Club Reviews 44 

Obituaries 54 

Orchestras 38 

Pictures 5 

Radio 25 

Radio Reviews 36 

Vaudeville 43 

War Activities 4 



D.1II.V V.\RIF.TV 
(Published In Hollywood bf 
Dally Variety. Ud.) 
110 a year— |i: forelsD 



WAR ACTIVITIES 



Wednesday, October 28, 19^12 



U. S. Signal Corps Turning Out Army 
Of Ultra Pix Technicians for Combat 
Lensing; Boost Visual Education 



By MOBI KRUSIIEN 

The U. S. SiRiial Corps Pliolo- 
graphic Center at the revamped As- 
toria (Long Island) studios long used 
by Paramount is turning out an 
nrmy of ultra-skilled motion picture 
technicians which may provide the 
fiUn industi-y with an invaliwble 
backlog of trained studio manpower 
after the war. At the same time, of- 
ficial archives will be stocked with 
a virtual treasure trove of war film, 
some of which may find its way into 
«niertainmcnt lllms. 

Unlike the last war. when Army 
photographers were limited to re- 
cording events of news and histori- 
cal value, cameramen are now re- 
cording details in combat zones for 
tactical information. Latest research 
and developments have made it pos- 
sible for photography to show the 
Tactual disposition, conditions and 
forces of troops for study by intelli- 
gence ofTicers. 

Aside from the home front and 
training production (millions of feet 
of celluloid are used in the Astoria 
studios alone, with 125 films in work 
at all times), which includes sending 
some 20 or 30 crews on location in 
various parts of the U. S. to record 
tank, cavalry and desert warfare 
maneuvers. Signal Corps men are 
operating in every combat zone in 
the present conflict. Cameramen are 
now in Alaska. Australia, India, 
China, England, Egypt, Iceland and 
(Continued on page 20) 



Youth on the Lam^ 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Ca.sting youths for pictures ha.« 
about as much permanence as a 
run of luck. Walter Wangcr 
found that out when he audi- 
tioned 40 lads for his 'Te\as A. 
& M' film and hired 25 of them. 

That was two weeks ago and 
today every one of them is in 
uniform. 



THEATRE WING 
PLANS MORE 
CANTEENS 



Review Soldier Shows 



SHOW BIZ EXECS IN 
ARMY ORIENTATION 



Representing the film industry. 
Jo<:eph H. Hazen, v. p. and attorney 
for Warner Bros., is at Ft. Leaven- 
worth. Kansas, as one of 83 indus- 
trial and professional men to take a 
four-week orientation course in 
Army organization and procedure at 
the Command and General Staff 
School there. The cla.sses started 
Monday <26). Others clo.se to show 
business atlendini; the course at Ft. 
Leavenworth are Roy E. Larson, 
president of Time magazine, which 
controls March of Time: H. Leslie 
Atlas, v.p. of Columbia Broadcasting 
System and L. My'es Regotiaz of 
BCA Mfg. Co. 

Industrial leadtrs were invited by 
the Army to take the course that 
they may familiarize them.selves 
■with conditions under which the 
Army operates and get a line on the 
general picture of military forces, 
their organization, administration, 
functions of the War Dept. and vari- 
ous Governmental and flcld agencies 
associated with the war elTort. 

Course involves 146 hours of in- 
structional time and is divided into 
six parts: general, special, supply, 
tran.'-'portation, per.';onnel and tactical 
principles. Every night except Satur- 
day from two to three hours of indi- 
vi(jual reading is required. 

When he returns to New York and 
Warners a month from now Aazen 
will outline Army requirements to 
the nim industry with a view to co- 
ordinating the work and cooperation 
of the industry with the Ainiy and 
the general war effort. 



The American Theatre Wing is 
mulling a plan to set up and oper- 
ate a string of merchant marine can- 
teens in various ports in the U. S. 
Seamen in New York City' will be 
well cared for as soon as the Wing's 
Times Square Canteen for Merchant 
Mariners opens but the men who 
make port in Savannah, Ga., Balti- 
more, and-'Philadelphia, for example, 
are just as important and require 
just as much service which they now 
don't get. 

Plan, ' still in the talking stage, 
would have the Wing operate and 
staff small canteens in these towns. 
Naturally they'd not be on so lavish 
a scale as in the N. Y. Canteens. 

The big problem is the financing. 
The operation would require $1,000.- 
000 and where to raise the dough is 
the current handicap. One sugges- 
tion would have all the groups that 
compose the American Theatre Wing 
concentrate on just such a campaign 
of fund raiding. Thus, if and when 
the chain of merchant marine can- 
teen.« come into being, it would be a 
• Continued on page 18) 



Camp Lee, Va.. Oct. 20. 
Editor, 'Variety': 

This is purely to make a suggestion 
or two that to me seems quite worth- 
while for your paper. In the armed 
forces today, as we all know, are 
many of the top ranking members 
of the theati-ical world. These men 
have gotten together in many in- 
stances and have produced excellent 
Army shows. I can think of any 
number of them that have not been 
given due credit by the trade papers 
and it .seems to me that 'Variety' 
could establish a section for reviews 
of Army .shows. 

I note that in your Oct. 14 issue 
you carry a story of 'Hey Rookie!" 
produced at Fort MacArthur, Calif. 
From all reports we have had, both 
'Ready on the Firing Line,' by Camp 
Crowder, and 'The Life of Riley,' 
by Fort Riley, are tops. I am re- 
strained from modesty to say much 
about our own 'Blackout Laffs,' pro- 
duced last week and in Richmond 
for the Army Emergency Relief. 
I refer you to the reviews in the 
Richmond Times Dispatch and the 
Richmond News Leader, Oct. 10, and 
the Washington Times Herald, of 
Oct. 12. It seems to the writer that 
you have enough correspondents 
around the country who could ade- 
quately review the soldier produc- 
tions and thereby give the men in 
the service the thrill of knowing 
their professional war work, in most 
part being done over and above 
their military training time, is rec 
ognized by the greatest theatrical 
paper in the world. 

The same goes for radio reviews 
which have been getting some 
sporadic attention from 'Variety.' 
Once again may I point out that 
top radio producers, directors, and 
scripters are In the armed services 
and turn out some excellent radio 
material. One of our own programs 
has a terrific local audience. 

I am asking our Public Relations 
Officer, Lieut Tierney, to send you 
a story that will tie-up with your 
Page One story of Kate Smith's 
campaign on t>ehalf of the last 
stanza of the national anthem. I 
believe that we scooped Miss 
Smiths idea by .several week.s. 

Brace Conning 
First Lieutenant, AUS Ass't. Special 
Service Officer. 



Chains for Bonds 



Chain letter stunt is being 
revived in several film com- 
pany New York offices. Only 
this time, it is being tied in 
with the U. S. war effort via 
war stamps. 

Way the chain gag currently 
Is worked is to start out with 
2Sc war stamp, and building un- 
til flnal recipient gets a $28 
bond. Thus far, no squawks 
from the Treasury Department. 



WAC MAPPING 
FUTURE PLANS 



Bonds Bid for Theatre 



Pix Sul)scrit)ed $525,000 
So Far to Canadian Loan 

Montreal, Oct. 27. 

Film distributing companies doing 
business in Canada have turned in 
Victory Loan subscriptions so far 
totaling $625,b00 made up as follows: 

Twentieth Century-Fox, $100,000; 
Warner Bros., $100,000: Paramount, 
$100,000: Metro Regal Films in Can- 
ada. $100,000: RKO. Canada, $50,000; 
and Columbia -Pictures (Canada). 
$75,000. 

J. J. Fitzgibbons. Famous-Players 
(Canadian) Corp. executive, in a 
wire to Loan headquarters, indicated 
other subscriptions of the same kind 
would be forthcoming and added 
that employees of the motion picture 
industry had re.sponded encourag- 
ingly to the payroll subscription 
plan. 



Radio Exec to Head 
Canada's Army Show 

Ottawa. Oct. 27. 

Ottawa native Victor George, 
Whitoliall Broadcasting Co. (Mon- 
treal ) proxy, head.s the Canadian 
arm.v's new "Army Show' as g.m. 

Show will carry own -.scenery, co.s- 
tumcs and fluH and a 32-piece band, 
all in khaki. Cast will come mainly 
from the army. too. all carrying i-n 
Iraiiiing as well as rehearsing ,ind 
showing. 



Springfield. Mass.. Oct. 27. 

Springfield motion picture men 
milked the last bit of publicity from 
their highly successful September 
War Bon<d drive when they arranged 
an 'auction' of the Victory house 
which had been set up in Court 
Square at headquarters during the 
drive. Auction Saturday (24) was 
well attended and well publicized. 

Samuel Goldstein with a $25,000 
bid finally bought the tiny hut in 
the name of 'his tiny son. Ronald. 
The Western Ma.ss. Theatres boss 
was pushed to the $25,000 figure by 
Shermjn H. Bowles, publisher of 
the four Springfield newspapers. 
Agreement was that house would 
be thrown in for winner, though 
all bidders must agree to buy bonds 
up to their top bid. Bowles left off 
at $23,500. .so that about $50,000 wa.s 
pledged. 



Joseph Bernhard. chairman of the 
theatres division of the War Activi- 
ties Committee, has called a meeting 
of the executive committee at the 
Astor hotel, N. Y. to discuss further 
collaboration in the war effort. 
Understood that the Red Cross drive 
will be the next to be handled by 
the motion picture industry. 

Discussions have also been held 
recently regarding regular showing 
of the Government shorts. 

Permanent finance committee has 
been appointed for the New York 
metropolitan division of the WAC 
to handle expenses incurred in 
operations and levy assessments on 
theatres pledged to WAC collabora- 
tions. Committee consists of Charles 
C Mo.skowitz. chairman, Harry 
Brandt and Fred Schwartz. 



OVERSEAS YEN 
FOR COMEDY 
FILMS 



ARMYPHUIYPREEIH 
GROSSES SRO $16,868 

Philadelphia. Oct. 27. 
'This is the Arn>y' opened at the 
Mastbaum here last night (Monday) 
before an SRO crowd of 5,000 at a 
special $11.40 preem. Gross for the 
opening night was $16,868 with less 
than lOTc of tickets still unsold, two- 
week gro.ss here should exceed 
$200,000, with $185,000 already 
banked. 



Wing's Office Workers' 
Dance in N. Y. Nets 3iG 



Dance and entertainment of the 
American Theatre Wing's office per- 
sonnel attracted turnaway attendance 
at the Astor roof Sunday afternoon 
(25). Hotel management refused to 
carry any more people in the eleva- 
tors when the place was janruned 
and more than 50 ticket holders 
were given a refund. Many other 
tickets were sold to those who did 
not attend. Estimated that over 
$3,500 was realized and turned over i Editor, 'Variety': 
to the Wing. 

The personnel group are not regu- 
larly employed by the Wing. It 
mostly consists of girls working in j WAAC 
theatrical and flhn offices who de- ' 
vote two or three evenings weekly 
at the Wing headquarters, typing, 
sewing or doing other work in aid 
of the organization's war activities. 



Somewhere in ' 
Southwest Paciflc. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

We are now permitted to disclose 
a limited bit of Information about 
our location. At any event we may 
now write that we are on an island, 
in the tropics, below the equator, in 
the Southwest Pacific. We may 
mention British population, etc. As 
to the native we may say that they 
are dark skinned. And finally we 
may tell of the tropical fruits- 
bananas, pineapple, cocoanut, sugar 
cane, paws paws and such like. 

I saw my first movie on the 
island yesterday "The Devil and Mi.ss 
Jones' — with Spanish subtitles. Tha 
sound system was bad and the light- 
ing worse. But it's better than noth- 
ing. It's a joke to read the letters in 
'Variety' complaining about the 
hardships the lads in the sticks have 
to put up with because USO visits 
them only once a week or so. As 
'far as we are concerned the USO 
does not exist. And the same is, for 
all practical purpo.ses true of the 
Red Cross. (I have heard of a Red 
Cro.<>s unit on the Island, but I have 
never seen it or any of its works, 
which so far as I can determine are 
non-existent.) 

I don't know how the movies get 
here. Maybe they come from South 
America. But if they take up cargo 
space then there is no reason why 
something of more recently vintage 
— and in English — can't be sent over 
instead. We can use morale-builders 
too. Something like 'Yankee Doodle 
Dandy' or 'Eagle Squadron' or even 
'Bambi.' And shorts. Mickey Mouse 
or a musical is Just what the doctor 
would order. 

But since there is no publicity 
here. I don't suppose we'll ever hear 
from the USO. 

There are other ideas, which so far 
nobody has done anything about. We 
have our regimental band. As army 
bands go, it is pretty good. The 
boys, at least, are eager. The rub 
is that they have no music. Except 
the usual military stuff. If they 
could get transcriptions or scores of 
say Irving BerUn's 'This Is the 
I Army' they could really do a job 
here. Then too the band has a swing 
section which would appreciate in 
the best sense of the word arrange- 
ments of popular tunes. So far they 
have gotten none. I wonder whether 
'Variety' has any thoughts on this. 

Meyer Bernstein. 



Uncle Sam s RoD Call 



2 FOXITES WAR PRISONERS 

The Red Cross Society has in- 
formed 20th-Fox foreign department 
execs that two of the company's 
former reps are being held prisoners 
•t Santo Tomas University in the 
Philippine Islands. 

Captured film men are Arthur 
Doyle, former 20th Far East repre- 
•entalive, and Don Lederman, 

{ormer manager in the Philippine 
Blands. 



»♦♦«*«♦«♦♦♦»♦«♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦4-» ♦♦♦♦♦4 4« * 

Alfred W. Crown In { active duty Sept. 3 following an 

Alfred VI. Crown, of the nlm divi- i inquiry into a 'air marker' story 
sion of the Office of Coordinator of which had been relea.icd by hi.s of 
Inter-American Affairs, into the fice. 

Army. Army medicos, after Hebal- 

ing a dubious knee. M;ined him in Krisco')! Recrult.i 

for limited .service recently. San Francisco. Oct. 27. 

He was inducted Friday c23) and ' .loe Novitsky, assistant manager at 
sent to Fort Dix, N. J. for a break- j United Artists theatre. Navy, 
in prior to transfer to the Training i Dorothy McGaha. secretary in 
Film Production unit at Astoria. 1,. I. I KPO sale.i promotion department 

Crown has been with the CIAA jWAACS. 
for more than a year, .serving as as- I .Juan Trusvina.s. meml)er of KPO- 
sistant to Phil Rcisman, director of | NBC sound effects department. Army, 
distribution. Prior to joining the | Art Holler, former head of KPO- 
Govcrnment agency he was with NBC guest relation.s. has passed ap- 



Metro in Latin 
years. 



America for many 



Lynn Famol'H Assignment 

Wa.shington, Oct. 27. 

Major Lynn Farnol. foriner Holly- 
wood publicity man and the former 
public relations officer at Mitchel 
Field, N. Y., has become a student 
at the Army Air Force School at 
Harrisburg, Pa., the War Depart- 
mf/it has announced. 

Major Farnol was relieved from 



titudc tests as pilot at Tennessee in 
duction center for which he recently 
entrained, and will be shifted to 
(light .school. ' 

Tony's Cook's Tour 

Pittsburgh. Oct. 27, 
Tony Conforti. Jr.. .son of Nixon 
Cafe owner who enlisted in Army 
Air Corps just six weeks ago, is 
probably the most widely-traveled 
rookie m the service for his length 
of time. Sent from here originally 
(Continued on page 47) 



WAACsGetaBreakinNJ. 



Lieut, in *Army' Also 
Mayor of Jersey Town 

Trenton. Oct. 27. 
The New Jersey Court of Errors 
and Appeals has been asked to de- 
cide v'hether John M. Gabriel, an 
army lieutenant now on tour with 
Irving Berlin's 'This is the Army.' 
should have the right to hold office 
as mayor of Garfield. Councilman 
Frank of Garfield asked the state's 
highest law tribunal to rule that 
Lieut. Gabriel relinquished his po.st 
as mayor when called from the re- 
serve cmps to active duty last Jan- 
((ary. 

Juliu.s Kramer, counsel for Frank, 
asked the court to vacate a Su- 
preme Court order removing Frank's 
name from the ballot as an inde- 
pendent candidate for mayor at the 
Nov. 3 election. Kramer contended 
Gabriel's continued absence from 
home and subordination to military 
orders made his lieutenancy incom- 
patible with the $2,500 a year post 
of mayor. 



Par's 3 OWIers 

Paramount is releasing three new 
Government shorts made by the 
Office of War Information. 

Subjects are 'Japanese Relocation.' 
for release Nov. 12, 'Colleges at 
War,' for release Nov. 26, and 'Troop 
Train,' for release Dec. 10, 



New York. 
In your issue of Oct. 21 I notice • 
squib saying that members of the 
are being discriminated 
against by the theatres who are 
admitting men, but not women, in 
uniform. 

I would like to tell you that at 
the N. Y. City Defense Recreation 
Committee we serve all enlisted per- 
sonnel, men or women, provided 
they are not officers, without any 
discrimination. 

I do wish you would make this 
correction. 

Barbara J. Adler. 
I Mrs. Julius Ochs Adlcr. Co- 
Chairman.] 



L, A. to N. Y. 

Edward Arnold. 
Guy Bolton. 
Harold Dunn. 
S. Charles EinfcU' 
Larry Elliott. 
Davis Factor. 
Frank Fagan. 
Max Firestein. 
Robert Giliham. 
Joe Hill. 
Kay Kyser. 
Kenneth MacKenna. 
Genoa Margaroff. 
Louis B. Mayer. 
Jan Perce. 
Elmer Rice. 
Joe Schenck. 
Lew Schreiber. 
Howard Strickling. 
Lou Smith. 
Bess Taffel. 
Jean Tennyson, 
Nat Wolff. 
Pat Casey. 
Helen Menken. 
Joe Schenck. 
Lew Schreiber. 
Robert Weede. 



Wednesday, October 18, 194f 



PIGTUBES 8 








American Film Hen Eye Possibility 
Of Gov t Dictatorship in the Industry, 
But Fears Appear Without Foundation 



Fear of the trend towards Govern- 
ment 'dictatorship' of the film Indus- 
try in England, which has been 
growing steadily In British trade 
circles, is being reflected in tha U. S. 
by picture company heads here in 
the queries they have been putting 
to their British trade reps and 
officials visiting America. This is re- 
ported resulting from Increasing 
Government activity in film pro- 
duction and non-theatrical distribu- 
tion on the other side. 
- Tendency in Washington and Lon- 
don to follow each other's Govern- 
mental directives in general wartime 
economic and social structures has 
given rise to speculation whether the 
U. S. film industry will be reshaped 
to the same extent. 

Insofar as official departments are 
concerned, this apprehension in both 
, British and American picture circles 
' Is groundless. Nonetheless, the 
British Government has entered into 
production of feature length fllm 
production. And in the U. S. various 
Government departments are now 
using up more fllm for non-com- 
' merclal screen purposes (a setup 
' which could in time easily be further 
expanded), than the picture industry 
itself. 

U. S. picture toppers, despite re- 
■ assurjinces, remain keenly interested 
in developments abroad, Judging 
. from the time they have been de- 
voting to studying industry con- 
. ditions there. 

Though British Government pro- 
. duclion has embraced feature-length 
films, and non-theatrical distribution 
via mobile units has become one of 
the most important aspects of war- 
time screen fare in England, official 
entry into all phases of production 
and distribution on a permanent 
commercial basis is remote, accord- 
ing to informed sources. 

Little Commerolsl Cut-in 
It is pointed out further, that inso- 
far as the U. S. fllm trade is con- 
cerned Government production ac- 
.tlvities have cut even less into com- 
.mercial territory here, since they 
.have been purposely limited to short, 
tactual Alms. The Office of War In- 
formation discontinued production of 
fictional shorts some time ago and no 
U. S. Government distribution of any 
consequence in non-theatrical fields 
hM yet been attempted. 

British production, distribution and 
Jphibition, in fact, owe much to 
wvernment activities on the other 
•We, according to authoritative 
(Continued on page 16) 



Anyway, It's Cheescake 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
Hollywood publicity geniuses 
are still tiying to outdo each 
other. 

Now that Metro's mentalities 
have improved on Dorothy 
Lamour's sarong with a lurong 
for Hedy Lamarr, along comes 
Universal's utilitarians with 
slendang as descriptive literature 
for a wrap-around for Maria 
Montez in 'White Savage.' 



Pix Win Be Credited 
For Celluloid Used Up 
In Govt. Shorts Prods. 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

No further curtailment or other 
revision of raw fllm stock allocations 
will be made until after Jan. 1 (as 
previously indicated) according to 
deliberations of industry toppers 
with Harold Hopper, chief of the 
motion picture photographic division 
of the War Production Board in 
Washington yesterday (Tues.). 

Industry reps were also told yes- 
terday that they would be given 
credit on their allocations for any 
Aim used in production and distri- 
bution of Victory shorts, Army, 5lavy 
and Office of War Information pic- 
tures. 

Among other matters discussed 
was the lumber shortage, the dif- 
ficulty of getting Douglas flr for 
certain types of studio sets. Picture 
business does not have a high prior- 
ity rating on this type of lumber 
and tho.se at the meeting have been 
advised to use pine instead. 



SETON MILLER RAISED 
TO PRODUCER AT PAR 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Paramount signed Seton I. Miller 
to a two-way contract as writer and 
producer, to take elTect when he 
finishes his current job as scripter 
of 'Heart of the City' at Columbia. 

Before going to Columbia, Miller 
wrote screenplays for a number of 
years at Warners. 



Bnl of %mm Frozen British 
Coin Ready This Wk.; $5,000,000 Later 



The major portion of presently Im- 
pounded American distributor rev- 
enue In Great Britain is expected to 
«>• remitted to N. Y. this week, It 
stated Monday (28) following a 
meeting of foreign sales managers 
Session Monday 
ul,,^.'="eck on various details of 
""•reezing and give the I^ondon of- 
"ri"' Motion Picture Producers 
Assn. the green 
he .1.1.**' signaturing for 

th^ I i distribs. As soon as 

anrt ?*' formal announcement 
aSnn^ undoubtedly will be 

•nnounced by the British treasury 
^°"don. 

ce^Prt* '^t^^act amount to be re- 
ar n» '""^ ''■e remittance (cov- 
S. distributor 
in Gr.", "'^ last three years 

^Son^Ln*'" ^'""""t to more than 
W5000000. and may reach $50,000.- 
onlvJ remittance would cover 
oniy impounded distributor revenues 
ed flL " *° Aug. 29, since audlt- 
M ngu.es supplied to the British 
run to that date. 
Also this arrangement of cover- 



ing only to Aug. 29 gives a cushion 
period of two months in which the 
British and the American fllm com- 
panies can work out Anal totals. 
Consequently, probably upwards of 
$5,000,000 additional will be received 
later to Anolize the present unfreez- 
ing negotiations. If the amount cov- 
ering business from Aug. 29 to Oct. 
24 inclusive, not heretofore remit- 
ted, runs to $5,000,000. it will mean 
$50,000,000 to $55,000,000 will be re- 
leased in all by the British govern- 
ment. 

While all ofAcials remained strict- 
ly mum. it wa.s apparent that all 
wrinkles In the long-pending nego- 
tiations now have been ironed out. 
and that It is largely a matter to get 
a formal order from London before 
the block of currency Is given 
American distributors. 

The eight majors received the 
$5,000,000 final quarter payment in 
the 1941-42 coin freeze arrangement 
last week, several days in advance 
of Oct. 24. as had been indicated 
previously in "Variety". 

With Meho expected to get $12,- 
(Continucd on page 13) 



OVERmOF 





S 



Fear of Further Inroads on 
Technicians, Talent, Etc., 
Has Some Studios Five 
Months Ahead of Normal 
Shooting on 1942-43 Pro- 
duction Schedules 



BUILD STOCKS 



In a race against the time when 
wartime exigencies are expected to 
circum-scribe activities via further 
inroads on talent, technicians, mate- 
rial and equipment, Hollywood 
studios are steaming ahead at the 
speediest production clip in history 
in order to build up their picture 
stocks. Some of the studios expect 
to have most of their scheduled pro- 
ductions in the cans five months 
ahead of time. 

RKO, with 45 pictures scheduled, 
may have virtually all of its prod- 
uct completed late in January, with 
a strong possibility that the lot will 
close down In February for the en- 
suing four or five months. Several 
of the more important properties, 
scheduled for release next March, 
are already before the cameras with 
completion dates anticipated around 
the first of the year. 

Universal has 30 features and three 
westerns in the can while Paramount 
has approximately 25 features com- 
pleted. 

More than 50% of all pictures 
scheduled by the 10 main studios 
for 1942-43 are either completed or 
in Anal stages of editing, in the haste 
to set up a backlog of films either 
for current or next year's release. 

This represents approximately 218 
pictures out of a total of around 
410 features which the majors 
originally planned to produce dur- 
ing the current 12-month period. In 
addition to the 218 about completed, 
there are from 50 to SO pictures 
shooting and others in advanced 
stages of preparation. 

Warners has approximately 32 
pictures either completed or cut- 
ting: 20th-Fox has about 28 in the 
same category; Metro, 24; RKO, 25; 
Universal, 30; Paramount, 22 to 25; 
Columbia, IB: United Artists, 10; 
Monogram, 14 to 16; Republic, 10. 



U. HIT RECORD 11,500 
CONTRACTS LAST YEAR 



steadily forging ahead on sales 
under the administration of Nate 
Blumberg, president, and distribution 
supervision of Biil Scully, Universal 
brought in 11,500 contracts on its 
1941-42 product, a new high for the 
company. Distribution executives 
claim that around 12.800 is as high as 
any picture outfit can achieve on one 
season. 

U is well up on prodiiclion and by 
Jan. 1 will have 43 of its current 
season's (1942-43) pictures finished, 
including three serials. Company 
promised and is expected to deliver 
54 features, exclusive of westerns. 



Archibald Taking Up 
Bernstein's U. S. Duties 



George Archibald, who i.s to head 
up the film division of the British 
Information Services in the U. S., 
arrived ill from England and is 
currently hospitalized in Boston. 

Archibald, beaded with pneu- 
monia, i.i expected to be able to 
take up his duties at his New York 
headquarter.'; in aboul a month. He 
wa.<; formerly co-managing director 
for United ArtisLs in Great Britain. 
He Is replacing Sidney L. Bernstein 
in the BIS post, in Ihe U. S.. for the 
duration. Latter returns to Eng- 
land soop. 



With On-the-Level Exhibs Aroused 
Over % Gyppers, Distribs Looking 
To Them For Aid; Checking Problem 



Rolling in Beauty 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Metro is going in for composite 
glamour, with three artists doing 
the outstanding graces of a dozen 
gals in 'DuBarry Was a Lady.' 

In the composite gal are Kay 
Aldridge's profile, Hazel Brooks' 
legs, Kay Williams' arr.is, Inez 
Cooper's hands, Georgia Carroll's 
eyes, Natalie Draper's lips, Mary 
Jane French's hair, Aileen Ha- 
ley's bust, Ruth Ownbey'a hips, 
Theo CofTman's feet, Marilyn 
Maxwell's ankles and Eve Whit- 
ney's waist. The srtist« are 
Varga, Barbara snermund and 
Howard Baer. 



Record Amns. Taxes 
Paid to U. S. Id SepL 
Indicate Top B.O. Biz 

Washington, Oct. 27. 
New record In Federal tax receipts 
from the admissions levy was reg- 
istered in September with the Trea- 
sury collecting over $1,000,-000 more 
than in the best previous month. The 
take bounced to $13,662,336, Indicat- 
ing a contra-seasonal trend in the 
amusement business. The previous 
peak was $12,484,881 which was hit 
in July. 

As a result, the Government grab 
so far this year is In the nine-figure 
bracket. Tickets buyers through 
September kicked In a total of $104,- 
433,539. This is approximately five 
times the amount formerly taken in 
during 12 months under the World 
War scale. For the first three quar- 
ters, 1942 yield is $45,200,000 ahead of 
the 1941 figure. 

September was the fifth month 
this year to show a rise over the 
immediately preceding month and 
the $1,226,033 gain over August take- 
in was the biggest leap since the stif.- 
fer taxes went into efteot last fall. 
The haul was $7,217,866 fatter than 
in the corresponding 1941 stanza. 

September receipts from other en- 
tertainment levies were: radios and 
phonographs, $456,860, down approx- 
imately $300,000; records, $127,256; 
musical Instruments, |139,013| slot 
machines, $468,0'78; aa$l ^jowring al- 
leys and poolrooms, $94,692. 



Buoyed up by the fact that honest 
exhibitors have finally awakened to 
the fart that gyppers on percentage 
engagements are hurting them in 
many ways, distributors are looking 
to these on-the-level theatre owners 
for cooperation in stamping out the 
chiseling evil. It is believed that the 
most elTective action will be 
achieved through exhibitor associa- 
tions, national and local, via an edu> 
cational program as well as result of 
possible pressure. 

The distributors have up to this 
time tried to cope with the gypping 
problem for many years but have 
found it increasingly difficult to 
bring it under control. 

Among other things, so many 
dates are taken on percentage no\y 
that it would be physically impos- 
sible to check all of them. In this 
connection, also, regardless of 
whether it may be more difficult to 
get checkers who can be relied upon, 
limited manpower due to war cre- 
ates another problem. The average 
checker does not receive much pay 
and the work is tedious, with result 
defense industries and the draft 
have al.so made Inroads on available 
men. Whether or not women may be 
put on is a question since checkers 
have to be out in all weather, often 
standing outside of the theatre with 
the dockers in their pockets. 

Through the years distributors 
have found that a certain amouift of 
carelessness by checkers as well as 
soldiering on the job may caus« 
some of the exhib baddies to gyp, 
but there is little that can be dona 
about this unless a checker is put on 
to check another checker. That 
obviously would be too costly. In 
fact, checking in the face of so many 
percentage dates in these times is an 
important overhead item, yet the 
distribs as well as many exhibs want 
to continue on percentage. 

Thus, placing more and more ex- 
hibs on their honor and spreading 
that gospel becomes one angle in ap- 
proaching the situation, while be- 
lievcd that strong reaction of the 
honest exhibs to reports of increased 
chiseling, causing unfair competi- 
tion, may go a long way toward 
curbing the evil. 

Just Gyps from the Start 

Pointed out during the past week 
by an exhib that the chiseling ope- 
rator or manager can even cause him 
loss of pictures he wants to play and 
is willing to pay a reasonable price 
(Continued on page 16) 



Spyros Skouras to Partic^late 
More on Film Production Policy 



Blnmberg's Longer Visit 

Nate Blumberg. Univeresal prexy, 
is scheduled to stay on at the New 
York home office for added distribu- 
tion and merchandising huddles un- 
til December. 

John Joseph, U exploitation and 
advertising head, is also here. 



Koerner, McCarey East 
On Latter's New Deal 



Charles Koerner, v. p. in charge of 
RKO studio operations, is due in 
New York soon with Leo McCarey. 
Understood that negotiations leading 
to a new contract for McCarey, who 
directed the new Ginger Rogers pro- 
duction, 'Once Upon a Honeymoon.' 
will be taken up in the east with N. 
Peter Ralhvon, president of RKO, 
Inc. 

McCarey has a one-picture pact 
with RKO. . 



Spyros Skouras. 20th-Fox prexy, 
is rearranging administrative at. 
fail's so as to have more time avail- 
able for participation in fllm pro- 
duction policy. He plans spending 
more time in Hollywood In closer 
association with Bill Goetz. 

In line with pattern set in recent 
seasons at' other studio.s such as Unl- 
ver.sal. Paramount and RKO, where 
former theatre operators have be- 
come important factors in produc- 
tion. Skouras is clearing the home 
office decks of considerable detail 
work so he can devote more time 
to production as well as the distri- 
bution phases of operation. 

Unlike the other studios, however, 
Skouras will continue to operate es- 
sentially from the east, acting in an 
advisory capacity rather than assum- 
ing personal direction of production. 

Skouras \i credited with having 
often submitted sound production 
advice in the pa.st. during the Darryl 
Zanuck regime. Proximity of execs 
in theatre operation to ticket buyers 
:{ri5 days a year, in a position to 
watch and xauge public response to 
all types of product, has made self- 
evident their value in production. 




Wedacsday, Odobcr 28, 1942 



Tough Kid Vandals Growing Theatre 
Menace, Crash Gates; War Psychosis 



Kids of the Dead End type and 
worse have grown so uncontrollable 
that theatre maoaeers on Broadway 
ere threatening to make wholesale 
arrests, demanding convictions, and 
likely that similar action will be 
taken in other large centers where 
the evil has gone out of bounds. 

During the past week a total of 15 
toughies were held at bay in the 
alley exitway of one downtown New 
YorW* deluxer with an axe over 
their heads until a patrol wagon 
could be summoned. Hoodlums were 
arrested and given three days or a 
$10 fine. In the managerial field, It 
Is felt that some such drastic action 
must be taken to stop the Hell's 
Kitchen brand of crashers and de- 
structionUU, especially now that the 
Juvenile Aid Society has been forced 
to drop a lot of investigators who 
kept check on the kids, Including 
those who skipped school. 

Just about 10 days ago Mayor F. H. 
LaGuardia called ofT scrap matinees 
for theatres in New York because of 
the danger that kids would pilfer 
material in order to get Into theatres. 

In N. y. and, according to Informa- 
tion, in other large centers, the in- 
corrigible clement Is causing plenty 
of trouble for theatres as well as 
considerable damage to seats, drapes 
and other parts of film emporiums, 
apparently for no other reason than 
that they are vandal-minded. 

Condition has grown especially 
bad since the war, it is claimed, with 
kids in the downtown N. Y. sector 
now beginning to travel around in 
bands so that they can stop ushers, 
doormen and managers from inter- 
fering with them. One of the tough- 
est managers on the street was 
backed up the other day because the 
bunch ganging up on him was too 
large. 

In another case a group of five col- 
ored lads who had run into interfer- 
ence with a manager, got hold of a 
iMd pipe and tried to ambush him. 

Not only are youths from 18-21 
causing trouble but more and more 
of late the toughies are in the age 
range of 12 to IS and just as hard- 
ened. They crash street and lobby 
lines, crawl through exit doors and, 
even' if slapped around, come back 
time and again until getting through. 
One manager a few evenings ago 
took a stick to 12 baddies who were 
causing trouble in the balcony of his 
house. 

Becoming boisterous inside the 
theatres has come up with the jitter- 
bug mania and in various cities stage 
bands and shows are having diffi- 
culty curbing the sassing, talking, 
heckling, etc. Actors and bandleaders 
BMe trying to quell this kind of thing 
by not talking back, as some have, 
and in going on with the show re- 
gardless. In some bouses special 
police have been put on in plain 
clothes with a view to obtaining con- 
trol of the situation. 



Hob's Wave of Vandallcam 

Boston, Oct. 27. 

Theatre hoodlums are on the 
prowl again in the Hub. The 'teen- 
agers have been harrasslng film 
houses throughout the metropolitan 
area with increasing tempo the past 
fortnight and have got prelty well 
out of hand. 

The' result Is an epidemic of up- 
holstery mauling, candy-machine 
smashing, gate-crashing, drape-yank- 
Jng and other devilments. None have 
actually been caught at it as yet. but 
the impression in some quarters is 
that the vandals are 18 and 19-year- 
old pro.spective draftees having a last 
fling, and in others that they are the 
regular 13 and 14-year-oldsters with 
Inhibitions released by war hysteria. 

They run in gangs of five and six, 
often boys and girls together, and 
while their activities have mostly 
been confined to petty destruction, 
such serious charges as attempting to 
rifle cash boxes are mentioned. There 
have been no complaints of their 
molesting patrons or disturbing 
screenings, as they appear to confine 
their activities to lounges, lobbies 
and rest rooms. In one case, vandals 
hauled down expensive drapes and 
pushed them into water closets. 

Although some houses are employ- 
ing cops (one of whom is said to be 
worth four ushers for maintaining 
order), the practise hasn't been gen- 
eral enough to compete with the 
situation. Many think the oppor- 
tunity for vandalism presented itself 
when the ushers' ranks were de- 
pleted by the service and defense in- 
dustries. Replacements, when hired, 



have been physically unimposing and 
undisciplined. 

Meanwhile, the oops on the outside 
have their hands full, for youthful 
delinquency in war time is a univer- 
sal phenomenon although the actual 
commission of crime as such by the 
delinquents U not increasing. Ac- 
cording to one local commentator, 
juvenile delinquency is up 50% since 
Pearl Harbor. , 



RKO Nixes Xmas 
For GoUwyn s 
Hope Picture 



HoUywood, Oct. 27. 

Sam Ooldwyn got a rebuff from 
RKO when be was refused Xmas 
dates in its houses for his Bob Hope 
picture. They've Got Me Covered.' 
That's the final Ooldwyn picture for 
RKO release, as the company is 
disinclined to continue a distribution 
deal under present terms. 'Once 
Upon A Honeymoon' (RKO) gets the 
Xmas date* In RXO houses and 
Music Hall, where it opens Nov. 21. 
music hall where It opens Nov. 12. 

It should run into early December. 
Goldman was hot after both play- 
dates but RKO U determined to give 
choice playing time to its own pic- 
tures, as It has four big ones in a 
row coming up. 

Looks like Goldwyn's future output 
may again go through United Artists 
as he has talked distribution for the 
Engli^" picture he recently took 
over. 



JOE MOSKOwrrz out 

AFTER THREE MONTHS 



Charles C. Moskowitz, Loew's thea- 
tre head, motored early this (Wed.) 
morning to Danbury. Conn., to greet 
his brother, Joe, who gets out to- 
day. Liatter, who Is Joe ScheruJi's 
eastern representative and a 20th 
Century-Fox executive, had his 
year and a day term, on an income 
tax violation, curtailed to three 
months on reconjmendation of the 
U. S. supreme court 

Joe Schenck, who arrived east 
over the weekend, is planning to 
make the trip wfth- C. -C. Moskoviritz 
to the Federal detention institution 
at Danbiny to welcome Joe. 



SLEEP IN THEATRES 



Ib Some DelMue Spots They Come 
to Sleep •! Pis Sbows 



Theatres in many defense areas 
are currently reported operating on 
a 20 to 24-hour dally grind basis and 
cleaning up, while simultaneously 
accommodating plant workers look- 
ing for a place to catch 40 winks in 
comfort. In east and west coast 
towns shipyard workers are found 
crowded into all-night theatres 
snoozing through double and triple- 
feature programs at all hours of day 
and night 

Housing shortage In defense plant 
sectors (pointed up in an official 
Office of War Information short now 
in release showing manufacture of 
large quantities of frame dwellings 
which can be erected in a few min-, 
utes), is largely responsible for tiie 
huge theatre attendance of ni^t 
hawks. 

Rooming space is so tight in many 
areas that workers can get sleeping 
cots only for a few specified hours 
at a time, with several men being 
allotted alternately to a single cot. 
Sleeping workers are awakened to 
give up their cots to others coming 
in for a nap. 

Theatres catch the overflow of 
those who can't get enough sleep 
otherwise, customers coming in 
either to sleep for a couple of hours 
before Q\e time they are scheduled 
to take over their beds or for a few 
hours after t)iey have been obliged 
to give up their sleeping quarters. 
Some have no housing of any kind, 
and the only sleep they get is in the- 
atres. 

In any event, houses operating in 
these territories are jammed con- 
tinuously and grossing from 300% 
and up more than In previous years. 



HoUywood, Oot ST. 

WiUiam Bendix inked part-time 
pact calling for two pictures • year 
at 20th-Fox. 

Elynne Ray's minor acting contract 
with Metro approved by Superior 
Court. 

Doris Merrick's player option 
picked up by 20th-Fox. 

Lewis Clay handed writing ticket 
at Metro. 

Joan Bennett inked two-picture 
contract with 20th-Fox. 

Craig Wood, stage actor, handed 
stock ticket by Columbia. 

Fred Elliott inked actor pact at 
2(Hh-Fox. 

Harry Wild signed as cameraman 
by Sol Lesser. 

Martha MacVicar drew a player 
contract at Universal. 

Nathaniel Shilkret signed by Metro 
as composer-conductor. 

Max Terr drew contract as musi- 
cal scorer at H^etro. 

Ken Englund signed two-picture-a- 
year-writlng pact at Paramount 



M mm HIGH 

WITH 13 PK 
GRINDING 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

With 11 pictures in work and two 
more coming up, Metro is putting on 
the heaviest October production In 
all Its history. Latest starter is 'Half 
Pint Kid," and two waiting at the 
starting gate are The Yotmgest Pro- 
fession' and 'Private Miss Jones.' 

In various stages of production are 
'DuBarry Was a Lady,' 'Cabin In the 
Sky,' 'Assignment In Brittany,' 
'Nothing Ventured.' 'Three Hearts 
for Julia.' '(Gentle Annie,' 'Salute to 
the Marines,' 'Lassie Comes Home,* 
'Presenting Lily Mars' and Tbe Hu- 
man Comedy.' 



POLA NEGRI'S RESPITE 
FROM HOTEL'S DUN SUIT 



Supreme Court Justice Julius Mil- 
ler today (Tuesday) denied a motion 
made by attorneys for the Hotel Am- 
bassador, N.Y., to attach the balance 
of payments stfll doe Pola Negri 
from the publishers of American 
Weekly (Hearst) to whom she sold 
the story of her life. The Hotel Am- 
bassador sought to attach $2,500 
which represents the balance of a 
$7,500 contract that the former star 
had with the weekly. She has al- 
ready received $5,000, which she said 
she used to p^ some of her debts. 

Justice Miller denied the motion 
on two grounds, first because of fail- 
ure to personally serve Miss Negri 
with notice; and, secondly, because 
the hotel failed to ask the court's di- 
rection as to the manner of service 
on the actress. However, the motion 
was denied without prejudice and 
the attorneys may make a further 
lequest to the court. 

Miss Negri, according to the com- 
plaint is to receive tbe $2300 bal- 
ance for her memoirs including the 
'full story of her romances and mar- 
riages.' 

The hotel is seeking the remainder 
on a judgment obtained against Miss 
Negri in 1935 for $5,259 which, at- 
torneys said, represents the unpaid 
balance pf an, $8,500 debt which tbe 
actress incurred while she occupied 
a suite at the hotel from November, 
1932, (o August, 10B4. 



Year's H%k Mark For 
Tecimicolor Footage 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Technicolor is mounting to a new 
high this year, well beyond the for- 
mer mark of 97,014,757 positive print 
footage established in 1941. In addi- 
tion to features in color, the labora- 
tory is using a large part of Its fa- 
cilities for Army and Navy work. 

Check-up shows 20lh-Fox leading 
with 12 color films, Paramount sec- 
ond with 10, Metro five, Universal 
four, Disney, Warners and Columbia, 
two apiece, and one each for BKO 
and United Artists. 



VnUes Hug for Pktwes 



- Speaking over the combined CBS, NBC, Mutual and Blue networks 
Mondaj (M) night, Wendell WlUkle, in hla report to the American 
people on ib* Intematkmal situation, paid hi^ tribute to motkm 

flctures for maintaining the American reservoir of good will abroad, 
[e warned, however, that the good will reservoir, which has caused 
the world to like and respect America, Is leaking. 

Perhaps the most marlDBd appreciation from a high-ranking states- 
man of tha Importance of the screen in molding international relatloni^ 
Wlllkle stated: 'Our motion pictures have played an important role 14 
building this reservoir of friendliness. They are shown all over thf 
world. People of every country can see with their own eym what 
we look Uke, can hear our voices. From Natal to Chungking I was 
plied with questions about American motion picture stars — queg« 
tions asked eagerly by shop girls and those who served ttie ooSee, 
and just as eagerly by the wives of prime ministers and kings.' 

Willkie, who is obairman of the board of directors of 20th-Fox, spoke 
from 10:30 to 11:07 p.m. from the CBS studios. He recently toured the 
war fronts as special representative of President Roosevelt, 



I Perjury Indictments As Result 
Of Further Brown^Bioff Probing 



Investigation by U. 8. Attorney 
Mathlas F. Correa Into circumstances 
surrounding alleged slush fund of 
$1,500,000 collected by the Interna- 
tional Alliance of Theatrical Stage 
Employees from Its 42.000 members 
during the reign of George E. 
Browne and Willie Bio? led to two 
perjury indictments Monday (26). 
Reported In the trade that Correa's 
office has been Investigating the so- 
called 2% assessment forced upon 



Hoflywood Costs 
Down, NW indies 
Want Rentals Cut 



Minneapolis, Oct. 27. 

Demanding lower film rentals and 
the elimination of percentage, Twin 
City independent exhibitors point 
out that the continued war drain on 
the high-salaried male film stars will 
serve to curtail declining Hollywood 
production costs still further. They 
want the savings passed on to them.' 

Among tbe other productions cost 
savings cited by independents here 
to bulwark their stand, in addition 
to stars' salaries, are the fewer and 
less expensive sets now being used. 
The matter of general labor em- 
ployed in tbe making of films is a 
comparative matter as far as total 
costs are concerned, it's claimed 
here. 

Despite loss of foreign wars, film 
company earnings, even after mak- 
ing full provision for the new high 
taxes, continue to soar for most of 
the major producers, the indepen- 
dents here say. Yet the, companies 
are asking higher prices for their 
product, according to the inde- 
pendents. 



PAR EXECS DEALT IN 
ONRIDEnSHARINGPLAN 



Hollywood, Oct 27. 

Paramount is the first major stu- 
dio to work out a Share-a-Rlde sys- 
tem among its regularly employed 
workers to prepare for the gas- 
rationing regulations which start 
next month. 

About 250 employees live close 
enough to the lc4 to ride bicycles or 
walk. The rest, amounting to 2.427. 
are listed according to their working 
hours, distance from the studio and 
carrying capacity of their cars.. In- 
cluded in the list are Y. Frank Free, 
man, vice president; Henry Gins- 
berg, general manager, and B. G. de 
Sylva, executive producer. 



Lasky Goes From Twam 
To XoBB. Yankee' at WB 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

'A Connecticut Yankee in King 
Arthur's Court,' based on the Mark 
Twain novel, will be the next pro- 
duction at Warners by Jesse L. 
Lasky, who recently completed The 
Adventures of Mark Twain.' 

Story has been screened twice be- 
fore, once with Harry Myers and 
once with Will Rogers. 



LA members ever since the avtorUo^ 
case was brought against Browni 
and Bioff, now serving terms In Fe£ 
era] prison. 

Indictments handed up Monday 
(26) name Martin A. Hirsch, former 
Treasury Department auditor, now 
conducting a tax consultant business, 
and Isadore Zevin of Chicago, for» 
mer secretary to Browne. Hlrsoh 1| 
out on $5,000 bail, while Zevln has 
not been apprehended as yet 6p 
the perjury charges, If convicted) 
Hirsch faces a maximum flve-yeair 
sentence and a $2,000 fine, while 
maximum for Zevln would be 60 
years and $42,000 fine. 

The two men are accused of per> 
juring themselves, Correa claiming 
i they did so in order to Interfere with 
' investigation that Is under way in 
connection with the large slush fund 
and what happened to the ^oney. 
This investigation will continue. 

Zevin, according to Federal offi- 
cials, was employed by Browne aj 
secretary at $100 weekly but specif* 
cally acted as bookkeeper in charge 
of the special assessment fund. In« 
dictment includes nine counts, 
charging he made false statements 
to a Govenmient investigator 
July 23, 1941, and on April 21-22 thU 
year. 

Hlrsch's Ball for Nick Dean 

Hirsch, who has offices In Bro^- 
lyn, is claimed to have put up $2{|,> 
000 bail for Nick Clrcella, bett«» 
known as Nick Dean, when Clroella 
was indicted along with Browne apd 
Bioff for shaking down the film in- 
I dustry. He supplied bail In eonneo- 
tion with other rackets, tihe Indlgt- 
ment charging that he lied when 
questioned as to the bail, Includl^ 
bond money that was returned (9 
him. Dean was bodyguard for 
Browne. 

Indictment against Zevin alle«es 
he testified fals^y when be told m» 
Grand Jury that the assessment tuna, 
built up during 1935, 1936, 1§^T, was 
foi' tbe purpose of paying salaries 
and expenses of lA representativss. 
Zevin knew, it was claimed by Cor- 
rea. that the fund had been set up 
so that it could be diverted enA mSe- 
appropriated to the personal use of 
diverise persons whose Identity Is un- 
known to the grand Jurors.' 

In line with this charge, Correa 
recalled that during the Browne-Bl- 
I off trial. Hurry M. Warner testified 
I th.Tt on one occasion around Christ- 
mas Bloff had demanded $25,000 
! since 'the boys In Chicago' were ex- 
! oecting a Christmas present The 
I U. S. attorney added object of in- 
; vestigation was to find out who 'the 
i boys in Chicago' are. 

Zevin Is alleged to have told the 
I grand jury and Alf Oftedal, special 
I agent of the Treasury Dept., that 
I from 1935 to 1941 representatives of 
the lA had sent him by registered 
mail vouchers and sealed envelopes 
addressed to Browne. Zevln con- 
tended, however, that none of the 
letters contained any currency, 
whereas, according to the Indictment 
against him charges that during the 
years in question Richard F. Walsh, 
James J. Brennan, then vice presi- 
dents. William Raoul, special lA rep, 
and Floyd Billlngsley. Coast vice 
president, had sent mail with money 
in it but that no sealed envelop^ 
were addressed to Browne. Walsp 
is now lA president, while Raoul Is 
assistant president 

In his investigation Into the B% 
assessment fund, Correa's office has 
from time to time called In scores 
of people who might aid the In- 
quiry. 



Vedoesday, •October 28, 1942 



PICTURES 7 





Film and Legit Groups Renew Talks 
On Revising Rules For Play Fmancing 



Further conversations have been 
Jield between managers and picture 
people over the proposal of the latter 
to revise the rules applicable when 
film coin is entirely backing legit 
ghows. II has been proposed that a 
year's trial of the Hollywood Idea 
be agreed upon. Principal change 
proposed is that the managers and 
fcuthors drop the clause in the basic 
agreement, temporarily at least, stip- 
ulating that, when plays are backed 
by picture firms, scripts must first b« 
jubmitted to at least two recognized 
producers. They may accept or de- 
cline to present the shows, before 
the film end does so on Its own. 

At a session last week, there was 
I difference of opinion expressed by 
flie legiters. a portion of whom were 
not familiar with the picture pro- 
visions in the basic agreement. Some 
laid that Hollywood has so much 
coin that they might take over the- 
atres and dictate terms, so that play 
producers miKht soon be working 
for the studio owners. They also 
speculated that if the rule were 
dropped, all scripts would go to the 
picture offices without legit man- 
agers getting a chance to judge their 
merit. 

Other showmen were not so dubi- 
ous. Among them were producers 
who rarely put on plays until scripts 
are rewritten to conform to their 
Ideas of what is good theatre. Pic- 
ture firms who wish to produce on 
their own do not appear to have 
established producers on their staffs, 
which puzzles managers as to their 
reason for wanlinj; the rule dropped. 
Not clear, cither, how or why there 
will be more plays produced under 
^a proposed change, as 'claimed by 
the picture end. 

Authors are more dubious about 
fonlract revisions than the managers 
^ave been, but the latter, who favor 
listening to the film people, figure 
the Dramatists Guild will make 
. koncessions for experimental pur- 
twses. Proposed change would cover^ 
puroh'ase of films rights to plays in" 
advance of legit production. It is 
known as the 'alternate' minimum 
basic agreement. 

Under the rules, wholly fllm- 
baoked plays call for the picture 
people to deposit at least $15,000 on 
kooount for picture rights, with 
weekly additions during the shows' 
fogagement. a price-ceiling for the 
Ifl^ls beirtg agreed upon. Picture 
rights would go to the backing firm. 

LB. MAYER'S N.Y. TRIP 
FOR EXEC POWWOWS 



Metro 'Beaches' Morgan 



Hollywood, Oct, 27. 
Frank Morgan, currently playing 
a telegraph operator in 'The Human 
Comedy,' will be upped to a supreme 
court Judge in the forthcoming 
Metro comedy, 'Mr, Justice Goes 
Huntin,' 

Picture is slated for a December 
start, directed by Roy Rowland and 
produced by Robert Sisk, 



Louis B, Mayer arrived in New 
Vork Monday morning (26) to con- 
fer .with Nicholas M, Schenck on 
producing plans, problems affecting 
{traduction and to discuss films that 
<re completed or in process of com- 
pletion. 

Problem of stars is again a factor, 
•ipeoially with the draft's inroads. 

He also will huddle with Bill 
Bodgers, Metro's general sales man- 
ager, on sales policies. Rodgers, in 
Washington the pa.st two days, re- 
tvirna- to the home office today 
(Wed.). 

Willie reported that a new con- 
jfact for Mayer as v.p. over produc- 
Pon, would be taken up, understood 
V* trip east is along powwow lines. 
Mayer came east due to the inabil- 
ity of Schenck to go west at this 
'""a. Among other things, Schenck 
JM not been feeling well lately, 
while also many other matters are 
jow taking up Schenck's time. How- 

.Hf' not been well lately, 

either. 

Howard Slrickling, who accom- 
panied Mayer east, will return to 
we Coast with him, probably next 



New Plays Raise 
Issue of Clarifying 
Basic Agreement 



Question of interpretation of the 
present minimum basic agreement 
will' probably be raised by several 
forthcoming play propcrlies. They 
include Terence Rattigan's 'Flare 
Path." Margaret Curtis' 'A Highland 
Fling' and a proposed dramatization 
of James Ronald's book, 'Old Soldiers 
Never Die.' 

Under the existing agreement. If 
a play has been sold to a film com- 
pany it may not be produced on 
Broadway for at least a year after- 
wards. 'Flare Path.' a current hit in 
London, has been bought by 20th 
Century-Fox. which now propo.ses to 
do the show in New York, Same 
studio has a similar deal for 'High- 
land Flinj;.' Fact that 'Flare' is a 
London import may alter the cir- 
cumstance!) governing it. but appar- 
ently a waiver will have to be ob- 
taUned for a legit production of 
'Fling.* 

Metro is dickering for the film 
rights to the 'Old Soldier.^' novel and 
intepds financing a legit version on 
Broadway. That also would probably 
depend on an okay by the Drama- 
tists Guild, at least if the picture 
company intends hiring a Guild 
member to do the adaptation. 

Other instances of active Holly- 
wood interest in Broadway produc- 
tion is Columbia's backing of A. H. 
Woods in the presentation of Wilfrid 
H. Pettitt's 'This Little Hand.' Same 
studio al.io supplied the financing for 
Brock Pemberton's production of 
'Janie.' at the Miller. N. Y.. and has 
Max Gordon, one of its producers, 
eyeing other Broadway plays for 
possible purcha-^e. One of the latter 
is Maxwell Ander.son's 'Eve of St 
Mark.' st the Cort 

Metro is investing $10,000 in the 
Blackwell-Curti.s production of 'The 
Willow and I' and picture producer 
Edward Small ha.< a slice of the 
forthcoming -Sweet Charity.' Para- 
mount owns an interest in George 
Abbott s 'Beat the Band" musical, at 
the 461h Street. Warner.<; h.ns a share 
in 'Little Darling." which opened last 
night (Tuesday 1 at the Biltmore. N. 
Y. la Warner house) and has a 
sizable slice of the forthcoming 
'Counter-Altack.' WB al.so had a 
piece of the recent 'Morning Star' 
failure. 



Wurtzel'. Air Epic 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
Production chore on 'The Flying 
tf shman at 20th-Fox goes to Sol 
wurtzel. with Scott Darling work- 
•"l on the script. 

J.i b"!^ "''"1 'he career of 

"le Paddy Finucane, RAF flyer. 



INEVITABLE 
FOR H' 




Present Wartime Experience 
Augurs Need for Taking 
On Feminine Help In Stu- 
dios, As in Theatres 



MANPOWER DEARTH 



Next few years will likely see 
womanpower emerging as one o( the 
most important factors in film pro- 
duction, in opinion of soma studio 
toppers who are already making 
plans for larger scale employment 
of women as technicians. 

Training of women, who have so 
far replaced men only in minor 
phases of exhibition and distribution 
(ushering, small theatre manage- 
ment and booking), as studio techni- 
cians will likely be accelerated. 
Move is regarded as inevitable in 
some quarters, since the lowered 
draft age has already forced studio 
execs to revise previous plans for 
replacing lost manpower with 'teen- 
agers.' 

Development of newcomers for 
technical assignments presents one 
of major problems currently con- 
fronting studios, due to long training 
period required. 

New draft age regulation removes 
hundreds of youngsters who have 
been regarded as potential replace- 
ments in studio technical as well as 
in the less skilled labor departments. 



OLD PHONO AND SLIDE 
SYSTEM BACK IN 1942 



Figuring thai trailers will get 
shorter and fewer due to War Pro- 
duction Board celluloid leslriclions, 
theatres are dra^giiig oiil old phono- 
graphs and preparing to have di.^cs 
and flash slides made to plug forth- 
coming pictures. It's the first time 
in some 20 or 30 years thai theatres 
have looked lo slides as emergency 
trailers in event of shoiiatses. 

Milion Berkowil/. chief projec- 
tionist al the Capuol ihealre. New 
York, is experinienliiig with the disc 
and slide idea. 



Pool Animators 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

So many trained cartoon workers 
are going into military service with- 
in the next few months that the 
Screen Cartoonists Guild is arrang- 
ing a general pool of talent and 
work to continue production of ani- 
mated subjects vital to the war ef- 
fort. Guild is faced with a loss of 
50% of its membership through 
diaft and enlistments. 

William Pomerance, business rep- 
re.sentative for SCG, is conferring 
by mail with William Hopkins, re- 
gional director of the Manpower 
Commission, to correct the situation, 
which threatens a letdown in the 
production of training Alms highly 
important to the Army and Navy. 

Enlistments of skilled technicians, 
far removed from lA, rather than 
drafts of young men, are causing 
concern in motion picture studios. 
In the last four months, according 
to one production exec, his lot has 
lost as many highly trained older 
men, with w'ives and dependents, 
through volunta/y enlistments as it 
has through the draft route, 

Siiuattlin ~ a " partttdlarly true 
among sound engineers who are 
leaving Hollywood in large num- 
bers tu handle technical details of 
radio and other forms of com- 
munications in the various military 
blanche."!. 



HAKIM BROS. SIGNED 
AS METRO PRODUCERS 



Spread of Buying Combines Raises 
Question Whether Ganging Up On 
Distribs Creates Restrsunt Dangers 



'Serve' Only 1 Print 



Field Marshal Sir John Dill has 
arranged a special showing of 'In 
Which We Serve' for all United Na- 
tions reps in Washington Friday 
(30). 

There's only one print of the Noel 
Coward picture in the U, S., with re- 
sult that showing for diplomatic as 
well as Industry screenings are be- 
ing staggered. 



3 Acts, Hoists Ore 
Claim No Payoff 
From Rowland Pic 



Bill Rowland, indie film producer, 
has finished his 'Follies Girl' pic, 
shot at the Ideal Studios in New Jer- 
sey and Producers Releasing Corp. 
has a release deal for the film. Mean- 
time, three acts and Ernie Hoist's 
orch are waiting for their dough, 
which the A.F.M. says it hasn't re- 
ceived as yet. 

Outstanding obligations. which 
Rowland said would be paid at noon 
yesterday (Tues. ), consist of $1,500 
to Local 802, A.F.M., for Hoist, and 
about $1,000 spread about the Heat- 
waves, Lazar & Costiano and the 
Charles Weidman Dancers. The pro- 
ducer claims that the only reason 
the mu.sicians have not been paid is 
that there is a difference of opinion 
as to how many men worked and 
how long; that his deal with the 
Weidman Dancers called for Jose 
Fernandez, a flamenco dancer, who 
was not delivered, and that here also 
the amount due is in dispute. Tal- 
ent claims to have been waiting for 
(Continued on page 16) 



IMPORTANT WB SALES 
POWWOW IN CHI NOV. 13 



• Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Metro 'gned Raymond and Robert 
Hakiin lo a joint producer contract, 
their flr.st in America. 

For 17 years the brothers pro- 
duced pictures in Pari.s. many of 
them foi; Paramount under the pre- 
war quota law. 



A sales meeting, to be attended by 
high homeofflce executives and all 
district managers, will be held by 
Warner Bros, at Chicago on Nov. 13 
to go over new product, discuss sell- 
ing policies and other matters relat- 
ing to distribution. In addition to 
Ben.Kalmenson, WB's general sales 
manager, session will be attended 
by Joe Bernhard, Mort Blumenstock, 
Norman H. Moray, Roy Haines, Ar- 
thur Sach.son and Al Schwalberg 
from the h.o. 

District sales heads on hqnd will 
be Jules Lapidus, Norman Aycrs, 
Robert Smeltzer, Harry Seed, Wil- 
liam S. Sharlin, Hall Walsh, Ralph 
McCoy, Henry Herbcl and Wolfe 
Coher.. 

Charlie Einfcld will come on from 
the Coa.st to also attend. 



Won't Stay That Way Long 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Carmen Miranda and Betty Grable 
are assigned to co-star as the girl.s 
ill 'The Girls He Left Behind Him' 
at 20th-Fox. 

Musical picture, with a wartime 
background, will be produced by 
William LeBaron and screenplayed 
by Walter Bullock. 



Jane Wyatt, Geo. Murphy 
Personal in RKO Houses 

Jane WyatI and George Murphy 
ha\e been tentatively set for a se- 
ries of personals in tl-.e east in RKO 
picture hou.'es, being scheduled to 
head east in about two weeks, 

Pos,-ibility that the two players 
will appear on the Kate Smith broad- 
cast Nov. 1,3 froni Chapel Hill, N. C, 
for the Navy. 



What the distributors are going 
to do if the movcm.ent toward cre- 
ating buying-booking combinations 
reaches important proportions, is a 
question that does not produce a 
positive •an.swer so far but hinted 
that buying cooperatives may be 
construed as being in restraint of 
trade. Further, also, that if com- 
bines get out of bounds and serve as 
a club in batting down film prices, it 
could be that the Department of 
Justice will take cognizance of the 
situation. 

After all. noted that Thurman 
Arnold is seemingly keeping an eye 
peeled on the picture industry and, 
regardless of how the unpredictable 
assistant attorney general might 
feel; the anti-trust laws were written 
for the wholesaler as well as the 
retailer.' In the trade, it is believed 
significant in some quarters that 
Abnam F. Myers, general counsel of 
Allied, has been along on the Allied 
States caravan holding meetings in 
various parts of the country to dsi- 
cuss control of rentals and other 
matters. Suggested that po,ssibly he 
went along to advise on the legal 
side of the matter. 

Allied States Assn, for a couple 
years now has been gathering sales 
and other information for the gen- 
eral benefits of its members, also 
discussing with exhibs the question 
of operating overhead, its control, 
etc. 

Dangers 

While cooperative buying setups 
in Michigan, Ohio, California and 
elsewhere have been doing business 
with distribs right along without 
trouble, it is stressed that if they 
or new ones springing up get dan- 
gerous, then there may be trouble. 
The danger, it is added, would come 
through any purchasing combination 
that was organized to seriously cur- 
tail rentals, with strikes of large 
groups of theatres pulled unless 
terms were brought down to the 
desired point. 

While the rentals and percentages 
demanded by the distrib are the ex- 
cuse for the organization of buying- 
booking combinations, with consid- 
erable agitation also for Federal 
price ceilings, at the same it is 
argued in sales circles that prices 
of everything have gone up. 

Among the newer independent 
booking groups is the Michigan In- 
dependent Exhibitors Assn,. with 
(Continued on page 52) 



WARNER NEWSREEL 
AGAIN IN-TALK STAGE 



Sears' Coast Chores 

Grad Sears left for the Coast Fri- 
day i2:ti 10 set United Artists prod- 
uct deals with Fox West Coast the- 
atres, 

Sear-i is also reported negotiating 
I new deals <vith outside producers 
dickering for UA release. 



Pu.4sibiiily of a sixth American 
new,<rcel company, produced by 
V/arncr Bros, and highlighting war- 
effort items, is strictly in the talk 
stages, it was reported in New York 
yesterday (Tuesday). It is known 
that Harry M. Warner discussed the 
subject with S. Charles Einfeld when 
the two were in Washington recent- 
ly, but that's as far as the proposi- 
tion has gone. Also, it seems doubt- 
ful from several angles, especially 
from the technical and editor-man- 
power standpoint, if eastern execu- 
tives of Warner Bros, would approve 
llie proposition. 

Talk of a Warner newsreel has 
l)eeii up on several occasions in the 
last five years, but never got be- 
yond the conversational stage. 



Muni as Dr> Sun Yat Sen 



Hollywood. Oct, 27, 
Lester Cowan has signed Paul 
Munj for the lead in a biographical 
picture about Dr, Sun Yat Sen. Chi- 
nese patriot. Cowan recently talked 
over the film with the Chinese am- 
bassador in Washington, who made 
considerable material available. 

Muni is Cowan's star in 'Comman- 
dos Came at Dawn', (Columbia), 



FILM REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



Jouraey for Margaret 

Metro relenw of B. P. Flnemnn protliic- 
tion. Ki-iilurc9 Hiiltcrt YounK, Laraloe Djiy. 
PilWtoO by W. s. Van Dyk« II. Screnn- 
)>lBy. Havlfl Hei'lz, William Ludwlic; bafled 
en lM>fii; I'V Willi. Ill) I,. Wbiif; wihera. It.iy 
.itint: rilitiir, G'-'-icP While. Tra^estaown 
In N.w York. Oil. Ji'.. 42. RunnInK timp. 
HI MINIS. 

.lohn PhvIp Robert Toimx 

Nora Davlft Lartilne Day 

Tniilv SlrHUJiy Fny Balnlor 

)l.il.i-rl V. AlllKOn NIKel Riuie 

Miiii::irel MitrKUret O'nrlen 

I'l-t,-!' William Spv.'rn 

Mrn. Hnlley Ellaabeth Rlsdnn 

Mr>i, Rarric DorlK l.loyd 

.Mr Barrif Hnlllwell Hobliea 

Mm. Harrl" Heather "niatrher 

Sii«:in Fleming JIM Ksmond 

'llucccO* <i. I*. Huntley, -tr. 

Krau WelK-r I.Ian Gnlm 



Picture of England under the blitz, 
depicting the horrors of modern war- 
fare as they afTect children, will hit 
from good to strong grosses. It's a 
sturdy top feature. 

An obvious tcar-lerker. with occa- 
sional dcoartures from labored dra- 
matics, the theme is intrinsically 
powerful so that it will hold and 
impress. 

A little slow in getting under way, 
the yam picks up as soon as the 
juvenile war victims begin to be in- 
troduced. Margaret O'Brien and Wil- 
liam Severn, excellent child per- 
formers, from that point on give 
Robert Young and Laraine Day 
plenty of competition for the spot- 
light. 

Young, as the journalist-husband 
of the childless wife (Miss Day) vis- 
its a home for kids who have been 
bombed out of their homes and lost 
their parents, to pick up a story. He 
develops a keen Interest in the 
youngsters, especially the little boy 
(Severn) who begins to talk only 
after Young recovers a toy lamb for 
him and the girl (Margaret) who has 
developed a strange affection for a 
magnesium bomb and a clinical In- 
terest in 'CJerma' planes. 

Fay Bainter stands out in the role 
of the directress of the home, en- 
deavoring to establish links with the 

east for the children and restore 
lem to normalcy. Miss Day does 
not impress in a characterization 
which is subordinate to the major 
line of action and which has not been 
too well drawn by the scripters. 

Mori. 



WHISTLING IN DIXIE 

Metro release of Oeonra Hnlsht produc- 
tliin. .Sum Red Skelton and Ann Rulh«r- 
ford: features 'Raga' RltKland, Diana 
L<>wl« and Ouy Kibhee. Directed by S. 
.Sylvan Simon. Screenplay by Sat Perrln; 
camero. Clyile De VInna; editor. Frank 
Sullivan; additional dialoit. Wllkla Ma- 
honey. Prexlewed at Zlecfeld. N. T.. Oct. 
13, '42. RunnInK time, 14 M1N8. 

Wally Benton Red (niellon 

Cai-ol Lambert Ann Rutherford 

Sheriff Claude SlaicK. . ■ ■ - .Oeoise Bancroft 

Judge Oeorce Lee Guy Klbbee 

Ellamae Dovna Diana Lewla 

Frank V. Ballle Peter Whitney 

Chester Conway 'RniH' Ragland 

Hmtlo L*« Cella Trajera 

Corporal Lucken Luclen LIttlefleld 

Lem Louis Mason 

Martin Gordon Mark Daniels 

Doctor Pierre WatkJn 

Rodlo Producer Emmett Vogan 

Panky Hobart Cavonaugh 



"This screwball laugh vehicle is 
tailored to fit Red Skelton. While 
Skelton gained stature in recent 
pictures, this is his first comedy en- 
tirely dependent on him to score a 
laugh hit. He comes through in fine 
fashion and 'Whistling in Dixie' ts 
headed for sturdy boxofflce returns. 

Basis for (he hi-jinks is the oldie 
about the hidden gold and efforts of 
the local gentry to keep said coin 
for -themselves, even if meddlers 
have to be bumped off. While 
there's not a sin^jle killing in the 
film, entire premise is built aliout 
efforts to solve a mysterious shoot- 
ing and body snatching in a ceme- 
tery. 

Skelton originally is Introduced as 
the master sleuth, 'The Wolf,' in a 
typical radio soap-opera serial. He's 
inveigled into going to Georgia by 
his sweetheart, who wants to help a 
sorority sister solve a mystery. "The 
plot grows wackier every succeed- 
ing moment until the climax in a 
water-filled room in an old Civil 
War fort. Last phase of the film Is 
so slapstlcky that it has to get by 
strictly on the subtle kidding of old- 
fafhioned mellers. 

Pleftty of fun is poked at the melo- 
dramatics of soap operas, with the 
curse taken off by having the crazy 
airshow script angles actually work 
out for the salvation of Skelton and 
his friends. 

Skelton does an excellent job. 
Also, he says 'I dood it' only once, 
which is something of a record. Ann 
Rutherford, cast as his bride-to-be, 
races through this breathless com- 
edy as an able foil. Raes Ragland, 
who plays a dual role, that of Ches- 
ter, a paroled ex-gangster, ana Les- 
ter, a twin brother just escaped from 
the local hoosegow, ha.? his best 
screen comic role to date. 

Support is headed by Guy Kibbee, 
as an imbibing judge; Diana Lewis, 
as the southern sorority girl who 
.<;ecks solution of the supposed mur- 
der; George Bancroft, Peter Whit- 
ney. Celia Travers and Mark Daniels. 
Liicien Littlefleld makes something 
of the former Confederate soldier. 

■Director S. Sylvan Simon main- 
tained a swift gait. Screenplay by 
Nat Ferrin Is compact Wear. 



Northwest Rangers 

(ONE SONG) 

MotrO'ijoltlwyn-Mayer release of Samuel 
Marx production. Features James Craig. 
\villhim Lundlgan, Patricia Dene, John 
riirradine, Javk Holt. Kvonan Wynn, Urant 
Withers. Darryl Hickman and Drew Iloddy. 
Illrected by Joe Ncwmiin. Story, .\rtbur 
(.'aeNar; iida|ilallnn, Gordon Kahn and 
Pavid I^nic: soni;. Earl Brent and Ralph 
Kreeil; editor. Flunk K. Hull; camera, 
JiickKiin llopc. rtpvlewcd In projection r«>um. 
N. Y.. Oct. -ia. '41!. Running time. M 
MINSj. 

Frank 'lllii<-kle' Mar^lmll Jitniox Craig 

James Kevin Gardiner. .. WUhum Lundlgun 

Jean Avery Patricia Dune 

Martin Cauwell John ("arradlne 

Dunciiit Fraztt-r Jack Molt 

'.Slip' cr.Maru Kwnuil Wynn 

Fowler l!r;int Withers 

'Ulncklc.' as Hi<y Darryl Hlrkninn 

Jim, SB Bviy Drew Ituddy 



Since their colorful uniforms and 
the motto of always getting their 
man never lose charm as picture 
material, Metro has come up with 
another built around the Northwest 
Mounted Police, now, of course, 
known as the Royal Canadian 
Mounted Police. The title, however, 
does not entirely suggest that this 
one is about the cops above the 
border. It's a rather robust outdoors 
meller with strong romantic flavor 
that ought to pan out satisfactorily 
at the b.o. 

The central role, that of a gambler, 
would 'h!ave been an ideal one for 
Clark Gable, which may explain why 
James Craig, promising newcomer, 
was cast for it. This is Craig's 
second picture for Metro. He is a 
swarthy romantic type, not unlike 
Gable, and plays in a manner and 
voice suggesting the Metro star 
who's now in the Army. 

Girl is Patricia Dane, who's been 
doing featured parts in recent Metro 
films and has an assignment here 
that is a bit unlike those she has 
previously drawn, but she does it 
well. As a gambling-house singer, 
hired by Craig after he wins title 
to the joint, she vocals one number, 
'That Good for Nothin' Man of Mine,' 
which is directed at Craig. She 
sings it next to a piano in the style 
of the late Helen Morgan, showing a 
fair voice. The number itself rates 
fairly. 

Story of 'Norinwest Rangers' has 
considerable punch, has been plotted 
effectively and moves at a good pace, 
with the running time held down 
sharply to 64 minutes, considering 
the ground that's covered. Deals, on 
opening, with two boys who have 
become fatherless as result of an 
Indian raid. They are taken under 
the wing of a sergeant mountie. One 
wants to grow up to become a mem- 
ber of the Mounties, while the other 
takes an early liking to gambling 
and, as a kid, is cheated out of $200 
he receives for a silver fox skin. 
Determined to get even with the 
owner of, the crooked gambling 
joint, he comes back when grown to 
manhood and wins it at roulette, 
only to subsequently lose the girl to 
his pal of boyhood days, now a 
mountie, and Anally his life after' 
committing two murders. Hie story 
carries through to the end the strong 
friendship the two men, Craig ana 
William Lundigan, have felt for each 
other since, they were kids. 

Lundigan turns in a nice job, while 
all others in the comparatively small 
cast do commendably, including 
John Carradine, Jack Holt, Keenan 
Wynn, Grant Withers and the two 
kid actors, Darryl Hickman and 
Drew Roddy. 

Samuel Marx has given the pic- 
ture good production, outdoor scenes 
lending effective background, while 
the direction of Joe Newman is 
steady and competent. Char. 



Bad Men of the Hills 

(SONGS) 

Columbia releoss of Jack Fler pioducllun. 
Slarji Charles .>«tarrett: features Hussell 
Hayden, CHIT Edwards, Luana Waltera, 
AInn Bridge. Norma Jean Woolera. Di- 
rected by William Berke. Story and ndnp- 
latlon. Luci Ward: clltor. Richard FantI: 
comera, Benjamin Kline. At .New Tork, 
N. T., half dual bill, week Oct. 20, "42. 
Running time, MIN8. 

.Slave Carlton Charles .starrett 

Lucky Shelton Ruimm-M Huyden 

Harmony Hsines Clllt Edn-ards 

I.nurlc lllshoi Luana Waltera 

Sherllt Arnold Alan Bridge 

Doctor Ultchell Guy Usher 

Judso Afalotte Joel Frledkln 

Buckabot Norma Jean Wuoters 

Mnrshal I'pjohn John Shay 

Brant DUk llotfiler 



Another Charles Starrett western 
that achieves a high standard of en- 
tertainment value and, as with 
others in the series, packs plenty of 
action wallop. 

Audiences can always rely on 
some fancy punching in Starrett 
horse operas and ordinarily those 
wjio exchange socking with him can 
both take it and hand it out. This in- 
cludes Russell Hayden, who's in all 
the Starrett westerns. 

Cliff Edwards likewise appears in 
'his series of saddle-warmers for 
comic relief and also to sing the 
songs. Playing the guitar on the 
occasion 'Lady Bug' is sung, a very 
good number. Edwards has vocal 
company in the person of a little 
girl. Norma Jean Wooters. She has 
a fine voice and also yodels. 

Plot of the story concerns the 
successful efforts of Starrett, a U.S. 
Marshal, to get the goods on a mur- 
dering sheriff who terrorizes ranch- 
ers and others, rustling stock, etc. 

The girl is Luana Walters, an at- 
tractive type who has played in 
other westerns. Char. 



Miniature Reviews 

'loaroey for BUrfsret' (M-G). 
Moving yam about British chil- 
dren under Nazi bombs. Sub- 
stantial grosser. 

•WhMllar in Dixie' (M-G). 
Red Skelton screwball comedy 
geared for stout boxofflce re- 
turns. 

'Northwest lUngera' (M-G). 
Outdoor meller, well cast and 
played, should do okay at b.o. 

■Bad Men of the Hills' (Col) 
(songs). Good Charles Starrett 
western. 

'Foreign Agent' (Mono) (songs). 
Fairly worthy meller with a 
title that may help. 

•The Whalers' (Indie). Swed- 
ish-made feature on whaling ex- 
pedition; topflight fc~ Scandina- 
vian theatres. 

'Cenlza Al VIento' (Arg). 
Above average Argentine-made, 
with pro-democratic theme. 

'Manana Me Sulcldo' (Ar- 
gentine). Neat musical for Latin- 
American trade. 

'Ven, Ml Coraton Te Lbiiia' 
(Argentine). Disappointing 
though good for solid grosses. 

•Tres Masqneteros' (Mex.). 
Good boxofflce pic, a takeoff on 
Dumas' historical novel. 



FOREIGN AGENT 

Mtinogrnm release of Martin Moondy-Max 
KlnK pi'odurli.in. Sliira John Shcllon; fea- 
tures Gale .Slorip. Ivan l-ebedelf. Hanz 
Kchumin. William Hnlllgan. George TravcU. 
Palsy Moran nnd Lyiy Lattel. Directed by 
Wllllnm Deitudlne. Story, Martin Mooney; 
ndaplullon. MarUn Muoney and Jobn 
Krnfrt; editor. Fred Halne; songs. Bill Mel- 
lette iind lull Anderson; camera. Mack 
Stengler. Al New York, N. Y., dual, week 
■ >< t. M. '41'. Itunnlng time, «£ MINS. 

Jimmy John Shelton 

MItzl Gale Storm 

Okura Ivan LebedeK 

Werner Hanz Schumm 

Davis Wm. Halllgan 

■Nick George Travell 

■Ifian Patay Moran 

ICddle Lyly Lattel 

Stevens Herb Rawllttaon 

MrCall Kenneth Harlan 

Editor Jack Mulhall 

Carl Beck David Clarke 

'Foreign Agent,' a title that may 
attract in these times, is moderately 
good melodrama and, if not pointed 
too high, should do satisfactorily. It 
shapes up as a suitable associate 
feature on double bills. 

Martin Mooney had considerable 
to do with the making of the picture. 
He produced it in association with 
Max King, wrote the original story 
and, together with John Krafft, did 
the adaptation. 

Locale is Hollywood, where a 
group of enemy agents is seeking 
the plans for a searchlight filter on 
which a film studio technician has 
been working. Subversive bunch Is 
also busy gathering information use- 
ful to the enemy. Additionally, 
through a couple stooges, they have 
set up an organization designed to 
preach resistance gainst war. 

By devious and elaborate means, 
including tapped wires and record- 
ing of conversations, the spy gang 
is rounded up. Yarn, while very 
plotty, has a - tendency to drag 
toward the end. 

John Shelton, starred. Is pressed 
into service to investigate and trap 
the enemy agents. He's paired on 
romance with Gale Stonn, ' a film 
actress who works evenings in a 
nightclub. She sings the two num- 
bers written for the picture, 'Down 
Deep in My Heart' and 'It's Taps 
For the Japs.' While the numbers 
listen fairly well. Miss Storm sells 
them weakly, her voice being light- 
weight. 

Hanz Schumm, Ivan Let>edefT and 
George Travell make good foreign 
spy characters. Lel>eden in particu- 
lar being excellent as a Jap. William 
Halligan carries off effectively the 
role of a radio commentator who's 
getting in the hair of the enemy 
ring. Patsy Moran and her truck- 
driver tM>y friend, Lyly Lattel, pro- 
vide some comedy relief. Chor, 



THE WHALERS 

CValfangare') 
(SWEDISH-MADE) 

.Scandia Kllma release of A. B. Svensk 
Film Industries production. Features Tultu 
Itolf, Allan Boblln, Georg LoekkeberR. 
Oscar Kgede-Nlaaen. Directed by Anders 
Henrlkson. 8cr*enplay by Weyler Hlldc- 
brand. based on story by Tanrred Ibsen; 
lenders «if Arctic Wliallnp Expedition. Tnn- 
cred Ibsen, Jullua Jaenaon. At 4Hlh Street, 
-V. T.. Oct. 24-Nov. 8, '42. Kunnlng time, 
79 MIN8. 

Allan Illom Allon Rohllri 

Blom 9:r Eric Berglund 

Jensen S:r Hauk Aabel 

.Sonjo Tuttn Kolf 

Jensen J:r Tllus Vlbe-Mu»ller 

NIsse Arthur Rolen 

A Norse Lieutenant.. , ...Ueorg (.oekkeberg 

SnivelK Llilebn Bou<-hotte 

The Minister Johnnn Haugc 

C'nplnln 'S. S, Kusilioa 11' Karl Holter 

Oliiv l.ylike Oscar Kucde-Nlssen 

llig Knul Arthur nnrklng 

Llllle Knut Uunnar Hoeglund 

Alfred .\rlhur ri9<her 

Tor** Oiinniir SJueberg 

Cnok Ca rl-t; II nnu r W InKard 

Steward I*'inar FaKslad 

(fn Sxoednh and Norwegian with 
English Titles) 
Final whaling expedition to the 
Arctic waters prior to the invasion 
of Norway by Germany forms the 
basis of this melodramatic adventure 
story. The fact that leading screen 
players from Sweden and Norway 
head the cast iurther enhances Its 



possibilities In Scandinavian pa- 
tronage cinemas. It's one of the out- 
standuig screen thrillers turned out 
by the Swedish picture industry, 
and possibly the best picture to date 
from the Stockholm studios. 

Understood that at least one of the 
major distributors is looking at this 
completed version with a view of in- 
corporating the actual expedition 
footage into a U.S.-made feature. 
The Swedish producers already have 
skillfully dovetailed actual expedi- 
tion footage with studio scenes. 

Instead of a hum-drum story, the 
Swedish producers have made some- 
thing out of the familiar theme 
about a wealthy man's wastrel son 
reforming into a he-man. Here the 
carousing offspring makes good 
among the tough whaling ship crew, 
after being shanghaied on the expe- 
dition and left to shift for him^elf 
by his dad. There's the familiar tri- 
angle of two men seeking the same 
girl, one whaling boat officer and 
the other the wastrel. 

Actual spearing of the sea giants 
and hauling them aboard the boat 
form exciting episodes. Whole 
schools of whales are photographed 
against iceberg backgrounds. At- 
tempt at comedy via the wastrel's 
man servant becoming ill over the 
whale cutting-up operation is in bad 
taste. Much of the disemboweling 
episodes could be trimmed. 

Allan Bohlln is excellent as the 
wild youth, making the transforma- 
tion into a fighting man seem plau- 
sible. His rival, Georg Loekkeberg, 
the Norse lieutenant on the whaling 
boat, turns out to be the villain of 
the piece. Tutta Rolf, as the girl 
both men love, comely and trim of 
speech; Oscar Egede-Nissen, as boat 
captain; Carl-Gunnar Wingard, Ar- 
thur Fischer and Arthur Rolen head 
the large support. 

Anders Henrikson contributed uni- 
formly good direction; ditto Julius 
Jaenson, chief cameraman. Wear. 

CENIZA AL VIENTO 

('Ashes t« the Wind') 

(ARGENTINE-MADE) 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 15. 
Balres production and release. Directed 
by Luis Saslavsky. Stars Berta Slngerman, 
Pedro Lopaa Lagar and Maria Duval; fea- 
ttiraa Luis AraU, Ollnda Bozan, Tita Me- 
rello, Santiago Arrleta, Mallsa ZInl, Oscar 
Vallcelll, Nicolas Fregnes. Marcoa Caplan, 
Bmeato Vllchea, Jose Squlnquel, Allta Ro- 
man, Pedro Marotea, Inea Murray, Alberto 
Terronaa and Salvador Slnal. Story, Ale- 
jandro Casona, Homero Manzl nnd Hugo 
HacDougall. wlttt material bv Andra BIra- 
beaa, Leo Penile and Georges Kaydaau; 
music, Julian Bautlsta. 'Reviewed at the 
Broadway theatre, B. A. Running time, 
W M1N8. 



Watched with much interest be- 
cause it was the first Argentine-made 
film with a pro-democratic theme, 
'Ceniza Al Viento' ('Ashes to the 
Wind') is far and away above aver- 
age for Latin productions, but .still 
disappointing in view ot wiiat it 
might have been. Chief difficulty is 
that megger Luis Saslavsky has at- 
tempted to use the episodic tech- 
nique without ha'ving the skill and 
technical assistance to make it quite 
come off. 

Sketches of various authors have 
b^en woven into a whole, with the 
central thread being the life of a 
morning newspaper. Managing edi- 
tor, in blocking out the layout, as- 
signs places to police news, inter- 
national affairs, politics, theatre, etc., 
and a prologue and epilogue tie the 
piece together. Film has notice- 
able ups and downs. Saslavsky is 
dclUful in handling some of the epi- 
sodes, but others get out of hand. 
Particularly is this true in the se- 
quences involving the principal star, 
Pedro Lopez Lagar, who needs a 
strong directorial hand. 

Outstanding in the film is the use 
for the first time in local production 
of a definite pro-democratic idea, 
with actual slaps at the Nazis, and 
this sequence overshadows practi- 
cally anything else in the fllm. Tells 
how a newspaper proprietor, played 
by Luis Arata, discovers anti-demo- 
cratic material in his sheet and traces 
it to his son, played by Oscar Vali- 
celli. Paper takes up the cause of 
a shipload of European refugees who 
are refused admittance into the 
country, an incident based on the 
case of the Cabo De Buena Esper- 
anza refugees here last year. The 
attacks by the son continue and 
when the father calls the boy down, 
he discovers that the lad has been 
put up to his dirty work by foreign 
agents who, by their accents and 
monocles, are clearly identified as 
Nazis even though not specifically 
named. The father decides to give 
up publication of the daily rather 
than let his son go to jail, as threat- 
ened by the agents, but boy ulti- 
mately resolves to step behind the 
bars rather than stop the paper. 

Other sequences don't have quite 
the punch of this one, and those in- 
volving Senorita Singerman partic- 
ularly are overly theatrical. Se- 
quence based on a French comedy, 
which features Maria Duval, together 
with Santiago Arrieta and Alita Ro- 
man, is also better than average. 

Saslavsky deserves credit for get- 
ting away from the comedy and 
melodrama standard of local produc- 
tions and tackling present-day prob- 
lem. Publicity which has been built 
up by Critita, owned by the same 
management as Balres Studios, 
should help b,o. Rat/. 



MANANA ME SUICIDO 

(Tomorrow ni Commll Suicide') 
(ABGENTINE-MADE) 
(With Songs) 

Buenos Aires, Oct. I. 
BP. A. production and releusi. star. 
Amanda Ladesmu and Alberto Vila- }m 
lurea Osvaldo Miranda, Carloa Morganii 
Hector (}uintanllla and Billy Day* ".or; 
by Enrique Gonzalez Tunon. Directed bv 
Carloa Schlleper. Reviewed at the Monu. 
7» "mINS """"'"t <lnie. 



Nice musical, well set up, and 
with tunes above the average, 'Ma- 
nana Me Suicido' ('Tomorrow in 
Commit Suicide') should be a natural 
for Latin audiences and might also 
have certain appeal in the States be- 
cause it stars Alberto Vila, who for 
a time worked on the RKO lot. Vila 
shows considerable improvement as 
a result of his California training 
but present role is one that de- 
mands more charm than ability and 
can hardly be construed as a test 
He puts across his numbers in gootl 
style, and with a litUe slimming at 
the waistline ought to be ready for 
another try at Yankee kleig lights. 

Story by Enrique Tunon is not 
overly original, but the farce touches 
have been generally well handled 
by director Carlos Schlleper. With 
one eye constantly on the boxoffice 
he has emphasized the sure-fire en- 
tertainment values. Story concerns 
the publicity director of a perfume 
outfit who is unable to win the hand 
of a singer. He thinks up the idea 
of spreading the story that he plans 
to commit suicide for love of the 
gal. She falls for the gag and their 
engagement follows, but the owner 
of the whiff and swoon emporium 
spills the truth that it is just a 
phony threat and the singer breaks 
the engagement to accept the aroma 
tycoon. A few minutes before the 
wedding she learns that the press 
agent is really going through with 
his threat and she abandons the per- 
fumer at the altar to go back to her 
real love. 

Songs are well integrated with the 
^omantic Interludes, and supporting 
players, particularly Carlos Morgantl 
and (Ssvaldo Miranda, turn in excel- 
lent jobs which show lots of prom- 
ise. Hector Quintanilla gets plen^ 
ot guffaws in the comedy role. 
Amanda Ledesma is better photo- 
graphed than usual and ple^.sing 
in song numbers. Music by Alejan- 
dro Guitterez del Barrio is excellent, 
and Alberto Woifer's song Tristeza' 
is especially outstanding. Ray. 

Ven, Mi Corazon Te Llam 

('When My Heart Calls') 
(ABOENTINE-MADE) 
(With Songs) 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 13. 
Lumlton production and releaae. Stars 
Elvira RIos: features Tito I.uslardo, Alicia 
Rarrle, EHena Lncena, Enrique Roldan. Re- 
Kundo Pomar, Alberto Terrones. Vicente 
Forastlerl, Juan Porta. Antonio Capuano, 
Patricio Alearate and Vicente Roblno. 
Btory, adaputlon and direction by Mangel 
Romero; iniulc by Rudolfo .Sclammarelle; 
comera, Pablo Tat>ernero. 



One of the best-grossing Argen- 
tine-mades to come along In some 
time, 'Ven, Mi Corazon Te Llama' 
is still disappointing, not because it 
isn't far better than average but sim- 
ply because it had much that might 
have made it suitable even for gen- 
eral U. S. showing. While it will 
undoubtedly continue to be a solid 
grosser throughout Latin America, 
its chances elsewhere are hardly 
likely to make it even a possibility 
for U. S. remakes like 'Los Martes ' 
Orquideas,' the last native clicker. 

Film Is the first local starring ef- 
fort of Elvira Rios, Mexican singing 
star who came here under .special 
contract with Lumiton. Her song 
numbers are excellent, and her per- 
sonality is dynamic and interesting, 
but she's been so badly photo- 
graphed that any interest on this 
score is lost. Whole fllm. in fact, 
suffers from poor lighting and there 
is no telling what Senorita Rios 
might have been able to do with 
Hollywood handling. It's not beyond 
possibility that properly groomed 
and presented she might be potential 
boxoffice in the States, for, in addi- 
tion to her voice, she has presence 
and smartness. 

Story has a familiar sound and is 
a kind of pampa version of the cru- 
sading newspaper editor yarn fa- 
miliar north of the border. Action 
revolves around Alicia Barrie, bac- 
carat-batty wife of a crusading news- 
paper editor. The ed. Tito Lusl- 
ardo, is out to close the roadhouse 
where, unknown to him, his wife is 
the leading customer. Senorita Rios 
is cast as the wife of the gambling- 
house owner. The editorial maker's 
spouse leaves a ring as security 
when she gets into debt and later 
exchanges it for an I.O.U. The ed 
and the cops descend on the place 
and fail to find anything on the first 
visit, but when the gambler later 
discovers whose note he ha.'', he 
starts planning how he'll put the 
newsmen on the spot. 

Editor's wife goes b;ick to gel the 
note and later the gambler is found 
murdered. She's flnoUy tr.iccd. but 
after a courtroom scene, modeled 
more on the U. S. style than on ac- 
tual criminal practice here, Senorita 
(Continued on page 20) 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



PICTURE GB08SE8 



Husbands -B. Crosby Trim $44,P 
h Cbi; 'Bambf-^oke' Stout 16G 
ForH.O.Daiidy'Snia$h23G.2dWk. 



Chicago, Oct. 27. 

Cold snap which sent people 
■currying indoors this week put no 
S2^er%n theatre trade, which 
bS^ed along at a fast pace. Week- 
ends getting bigger all along. 

•Yankee Doodle l)andy,' at- $1.10 
too is doing great business at the 
n^sevelt and Tales of Manhattan' 
at the State-Lake has kept up a good 
pace. 

The Chicago is attracting fine 
femine trade with Bob Crosby and 
'Are Husbands Necessary.' 
Estimates for This Week 

ApoUo (B&K) (1,200; 35-55-65-75) 
—'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 
'Just Off Broadway' (20th). Fair 
$6500. Last week, 'Yankee Doodle' 
(WB) day-and-date with Roosevelt, 
sock $13,800. 

Chleaso (B&K) (4,000; 35-55-75)— 
'Are Husbands Necessary' (Par) plus 
Bob Crosby's Orch and vaude. 
pushing inUke to cover $44,000. 
Ijst week, "Desperate Journey" 
(WB). plus vaude headed by Jane 
Pickens, $42,100. 

Garrtck (B&K) (900; 35-55-65-7$) 
—'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Wildcat' 
(Far) (2d wk). Excellent $5,500. 
Last week, same bill, $7,300. 

Oriental (Iroquois) (3,200; 28-33- 

44- 55)— 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) plus 
Tiny Hill's Orch and vaude. Good 
$18,000. Last week, 'A-Haunting 
Will Go' (20th) plus A. B. Marcus 
unit, smash $25,800. 

Palace (RKO) (2,500; 33-44-66-75) 
— 'Bambi' (RKO) and 'Voice Terror' 
(U) (2d wk). Good $16,000. Last 
week, same bill, sock $22,100. 

BMseveit (B&K) (1,500; (75-$1.10) 
—'Yankee Doodle' (WB) (2d wk). 
Pushing to sock $23,000. Last week, 
smash $24,600, picture also playing 
the Apollo theatre — day-date that 

SUte-Lake (B&K) (2,700; 35-55-65- 
75)— Tales Manhattan' (20th) (2d 
wk). Swell $18,000. Last week, 
great $24,800. 

VBlted Artists (B&K) (1,700: 35- 

45- 8S-76)— -Panama Hattie' (M-G) 
(2d wk). Dropped oil but still rates 
nice' $9,500. Last week, excellent 
$13,200; 

Woods (Essaness) (1,200; 33-44-55- 
75)— 'Moscow Strikes Back' (Rep). 
Stout $9,000. Last week, 'Big Street' 
(RKO) plus 'Half Way Shanghai' 
(U), $4,300. 

Hub B.O. Action Strong; 
Tton' Fme $40,000 in 2 
Spots; 'Key' Nifty $22,000 

Boston, Oct. 27. 

Here's plenty of action along the 
line this week, what with only one 
holdover and a horde of pleasure- 
■eekers stumbling around town every 
night In the dim-out. Biz is terri&c 
on weekends, with servicemen and 
football crowds lapping up all thea- 
tre and nitery fare. 

'Yanik at Eton' Is getting the big- 
gest whirl this week, while 'Bambi,' 
dueled at Memorial, Is moderately 
okay. The sleeper Is 'Glass Key.' 
which Is fabulous at the M-P twins 
Bsttautc* (or Thb Week 

Berton (RKO) (3.200; 44-55-65-7S- 
85)— 'Big Street' (RKO) with Billy 
Hose's 'Diamond Horseshoe Revue.' 
Good stage and screen combo head- 
ing tor $30,000, flne. Last week, 
Here We Co Again' (RKO) with 
Dick Stabile orch, Jane Withers, 
others, neat $29,300. 
„EiqBlre^(M-P) (950; 75-Sl.lO)— 
•Yankee ^)oodle' (WB) (3d wk). 
Dropping fast in this neighborhood at 
wncy prices; n.g. $5,000. Goes out 
Nov. 1. Second week was around 
$5,500. 

Fenway (M-P) (1,373; 30-44-60)— 
Glass Key' (Par) and 'Pierre of 
Plains' (M-G). Great $7,000. Last 
week, 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 
Uye on Danger' (Par), $6,000, also 

,.**«"«wlal (RKO) (2,900; 44-55-65- 
75)-- Bambi' (RKO) and 'Meet Stew- 
!r» (Col). Doing well at just over 
518,000. Probably will hold. Last 
week, Tales Manhattan* (20th) and 
$15 000^^ By Night' (RKO) (3d wk) 

ss'SJ'I;??"''"*" <M-P) (4.367: 30-44- 
w-B5.75)--'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
and Just Off Broadway' (20th) 
Si5nnl5f''V Slipping, but okay at 
»1B,000. Last week, $23 000. 

Orpheom (Loew) (2,900; 44-65-75) 
Z.J^^ at Eton' (M-G) and 'Sabo- 
B,?;f-^."'^ 'C°'>- Poor notices but 
pulling it to $23,000, good. 
Holdover probable. Last week. 

t)?'",3,"attie' (M-G) and 'World 
at War (U. S.) (2d wk). $18,000. 

raramounl (M-P) (1,800: 33-44-60) 
piainc",«'^5.y' 'P"^ and 'Pierre 
Sl?nnn Tremendous here at 

515.000 or over. Last week. 'Across 



Pacific' (WB) and Xive on Danger* 
(Par), big $14,600. 

Stato (Loew) (3,600; 44-e5-7B>— 
'Yank at Eton' (M-O) and 'Sabotage 
Squad' (Col). Solid draw for Rooney 
at $17,000. Last week, 'Panama Hattie' 
(M-G) and 'World at War' (U. a), 
$13,400 in second week. 

TrmnslQx (Translux) (900; 17-28-44- 
55) — 'Mummy's Tomb' (U) and 
'Night Monster' (U). Horror stuff 
big here; $5,300. Last week, 'Sub- 
marine Raider' (Col) and 'Johnny 
Apollo' (20th), $4,600. 

1HAJ0R', $16,000, 
NEATINCLEVE. 

Cleveland, Oct. 27. 

With scrap drive and community 
War Chest campaigns over, down- 
town houses have noticed a decided 
pickup in matinee trade. 'Orchestra 
Wives' with 'Bombshells of 1943,' 
first unit of season booked by Palace, 
are putting RKO de luxer in the 
lead. 

'Major and Minor' is well above 
the water-mark at State. 

Estimates for This Week 
Allen (RKO) (3.000; 35-40-45-55) 
—'Desperate Journey' (WB) (2d wk). 
Errol Fiynn publicity, oddly' enough, 
giving moveover more b.o. power; 
swell $10,000 in sight. Last week, 
'Pardon My Sarong' (U), neat $7,000. 

Hipp (Warners) (3,700; 35-40-45- 
55)— 'Iceland' (20th). Sonja Henie 
fans and followers of Sammy Kaye, 
Cleveland bandmaster in film, bring- 
ing this okay $12,000 or near. Last 
week, 'Desperate Journey' (WB), 
terrific $18,000. 

Lake (Warners) (800: 35-40-4S-S5) 
— 'Pardon My Sarong' (U) (3d wk). 
Good $1,700 on third lap. Last week. 
Talk Town' (Col) (4th wk), excel- 
lent $1,200. 

Falaee (RKO) (3,700; 40-60-70)— 
Orchestra Wives' (20th) plus Harry 
Howard's 'Bombshells of 1943' unii 
Prancing along to big $22,500. Last 
week. 'Here We Go Again' (RKO) 
with Claude Thornhill's orch. Mary 
Brian, Marion Hutton, good $20,000. 

State (Loews) (3,450: 35-40-45-55) 
— 'Major and Minor' (Par). Breezy 
$16,000 being chalked up. Last week, 
'Moon^and Sixpence' (UA), flne $15,- 
000. 

Stlllmaii (Loew's) ,1,872: 35-40-45 
55) — 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) (2d 
wk). Lined up for satisfactory $7,- 
000 on second round. Last week, 
'Yank at Eton' (M-G) on a shift 
nabbed nice $5,800. 



'GLASS KEY' SOLD) 
$12,000 IN BALTO 



Baltimore, Oct. 27. 

Entire downtown list is hanging 
up nice figures. 'Highways By Night,' 
benefiting considerably from the ac- 
companying Sammy Kaye orch at 
the combo Hipp, is getting an extra- 
solid take. Good response indicated 
also for The Glass Key' at Keith's. 
Estimates for Thb Week 

Century (Loew's-UA) (3,000; 17- 
28-35-40-55)— 'Mrs. Hadley' (M-G). 
Good activity on weekend helping to 
pleasing $12,000. Last week, second 
of 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA), added 
steady $9,200 to .-surprisingly solid 
$16,200 in first week. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,240; 
17-28-38-44-55-66) — 'Highways By 
Night' (RKO) plus Sammy Kaye 
orch. Leaning on latter entirely for 
rousing $18,500. Last week. 'Counter 
Espionage' (Col) also dependent 
upon stage portion of Charlie Bamet 
orch, good $15,800. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2.406; 17 
28-35-44-55) — 'Glass Key' (Par). 
Faring very well at $12,000. Last 
week. 'Invisible Man' (U), nice 
$10,300. _ 

Mayfalr (Hicks) (980: 25-50)— 'Fly 
ing Tigers' (Rep) (3d wk). Holding 
well at possible $5,000. after sur- 
prisingly strong total of $15,800 for 
previous brace. 

New (Mechanic) (1.680: 17-28-40^ 
55)— 'Orchestra Wives' (20th) (2d 
wk). Going strong at $6,000, after 
okay initial .sesh at- $9,600. 

Stanley iWB) (3,286: 17-28-38-40- 
55)— 'Across Pacific' (WB) (2d wk). 
Maintaining good pace to $9,000. after 
clicko $15,700 flrsl time around. 

Valencia iLocws-UA) cl.450: 17- 
28-44-55)— 'Moon ,ind Sixpence' lUA) 
(moveover 1. Gnod S4.500. after 
healthy brace in tlown.'ilairs Century. 
Last week, yccoiul of -Y.ink at Eton 
(M-G). broueht total of $9,700 for the 
run. 



First Rons On Broadway 

(Subject to Chan0«) 

Week of Oct £9 
Ai*or— 'For Mo and My Gal' 
(M-Q) (2d week). 
(Reulaioed In 'Variety* Sept. 9) 

Capitol— 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) 

(2d week). 
(Revleued in 'Variety' Sept. 23) 
Criterion — 'The Glass Key' 

(Par) (3d week). 
(Reviewed In 'Variety* Sept. 2) 
Globe — 'One of Our Aircraft 

Missing' (UA) (31). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' AprU 29) 

Hollywood — 'Now, Voyager* 
(WB) (2d week). 
(Reuiewed in 'Variety' Aug. 19) 
Mnslo Hall — 'My Sister Eileen* 
(Col) (2d week). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 10) 

Paramoont — 'The Forest Rang- 
ers' (Par) (2d week). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 30) 

BUIto— 'Mummy's Tomb' (U) 
(2d week). 

(Reviewed in. current issue) 

Blvoll — 'Moon and Sixpem:e' 
(UA) (28). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 9) 

Boxy— Thunder Birds' (20th) 
(28). 

(Reviewed in 'Variety' Oct. 21) 
Strand — 'George Washington 
Slept Here' (WB) (30). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 23) 

Week of Nov. 5 
Aator — 'For Me and My Gal' 
(M-G) (3d week). 

Capitol— 'Cairo' (M-G). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Aug. 12) 

Hollywood — 'Now, Voyager' 
(WB) (3d week). 

Music Hall— 'My Sister Eileen' 
(Col) (3d week). 

Faramouit — 'Forest Rangers' 
' (Par) (3d week). 

Btelto — 'Street of Chance' 
(Par) (7). 
(Reviewed in 'Variety' Sept. 30) 

Blvoll — 'Moon and Sixpence' 
(UA) (2d weejc). 

Boxy- 'Thunder Birds' (20th) 
(2d week). 

Strand — 'George Washington 
Slept Here' (WB) (2d week). 



Trnd Yon' Fast $15,000, 
Leader in Minneapolis; 
'Bambi' Bangnp $8,000 

Minneapolis, Oct. 27. 

With the Minnesota-Michigan 
homecoming football game over the 
week-end attracting more than 54,- 
000, many from out-of-town, loop 
showhouses reflected an upl>eat. 
There are onljr a trio of newcomers, 
the most important of which are 
'Somewhere I'll Find You' and 
'Bambi.' 'My Sister Eileen' holds over 
for a fourth week downtown: 'Tales 
of Manhattan' went into its second 
canto in downtown sector. Both con- 
tinue strong. 

Shrinking matinee trade is still a 
headache, but booming night grosses 
help. 

Estimates for This Week 
Aster (Par-Singer) (900: 17-28)— 
'Berlin Correspondent' (20th) and 
'Affairs Martha' (M-G). Fine $2,000 
in five days. 'Calling Dr. Gillespie' 
(M-G) and 'Busses Roar' (WB) open 
Thursday (20). Last week. 'Live on 
Danger' (Par) and 'Highways by 
Night' (RKO) split with 'Counter 
Espionage' (Col) and 'Loves Edgar 
A. Poe' (20th), $2,700 in nine days. 

Centory (P-S) (1,600; 30-40-50)— 
Tales Manhattan' (20th) (moveover). 
Moved here from State after guud 
week there and .still commanding at- 
tention at $6,000. Last week. 'Major 
and Minor' (Par), big $7,800 second 
week on heels of healthy $12,000 ini- 
tial canto and easily could have gone 
third' except for acciunulation of 
product. 

Gopher (P-S) (1,000; 28-30)— 'Pri- 
orities Parade' (Par). Nice spot for 
this musical. Fair $3,000. Last 
week, 'A-Haunting Will Go' (20th). 
$4,200. 

Orpheom (P-S) (2.800; 30-40-50)— 
'Bambi' (RKO). Highly praised by 
reviewers and heavily exploited. 
Trim $8,000. Last week. 'Eagle 
Squadron' (U), $7,000. 

State (P-S) (30-40-50)— "Some- 
where Find You' (M-G). Gable- 
Turner combo a natural. Hitting it 
at fast $15,000 clip and holds. Last 
week, 'Tales Manhattan' (20th), good 
$11,000. 

Uptown (Par) (1,100: 30-40)— 
'Talk Town' (Col). First neighbor- 
hood .showing, big $5,000. Last week. 
•Holiday Inn' (Par), ditto at S4.000. 

World (Par-Steffes) (350: 30-40-50- 
55)— 'Si-stcr Eileen' iColi (move- 
over). Second session here, big 
$2,800, after fine $3,200 first week 
in house and third «'.an/.a downtown. 



B way Spotty But lileen ^ lOOG, 
'Rangers'-Knipa, $60,000; Ifoyager' 
Strong 28G Despite Cool Notices 



A larger number of new shows in- 
vaded Broadway stands during the 
past week than has occurred in a 
long time but the tide of business Is 
not running so high. An all-day rain 
on Monday (26) did considerable 
damage. 

The Music Hall has a draughty at- 
traction in 'My Sister Eileen,' one of 
the newcomers. It will earn a hold- 
over on the strength of a first week's 
gross of $100,000, big. 

Another that is doing strongly is 
'Forest Rangers' at the Par, with 
Gene Krupa on the stage. On the 
initial seven days through last night, 
(Tuesday), the turnstiles had clicked 
a merry $60,000. Second week for 
\hk picture, but not its last, and the 
third for Krupa. his finale, starts to- 
day (Wednesday). Picture .will be 
held a third stanza with the Sonny 
Dunham band replacing Krupa on 
film's concluding round. 

The Astor and Hollywood, run 
houses, brought in new ones during 
the past week. Former, with 'For 
Me and My Gal.' got $23,000 on the 
first seven days ended last night 
(Tuesday), a sturdy but not sensa- 
tional take. 

At the Hollywood, which has em- 
barked on a new continuous run 
policy at pop scales with 'Now. Voy- 
ager.' business is comparatively bet- 
ter at $28,000. stout. The mixed re- 
views received are apparently not 
hurting. Picture is drawing the 
women in a big way. 

While 'Flying Tigers' will be only 
moderately profitable at $24,000, the 
Caoitol will hold it over. 

Showing unusually good power at 
the boxoffice is 'Glass Key' which 
wound up its second week at the 
Criterion last night (Tuesday), scor- 
ing a fine $16,500. Continues on. 

Among other holdovers is 'You 
Can't Escape Forever.' which has 
the Stan Kenton orchestra. 'Three 
Stooges and Jack Carson with it at 
the Strand. Taking a dip on the cur- 
rent (2d) lap. house will be lucky to 
get $28,000. slim. 'George Washing- 
ton Slept Here' and the Phil Soitalny 
band open Friday (30). Warner 
Bros, wanted to slip 'Gentleman Jim' 
into the house with Spitalny but 
latter insisted on opening with 
'Washington.' ' 

Roxy ushers in Tliunder Birds' to- 
day (Wednesday) after two neat 
weeks with 'Iceland,' second being 
$46,000. Another opening is 'Moon 
and Sixpence' which begins a run at 
the Rivoll today (Wed.) following a 
snecial preem last night (T^ies.) for 
the benefit of the French and Ameri- 
can War Work of the Coordinating 
Council of the French Relief Socle- 
ties. 

The second-run State slows up this 
week to about $21,500. only fair, with 
'Panama Hattie' on the screen and 
James Barton in person. 

Estimates for This Week 
Astor (Loew's) (1,140; S5-65-$1.10) 
— For Me and My Gal' (M-G) ■(2d 
wk). Doine very well but not sensa- 
tional at $23,000 on the first week; 
starts second today (Wed.). House 
was closed several days to prepare 
for 'My Gal' opening. 

Capitol (Loew's) (4.620; 35-55-85- 
$1.10-S1.25)— Flying Tigers' (Rep). 
Not a substantial profit at %U.0Of) but 
seemingly enough to chance a hold- 
over in opinion of the management 
Last week. 'Yank at' Eton' (M-G) 
under $21,000. very disappointing. 

Crllerion (Loew's) (1.062; 35-44-55- 
75)— 'Gla.ss Key' (Par) (3d wk). 
I Moves into third stanza today 
( Wednesday ) after scoring stout 
I $16,500 on the second and a big 
j $27,000 on the first. 
I Globe ^Brandt) (1,250: 35-55-75-85) 
'—'Devil With Hitler' (UA) (2d-final 
' wk). Shows a nice profit on the 
I 14-day run. first week being $11,500 
I and the second $7,500 or better. 
'One of Our Aircraft Missing' (UA) 
comes in Saturday (31). 

Hollywood (WB) (1.225: 44-05-99- 
$1.10)— 'Now Voyager' (WB). Though 
getting mixed notices, word-of- 
mouth and pull among the women 
are taking pictilTe on first week into 
high ground at $28,000. Begins 
second tomorrow (Thursday). 

Palace (RKO) (1,700; 28-35-44-55- 
65-75)— 'Desperate Journey' (WB) 
(2d run) and 'Man in Trunk' (20th) 
(1st run), dualed. This brace okay 
$9,000 on .six days. 'Girl Trouble' 
(20th) had been booked to come in 
with the Errol Flynn picture but 
was substituted in view of Flynn's 
own current troubles. Last week 
'Across Pacific' (WB) (2d run) and 
I 'Get Hep to Love' (U) (1st run), 
! $9,000. fair. 

Paramount 'Par) '3.064: .IS-SS-BS- 
99-$I.I0 1— Forest Ranger' (Pnr ) (2d 
:wk) and Gene Krupa <3d-rinal wk). 
Picture on its initial sevpn d.nys and 
i Krupa on hi.s second week, ended 
! last nisht 'Tuesday), ran cross to 
a voi>- lirlv SOn.noO While lilm re- 



mains on a third semester, Krupa is 
unable to do so, with resitlt he will 
be replaced next Wednesday (4) by 
the Sonny Dtmham band. The fifth 
week for 'Holiday Inn' (Par), first 
for Krupa, $46,000, -good. 

Badio City Mnsie Hall (RockefeU 
lers) (5,945; 44-55-85-99-1.65)— 'My 
Sister Eileen' (Col) and stageshow. 
Humming at the box office, looking 
big $100,000 on the initial, seven days 
and holds. Last week, fourth for 
Tales of Manhattan' (20th) $82,000, 
nice. 

Bialto (Mayer) (594: 28-44-55)— 
'The Mummy's Tomb' (U). Looks 
$12,000, strong and holds. Last week 
'Sin Toftrn' (U) did fairly well at 
$7,000. 

Blvoll (UA-Par) (2.092: 35-55-75- 
85-99)— 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) 
begins regular run here this morn- 
ing (Wednesday) after special pre- 
miere last night with all proceeds 
turned over to a war charity. 'Wake 
Island' (Par), which closed Monday 
night (26), got $16,000. satisfactory, 
final six days, while last week (7lh) 
was $18,000. 

Boxy (20th) (5,886: 40-55-65-75- 
85-99)— Thunder Birds' (20th) and 
stageshow. New bill here today 
(Wednesday) after two weeks with 
'Iceland' that put a good chunk of 
money on the right side of the 
ledger, second being $46,000, first 
$59,500. 

State (Loew's) (3,450: 39-44-55-75- 
99-$l. 10) —'Panama Hattie' (M-G) 
(2nd run) and, on stage, James Bar- 
ton. Not more than a fair $21,500 
seen. Last week 'Eyes In Night' «M- 
G) (1st run) and, in person, John 
Boles and Renee DeMarco, close to 
$26,000, good. 

Strand (WB) (2,756; 35-55-75-85-99- 
$1.10) — 'You Can't Escape Forever' 
(WB) and Stan Kenton band. 3 
Stooges, Jack Carson (2d-final wk.). 
Taking slide on the holdover, look- 
ing $28,000 tops, light. The first week 
hit $40,000, good. 'George Washington 
Slept Here' (WB) and Phil SpiUlny 
open Friday (30). 

Taeific' Hnge $16,000 
Denver Ace; 'Sm Town' 
Big 9G, Husbands' lOG 

Denver, Oct. 27. 

With thousands of defense workers 
and soldiers ifi town, first runs have 
nothing to complain about this 
week. They are even getting coin 
here on .second-rate films. 'Across 
the Pacific,' topping a dualer at the 
Denver, is leader currently. 'Are 
Husbands Necessary' is a spectacu- 
lar draw at the Denham where it is 
topping many recent totals, and 
holding over. 

'Here We Go Again' and 'Calling 
Dr. Gillespie' are strong in their sec- 
ond session at the Orpheum. 'My 
Sister Eileen' is packing the Aladdin 
as is the combo of 'Sin Town' and 
'Halfway to Shanghai' at the Para- 
mount Esquire, a Fox operation, is 
slated to open soon in the residen- 
tial district, to play first-run, day 
and date with the Denver. It for- 
merly was the Hiawatha, having 
been spruced for the reopening and 
boasting an all-femme staif from the 
manager down. 

Estimates for This Week 

AUddln (Fox) (1.400: 40-50-60) — 
'Sister Eileen^ (Col), after week at 
Denver. Big $7,000. Last week, 
'Iceland' (20th), after Denver week, 
nice $6,000. 

Broadway (Fox) (1,040; 30-35-40- 
50-60) — 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and 'Spitfire's Elephant' 
(RKO), after two weeks at Orpheum. 
Oke $4,000. Last week, 'Yankee 
Doodle' (WB), with prices boosted, 
fine $7,500. 

Denham (Cockrill) (1,750; 30-40- 
50-60) — 'Are Husbands Necessary' 
(Par). Fine $10,000. and holds. Last 
week, 'Wake Island' (Par) (3d wk) 
and 'Priorities Parade' (Par) $9,000. 

Denver (Fox) (2.525: 30-40-50-60) 
— 'Across Pacific' (WB) and 'Moon- 
light in Havana' (U). Great $16,000. 
Last week, 'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 
'Careful, Soft Shoulders' (20th) big 
$15,000. 

Orpheom (RKO) (2.600: 30-35-40- 
50-60)— 'Here Go Again' (RKO) and 
'Calling Dr. Gillespie' (M-G) i2d 
wk). Trim $9,500. Last week, same 
combo, big $13,000. 

Paramonnt (Fox) (2,200: 30-45)- 
'Sin Town' (U) and 'Half Way 
Shanghai' (U). Big $9,000. Last 
week, 'Girl Trouble' (20th) and 
'Sabotage Squad' (Col), so-so $7,000. 



HABTEL TESTS FOB PAB 

Gene Martel has been made te.^t 
! director for Paramount in New York, 
I movini; up to that post from a talent 
i scouting .spot with Par in the ea.-l. 
Prior to thai Martel was an assist- 
ant director in the making of Par 
shorts. 



10 



Vedncaday, October 28, 1912 



¥s the first feature picture 
ever filmed in the wilds 
of the Amazon Jungles I 




(BRING 'EM 
BACK ALIVE) 




Kl"*' 




James M. Dannaldson 
and Miguel Roiinsky 

Commentary by 
Thomas Lennon 

Narration by 

FRANK BUCK 

/I 

PRODUaiON 

Released 

Thru 
lUNITED, 
ARTISTS 




■VERY SCRAP MATINIE HELPS WIN THI WAR I 



IbttiV Fme mm. Leads fHwo: 
Iceland' Hefty m loon' Trim 13G 



San Francisco, Oct. 27. 
Afler a long period in whldi hoW- 

2 vers predominated, the town opened 
o this week with five new shows 
Snd most of them are in the chips. 

'f-anama HatUe,' at the Fox, U 
leading the parade with a fine $24,000. 
EsiinuUes for This Week 
Fox (F-WC) (5,000; 60-65)— 'Pan- 
ama Hatlie' (M-G) and 'Spy Ship' 
(WB). Fine $24,000. Last week, 
Vank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Calling 
Pr Gillespie' (M-G), great $26,000. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2,850; 44-55- 
75)— 'Here We Go Again' (HKO) and 
Ted Fio Rito's orch, other acts, on 
staee (2d wk). A second substantial 
sesh at $19,500. Last week, $30,000, 

EOCkO. 

Orpheum (Blumenfeld) (2,440; RO- 
BS)— Belween Us Girls' (U) and 'Get 
Hep 10 Love' (U). Nice $12,500. Last 
week. 'Talk of Town' (Col) (4th wk). 
and -Blondie for Victory' (Col) (2d 
wk), $8,900. 

Faramount (F-WC) (2,470; 50-65) 
— -Iceland' (20lh) and 'A-Haunting 
Will Go' (20th). Hefty $23,000. Last 
week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Pri- 
orities Parade' (Par) (4th wk), solid 
$10,000. 

Si. Francis (F-WC) (1,475; 50-65)— 
■Yank at Eton' (M-G) and 'Calling 
Dr. Gillespie' (M-G) (moveover). 
Second week on Market Street will 
draw $9,500. Last week, 'Somewhere 
Find You' {M-d) and 'i^cape from 
Crime' (WB) (moveover), trim 
$10,200. 

United Artiste (UA-Blumenfeld) 
(1.100; 35-40-55)— 'Moon Sixpence' 
(UA) and 'Counter Espionage' <Col). 
puilding up to a fine $13,0iD0. Last 
week, 'Invisible Agent' (U> and 
'Give Out, Sisters' (U) (3d wk), 
$6,300. 

WarHeld (F-WC) (2,650; 50-65)— ' 
'Cairo' (M-G) and Apache Trail' 
(M-G). Clocking $17,000. Last 
veek, 'Are Husbands Necessary?' 
(Par) and 'Lady Gangster' (WB) (2d 
wk), neat $11,000 in five days. 



'Find You' Sock |22,000 
In Two Seattle Spots; 
'Eileen' Great TG, 3d 



Seattle, Oct. £7. 
'Somewhere I'll Find You,' playing 
day-and-date at the Fifth Avenue 
and Music Hall, is running up a 

f'rand $22,000, marvelous takings here 
ven for two spots. Total at Music 
ball of $8,000 covers only six days. 
'Across the Pacific' is strong for five 
days of its holdover at the Orpheum. 
'My Sister Eileen' Is continuing Its 
dizzy pace in the third stanza at the 
Liberty. Biz is strong aU over. 
CstinuUes for This Week 
Blue Moose (Hamrick-Evergreen) 
(BOO; 40-50-65)— 'Wake Island' (Par) 
pnd 'Priorities Parade* (4th wk). 
Moved from Fifth, set to hit big 
$4,200. Last' week, 'Tales Manhattan' 
(20th) (6th wk), fairish $3,100. 

Fifth A venae (H-E) (2,349; 40-50- 
65)— 'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) 
s»:,4 ^'.\.>iAa. .!ng Will Go' (20th). 
T'./??. ^-inJ't • with Music Hall. 
Terrific $14,000. Last week, "Wake 
bland' (Par) and 'Priorities Parade' 
(Par) (2d wk). good $7,700. 

Liberty (J & vH) (1,650; 40-50-65) 
—'Sister Eilen' (Col) (3d wk). Great 
$7,000. Last week, same film, marvel- 
ous $10,000. 

Music Box (H-E) (800; 40-50-65)— 
'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Annie 
Rooney' (UA) (3d wk). From dales 
at Music Hall and Paramount. Stout 
$5,000. Last week, 'Pride Yankees' 
(Bth wk). good $3,800. 

Music Hall (H-E) (2,200; 40-50-65) 
--'Somewhere Find You' (M-G) and 
-AHaimling Will Go' (20th). Day- 
and-daie with Fifth Avenue. . Sock 
58,000 in six days. Last week, 'Or- 
che.slra Wives' (20th) and 'Annie 
Rooney- (UA) day-and-date with 
Paramount theatre, $6,000 in six days. 

Orpheum (H-E) (2,600; 40-50-65)— 
Across Paci^c' (WB) and 'Hep to 
Love (U) (2d wk). Very big $7,000 
in nve days. Last week, same pair, 
immense $12,500. 

Palomar (Sterling) (1,350; 40-50- 
85)— Moonlight In Havana' (U) and 
Escape from Crime' (WB) with 
vaude Bright $9,000. Last week, 'Sin 
Town (U) plus vaude. big $9,300. 

Faramonnt (H-E) (3,039; 40-50-65) 
— Cairo (M-G) and 'Apache Trail* 
iM-G). Failing to generate much 
f.?i , disappointing $7,800. Last 

week. 'Orchestra Wives* (20th) and 
Rooney (UA), day-and-date with 
Music Hall. $9,700, sweU. 
.p"^,°s«velt. (Sterling) (800; 30-45)— 
Gold Rush'* (UA) and 'Tarzan's Ad- 
(M-G) (2d run). Trim 
•m'fl • (40-50-65), 'Be- 

Tp^." ■H?,?*'"'^* and -Voice of 

wi '. "d wk), $4,600. 
i';^ .Ca'^en (Sterling) (800; 25- 
bi rf5*'""'*L' (3d run). Single 

^vU^r ^ change, fine $4,700. Last 
.f,^^ . •'"'te Girl' (WB) and 'Synco- 
l>>'tion (RKO) (3d run), $4,100. 



Key City Grosses 



Estimated Total Grow 
This Week., $2,042,20» 

(Based on M otties, 162 thea- 
tres, chie/ly jirsi ruTts, mcTudtnff 
•■• Y.) 



4 



'otal Qrosi Sam* Week 
Last Year $1,821,«0* 

(Based on 28 cities, 176 theatres) 



TIGERS' BIG 
IO1/2G, INDPLS. 



Indianapolis, Oct. 27. 

In spite of fact that the five first- 
runs here have war pictures, every- 
body is doing fair enough on week's 
grosses. Town Is packed on week- 
ends with servicemen. 'Flying Tigers,' 
at the Circle, is running slightly 
ahead for the week's tall coin. 'Des- 
perate Journey,' at Indiana, looks 
like runnerup at $10,000. 

Efltinutea for This Week 

Circle (KatzTDoUe) (2,600: 28-33- 
44) — 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 
'Youth Parade' (Rep). Flying thriller 
Is drawing, putting first feature in big 
money class. Hot $10,500. Last week, 
'Big Street' (RKO) with 'Ted Lewis 
orch, sock $18,000 at 33-44-55. 

Indiana (Katz-Dolle) (3,200; 28-33- 
44) — 'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 
'Busses Roar' (WB). Doing better 
than its press notices, with $10,000 
probable. t,ast week. 'Iceland' (20th) 
and 'Berlin Correspondent' (20th), 
$10,700. 

Kelth^ (Ind) (1.200; 28-44)— 'At- 
lantic Convoy' (Col) plus vaude. 
Only stage show in town this week, 
healthy $4,500 in four d^ys, topping 
last week's $4,300 with 'Timber' (U) 
and vaudeville. 

Loew's (Lpew's^ (2,450; 28-33-44)— 
'War Vs. Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) and 
'Sweetheart Fleet' (Col). Grlx ap- 
proval and word-of-moiith helping 
to satisfactory $9,000. L^t week, 
'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) and 
'Friendly Enemies' (UA). mild $8,200. 

Lyrlo (Katz-Dolle) (1,850; 28-33- 
44)— 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 'Lady 
in Jam' (U). Moveover house fs 
$4,500 witji first-run 
week, 'Prida of Yan- 
jnd 'World at War' 
[5 scale on moveover, 



doing a fair 
combo. Last 
kees' (RKO) 
(U.S.)j ?t 40-! 
was onl^ $5,61 



PICTURE GROSSES 11 



MWAKE IS.' TOPS MONT'L 



U.S. 



Marines' Epio Sock $10,000 — 
'Orch Wives' bke 60 



Montreal, Oct. 27. 

Wickets are clicking merrily on 
Main street with juicy grosse.i in 
view for week. 'Wake Island.' al 
Palace, will lead the Held with a 
smash total. 'Somewhere I'll Find 
You,' at Loew's for second stanza, 
also is sizzling. Others are good. 
Estimates for This Week 

Palace (CT) (2,700; 30-45-62)— 
'Wake Island' (Par). Pointing to 
socko $10,000. Last week, third 
stanza 'Tales Manhattan' (20th). nice 
$6,000. 

Capitol (CT) (2.700: 30-45-62)— 
'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Spy 
Ship' (WB). Satisfactory $6,000. 
Last week; repeat of 'Panama Hat- 
tie' (M-G) and 'Apache Trail' M-G), 
good $5,500. 

Loew's (CT) (2,800; 
'Somewhere Find You" 
wk). Smash $8,500 in 
$10,500 last week. 

Princess (CT) (2,300; 
'One Night Love" (Col) and 'Athinlic 
Convoy' (Col). Good $4,500 ahead. 
Last week, 'Tish' (M-G) and 'Lucky 
Legs' (Col), nice $4,000. 

Orpheum (Ind) (1,100: 30-40-60)— 
'Moon and Sixpence' (UA) (5th wk). 
Sound $2,500 after good $3.30(j last 
week. 



35-53-67)— 
(M-G) (2d 
sight after 

30-40-52)— 



'MAJOR'-WR' GIANT 
$25,000 IN BROOKLYN 



Brooklyn, Oct. 27. 

'Major and Minor' and 'Busses Roar' 
at f'abian Paramount are topping the 
downtown area this week. Second 
week for combo of 'Pride of Yan- 
kees' and 'Manila Calling' at RKO 
Albee also is in the chips. Majestic, 
long shuttered, reopens Tuesday (to- 
day) with 'Moscow Strikes Back' and 
'Old Homestead.' Majestic's new 
owners are Leon Siritsky & Sons, 
with Howard F. Kinsey as manager. 
Estimate tor This Week 

Albee (RKO) (3,274; 30-50-65)— 
'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) and 'Ma- 
nila Calling' (20th) (2d wk). Sturdy 
$16,000. Last week, splendid $26,000. 

Fox (Fabian) (4,023; 30-50-65)— 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 
'Blondie for Victory' (Col) (3d wk). 
Satisfactory $10,000. Last week, okay 
$16,000. 

Met (Loew's) (3,618; 30-55-65)— 
'Panama Hattie' (M-G) and 'Brook- 
lyn Orchid' (UA) (2d wk). Good 
$12,000. Last week, fine $18,000. 

Paramount (Fabian) (4,126; 30-55- 
65) — 'Major and Minor' (Par) . and 
'Busses Roar' (WB). Booming $26,- 
000. Last week, 'Talk of Town' 
(Col) and 'Spirit Stanford' (Col) (3d 
wk), good $13,000. 

Strand (WB) (2,950; 76c-$1.10)— 
'Yankee Doodle' (Wfi) (4th wk). 
Final stanza will produce okay $10,- 
000. Last week, hefty $13,000 for 
third sesh. 'Wake Island' (Par) 
comes in Thursday (20). 



'Eileen' Strong $42,00(1, L A. Topper; 
'Flying Tigers' Soars to 30G, 
'Rocides' Tali 33G, 'Major 27G,H.O. 



Broadway Grosses 

Estimated Total Gros* 

This Week $459,000 

(Based on 13 (fieatres) 
Total Gross Same Week 

Last Year $355,600 

(Based ou 13 theatres) 



'MAJOR,' $20,000, 
HUSKY IN BUFF. 



Buffalo, Oct. 27. 
The gross still hangs high at main 
line theatre.'i. with holdovers and 
potent new films, showing sustained 
strength. 

With all screens showing twin 
bills. 'Major and Minor' at the Buff- 
alo i.<; rulin" the roost. 'Orchestra 
Wive.s' will also reap a swell harvest 
al the Lakes. 'Glass Key' at the Hipp 
looks zippy. 

Estimates tor This Week 
Buffalo (Shea) (3,500: 35-55)— 
'Major and Minor' (Par) and 
'Priorities on Parade' (Par). Fancy 
$20,000. Last week, 'Seven Sweet- 
hearts' (M-G) and Bowes' 'Anniver- 
sary Revue,' profitable $19,000. 

Great Lakes (Shea) (3,000; 35-55) 
—'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Eyes 
in Night' (M-G). Hefty magnet may 
go $14,000. Last week. 'Wake Island' 
(Par) (2d wk) and 'Through Dif- 
ferent Eyes' (20th), good $12,500. 

Hipp (Shea) (2.100: 35-55)— 'Glass 
Key' (Par) and 'Dr. Broadway' 
(Par). Healthy $12,000. Last week, 
'Desperate Journey' (WB) and 'Lady 
Gangster' (WB) (2d wk), stout $10,- 
700. 

Lafayette (Hayman) (3,300: 35-50) 
-'Sister Eileen' (Col) (3d wk) and 
'Not Ladies Man' (Col). Final frame 
may hit bright $10,000. Last week 
'Sister Eileen' (Col) (2d wk) and 
'Desperate EUery Queen' (Col), nifty 
$15,400. 

20th Century (Ind.) (3,000; 35-65) 
—'Here We Go Again' (RKO) (2d 
wk) and 'Rubber Racketeers' 
(Mono). Satisfactory $8,000. Last 
week with 'United We Stand' (20th), 
robust $12,000. 



NATIONA L BOXQFFIC E SURVEY 

Business In Keys Spotty — 'Rockies' Sole Hot Newcomer — 
*Moon,' 'Sweethearts,' 'Tigers* Still Do Well 



Nation-wide boxotTice picture is spotty this week, 
several key cities being .liUrl- fey. unfavorable .weat])fr,., 
competitive attractions suoh as the elections and" 
gloomy war news. Also, soma of new pictures are. 
none too forte. Ot the new films, 'Springtime in the 
Roclcies' (20th) alone is showing In enough spots to 
indicate sock proportions. 

Other new ones are 'Forest Rangers' (Par), getting 
tidy $60,000 in deluxe N. Y. Paramount; 'Now, Voyager 
(WB), high $28,000 at $1.10 In New York; 'Seven 
Sweethearts' (M-G), rating trim $26,000 hi Washington 
with band, lively $13,000 in Providence; 'You Qan't 
Escape Forever' (WB), light $28,000 or under in second 
N. v. session and merely nice $19,000 in Wash., with 
band: and 'Me and My Gal' (M-G), neat $23,000 but not 
sensational at $1.10 scale in N. Y.'s Astor. 'Rockies' is 
tall $33,000 in two Los Angeles houses, tops Cincinnati 
at socko $18,500, and leading S* Louis with fine 17G. 

Several comparali- ely ncwco.. eis, but out in keys 
in previous weeks, are doing well. 'Flying Tigers' 
(Rep) is in this rating, being big $30,000 in two L. A,. 
spots, tops in mild Indianapolis, hot $10,500; around 
$24,000 in N. Y., besting previous week's attraction; 
sock in Wash.; good third .session in Baltimore; nifty 
for Providence moveover, and nice for second Pitts- 
burgh stanza. 

'GLASS KEY' OPENS UP 

'Glass Key' (Par), In same category, is great $22,000 
in two Boston theatres: good in Baltimore; hefty $12,- 
000, Buffalo; stout $16,500, second N. Y. sesh; but ortly 
thin in Cincy, Also 'Moon and Sixpence' (UA), which 
opens at N. Y. Rivoli this week, continues nicely, with 
strong fifth Montreal week, fine "$13,000 in San Fran- 
cisco, and nice moveovers in Cleveland and Baltimore. 
'Here We Go Again' (RKO) is smash $19,500 in second 
Frisco session backed by band; trim $9,500. second 
Denver stanza: oke second sessions in Buffalo and 
Kansas City. 

HELPED ERBOL FLYNN PIC 

Publicity on Errol Flynn helped rather than hurt 
•Desperate Journey' (WB), film getting $10,000 on 
Cleveland moveover and stout business in Louisville. 
It's okay $18,000, second Boston sesh; likewise oke In 
Indianapolis despite crix, but is only fair in Chicago 



and satisfactory in third Brooklyn trip. While 'V^ar 
Mrs. Hadley' (M-CJ) is doing better currently, it's 
only nice in K. 6., satisfying in Indianapolis and 
pleasant in Baltimore. 'Iceland' (20th) is classed only 
okay at $15,000, getting reviewers' slaps in Washing- 
ton, same at $12,000 in Cleveland, only $9,000 for three 
K. C. houses, second sesh. But it's hefty $23,000 in 
Frisco and fine $46,000, second N. V. week. 

'Yank at Eton' (M-G), while strong on Frisco m.o., 
is mild in Pitt. 'Girl Trouble' (20th) is just that at 
sad $2,500 in Cincy. 'Cairo' (M-G), only mild at $17,000 
in Frisco, is pitiful' $2,500 or near in Cincy and dis- 
appointing in Seattle. 'Devil With Hitler" (UA) is 
merely passable at $7,500 for its second N. Y. canto. 

Three TJniver.snl small-budgeters are attracting some 
attention. 'Sin Town' is big in Denver. 'Invisible 
Agent' is strong in L. A., brisk $9,000 in Prov., and 
nice Indianapo!i<: moveover. 'Mummy's Tomb' is do- 
ing strong $12,000 in New York and is big in Boston. 

OLDES FILMS STILL B.O. 

Old reliables still arc keeping the exhibitors happy. 
'Somewhere I'll Find You" (M-G) is sock $22,000 "in 
two Seattle spots, best in Minneapolis at $15,000, and 
solid on second Montreal week and third Detroit. 
'Bambi' (RKO) is trim $18,000 in Boston, good in Min- 
neapolis and also in Chi in second. 'Wake Island' 
(Par) also is still big, being tops in Montreal, neat 
$16,000 for eighth N. Y. sesh of six days and excellent 
second Chi week. 'Sister £ileen"(Col), big $100,000 in 
Initial week at N. Y. Music Hall, is leader in L. A. 
with strong $42,000 in two houses, hot $13,000 in Louis- 
ville, big in Omaha, great third frames in Pitt, Buf- 
falo and Seattle. 'Panama Hattie' (M-G) is pacing 
Frisco at $24,000 and is good to sock in Brooklyn, Chi 
and St. Louis in second laps. 'Major and Minor' (Par) 
is Brooklyn's leader with sock $25,000; nice $16,000, 
Cleveland: fancy $20,000, Buffalo; trim in' St. Louis: 
sturdy 327,000. second L. A. sesh, two spots, and fine 
$16,000 third Detroit week. 

From the ticker: 'Big Street' (RKO) is stout $30,000, 
aided by unit, in Boston. Tales of Manhattan' (20th) 
One $18,000 in second Chi week. 'Talk of Town' (Col) 
great $25,000 in Detroit. 'Pride of Yankees' (RKO) 
sturdy $16,000 in its second Brooklyn sesh. 'Pardon 
My Sarong' (U) strong on second Omaha week. 



Los Angeles. Oct. 27. 

After a slow start because of the 
heat wave, which sent the mercury 
up to 98 for two days, most Tirst-runs 
came out of the tailspin towards the 
end of the week and posted sizeable 
figures. The town's topper is 'My 
Sister Eileen,' at the Pantages and 
Hillslreet. rclling up a robust $42,000, 
for the best .session in months at 
this house. Fcaluic holds. 

Warner's Downtown nnd Holly- 
wood have anolhev click with 'Flying 
TiKcrs' tcamcii with 'World at War? 
fietlin;4 solid S30.00UO. and holdover, 
OWI fc.Tlurc. Paraniounfs 'Major 
and Minor' is still in the chips on 
holdover and good enough to play a 
third session. 'Springtime in the 
Rockies' is ringing up a solid $33,000 
at the Chinese and State combo. 'In- 
visible Agent' is surprisingly stroi;g 
at the small Hawaii with $6,500. 
Estimates for This Week 

Cartbay Circle (F-WC) (1.510; .33- 
44-55-65-75) — 'Somewhere Find You' 
(M-G) and 'Just Off Broadway' 
(20th) (4th wk). Mild at $2,700 alter 
$3,300 on third stanza's $4,400. 

Chinese (Grauman-WC) (2.034:33- 
44-55-05-73) — 'Springtime in Rockies' 
(20th) and 'World at War' (U. S.). 
Will get nice $12,500. Last week, 
'Girl Trouble' (20tli) and 'Loves of 
Poe' (20th), sad $7,600. 

Downtown (WB) (1.800: 33-44-55- 
65-75) — 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 
•World at War' (U. S.). Aiming at 
slick $16,000. Last week, 'Can't Es- 
cape Forever' (WB), okay $12,000. 

Four Star (UA-WC) (900: 33-44- 
55-65-75) — 'Between Us Girls' (U) 
(3d wk). Lightweight at $2,000 after 
second week's .$2,500. 

Hawaii (G&S) (1,100: 33-44-55-65^ 
75) — 'Invisible Agent' (U) and 
'Marie Rogct' (U). Fast start and 
heading for a strong $6,500. Last 
week. 'Wings and Wonian' (RKO) 
and 'Submarine Raider' (Col) (3d 
wk), okay $3,000. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,756; 33-44-55- 
65-75) — ••Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 
'World at War' (U. S.). Winging Ita 
way to robust $14,000. Last week, 
'Can't Escape Forever' (WB), dipped 
to $10,000. 

Orpheum (Downtown) (230; 33- 
44-55-65) — 'SaboUge Squad' (Col) 
and 'Give Out, Sisters' (U), with 
straight vaude. Looks like mild $13.» 
500. Last week, 't»ied Piper' (20lh) 
and 'Priorities on Parade' (Rep), 
with vaude, $11,000. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,812; 33-44-55-65- 
75)— 'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Ene- 
my Agent' (Col). Off with a bang 
and rocketing to sock $20,500. Last 
week, 'Here Go Again' (RKO) and 
'Get Hep to Love' (U), weak $10,000. 

Paramoant (F&MT (3,596; 33-44.- 
55-65-75)— 'Major and Minor' (Par) 
(2d wk) and 'World at War' (U. S.) 
'(1st wk); Still rates important at 
$16,500 after knocking off big $25,000 
on Initial week with 'Wildcat' (Par). 

Faramonnt Hollywood (F&M) 
(2,204; 33-44-55-65-75)— 'Major and 
Minor, (Par) (2d wk). Solid $10,500 
being tilled after opening week'i 
stout $16,000. 

BKO Ulllstreet (RKO) (2,873; 33r 
44-55-65)— 'Sister Eileen* (Col) and 
'Enemy Agent' (Col). Riding high at 
fine $21,500. Lost week, 'Hore Go 
Again' (RKO) and 'Get Hep to Love* 
(U), satisfacolry $14,500. 

State (Loew-WC) (2,204; 33-44-55- 
65-75) — 'Springtime in Rockies' 
(20th) and 'World at War' (U. S.). 
Piling up neat $20,500. Last week. 
'Girl Trouble' (20th) and 'Loves of 
Poe' (20th). weak $11,200. 

-UA (UA-WC) (2,100; 33-44-55-65) 
—•Yank at Eton' (M-G) (2d wk) and 
'Girl Trouble' (20th) (1st wk). Still 
in money with $4,200. Last week, 
■Eton' (M-G) and 'Berlin Correspond- 
ent' (20th), good $5,000. 

Wilshire (F'WC) (2,298; 33-44-55- 
65)— 'Yank at Eton* (M-G) (2d wk) 
and 'Girl Trouble' (20th) (1st wk). 
No complaints at $4,000, following 
$6,000 on initial week of 'Etoir 
(M-G) and 'Berlin Correspondent" 
(20th). 



Disney Clears Boards 
For Heavy U. S. Order 

Hollywood, Oct 27. 

Walt Disney is rushing a year's 
program of entertainment .shorts to 
early completion to clear the studio 
for a heavy schedule of Government 
films and patriotic subjects which 
will amount to W., of the output. 
Lot will turn out about 300,000 feet 
of finished film in 12 months, a vast 
Increase over any previous year. 

Finished or in work are eight Don- 
ald Ducks, four Plutos, two Goofys 
and a number of comic shorts with 
wartime backgroimds. Three fea* 
tures, 'Victory Through Air Poweri* 
"The Gremlins' and a Soulh Ameri- 
can film are in work In addition to 
the shorts. 



12 



W^in^aiKif, October 28, 1942 



WARNER BROS: STUPENDOUS 




OPENING ^ HOLLYWOOD. N.Y. 




WILL BE 





NEW 




BmeDAVIS-PAuiHENREID 
/NOW;VOYAGER" 

wMi CLAUDE RAINS; giadys cooper 

BONITA GRANVIllI . IlKA CHASI 
. Directed by IRVING RAPPER . 

AHAL B. WALLIS PRODUCTION 

Mull* by Max Sretntr ■ Screen Plav by Goiey Robtpie* 
from lh« Novel by Olive Hlgglni frouly 




ENGAGEMENTS THIS WEEK! 



WedneBdaj, October 28, 1942 



PICTURE GROSSES IS 



Pitt Biz Oif; Tank at Eton Brodies 
At %\m, 'Eyes'-Barron Sad Wf-f^ 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Holdovers are getting most ol the 
Blay this week, with 'My Sister 
Eileen- still jolng great guns at Har- 
ris in third session. Could easily 
hold again, but house has to give 
•SorinBtime in the Rockies' a date 
immediately and will turn 'Eileen- 
over to the Senator. 'Flying Tigers' 
is holding up nicely at Fulton in 
second week; 'Pride of Yankees' is 
giving Ritz its best third week in 
iome time, while 'Wake Island,' on 
inoveover from Penn to Warner, Is 
doing very well, too. ^ , , 

New pix are getting the boot In 
most cases. Critical blasts hurting 
•Yank at Eton' olenty at Ponn. while 
twinner of 'Sherlock Holmes and. 
Voice nf Torroi" and 'Get Heo to 
Love' al S-^nator is barely permitting 
house to hold on to the franchise. 
Altho' -h "•''''^lv-i>rai.';ed. '"".ves in 
the Ni"ht.' with Blue Barron's band. 
l5 . ■ w, o"'" cliicken-teed at the 
Stanley. 

Estimates for This Week 

Fnllon (Shea) (1,700: 30-)0-S,'") )— 
Tlying Tii.'or.<;' (Rep) (2d wk). Sky 
thriller holding up very nice here 
and mnv possibl, stick for third 
week. Pretty close to $6,000 looked 
for thi.s se.'sion, very good on top of 
nearly $10,000 opener. 

Harris (Harris) (2,200; 30-40-55)— 
•Sister Eileen' (Col) (3d wk). Stay- 
ing powers of this comedy hit are 
amazing. It'll wind up with at least. 
$8,500. great. Last week, great 
$12,000. 

Penn (Loew's-UA) (3,300: 30-40- 
65) — 'Yank at Eton' (M-G). Any 
chance this one might have had was 
stoned to death by the critics. Won't 
even remotely match takes of past 
Mickey Rooncy pijc and, at $14,500, 
house is sinking several grand t>elow 
recent average. Last week, 'Wake 
Island' (Par), Ane $18,500. 

BIlz (WB) (800; 40-55-65)— 'Pride 
of Yankees' (RKO) (3d wk). landed 
here, via Penn and Warner, and 
headed for excellent $4,000 at ad- 
vanced prices. Last week, 'Panama 
Hattle' (M-G), in second week at 
small-seatcr but fourth downtown, 
off at $1,900. 

Senator (Harris) (1.750: 30-40-.';5) 
—'Voice of Terror' (U) and 'Get Hep 
to Love' (U). Around $2,200, about 
$200 better than last week's 'Berlin 
Correspondent' '20th) and 'Lucky 
L^s' (Col)v 

Stanlev (3.800; 30-44-55-66)— 'Eyes 
In Night' (M-G) and Blue Barron's 
band. Picture praised by everybody 
and helped, too, by appearance In 
town for two days of Friday, dog 
star. Barron's music also satisfies, 
but combo just Isn't bringing 'em in. 
Around $16,500, not good at all. Last 
week, 'Can't Escape Forever' (WB) 
and Glen Gray at $18,000, wasn't too 
good either. 

Warner (WB) (2,000; 30-40-55)— 
•Wake Island' (Par). Moved here 
irom Warner. Should strike $6,000 
here, alright, and shuttles to Ritz 
Thursday (29) for the downtown 
finish. Last week "Pride of Yankees' 
(RKO), with prices upped, swell 
$10,000. 



mEEN; $13,000, HOT, 
FLYNN 3G IN L'VILLE 



Louisville, Oct. 27. 

'My Sister Eileen' is standing out 
like a beacon light along film row 
this week, copping both compliments 
and bumper biz. 

Bulk of the patronage here still 
comes over the weekends, balance of 
the week being just so-so. Town is 
full of defense workers and khaki- 
clad boys from nearby Fort Knox on 
Saturday."! and Sundays. 

Sla?e shows are back at the Na- 
tional, Blackstone ending a profit- 
able run of six days, followed by the 
A. B. Marcus Show. Spot features 
tha Renfro Valley Bam Dance in 
two shows every Saturday night. 

Estimates for This Week 
."iSwn (Fourth Avenue-Loew's ) 
(i.«0; 15-30-40) — 'Here We Go 
Agam (RKO) and 'Scattergood Sur- 
vives Murder' (RKO). Moved here 
irom Riaito. Pace has slowed up 
^°"S'dwably; fairish $2,500. Last 
S*?'^ Iceland' (20th) and 'Just Off 
Broadway' (20th), $2,400. 

Kentucky (Switow) (1,250; 15-25) 
bJj*"'",?!^ (RKO) and 'All Kissed 
<Col). Probably fairish $1.- 
(M>r"^* week 'Maisie Gets Man' 

ave'r°ge$'}1ioo'='«'' 

(Loew's) (3,300; 15- 
•p;.?,^ . Eileen' (Col) and 

ot^Ml Agents' (M-G). This is type 
wo>H that should build through 
woid-of-mouth and indications a?e 
.upbeat as the week 



in 

liearts' (M-G). medium $8,500 
l.'i-30 4n^*°r?"''"'" <Libson) a.O.l; 

(2d Wk) Mif^"'i''°^"«y' <WB) 
Wk). Mebbe the Errol Flynn 



gubllclty has been a help. Anyway, 
iz has been pretty sturdy and h.o, 
is shaping up well on the profit side 
of the ledger at good $3,000. Last 
week, good $3,600. 

Klalto (Fourth Avenue) (3,400; 15- 
30-40)— 'Flying Ti£ers' (Rep) and 
'Youth on Parade' (Rep). Looking 
for medium $8,000. Last week 'Here 
We Go Again' (RKO) and 'Scatter- 
good Survives a Murder' (RKO), 
bumper $12,000. 

Strand (Fourth Avenue) (1,400; 
15-30-40)— 'Give Out Sisters' (U) 
and 'Half Way Shanghai' (U). 
Opened Thursday, and looks to 
round up excellent $4,000. Last 
week 'Pride Yankees' (RKO) (3d 
wk-four days), $3,000, fair enough. 

'Rockies' High $17,000 
For SL Louis; Hatde' 
Pliis'Rooney'15G,H.O. 



St, Louis, Oct 27. 
'Springtime in the Rockies' and 
'Manila Calling' at the Fox In mid- 
town is the hottest cinema attrac- 
tion In town currently, heading for 
a swell total. 'Panama Hattle*^ and 
'Miss Annie Rooney* are h.o. at 
Loew's and become the fourteenth 
dualcr to play more than one week 
at this house. Biz at other houses 
near average. 

Estimates for This Week 

Loew's (Loew) (3,172; 30-40-50)— 
'Panama Hattle' (M-G) and 'Miss 
Annie Rooney' (UA) (2d wk). Will 
grab another $15,000 to add to the 
juicy $21,000 in first stanza. 

Ambassador (F&M) (3,000; 30-40- 
SO) — 'Major and the Minor' (Par) and 
'Wildcat' (Par). Neat $11,000 in 
sight Last week, 'Bambi' (RKO) 
and 'Highways by Night' (WB), aver- 
age $10,000. . 

Fox (F&M) (5,000; 30-40-50)— 
'Springtime in Rockies' (20th) and 
'Manila Calling' (20th). Will cop 
swell $17,000. Last week, 'Big Street' 
(RKO) and 'Magnificent Ambersons' 
(RKO), fine $15,700. 

Missonri (F&M) (3.570; 30-40-50)— 
•Tales Manhattan' (20th) and "Talk 
Town' (Col). Good $7,500. Last 
week, 'Wake Island' (Par) and 'Give 
Out, Sisters' (U), $7,000. 

St. Loots (F&M) (4.000; 30-40)— 
'Mo.scow Strikes Back' (Rep) and 
'Man in Trunk' (20th). Oke $5,000 on 
tap. Last week, 'Eagle Squadron' 
(U), and 'Old California' (Rep), ditto, 
ditto. 



Triorities'-'Give Out' 
10^ Omalia; 'Eileen' 8G 



Omaha, Oct. 27. 

Business is continuing strong with 
'My Sister Eileen' and Busses Roar' 
at the Brandels doing well. 'Priori- 
ties on Parade' and 'Give Out Sisters' 
at Orpheum are pacing the city. 
Omaha's holdover of 'Pardon My Sa- 
rong" plus new second feature, 'Mr. 
Bug Goes to Town,' also is strong. 
Estimates for This Week 

Brandels (Mort Singer) (1,500; 11- 
30^14-50 >_'Slster Eileen' (Col) and 
Busses Roar' (WB). Big $8,000. I<ast 
week, 'Go Again' (RKO) and 'Spirit 
Stanford' (Col), $6,600. 

Orpbenm (Trlstates) (3.000; 11-30- 
35.50V-'Prlorltles Parade' (Par) and 
'Give Out, Sisters' (U). Trim $10,500. 
Last week j(20-40-55-65), 'Friendly 
Enemies' (UA) plus Cab Calloway 
band show on stage, robu.st $15,000. 

Omaha (Trlstates) (2.000: 11-30-35- 
50) — Second week of 'Pardon Sarong' 
(U) and new second feature, 'Mr. 
Bus Goe.i to Town' (Par). Strone 
$8,000. First week, with 'Affairs of 
Martha* (M-G), big $9,000. 

Town (Goldberg) (1,400: 11-20-30) 
—'Arizona Coach' (Mono), 'Private 
Buckaroo' (U), 'World at War' (U.S.), 
triple spilt with 'Double Trouble' 
(Mono). 'Fingers Window' (M-G), 
and 'Sombrero Kid' (Rep). 'Wife 
Takes Flyer' (Col), 'Don't Get Per- 
sonal' (U). Very good $1,100. Last 
week, 'C:all Canyon' (Rep), 'Raid by 
Night' (PRC), "Yank Libya' (PRC), 
triple split with 'Burma Convoy' (U). 
'Masked Rider' (U). 'Campus Capers' 
(U) and 'Silver Bullet' (U), 'Bad- 
lands Dakota' (U). 'Fly by Night' 
(Par). One-day stage appearance 
Saturday (at upped scale) of Smiley 
Burnctte and company lifted gross to 
good $1,400. 

Dark Set Lights Up ^ 

Hollywood. Oct. 27. 
Norwegian set on the Warnc.-s' 
Calabasas ranch, built for "The Edge 
of Darkness.' became the edge of a 
forest Are and was complelcly wiped 



lostiM V ^lleji-nVr sock $"l3!o00 Ynd" 

Nigl^t'Tii-^)'^ an^^l;r;n''swe'et!|5'"tT^''^r^^ " 
'rts' (M-G). mprfiMnTVD snn -nearby Malibu hills. , _ 



OWI'S 'TROOP TRAIN' 

Spewack's Elaborate Closeup of 
V. S. Soldlert tn Field 



Troop Train,' now nearlng com- 
pletion, is likely to be the most elab- 
orate and Intimate closeup of U. S. 
soldiers actually moving from one 
camp to another ever done by the 
Office of War Information film unit. 
This Is the unit headed by Sam Spe- 
wack. Just ' recently returned from 
England where he arranged for addi- 
tional screen material to be incor- 
porated Into OWI releases showing 
the might of the Allied forces. 

'Train' was photographed on lo- 
cation by an OWI camera crew 
which followed the troop movement 
to make an entertaining story. Vari- 
ous details are given without re- 
vealing any military secrets or tip- 
ping the whereabouts of various 
camps. OWI subjects currently are 
rated strong enough to attract the 
attention of different Government 
agencies which have incorporated 
them into their schedules of re- 
leases overseas and to the Latin- 
Americas. 'Salvage' and 'Manpower' 
came into this category. 

Paramount Is handling Troop 
Train' for theatrical distribution in 
the U. S. 



HADLEVIZG 
PACING K.C 



Kansas City, Oct 27. 

'War Against BJrs. Hadley,' at the 
Midland, appears to be the top 
grosser this week. After trim open- 
ing week at day-and-date Esquire, 
Uptown and Fairway, 'Iceland' Is h.o. 
at the three houses. Newman re- 
tains 'Across Pacific,' and CTpheum 
keeps 'Here We Go Again' and 'Fal- 
con's Brother.' First cold weather of 
the season did not affect business 
over the weekend. 

Estimates for This Week 

Esquire, Uptown and Fairway 
(Fox-Midwest) (820, 2.043 and 700; 
11-35-50)— 'Iceland' (20th) (2d wk). 
Strong $9,000, after $13,000 initial 
week, which was ahead of expecta- 
tions. 

Midland (Loew's) (3,500; 11-35-50) 
—'War vs. Mrs. Hadley' (M-G) and 
'Lucky Legs' (Col). Healthy $12,000. 
Last week, 'Moon and Sixpence' 
(UA") and 'Friendly Enemies' (UA), 
trim $9,000. 

Newman (Paramount) (1,900; 11- 
35-50)— 'Across Pacific' (WB) (2d 
wk). Okay $6,000, after nice $8,500 
opening stanza. 

Orphenm (RKO) (1.600; 11-35-50) 
—'Here Go Again' (RKO) and 'Fal- 
con's Brother' (RKO) (2d wk). Sat- 
isfactory $7,000, after bright $9,000 
first round, which topped forecast's. 

Tower (Fox-Joffee) (2,110; 11-35) 
—'Voice of Terror" (U) and 'Man in 
Trunk' (20th) with vaudc. Brisk 
$8,000. Last week, 'Give Out Sisters' 
(U) and 'Get Hep to Love' (U), with 
vaude, fair $7,0(10. 



Filming will bo shifted to the Bur- 
bank studio unlil Ihc outdoor set tan 
be rebuilt 



'Escape'-J. Long $19,000 
In D. Iceland' Stoot 
15G, Tigers' Ragged 7G 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Two bands are fighting it out for 
boxofflce laurels currently with 
'Seven Sweethearts' coupled with 
Horace Heldt at the Capitol getting 
top coin. Johnny Long's band Is 
pushing 'You Can't ^ape For- 
ever' to a nice week at the smaller 
Earle. 'Iceland' opened strong at 
the Palace despite crix pounding, 
and take will bring no complaints. 
Estimates for This Week 

Capitol (Locw) (3.434 : 28-39-44- 
66)— "Seven Sweethearts' (M-G), 
with Horace Heidi's band on stage. 
Combo pushing up to $26,000. Last 
week, 'Eyes in Night' (M-G) with 
vaudeville, snappy $21,000. 

Colnmbia (Loew's) (1.234: 28-44) 
—'Holiday Inn' (Par). Nifty $7,000. 
Last weel- 'War vs. Mrs. Hadley' 
(M-G), $6,200. 

Earle (WB) (2,210; 28-39-44-66)— 
"Can't Escape Forever' (WB) with 
Johnny Long's t>and on stage. Pic- 
ture was slugged but band will hypo 
gross to nice $19,000. Last week, 
'Flying Tigers" 'Rep), with vaude- 
ville, corking $19,600. 

Keith's (RKO) (1.800; 40-50-65)- 
'Between Us Girls" <U). So-so $9.- 
500. Last -week, third of "Bambi" 
(RKO), great S9.000. 

Metropolitan (WBi (1.600: 28-441— 
"FljiriK Tigers" <Rep). Sock 87,000. 
Last week. "Wake l.sland" (Par) (2d 
wk I, handsome S0.700. 

Palace iLoew) (2.242: 28-55)— "Ice- 
land" (20th). Opened big but crit- 
ically pounded; No complaints at 
$15,000. Last week, second week (if 
'Tale.< of Manhattan" <20th). fine 
$18,500 in cii;hl days. Forced out 
by prior bookings. 



Talk of Town' Great $27,00(1 in Del; 
Dandy Nke 24G, Ulajor' 16G in 3d 



New U.S. Naval Training 
Station Reopens Cinema 

Geneva, N.Y., Oct. 27. 
Schlnes reopened the Temple, old- 
time vaude house, here Saturday. 
Theatre, completely redecorated and 
refurnished, had been closed for 11 
years. 

Expanding population, with 5,000 
Increase In last few months, plus 
the Sampson Naval Training station 
on Seneca Lake nearby, soon to 
house 30,000 sailors, caused demand 
for entertainment to zoom here- 
abouts. 

City Manager C. C. Young planned 
to run double features, three changes 
a week, adding stage acts occa- 
sionally as available. George Covert 
moved in from Salamanca as man- 



ager. 



'Orch Wives' Nice 14G 
In Pro?^ 'Agent' 19,000, 
'Sweethearts' Big 13G 

Providence, Oct. 27. 

All biz Is holding up well here 
with Majestlc's 'Orchestra Wives' 
and Loew's State's 'Seven Sweet- 
hearts' In the lead. Next In line are 
Albee'a 'Invisible Agent' and Strand s 
third week of 'My Sister Eileen.' 

for Thta Week 

Albee (RKO) (2,300; 80^50)— 
Invisible Agenf (U) and 'Strictly 
in Groove' (U). Brisk $9,000. Last 
week, 'Here Go Again' (RKO) and 
'Sunday Punch' (M-G), sweU $10,- 
000. 

Carlton (Fay-Loew) (1,400; 30-40- 
50) — 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 
'Apache Trail' (M-G) (2d run). Nifty 
$3,900. Last week, 'Pied Piper' 
(20th) and 'Gallant Lady' (PRC) 
(2d run), good $3,500.' 

Fay's (Indie) (2,000; 29-39-50)— 
'Jungle Siren' (Mono) and vaude. 
Looking for nice $7,200. Last week, 
'Bells Capistrano' (U) and vaude, 
$7,000. 

BlaJesUe (Fay) (2.200; 30-40-50)— 
'Orchestra Wives' (20th) and 'Just 
Off Broadway' (20th). Attracting 
nice $14,000. Last week, 'Across 
Pacific' (WB) and 'Get Hep to Love' 
(U), $12,000. 

Metropolitan (Indie) (3,200; 30-5S) 
—'Youth on Parade' (Rep) and Tony 
Pastor orchestra. Stroud Twins and 
Frank Sinatra. Took in good $7,000 
in three-day we^end run. 

Stole (Loew) (3,200; 30-40-50)— 
'Seven Sweethearts' (M-G) and 'Eyes 
in Night' (M-G). Lively $13,000. 
Last week, 'Flying Tigers' (Rep) and 
'Apache Trail' (M-G). great $16,000. 

Strand (Indie) (2.000; 30-40-50)— 
'Sister Eileen' (Col) and 'Atlantic 
Convoy' (Rep) (3d wk). Nifty $7,500 
after grand $12,000 in second week. 



Detroit Oct. 27. 

There's no let-down here where 
current bills, whether fresh product 
or the proportionately large hold- 
overs, continue at a brisk pace. 

Nod will go this week to the big 
Fox which is showing great strength 
with 'Talk of the Town' and 'Sher- 
lock Holmes and Voice of Terror.* 
Crowding it close for the top spot 
Is the smaller Palms-State, latest 
entry in the first-run Held here, 
which Is setting a fast pace with a 
solo of 'Yankee Doodle." unusual 
here, at the 75c-$1.10 scale. All hold- 
overs continue on a hieh level. 
Eatlmatea for This Week 

Adams (Balaban) (1.700; 50-65)— 
Tales Manhattan' (20th) (3d wk) 
and 'That Other Woman" (20th). Wr- 
mer moved over after two great 
weeks at Fox and with freshener 
added, choice $7,500. Last week 
"Pride of Yankees' (RKO) (4th wk) 
and 'Call Out Marines' (RKO) (2d 
wk), fine $7,000. 

Fox (Fox-Michigan) (5,000; 50-63) 
—'Talk of Town' (Col) and 'Sherlock 
Holmes Voice' (U). Great $27,000. 
Last week Tales Manhattan' (20th) 
and 'McGuerins from Brooklyn' 
(UA> (2d wk), sound $20,000 tucked 
on to first stanza's $30,000. 

Madison (United Detroit) (1,800; 
50-65)— "Wake Island' (Par) and 
Twin Beds' (UA) (6th wk). Bill 
moved over from Palms-State,. okay 
$9,000. Last week 'Segt. York' (WB) 
and 'Mayor 44th' (RKO), strong 
$11300. 

MIehlfan (United Detroit) (4,000; 
50-65)— 'Major and Minor' (Par) and 
'Fly by Night' (Par) (3d wk). Un- 
usually long stretch JCpx this house, 
but $16,000 sighted after strong $19.- 
000 last week. 

Palma-State (United Detroit) (3.. 
000; 75c-$1.10) — 'Yankee Doodle' 
(WB). Scoring a nice $24,000. Last 
week 'Wake Island' (Par) and Twin 
Beds' (UA) (4th wk). fine $10,000. 

United Artlsto (United Detroit) 
(2,000; 50-65) — 'Somewhere Find 
You' (M-G) and 'Born to Sing" (M- 
G) (3d wk), sound $13,000 to follow 
$17,000 in second week. 



'Rockies' TaU $18,500 
InCincyylCey'ThmGiG, 
'Cairo,' Tronble' Bhih 



British Coin 



Contlnnad from page 



iiT] 



000,000 or slightly more, Paramount's 
total expected to reach $8,000,000 or 
near and 20th-Fox looking for about 
$7,000,000 in the initial and largest 
remittance, financial experts with 
the various major companies pres- 
ently are attempting to figure how. 
this will effect their earnings in the 
current or pending fiscal years. 

RKO, 20th-Fox, United Artists 
and Paramount net profits for 1942 
naturally will be virtually doubled 
as result of this coin remittance, ex- 
cepting where some of coin must be 
sunk into further film inventories. 
Fact that every major company cur- 
rently is speeding production to have 
a large backlog of pictures with 
available male stars (they fear many 
will be lost to the colors shortly), 
numerous majors likely will not re- 
flect the full totals In their final 
net figures for the year. 

With Warner Bros; and Metro, 
having fiscal years ending In August, 
it is unlikely that the released 
money will .'how up until the fiscal 
year ending in August, 1943. How- 
ever, this is a matter up to the legal 
department. With Universal, hav- 
ing a fiscal year ending near the 
end of October, a large part of this 
money will be added to .swell the 
company's net profit. Also the same 
applies to Columbia, the additional 
money being reflected in the fiscal 
ycsr ending in July, 1943. The heavy 
federal income tax rate of 1942 plus 
va.stly increa.sed excess profits taxa- 
tion is bound to cut In on the totals 
any way the difTerent companies 
gauge their reports. If Universal i.s 
able to count the money under the 
1941 tax period (since the fiscal year 
started in 1941). it .<ihould represent 
a substantial saving to stockholders. 



Cincinnati, Oct. 27. 
Spotty biz here for the third 
straight week. Brightest spot cur- 
rently is the Albee. with 'Sprlngtims 
In Rockies' grabbing city's best biz 
In some time. Two holdovers, 'Major 
and Minor' at the Shubert and 'Sis- 
ter Eileen' in the Capitol, are doing 
all right. 

'Girl Trouble' at the Grand, and 
'Cairo' at Keith's, both are sad. 
Estimates for This Week 

Aibee (RKO) (3,300; 33-40-50)— 
'Springtime In Rockies" (20th). 
Smash $18,500 for best take in some 
time in town. Last week "Major and 
Minor" (Par), $18,000. 
I Capital (RKO) (2,000; 33-40-50)— 
I "Sister Eileen' (Col). Second week 
of moveover, excellent $5,500 after 
last week's sock $8,000. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 17-28)— 
'Great Impersonation' (U) and 'For- 
eign Agent' (Mono), split with 
"Madame Spy* (U) and 'Deep Heart 
Texas' (U). Steady $2,100. Same 
last week on 'Counter Espionage' 
(Col) and 'Halfway to Shanghai' 
(U), divided with 'Phantom Killer* 
(Mono) and 'Buses Roar" (WB). 

Grand (RKO) (1,430; 33-40-50)- 
'Girl Trouble' (20th). Sad $2,500. 
Last week "Sherlock Holmes Voice' 
(U), okay $5,500. 

Keith's (Xibson) (1,500: 33-40-50) 
-"Cairo" (M-G). Pitiful $2,500. Last 
week "Flight Lieutenant' (Col).' nico~ 
$5,000. 

Lyric (RKO) (1,400: 28-33-42)— 
'Here Go Again' (RKO). Moveover 
from Palace. Good $4,500. Last 
week 'Wake Island' (Par; (3d wk), 
fairly good $3,500. 

Palace (RKO) (2,600: 33-40-50)— 
'Glass Key' (Par). Opening few 
doors and cut to six days. Thin 
$8,500. Last week 'Here Go Agalii' 
(RKO). all right $12,000. 

Shubert (RKO) (2,100; 33-40-50)— 
"Major and Minor' (Par). Trans- 
ferred from Albee for second stanza. 
Dandy $6,500. Last week 'War vs. 
Mrs. Hadley" (M-G), $4,000, no dice. 



PRC's Nat'l Convention 
In Chicago Nov. 7-8 



Producers Releasing Corp. will 
i hold a national meeting of its fran- 
I chise-holders and branch managers 
I in Chicago Nov. 7-8. Reps of 32 cx- 
; changes in U. S. and Canada will ba 
' on hand, as well as h.o. execs and a 
I number of the Hollywood production 
j personnel. 

, National meet will supplant the re- 
I glonal conclaves thai PRC has held 
since it was organized a couple yean 
' ago. 



;RAP .will chorten th« sorqpl 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



PICTURES 



15 



Indiana In^ Mull Upped Rentals 
At Indpk Sesh; Other Exchange News 



Indianapolis, Oct. 27. 

War activities, tax problems, film 
renUls and the Increase of percent- 
age pictures were leading subjects of 
discussion as the Associated Theatre 
Owners of Indiana held their annual 
convention at the Indianapolis Ath- 
letic Club Monday (Oct. 26). An open 
forum on war bond and scrap drives 
was held under the direction of Marc 
Wolf, convention chairman, and Dan 
Rossiter, association secretary. Jacob 
Weiss, counsel, was heard on tax 
matters and other legal points affect- 
ing exhibitors. Roy Harrold, of 
Rushville, president, presided. 

Fred Ridenaur, formerly of the 
Princess, Newcastle, has. become city 
manager at Sullivan for Affiliated 
theatres. Bernie Cline has moved 
froiii the Wysor, Muncie, to the New 
castle house. 

Tom Balcer of Affiliated theatres 
has talcen over the Ritz and Palace 
at Rensselaer from Herb Johnson of 
Madison. 

Bill Elder of Loew's is breaking in 
a girl student manager, Sally Sloan 
of Westport, Conn. 

Mrs. Gene Marks, a partner in the 
Olson theatres,, js looking after the 
Uptown since manager Bill Mcllvain 
went to the army. 

Truman Rembusch, with seven 
houses in Columbus, Franklin and 
Elwood in his string, will take over 
the Eagle and Colonial in Wabash 
from Percy Dickson Nov. 1. 

McArthar Upped 

St. John, N. B., Oct. 27 
The managerial vacancy at the 
local RKO exchange covering the 
maritime provinces and Newfound 
land, has been filled by the advance 
ment of Herman H. McArthur from 
the dual position of office manager 
and booker. He held the latter for 
some years, and has been in film dis 
tribution about 35 years. At one 
time he had an indie service at Kali 
fax, N. S. He succeeds Leslie Plot 
tel. as manager, the latter having 
gone over to Empire-Universal -on 
sales out of the Toronto dominion 
head offices. Hymie Miller, on loan 
from the Montreal exchange of RKO 
Is on the road out of the St. John 
branch for a three months' stretch. 

Inducting the new manager was 
R. S. Taylor, manager of the Mont- 
real entity and son of Percy Taylor, 
veteran of exhibiting and distribut- 
ing, and recently named Monogram 
manager at Vancouver, B. C, by 
Oscar R. Hanson, of Toronto. 



Dave Levy's Appointment 

The post of eastern district sales 
manager for Universal, recently va- 
cated by Jules Lapidus. will not be 
filled, but at New York, . where 
Lapidus made headquarters, U has 
created spot of metropolitan district 
manager for Dave Levy, branch 
manager for several years. Lapidus 
had other cities in addition to N. Y. 

The eastern district post was 
created about three years ago, with 
Lapidus. then branch manager at 
Pittsburgh, shifted into It. Lapidus 
resigned from U a few weeks ago to 
become metropolitan N. Y. district 
sales chief for Warner Bros. 



Retter Back In Biz 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

James Retter, vet exhibitor in this 
district, has Joined U exchange book- 
ing department. He's been inactive 
for several years following his with- 
drawal from the theatre field in Cal- 
ifornia, Pa. Retter succeeds Maurice 
(Red) Silverberg, recently promoted 
to the sales post formerly held by 
Lou Hess, now on an indefinite leave 
of absence. 

Faye Perkins upped from asst. 
mgr. of WB's Manos in Greensburg 
to manager of the Strand In same 
city, and Margaret Peltz, asst. at 
Prince in Ambridge, is now man- 
ager. Myrtle Militzer promoted from 
cashier to asst. mgr. at South Hills, 
and other recent WB femme assist- 
ants are Ruth Young, Warner, Mor- 
gantown. W. Va.: Roseanne Kramer. 
Centre: Ruth O'Donnell, RiU; Mary 
S. Wells. Shadyside; Mrs. Denis Mil- 
ler, Squirrel Hill, and Ruth Proxsell, 
Etna. At Strand, in Greensburg, 
Miss Perkins replaces Charles Schiff- 
nauer, who moves over to the Grand 
^ere. Another new Warner asst. is 
Paul Drexler at Prince in Ahmridge 
Where he was formerly the doorman. 
New asst. at WB's Columbia in Erie 
's Frank Hcrrick. 

Majestic. Ellwood City, Pa., owned 
and operated by Concetta and Frank 
Biordi. will celebrate Its 25th anni- 
versary next month with string of 
special events. , 

Joseph Belle.'Creensburg manager 
; ^.""^'■s since 1936, resigned to 
go With Manos circuit 

E. M. Dock, former city manager 
Manos Vandergrift, Pa., now man- 
sging deluxe unit of United Detroit 
Theatres. 

Jaclj Kalmenson has left U office 
Tr^;? .'"j^""!. sales sUff in De- 
man.»»?*;K^°''''y D"nbar, exchange 
Sf.c^!*^ ''l^''* 3"'* one-time Warner 
salesman here. Kalmenson Is a 



brother of Ben Kalmenson, general 
sales manager for WB. 

Sam Rocca, Newell exhibitor for 
more than 30 years, expects to retire 
soon. 

Harry Willard. Jam Handy rep, 
i>as been on duty here for several 
weeks and headquartering at the 
Monogram exchange. 

Col office here has received a 'T" 
award from Treasury Dept. for sign- 
ing up more than 90% of its em- 
ployees to invest 10% of their sala- 
ries in War Bonds. 

Joe Hanna, who recently resigned 
his 20th-Fox sales post after having 
been with that company nearly 25 
years, joined Monogram exchange 
here as office manager, booker and 
salesman. He succeeds Leo Wayne, 
who left Jack Judd Theatre Poster 
Service Co. to take Mono spot under 
Mark Goldman only to get his Army 
call a short time later. 

Maurice (Red) Silverberg, U 
booker, upped to sales, covering 
Erie and northern Pennsylvania 
territory. Silverberg, former Grand 
National and indie salesman, takes 
over for Lou Hess, on indef leave 
of absence account ill health. 

WB's first full-fledged femme man- 
ager in this district is Margaret 
Peltz, now guiding the Prince, 
Ambridge, Pa. She replaces Sherman 
Bemon, now in Army. Emma Derr 
Slack, for the last 12 years cashier at 
Warners' Ambridge. moves up to 
assistant managership 



To Fete John Walsh 

Albany. Oct. 27. 
John Walsh, exploitationist for 
Metro in Albany past four years, 
promoted to salesman in Detroit. 
Walsh has been the only man doing 
promotion work full time out of an 
Albany exchange. Several compa- 
nies now employ publicists who di- 
vide their time between Albany and 
BuiTalo. Wal.'ih will be honored at a 
farewell dinner in Duncan's Inn 
Nov. 2. 



Brelman's Takeover 

Resident Theatre Corp. has taken 
a long-term lease on the President 
theatre. Bronx. Irving Breiman, 
head of Resident, plans full redeco- 
ration of the house. Berk & Krum- 
gold handled the deal. 



Cleveland With Mass. 

Ernest E. Cleveland, for years a 
state building inspector covering the 
Berkshire territory of Massachusetts, 
has resigned to become an executive 
with the Western Massachusetts The- 
ater, Inc., which has headquarters in 
Springfield. He will handle all en- 
gineering problems. Cleveland will 
be stationed at the homeofflce. 



Berkeley, Calif., Gets Besplte 

San Francisco, Oct. 27. 

Transbay Berkeley abandoned idea 
nf imposing a special amusem^t tax 
and, instead, prepared ordinance 
spreading tax among all kinds of 
businesses, in the form of higher 
license fees. 

Theatres will be affected only 
slightly, since unless they gross $50,- 
000 or more Their annual license fee 
will remain at $60. Houses that gross 
from $50,000 to $70,000 will be 
charged an additional $20; from $70,- 
000 to $100,000. an additional $40; 
and an added $10 for each $10,000 of 
gross over $100,000. 

City council decided that it was 
more equitable to increase license 
fees of all business than to slap 
amusement tax of from 5c to 20c on 
all theatre tickets. 

Annabelle Conley Is first femme 
assistant manager in a Frisco first 
run. She was upped to post at 
United Artists from cashier. 

Harry Weaverling promoted from 
booker to salesman at Metro ex- 
change. 

TivoU got on profit side of ledger 
for first time, after three false starts, 
when "Telenews management routed 
'Moscow Strikes Back' into house. 
Pix grossed $10,000 in 11 days, after 
which theatre was shuttered again. 



cal. Austin returns as manager of 
the Babcock, Billings, Mont., also 
Fox. 

Fox Intermountain has promoted 
a woman short subjects booker to 
feature booker for southern district. 
She is Ailene Kirk, and this is the 
first time this has happened in the 
Fox Intermountain division. She 
succeeds Ned Collins, resigned to ac- 
cept a job with Montgomery Ward. 

U. S. Army Motion Picture Book- 
ing Service will open a booking of- 
fice in Denver Nov. 1, to t>ook films 
for army spots on the Denver terri- 
tory. Wendell Overturf, booker, was 
here for several days on one of his 
usual trips from the St Louis head- 
quarters, lining up films for Uncle 
Sam's nephews. 

Fox Intermountain theatres that 
are being spruced up: The Coronado, 
Las Vegas, N. M., will be reopened 
as soon as a redecorating Job is fin- 
ished; the Liberty Bell, Leadville, 
Colo., is being done over following a 
recent fire, and when reopened will 
be called the Fox; the Elks Opera 
House, Leadville, Is being remodeled 
and will be opened soon. When 
built, during the mining boom in the 
'80s, this was one of the finest thea- 
tres in the west. The West, Trinidad, 
Colo,, is getting new seats, carpet, 
new front, along with being com- 
pletely renovated and redecorated. 

Halloween costume party will be 
held Oct 31 in clubrooms of the 
Rocky Mountain Screen club, in the 
Cosmopolitan hotel. 

Robt. Mulnix has gone to Wash- 
ington to take Government job after 
turning over the franchise of the 
Modern Talking Picture Service to 
the Commercial Film exchange. 

L. E. Hudson, office manager at 
Warner Bros, exchange, succeeded 
R, P. Jamieson, resigned, as sales- 
man. Office manager duties have 
been added to those of head booker 
M. R. Austin. 



Dickenson's Shift 

Cedar Rapids, Oct. 27. 
James Dickenson, assistant at the 
Paramount, gone to Rock Island, 111., 
where he will manage the Rocket, 
another Tri-States house. 



Another Femme Mgr. 

Rochester, N. Y.. Oct. 27. 
Louise Wilson is new assistant 
manager at Loew's here, first woman 
to take job in this area. She suc- 
ceeds Wayne Shepler; transferred to 
Dayton, O. Miss Wilson had been 
manager Lester Pollock's private 
secretary for five years until four 
months ago. when she became stu- 
dent assistant 



Ed Doherty In 

Memphis, Oct. 27. 
Ed Doherty, Columbia salesman. 
Army. Lewis Boone, booker, eases 
up to Doherty's spot, with Norma 
Williams subbing for Boone as 
booker. 

Dave Flexer, owner Ritz, ace nabe, 
entering Navy. Theatre will be op- 
erated by Mrs. Flexer in his absence. 



Russian Characters in Yank Fihhs 
Now Are Dignified and Gaflant 



Kaufman Aides Bond 

Louis J. Kaufman, with the War- 
ner circuit on buying for 10 years, 
has been named executive assistant 
to Clayton Bond, who's in charge of 
the buying-booking department. 

Ed Hinchey. now supervising the 
WB playdate division formerly oc- 
cupied this post. 

Sherwin at Metro 

George Sherwin made office man- 
ager of Metro exchange, succeeding 
J. B. MIcheletti. who goes on the 
road, succeeding Dan Foley, who re- 
signed to go to Atlanta as United 
Artist salesman. 

Raymond Glenn. 19. just named 
manager of the Egyptian, Delta. 
Colo., is the youngest yet to hold a 
managership in the Fox Intermoun- 
tain division. Formerly with Fox 
Intermountain. he has been m Kan- 
sas City taking an art course and 
working at the Fox Uptown. He suc- 
ceeds Ed King, moved to the Fox. 
Sidney. Neb., where he replaces 
Verne Austin, resigned to join the 
army, but could nnt pass the physi- 



WB's Charlotte Shifts 

Jack Frye, on the books at the 
Warner Exchange, Charlotte. N. C, 
has been made head booker, while 
Warren Wallace and C. E. Kinsey 
have been taken on from the outside 
to handle booking in that territory. 
Appointments follow loss to the 
armed services of Stanley House, 
Paul Hargette and Jack Bailey of 
the booking department at the War 
ner Charlotte branch. 



F. L. Newman, Jr., Back 

Seattle, Oct. 27. 

Frank L. Newman, Jr., bas been 
named head booker for Hamrick- 
Evergreen Theatres, succeeding Irv- 
ing Barry, leaving for industion. 
Young Newman comes from., Port- 
land, where he was manager of Par- 
amount (Evergreen), This is a re- 
turn for him to Seattle, as he was 
manager of the Fox (now Music 
Hall) theatre in 1932, when he came 
to Seattle from L. A. Later he be- 
canie manager of the Paramount. Se- 
attle, leaving that post in 1936 to 
locate in Portland. He was district 
n)gr. for Evergreen in Portland imtil 
succeeded by Al Finke. 

Frank CHu'istie, head booker prior 
to the recent accession to that post 
by Barry, Is now film buyer for the 
Northwest chain. 

Boeing Aircraft draining theatres 
of artists. Latest to be 'drafted' for 
art work at the plane plant is Jim 
Wandesford, adv. dept. of Sterling 
Chain Theatres. He's succeeded by 
Fred Hoffer. Bob I,aing, artist at 
Hamrick-Evergreen, working on 'Hit 
Hell Out o' Hitler* posters. Others 
are doing sketches of planes, or as 
draftsmen. 

Sammy Siegel, just recently added 
to adv. staff of Hamrick-Evergreen, 
signing up for a new Job, reporting 
at Fort Lewis Nov. 2. 



Schaetfer to Par, Phllly 

Philadelphia. Oct. 27. 
Johnny SchaefTer, who formerly 
operated an indie exchange, has 
joined the sales force of Paramount 
here. 

Sid Bloomfield new manager of 
the Lenox. 

Morris Pfaelzer, prominent at- 
torney and son-in-law of Sol Lesser, 
Hollywood producer, now an ensign 
in the Navy. 

There will no redecorating or re- 
furnishing of any theatre in the 
Stanley-Warner circuit for the dura- 
tion of the war, according to Ted 
Schlanger, zone boss of The S-W 
chain. 



By DENIS MOBBISON 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

War exigencies have put Holly- 
wood's traditional conception of the 
Muscovites through the wringer and 
they came out shaved, washed, so- 
ber, good to their folks, 100% 
family men, Rotarians, brother Elks, 
and 33rd degree Wowsers. 

Yeah, the Russian is a gent for the 
first time since pictures began pre- 
senting him as the bearded bear that 
walks like a man. He is no sucker, 
either, for a bottle or a dame, and 
even the mujhlks have learned how 
to operate a pants-pressing machine. 

Gone are the days of 'Ninotchka,' 
in which Metro had Garbo cavort- 
ing with a trio of comedians In Paris 
and other European capitals with the 
general objective of showing up the 
Soviets as under the thumb of a 
flock of besotted commissars with 
pea-sized brains who. strutted about 
in tails and decorations that made 
'em resemble a bevy of boozy bums 
from our own Blue Ridge. Them 
days are away out of style. The 
Russky you will see hopping about 
the Hollywood screen from now on 
is a combo of Rover Boy, Super- 
man, and a chivalrous, crusading 
knight. He has a razor and knows 
what it's for, and he's so spic and 
span you suspect he must carry a 
bar of soapsky In each patch pocket. 
OWI'a Inflnenec? 

Maybe the Bureau of Motion Pic- 
tures of Office of War Information 
had something to do with it. In 
fact, the OWI has had a finger in 
this momentous change. But even 
if there hadn't been an OWI, the 
suspicion lingers that Hollywood 
would have untracked Itself from 
the old ways anyhow, for before 
Lowell Mellett . Installed Nelson 
Poynter and Warren Pierce In Hol- 
lywood to guide the ' faltering foot- 
steps of the producers, Ihe biz was 
suiting the potent propaganda of the 
screen medium to. the times. 

In the next 12 months it Is a cinch 
that the popular notion of what 
Russia is and what It stands for in 
the world is going to undergo a 
significant transformation. And mo 
tlon pictures will do more to mod 
ify our way of thinking than all 
the printed salvos that the OWI will 
spawn or sponsor. 

The New Mr, Bass 

The record as of this date shows 
that there's a great scurry on the 
part of the film lots to put this new 
concept into the popular mind 
wherever pictures penetrate. War- 
ners is taking special pains In Its 
super A production, 'Mission to 
Moscow,' in which our former Am- 
bassador, Joe Davies, will be shown 
hobnobbing with Stalin, Molotov and 
th^ rest of the Soviet toppers. Bill 
Goelz is making another of the 
same stripe at 20th-Fox in 'Road to 
Moscow,' while the same studio's 
'Arctic Convoy' will reveal the for- 
titude of the common Russian as 
well as American and British citizen. 
Metro is coming along with 'The 
Girl from Leningrad' and Columbia, 
to get in the swim, merely switched 
sexes with its entry. The Boy from 
Leningrad.' 

Others of the same ilk are Metro's 
'Song of the Red Army," Par's Timo- 
shenko,' Metro's 'Scorched Earth,' 
Producers Releasing Corporation's 
Miss V from Moscow," and many 
more. 

Not only in the main are Amer- 
ican pictures going the whole route 
to make the Russians appear like 
paragons, but Hollywood is missing 
no minor opportunities to achieve 
the same effect. Thus in Par's 'For 
Whom the Bell Tolls,' whenever 
Russian characters are shown they 
are smart, alert honorable, pa- 
triotic and highly ethical makers 
of war. 

Furthermore, the oldtime way of 
dolling up a Russian aristocrat or 
officer in the time of the Czars Is 
positively out. A lot of this tradition 
stems from Tolstoy, whose novels 
have been a steady source of mate- 
rial for film makers, as witness 'War 
and Peace' and 'Anna Karenina,' 
the former of which has been done 
at least three times. Under the tag 
'Love.' this one provided a Garbo 
starrer which treated the picture 
audiences to scenes of high revelry, 
magnums of wine being tossed off 
by youthful brutes or handsome 
devils in the Czar's uniform usually 
portrayed with a bottle in one hand 
and a blonde more or less in the 
other. 

In "They Got Me Covered," Sam 



Goldwyn even leaned over backward 
so far that he refused to allow Bob 
Hope to eat caviar or swig vodka. 

Well, that's how it is on the film 
front nowadays. The next time 
some producer is sold on the idea 
of screening 'Anna Karenina,* 
chances are she'll be presented aj 
an Epworth Leaguer leading a Sun- 
day school class. We wonder 
whether the dyed-in-the-celluloid 
film fans will stand for it, seeing 
how Annie don't live here any more, 
but c'est la guerre. 

Svelte, Slick and Suave 

Even more drastic than making a 
lily maid out of those pash gals we 
are used to seeing lolling in the arma 
of dashing Moscovite gallants is the 
liberty which Hollywood is taking 
with our traditional Russian's spray 
of spinach. Up to now, or very re- 
cently, a Russky devoid of his face 
mattress was about as convincing 
as Sitting Bull in a tux. Well, folks, 
we gotta be prepared for a lot of 
shocks. Hollywood is now going 
to hand us Russians who patronize 
barbers, Turkish baths, and, who 
knows, even manicurists. Mild- 
mannered, soft-spoken folk who 
never kissed a gal's hand in their 
lives. (Remember when Ivan Lebe- 
deff used to collect on plenty of 
bets that he could do a 180-<legree 
arc over a femme's palm without 
dropping his monocle into a decol- 
lete and losing it?) 

Maybe some of us in the picture 
audience will have to be spoofed 
for a while on these momentous 
transformations. Some of us, you 
can bet won't be sure whether we 
are sitting in on a Council of High 
Commissars or peeking at an* in- 
itiation of the Knights of Pythias 
in Keokuk. However, looking at 
the situation from the angle of world 
brotherhood, it's all to the good and 
on the credit side for Hollywood. 
Films can do a standout job of let- 
ting the world's peoples know that 
they're all brothers and sisters under 
their skins, which are not thick. 



20TH FOX PIX 
ADSAIHONGS 
AGENCIES 



20th-Fox has put its advertising 
account on the block. Three pix 
have been given to each of two 
agencies, Lord & Thomas and Bu- 
chanan, to prepare campaigns. 

Results will be stacked against 
what 20th-Fox knows can and has 
been done in the past by Kayton 
Spiro outfit which has the account, 
and a decision will be made. 

This is Hal Home's idea for pep- 
ping the sales copy. 



Metro Using Radio Blurbs 
For 'Me and My Gal' Film 

Metro is placing recorded minute 
announcements in connection wltb 
Me and My Gal.' 

Donahue & Coe is the egency 



'Nayy'PreeinsinD.G. 



'The Navy Comes Through,' In 
RKO's second block this season, will 
be premiered at Keith's, Washington, 
on Nov. 5. 

Preem will be attended by high 
Government officials. Film was 
made with the cooperation of the 
U. S. Navy, hence the choice of 
Washington for the opening. 



Par Ups Femme 

Departure of Armand Cardea into 
U. S. Army Air Force last week 
brought the promotion of Esther Ro- 
senthal, former secretary to Albert 
Deane. head of Paramount's foreign 
ad-publicity, to the foreign publicity 
writing staff. Cardea has headed 
the writing staff in Par's homeof- 
fice foreign ad-publicity for several 
years. 

Cardea was hosted Friday nooa 
'23) by 60 company employees at 
the Woodstock hotel. 



16 mTEBNATIONAL 



TAMmV LQNDOM OmCB 
■ Bt. ItoHIa'* rtaw, XMIUnr Hqi 



South America Increasingly Hit By 
Delivery Problem on U. S. Feature Pix 



Buenos Aires, Oct. 20. 
While official Washington-priori- 
ties crantcd U. S. newsreels headed 
liilo South America have by now 
pretty well solved their delivery 
problem, increasing difficulty In se- 
curing feature prints is posing new 
headaches for distrlbs and exhibs 
throughout the southern continent. 

Air express, which was at first 
ii.scd to replace war-limited s^amcr 
•■hipments. has now gotten to the 
point where unless there's a big red 
A-l-A tn« on the package the stuff 
never gels beyond Miami. Officials 
of P;m-Amcrican Airways have let 
it be known that Clipper Express for 
fllms is therefore a thing of the past. 

Even items that have a Grade B 
or C rating often come down after 
picls sent via the uncertain and usu- 
ally turtle-paced steamers. 

Majority of companies operating 
out of this market, which also, for 
many, serves Uruguay, Paraguay, 
Chile, Bolivia and Peru, now get 
dupe negatives of features and have 
prints knocked off locally. Increas- 
ing shortage of film stock and worry 
about how this will be shipped has 
also put wrinkles in many distribs' 
brows. Efforts are being made to 
give features — especially those which 
puck a pro-democratic message — the 
same kind of priority treatment as 
handed newsreels. 

Heed Nail Blockade 
Ships of the Argentine Merchant 
Marine are doing a lot of freight 
hauling between B. A. and U. S. 
ports, but policy of pampa govern- 
ment to heed the Nazi blockade 
keeps them confined to calls at New 
Orleans and away from New York 
and other eastern seacoast ports. 
Getting stuff to New Orleans ao that 
It can come via Argentine bottoms 
has become increasingly difficult. 

Airmail now takes approximately 
10 days from New York to B. A,, and 
vice versa, and a correspondingly 
ahorter time between other inter- 
contineatal points. Air express with 
an A-l-A priority requires about the 
same, but tossing out packages at 
Elops along the route so that prior- 
ity-marked passengers can move 
ahead is no longer a rarity. 

Censorship has been fairly speedy 
vith most persons using a great deal 
of correspondence making things 
cisy as possible for the bluepencil- 
Icrs by stating clearly from ,whom 
end to whom correspondence is sent. 



ROMANO'S, LONDON, 
DUE FOR REOPENING 



London, Oct. 27. 

Romano's restaurant for years one 
of the name spots in the West End, 
whose biz slipped soon after the out- 
break of war and was sold some 
10 months ago. Is to be reopened un- 
der entirely new management. 

Spot has been acquired by Luclen 
Samett in partnership with Racher 
Sequarra, Portugeuse millionaire 
whose job is to negotiate trade 
treaties between the Allies and neu- 
trals. 

Sequarra originally purchased the 
wine cellar and fittings of the res- 
taurant when it was sold out, having 
paid $112,000 for cellar and $20,000 
for fixtures and fittings. Present 
value of wine stock is said to be 
nearer $300,000. 

Samett's policy will have two 
name bands, with regular troupe of 
gals, and is budgeting entertainment 
overhead at $4,000 per week, which 
is biggest overhead In town. 

There ii $400,000 in the bag to 
play with, and understood opening 
date is around end October or early 
November. 



Probe Show Biz Group 
In B. A. on •Bribery* 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 20. 

Charges of 'grave irregularities* in 
the operation of the office of the In- 
speccion de Ilspectaculos, which con- 
trols theatre and film exhibitions, 
have resulted in an investigation by 
Judge Or. Ura. According to facts 
turned over to the court by office of 
Mayor Carlos A. Pueyrredon, various 
theatres, film houses, cabarets, etc., 
have bribed municipal employees to 
permit infractions including opera- 
tion after closing hours, safety pro- 
visions, etc. 

Probers working with certain co- 
operative operators traced marked 
bills given to some of the inspectors. 

dubarrFsock 
in london bow 



San Miguel Sets 
Big Pic Schedule 
For Argentina 



DISNEY'S mUDOS' wow 
IN BUENOS AIRES, IIG 



Buenos Aires, Oct 20. 
Although youngest of the major 
producers operating here. Studio San 
Miguel, headed by Don Miguel 
Machinandiarena, has announced 
1043 program contemplating a dozen 
features with more top name stars, 
directors and technicians than any 
other local organization, 

While organization has not been 
loo successful financially until now, 
the bulging purse of Machinandiar- 
ena hasn't gotten any lighter and 
revenue from the Mar del Plata Ca 
sino, world's largest legal gambling 
setup, is being used to finance pro- 
duction and distribulion. Don Mi- 
guel's investment in the studio is 
part hobby and part biz, since under 
the Casino's charter granted by the 
government a certain percentage 
must be invested in another na- 
tional enterprise. What might be 



Topical Titles l| Shipping Ban On 

Continued from page X ^ssl «w m- m«l ■ 

U A Films to Arg. 



London, Oct. 27. 

'DuBarry Was a Lady,' legit musi- 
cal opening on Oct. 22 at His Ma- 
jesty's, was uproariously received 
and looks like sure-fire success. It Is 
a sumptuous production presented by 
a competent cast. 

"Little Foxes,' which came Into the 
Piccadilly, Oct. 21, lacks the Ameri- 
can players requisite for atmosphere. 
Fact that the film version of the 
stage show already has been shown 
here takes the edge off the legit pro- 
duction. Its success in London seems 
dubious. 

'Old Town Hall,* which started its 
London date at the Winter Garden 
Oct. 21, clicked nicely. It had been 
touring for 20 weeks, yielding easily 
$40,000 to Jack Hylton. Show is not 
West End standard and was strength- 
ened through the addition of Max 
HUler and Adelaide Hall to the cast. 
Both are outstanding in the version 
here. Attraction is in for eight 
weeks, and should prove a money- 
maker on its radio reputation. 



tually bad— the $500,000 film on the 
subject possibly would have meant 
a great deal. 

Case in point is 'The Yanks Are 
Coming,' recently produced by Les- 
ter Cutler for Producers Releasing 
Corp. That's certainly a potent title 
and with the proper picture behind 
it might have been a real morale- 
builder, particularly among our al- 
lies in the United Nations. Instead, 
it turns out to be a little musical 
about efforts of the boys in a camp 
to line up talent for a show. Henry 
King's orchestra is featured. 

Case of an indie company getting 
a title because it got its film fin- 
ished first, although a number of ma- 
jor companies had registered the 
same title, was 'Remember Pearl 
Harbor,' made by Republic. Rep also 
was first to the line with 'Flying 
Tigers,' although it gave the film 
considerably better than quickie 
treatment, greatly hypoing its ordi- 
nary budget. 

Merely causing a title change by 
Metro was the release by Lamont 
Pictures last month of 'Scorched 
Earth.' Metro was using the tile for 
an important 'A' about Russia. The 
Lamont film is a feature-length com- 
pilation of Chinese and British news- 
reels and some confiscated Japanese 
footage. It played minor houses. 



Linfked to Nazis 



No Payoff 

Continued from page 1 



Exhibs Aroused 

— Continued from pace i s 



Beunos Aires, Oct. 20. 

When a U. S. film designed to 

build good will not only does it but { '{^^'^^^ for"anyone else"'is "therefore 
cleans up in the bargam, it's new.-, j gj^y jo take for Machinandiarena, 
Top grosses rung up by Walt Dis- 1 ^in^e he is building himself a good 
noy s Saludos at the Ambassador bi,. by expensive trial and error out 
!nl«,T I of coin which otherwise would have 

t^J^ll l^JlZ M°'"%T.!/i!f '""•1° be given up in Uxes. 
the film having attracted 44,400 pesos „ ... V j. ^ j . 

(over $11,100) for the best of the ! ^an Miguel Studios, located in 
week and a new record for the suburban Bella Viste, are among the 
lioiise. moft modern in Latin America and 

/-ifi.l- . 1. ■ • . 'are 100% U.S. equipped. Studio has 

Oilier est,n«,te», all given xn Ar- , j,^ laboratory installed by a 

: Yank, brought here for the purpose 
I from Hollywood. Studio has Cali- 
Ambassador iLautaret & Cavallo) : fornia-style bungalows for married 
<l,4O0; 3.00: 2.50). 'Saludos' (RKO).; employees and beautiful grounds 
Terifflc 44,400. Especially good con- 1 ^^here Don Miguel occasionally 
sidering upped prices. Last week. | i^rows an 'asado criollo' for visiting 
•They All Kissed the Bride' (Col), personalities. Studio has also 



orntine pesos, currently at obout 27c ' 
V. S., follow: 



«.k. 15,000 on second week after 
neat 28,000 for opener. | 

Ideal (Lucoco) (»70; 2.S0: 2.00).' 
•Friendly Enemies' (UA). One of the | 
lowest grossers In some time, with 
4.000 giving it a break. Last week, 
'Eagle Squadron' (U), anemic 8,000 
for fourth and final week. 

Bex (Cordero, Cavallo & Lautaret ) 
<3,305; 2.50: 2.00). 'Magnificent Am- 
bcrsons' (RKO). Solid 15,000 on 
•econd week. Last week, opener, 
drew a strong 33,000. 

Ocean (CoU, Gatti & Cia.) (2.800; 
J.OO: 1.50). 'Ten Gentlemen From 
West Point' (20th) o. k. 22,000, better 
than expected. Last week, 'Wife 
Takes a Flier' (Col), neat 26,000. 

Opera (Lococo) (2,400; 2.50; 2.00). 
•Are Husbands Necessary' (Par). 
Surprisingly strong 32,000. Last 
week, 'Navy Blues' (WB), so-so 16.- Franci.sco 
000. Pagano. 

Normandie (Lococo) (1,400; 2.00: 
1.50). 'Big Shot* (WB). Fairish 12,- 
000, with theme and lack of marquee 
appeal contributing. Last week, 
•Blues In the Night' (WB), off and 
down to 6,000. 



been concentrating on fllms with 
wider-than-Argentina appeal, with 
the hope of gaining a larger market. 

Meggers signed by Studio San 
Miguel for 1943 include: Mario Sof- 
flci, Alberto de Zavalia, Luis Saslav- 
sky, Gregorio Martinez Sierra, Lucas 
Demare, Ernesto Arancibia, Antonio 
Momplet and Catrano Catrani. 

Stars: Libcrtad Lamarque, Enrique 
Muino, Delia Gbrces, Angel Magana, 
Catalina Barcena, Elisa Galve. Maria 
Duval, Francisco Petrone, Amelia 
Hence, Luis Aldas, Allna Bozan, Jose 
Olarra, Roberto Airaldi, Pepe Ingle- 
sias CEl Zorro'), Alberto Bello, Fe- 
lissa Mary. Elsa O'Connor, Orestes 
Caviglia, Rafael Frontaura, Aida Al- 
berti, Oscar Valicelli, Paul Ellis. 
Juan Jose Miguez, Juana Sujo, Alita 
Roman, MIrtha Reid, Carlos Castro, 
Lopez Silva and Leoni 



David Rose, Paramount's manag- 
ing director in Great Britain, is 
planning to make his semi-annual 
trip to New York sometime in De- 
cember. 



its dough since they finished work- 
ing 10 days ago. 

'Follies Girl' has l>een a problem 
to Rowland since he first got started 
with it early this summer. Original 
shooting date was June 17, but the 
cameras didn't grind until Sept. 28. 
As a result he had to pay Fred Keat- 
ing $600, a two-week guarantee, and 
Gertrude Niesen $1,200 in settlement 
of her contract, without using either 
of them in the picture. 

Screen Actors Guild members all 
were paid or are covered by escrow 
deposits, and SAG settled the Niesen 
and Keating claims. However, SAG 
waived contract requirements on- the 
acts squawking for their dough (they 
do this from time to time when an 
act stacks up as a one-shot affair for 
pictures: thus don't overload their 
membership yet keep working con- 
ditions and wages up to par), conse- 
quently cannot go to bat for these 
performers. 

PRC acquired the film from As- 
sociated Producers, Inc. Irvin Sha- 
piro was co-producer with Rowland. 

Latter corporation, which financed 
Rowland, consists primarily of Hor- 
ace W. Schmidlapp and Donald 
Flainm. Schmidlapp is a partner in 
F-S-K, Broadway legit producing 
firm; other members are Vinton 
Freedley and Richard Krakeur. They 
have 'Lefs Face It* and 'Count Me 
In' currently on Broadway. Flamm 
is former owner of WMCA, N. Y., 
now with OWL 

Another member of the Associated 
Producers firm and holder of a 
small piece of 'Follies Girl' is Pvt. 
Carl Laemmle. Jr. Pic was shot at 
the Ideal Studios in Hudson Heights, 
N. J. It's the first feature made in 
the cast for a number of years, and 
the only one since Mayor LaGuardia 
began an abortive drive to bring 
some Hollywood production to New 
York two years ago. 

Cast includes Wendy Barrie, Doris 
Nolan, Gordon Oliver. Fritzi SchclT, 
Anne Barrolt, Lew Beam, Arthur 
Pierson, Cora Witherspoon, J. C. 
Nugent. ClifT Hall, Marion McGuire 
and Pal C. Flick. Hcirn and Flick 
also wrote dialog for the film. There 
are shots, some of them made in 
New York niteries, of four bands, 
Johnny Long, Bobby Byrne, Ray 
Heatberton and Ernie Hoist. 



for. In other words, he cites that a 
picture may be offered to him for 
35% but the opposition is willing to 
sign up at more since latter has it in 
his mind to gyp and may come out 
by paying only 35% or less. Mean- 
time, he has stolen a picture or a 
group of pictures and comes out on 
top, pocketing some of the distrib's 
gravy. 

Recently a conniving exhib is said 
to have clearly indicated to a film 
salesman that he was going to try to 
cheat the dlstrib because of the 
rental prices being demanded. 

Distributors are giving consider- 
able thought to the problem and, 
stressed importantly, that for the 
first time seemingly the exhib who 
docs business on the up-and-up is 
lending considerable aid. If in no 
other way than a moral sense, the 
aroused honest exhibitor may help 
in curbing the chiseling evil Among 
other things, he might shame his dis- 
honest exhibition brethren into be- 
ing more on the level. Distrlbs as 
well as exhibs have a lot at stake in 
the industry and without proper co- 
operation on all fronts, dangers of 
hur.ting the industry for all arise. 
Among other things, trade higher- 
ups can see no reason why the per- 
centage problem cannot be brought 
under control as in other industries 
where cheating could occur. 



Ban against shipment of U. S. films 
on Argentine boats has developed 
Into a strictly pro-Nazi campaign, it 
was learned in New York over the 
weekend. While having no clear- 
cut interpretation as to who is back 
of the crackdown on American mo- 
tion picture shipments, evidence is 
piling up that it is largely Nazi-in- 
spired, with the usual explanation 
given that Argentina wants to re- 
main strictly neutral and in no way 
offend the Axis. 

American film company foreign 
departments have learned that ship- 
ments to Argentina can be made, but 
only after U. S. distributors agree to 
pre-shipping censorship by Argen- 
tine representatives in N. Y. The 
picture shipments will be permitted 
only if script of the subjects desig- 
nated for shipment and the finished 
pictures themselves are viewed in 
iN. Y. by Argentine reps. In this 
' way, scenes can be deleted or pic- 
ture banned outright before starting 
for Argentine. 

Industry officials view it as a thor- 
ough method of preventing any anti- 
Nazi screen product reaching Argen- 
tine soil, because the Argentine gov- 
ernment officials realize it is always 
possible to get a picture screened 
once the film arrives in Argentina. 
■ Prc-shipment censoring is remin- 
iscent of the effort made about four 
years ago by Cuba to establish a 
somewhat similar censorship in N. Y. 
The Cuban government then pro- 
posed to have a full board pass on 
all materials destined for Cuba, with 
a set fee per picture. The proposi- 
tion was abandoned when shown to 
be unfair to U. S. disb-ibutors. 



Orson Welles 

Contlancd from page 3 ; 



'Dictatorship' 

Continued from page 5 s 

circles, because it has been possible 
10 produce a considerable number of 
domestic fllms of better-than-average 
quality through the cooperation ac- 
corded the British Ministry of In- 
formation by the War Office. 

As a Government bureau the BMI 
has been able to get loans of star 
performers. Army and Navy re- 
quirements rank first, of course, but 
the BMI ranks third. Players needed 
for production can thus be loaned 
back since the various branches of 
the services can tell within short 
notice whether the players can be 
spared from active duty. Loans of 
players from the armed forces are 
at a minimum, however, since they 
are used only in important feature- 
length product. 

Army service in England, from ac- 
counts, automatically gives Govern- 
ment departments precedence in the 
employment of players as such be- 
cause previous studio contracts ap- 
parently do not flgurc in these cases. 
In the U. S., were a -player such as 
James Stewart or Tyrone Power re- 
leased for featur3-length film ]|go- 
duction to be released commercially 
it is assumed that the studio holding 
a prior contract could claim the 
services of the performer for the 
same purpose. 



True,' South American flicker which 
already represents an investment of 
some $300,000. following the negotia- 
tions conducted by RKO prexy N. 
Peter Rathvon which bring Welles 
back to the studio this week to re- 
make the 'Ending of 'Journey Into 
Fear.* Impression prevails in com- 
pany circlet that Welles would 
prove a studio asset if be would ac- 
cept some management control. 

Belief is that Rathvon's deal with 
Welles on 'Fear' likely provided for 
deflnite limitations on cost. Welles, 
shortly after his return from Brazil, 
predicted that Tear' would turn out 
to be a dud unless he were permit- 
ted to re-edit, recut and possibly 
change the finish. Actor-producer 
also expressed willingness to handle 
I the job at modest compensation for 
' himself and his Mercury group be- 
cause his name was associated with 
the production. 

Meantime, RKO has soiae 90.000 
feet of fllm on the Brazilian picture 
which represents a jumble of cellu- 
loid, since Welles had no shooting 
script. About one-fifth of 'It's AH 
True.' including a bull flght se- 
quence, yet remains to be shot from 
accounts. 

In addition to 'It's All True,' 'Fear' 
and 'Magnificent Ambersons' Welles 
has claimed that his contract with 
RKO called for two more pictures. 



Current London Shows 



Schless to Coast 

Robert Schless, Warner Bros, for- 
eign sales chief, left for the Coiibt 
over the weekend for conferences 
with Harry M. Warner. 

Schless will look nt latest product 
to obtain an appraisal for the for- 
eign, market. 



London Oct. 27. 
'Belle et N. Coliseum. 
■Blithe Spirit,' Duchess. 
'Claudia,* St. Martin's. 
'Dancing Tears,' Adelphi. 
'Doctor's DUcmma,* Haymarket. 
'Da Barry Waa a Lady,' Majesty'*. 
■Flare Path.' Apollo. 
'Fine and Dandy,' Saville. 
'Fall Swing,' Palace. 
'Importance Be Earnest,' Phoenix. 
'LItUe Foxes,' Piccadilly. 
'>Iai^ Who Came to Dinner,' Savoy. 
'Men In Shadow,' Vaudeville. 
■Morning Star,' Globe. 
■Murder Without Crime,' Comedy. 
'.Meht of tbe Garter,' Strand. 
'No Orchids for Blandish,' Wales. 
'Old Town Hall,' Winter Gardea 
■Quiet Week-End,' Wyndham s. 
'Rebecca,' Lyric. 
'Rosc-Marle,' Stoll'^. 
Sadler's Wells Bal'ct, New. 
■Wild Rose,' Prince. 
•Waltz WIthont End,* Cambridge. 
'Watch on the Rhine,' Aldwych. 
'Vcnos Comes Town,' Whitehall. 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



IT 




"GRAND SOSg 
FEST" _ 

sings out Edith W«rh«r 
the N.Y. DaUy Mfnw([ 

"Topnotch singing and 
dancing. Judy b a Joy.*^ 




"GAY AND 
LIGHTHEARTED 

adds Alton Cook in the 
N.Y. WorU'Tekgram: 

"A lot of show. ..full of 
jaunty amusing spirit 
... as diverting a gang 
as you are likely to 
find in a musical show.'?' 



»» 




"BIGGEST OF . 
THE SEASON'S 
MUSICALS" 

says Jam Corby in th« 
'.Brooklyn Eagle. 




"FRESH AND 
ENTERTAINING'* 

exclaims Eileen Creelman 
in the N.Y. Sun; 
"Good, fast, melodiouiJ 
entertainment." 




"CHEERS ARE 
RINGING FOR 
ME AND MY GAL" 

cheers John T. McManus in PM. 

"WELL WORTH 
SEEING" 

says Howard Barnes in the 
N.Y. Herald Tribunei 
"Has dramatic and 
emotional punch." 




"A MUST 
PICTURE" 

(KcdaimsKMgCamtroii 
)aily Neu% 



Vn the N.Y. Doily; 



NEW ALL-TIME 





FOR ME AND 
MY GAL! 



JUDY GARLAND in J'FOR ME AND . MY GAL 

with George Murphy, Gene Kelly, Marta Eggerth, Ben Blue 
Screen Play by Richard Sherman, Fred FinklehofFe and Sid Silvers 
Original Story by Howard Emmett Rogers Directed byBUSBYj 
BERKELEY. Produced by ARTHUR FREEDi An M^-M Picture 




18 PICTURES 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



Paradox of Wartime Prosperity 
Is Cheaper Nabes Get the Go-By 



Chicago, Oct. 27. 

Neighborhood houses are sighing 
for the good old days of the depres- 
sion. Now that money is free and a 
worker making $50 a week is prac- 
tically a pauper, the little 24c and 
30c nabe theatres are no longer good 
enough for their old customers and 
so are feeling a terriflc pinch. 

WPA and depression workers of 
yesteryear were a bonanza to the 
little picture houses. They could 
not afford the big shows with their 
high admissions and .<;o patronized 
the little houses around their homes. 

With the coming of prosperity, the 
workers started coming into the 
Loop, spending from 75c to $1.10 for 
a show, or else patronized the deluxe 
neighborhood houses outside the 
downtown section, charging 55c and 
65c. 

This is one of the curious para- 
doxes of show business. Normally, 
increased prosperity has always re- 
sulted in better business in the en- 
tertainment world, In this instance, 
it has proven that the more money 
that came into a neighborhood, the 
less the little nabe houses get. 

Still another factor which has 
caused the small houses to put up 
a terriflc wail of unhappiness is the 
fact that a great many of the young 
people in every neighobrhood were 
leaving. The young men were go- 
ing into our armed services; the 
women migrating into war industry 
areas. 

SmaH towns and neighborhood 
houses afTlicted by this exodus- 
trend, see one ray of hope. That is 
the national gas-rationing act which 
becomes effective next month. With 
BUto travel curtailed and people 
consequently harnessed more closely 
to home, it will not be so convenient 
to make treks to the Loop and near- 
by big cities for entertainment 
Therefore, it is hoped, they tvill re- 
turn to their neighborhood thea- 
tres for amusement and give the 
small exhibitor a break. 



Set Will Be Jamping 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Universal's Jitterbug picture, 
'School for Jive.' goes into work in 
two weeks with Gloria Jean and 
Donald O'Connor in the leads and 
the Jivln' Jacks and Jills featured. 

Charles Lamont directs the Ken 
Goldsmith production from a script 
by Dorothy Bennett and Mel Ron.ion. 



Biz Too Good In 
Coast Theatres So 
Giveaways Dropped 

Los Angeles, Oct. 27. 

Gimmicks are passing out along 
the Coast particularly in Aim houses 
located within reasonable distances 
of military camps and wartime fac- 
tories, which are plentiful all along 
the shore from Canada to Mexico. 
Business is so good in those areas 
that It is no longer necessary to give 
away crockery or other boxoffice 
stimulants. In the territories depop- 
ulated by the wartime iJrain, it 
makes little difference whether the 
operators put on a dishnitc or a 
banknite any night. 

Fox-West Coast is dropping give- 
aways over the entire circuit. In the 
last year the circuit gimmick the- 
atres have dwindled from 100% 
down to 20'"i^- and the reduction is 
still going on. Cash night in the F- 
WC city theatres is still in vogue in 
a good many spots but the circuit is 
figuring on dropping, on the theory 
that busine.ss no longer needs the 
extra push. Stunt has been dropped 
in Bakersflcld and Phoenix, and the 
next elimination is aimed at Los An 
geles. 



DelraH Loop, Nabes Prosper 

Detroit. Oct. 27. 

Under the continued prosperity of 
war boom centers, the pix busine.ss 
here is starting to puddle out to 
where the neighborhood theatres are 
starting to close the gap between 
their business and that of the loop 
area. The interpretation here is that 
It either Is the reflection of enough 
dough in the public hand's to let all 
picture business enjoy a boom, or it 
begins to presage what will happen 
when gas rationing start.s shortly In 
this area where the city transporta- 
tion problem is brutal. 

The picture here is not clean-cut,' 
cince there arc many contributing 
factors, but the fact that is pertinent 
i.<; that where Detroit's llrsl-run 
hou.<es. which recently were forced 
to put in iijiother theutre to keep 
up with the accelerated bu.-iiness, 
have been booming the nabe.-; now 
are forging toward the .same classifi- 
cation. The early pix :>pcnding in 
this war-inllaled town wa.s heavy in 
the loop ^herc since the converted 
auto plants .>.tar1cd tliriving. the en- 
tire llrsl-run .sel-up frequently has 
been forced into solid holdovers. 

However, the last few months have 
seen the outlying hou.se.s increa.-iing 
their receipts with such conlribuling 
fads as that they have juggled hours 
tiying to fit iif with the production 
.schedules of the plants w-ith their 
three around-the-clock shifts and 
that Delroiters are .starting to cu.se 
o(T on the u.se of their cars to adapt 
themselves to the tire conservation 
program. More than a tenth of the 
city's flUing stations have gone out of 
biz and Voluntary gas rationing here 
has reduced gasoline sales 220' . -The 
.streetcar and bus lines here can't 
carry the added transportation load, 
particularly at the off hours between 
shifts. 

Where the lay-up of caft and the 
turning of the oublic to llie nabe 
houses has not hurt the downtown 
business lies in the hu!!C influx of 
transients into the loop area. Thou- 
sands of Army Ordnance Officers 
and others have moved into down- 
town building.s taken over by the 
Government and many of the new 
defense workers are bivouacked in 
the loop area where they do their 
theatre-going. There also still is 
plenty of family .spending for the 
new pictures by the family groups 
with Detroit's wealthy mechanics 
not making downtown Junkets .'JS 
two-.somes but in fours, fives, etc. 
At the same time the long hours 



CANTOR'S 'LUCKY STARS' 
AU OVER WARNER LOT 



Hollywood. Oct. 27. 

With two units before the cameras, 
tour in rehearsal and two more pre- 
paring for rehearsals. 'Thank Your 
Lucky Stars' is the busiest produc- 
tion in years on the Warner lot. 
Units in work arc hea'ded by Eddie 
Cantor and Joan Leslie on one stage 
and by Dinah Shore on another. 

Personnel busy on all phases of 
the picture, including musicians and 
technicians, runs up to 600, with 
Dave Butler directing and Mark 
Hellinger producing. 



Triple. Femme Starring 
For Par's Nurse Epic 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Paramount added Paalette God- 
dard and 'Veronica Lake to Claudette 
Colbert, making it a three-star a.s- 
signment in 'So Proudly We Hail.' 
tale of Army nurses at Bataan and 
Corregidor. 

Mark Sandrich is producer, with 
Walter Abel and Bairy Sulli\an in 
the male roles. 



Freed's 'Best Foot' Trio 



Mono's 57G Net, 13 Wks. 

Monogram Pictures Corp. reports 
gross proat of $57,370 for IS week 
period ending Sept 26, 1942 aft«r 
provision for employees' bonus, but 
before provision for federal taxes. 

Warners Add WR 
Bill Goetz Sold 
Fox; Odier Deals 



Washington, Oct. 27. 
Harry M. Warner, president, and 
Albert and Jack L. Warner, vice- 
presidents, each took over }0,500 
shares of Warner Bro.s. Pictures com- 
mon, according to the Securities & 
Exchange Commission's report on in- 
siders transactions for the period 
Aug. 11 to Sept. 10. These acquisi- 
tions brought the - month-end hold- 
ings of common by the Warner exec- 
utives .to: Harry M., 79,560; Albert, 
117.348; and Jack L., 143,960. 

The Warners also reported their 
month-end holdings of the cumula- 
tive preferred as: Harry M., 19,884 
shares: Albert 14,884 shares; and 
Jack L., 14,884 shares. 

Investment backing firm of Hemp- 
hill, Noyes & Co. acquired 3.240 
shares of Paramount common. Leon- 
ard H. Goldenson, an officer, ac- 
quired 200 shares putting his month 
end holdings at 1,100 shares. Walter 
B. Cokell, treasurer took on 100 
shares, placing his month-end hold- 
iBgs at that figure. Stanton Griffis 
reported end-of-month holdings at 
5.200 shares. End-of-mbnth holdings 
of various trusts were given as: F. 
K. Griffis Trust. 3,000 shares; N. 
Griffis Ti-ust, 4,000 shares; Trust U. 
W. W. Griffis, 6,060 .shares; and T. 
G. Latouche Trust, 6,000 shares. N. 
Griffis Trust acquired 100 shares of 
Paramount flr.st preferred. 

American Co. of Jersey City 
• Floyd Odium) bought .six lots of 
Radio-Keith-Orpheum common, put- 
ting month-end holdings to 306,430. 
Atlas Corp. reported end-of-month 
holdings at 981.323. It also reported 
its end-of-month holdings of war- 
rants for common at 327,812. Its hold- 
ings at end-of-month of the cumula- 
tive preferred was listed at 52,071 
shares. 

Radio-Keith-Orpheum Corp. re- 
ported end-of-month holdings of 
Kcith-Albce-Orpheum common for 
July at 1,205.755 shares. The corpor- 
ation bought 10 shares in June. 
Kadio-Keith-Orpheum got rid of 625 
shares of Keith-Albee-Orpheum To 
cumulative preferred, reducing its 
holdings from 7,506 to 6.871 shares at 
the end of July. 

William Goetz. v.p. of 20th Cen 
lury-Fox Film transferred 133,755 
sliares of the common, putting end- 
of-month holdings at 44,588 shares 
and transferred 41,461 shares of the 
cumulatiye preferred, which placed 
end-of-month shareholdings at 13,823. 

W. Ray Johnston, president of 
Monogram Pictures Corp.. acquired 
889 shares of common and brought 
month-end holdings to 25.150 .shares. 

Loew'.s, Inc.. acquired five lots .to- 
taling 73 .shares of Locw's Bo.ston 
Theatres common, bringing holdings 
to 119,398. J. Robert Rubin, v.p. 
sold 200 shares of Loew'.s. Inc., piit 
ting his holdings at 6,565 shares. The 
corporation disposed of three blocks 
totaling 600 shares and bringing 
holding.s to 24,750 .shares. 



Print Conservatioii and ODT Orders 
Enhance Risks of Dliss-Oats on Dates 



The Devfl You Say 

Hollywood, Oct 27. 

Peter Lorre has been signed for a 
villainous stage role in 'I Play the 
Devil,' to be produced this tall on 
Broadway by Ernest Pascal. 

Currently Lorre is doing a feloni- 
ous chore in support of George Raft 
and Brenda Marshall in 'Background 
to Danger' at Warners. 



Curtailed Football 
Coverage a Great 
Saver for Newsreels 



Gridiron coverage this fall is not 
the usual headache for the newsreels, 
and it is proving less costly. Desire 
to conserve on raw film stock is pri- 
marily back of the reduction in cov- 
erage on the football front. Also 
apparently there is not as much in- 
terest by picture theatre patrons in 
the pigskin contests as compared 
with- recent years, judging by the 
reaction of exhibitors. 

The reels for the most part are 
ducking so-called football specials 
excepting on the Coast. They cover 
the outstanding games each week- 
end in the east, middlcwest and on 
the Coast. The first two groups go 
out as part of the newsreel national 
release. However, on the Coa.st. most 
of reels si>ecial because otherwise it 
would be Thursday or Friday before 
copies of the previous week's con- 
tests would be received back on the 
Coast. 

By specialing. the principal Coast 
games are edited and printed up 
either in San Francisco or Los An- 
geles, whichever is nearest the site 
of the contest. This' means that they 
reach the exhibitor the following 
Sunday at the latest. The prints are 
rushed east then for inclusion in the 
national edition where important 
enough. 

Estimated that the reduction of 
number of grid newsreel specials has 
trimmed the cost of fall football cov- 
erage by $40,000-$50,OUO. It still re- 
mains a comparatively expensive 
proposition, with the exlra outlay 
^aid to be running close to $75,000 
for the five reels. 

Elimination of most specials is not 
regretted by the newsreels. because 
until just lately Ihcy remained jurt 
so much additional service provided 
the exhibs with no additional coin 
forthcoming. Several newsreels had 
been experimenting with the idea of 
making these specials two reels and 
getting real rentals in some instances. 
This idea apparently ic oift for the. 
duration. 



Hollywood. Oct: 27. 

Artliur Freed has rounded up Lu- 
cille Ball. Virginia Weidler and Lee 
Bowman to put their "Best Foot For- 
ward' in the film version of the 
Broadway musical show at Mc'.ro, 
slated for a December start. 

Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane are 
writing new tunes to auginent thclr 
original stage score. 



the men and w-omen have been 
working in the plants are r.nally 
slowing some of them down on their 
gamboling about, in free hours. These 
are starting to stay closer to home 
when they catch a movie. Th.-it's the 
kind of money starting to give the 
nabes a break on the defense coin. 

From the evidence in hand at this 
time, it woutrt. appear that ga.s ra- 
tioning coming into the midwest .soon 
is not going to materially hurt cither 
the loop nor the nabes but, under 
the decreased consumer goods and 
continued big earnings, . will see a 
general pix boom. 



Hardwicke's Film Chore 
Sets Back Weidman Play 



20TH-FOX SUED FOR 50G 
BY 2 IN Wise. BREACH 



Although no great print shortage 
has cropped up thus far to indicate 
that indepiendettt exhibitors have 
been cau^t short with no program, 
new edict, by OCUce of Defense 
Transportation which becomes ef- 
fective next month may produce 
■miss-outs' with certain accounts 
unless great care is exerted by ex- 
hibitors. Reason for no material 
print shortage thus far is that most 
producers had ordered prints in suf- 
ficient quantities to last until 
around Jan. 1. Reduction in prints 
in <;irciiIatlon will start to appear 
on all pictures for which prints 
were ordered after Oct 15. 

The ODT order requires all com- 
mercial vehicles to obtain a license 
in order to operate. Without such 
licenses, no tires or gasoline will 
be allowed. Fear in the trade is 
that the regulation is a forerunner 
to further restricting the mileage 
on motor trucks which iicrvicc the 
greater portion of exhibitor ac- 
counts. 

But for the pi'esent, at lea.st. trade 
experts see no excuse for 'bicycling' 
in order to supply a show for nn- 
other house in a circuit or to help 
out a fellow exhibitor. Continu- 
ance of this shifting a screen show 
from one house to another, via the 
original exhibitor's own delivery 
service, is generally viewed in tlie 
industry as possibly leading to 
actnal bicycling or copyriylu viola- 
tion. 

Legal Bleycllni 

There is no objection lo .-pecial 
delivering or sending over oy bike 
or truck of a screen show just so 
the receiving exhibitor makes sine 
he has bought all the pictures thus 
obtained. Trouble in the pa.st lias 
been that this shifting about of 
prints often constituted actual bi- 
cycling, the receiving theatre i;iving 
an unauthorized exhibition. 

This type of copyright violation 
escapes detecfion at first bcuiu.se 
the original exhib, who is attempt- 
ing usually to chisel for .some other 
hou.se in his chain, explains the de- 
lay in returning prints by .-aying 
that he missed the truck or train. 
Experience has shown that such 
'bicycling' does not escape detec- 
tion long because both exhibitors 
and distributors are quick to catch 
on to this type of manipulation 
which deprives an exhib of film 
rental from the receiving exhibitor 
getting his show via the .-ccret 
'bicycle' route. 

Restriction of film carrier travel, 
with number of pickups weekly re- 
duced, is bound lo result in 'miss- 
outs' where exhibitors are carelr.ss 
in having their prints ready for 
shipping to the next exhib. The 
Copyright Protection Bureau pre- 
viously urged "ezldbitois to cucp- 
erate so that this very thing may 
be avoided. But this does not offer 
any excuse for haphazard 'bicycling' 
especially when the distributor is 
not notified. It too often leads to the 
other type of bicycling and copyright 
violations. 



Suit for $50,000 was filed Monday 
in N. ■y. supreme court by Max Mo- 
tuLsky, Joseph Luntz and their Lumo 
Amus. Co. against 20th-Fox Film 
Corp.. National Theatres Corp.. Fox 
Racine Corp., George W. Blatchford 
i»)id Harold P. Fitzgwald. oiTicers of 
the Fox-Racine Corp. 

PlaintifTs charge that the defend- 
ants signed a contract in November. 
1935, which gave Fox-Racine Corp. 
the management of Lumo Amus. 
Corp. and two theatres in Racine. 
Wis. the Capitol 'and Uptown. Also 
alleged that the Capitol and Uptown 
were to g*t 'good' clearance and 
.. , I run of pictures. Instead, other houses 
?„*l"^:.'f"f,'^'P_'!!'.."""i .11!^ secured 'better' clearance and run. 

As a result both theatres lo.st con- 



More Canteens 



CoBtlBvcd from pate 4 



show business contribution to the 
war effort from start to linish. 



up in 20th-Fox's filmi/.ation of 'The 
Moon Is Down.' has been forced to 
set back 'All These Years.' in which 
he'll star. Hordwickc and Harry 
Kaufman (Shubcrts) will be co- 
producers. 

'Years' is Jerome Weidnian's first 
\>\ay and due to go into production 
Jan. 1. when 'Moon' will have com- 
pleted film shooting. 



Orlrnlul, Chi, Plulnt 

Chicago, Oct. 27. 

Local arbitration tribunal has set 
Oct 30 as date lo settle clearance 
complaint of Oriental, Chicago, in- 
volving all Loop first-runs and Class 
A neighborhood houses. 

Argument was slated to be heard 
a week ago, but additional delay was 
granted to provide more time in 
which to work out settlement details, 



siderable money, and the Capitol 
had to close. Arrangement was for 
Lumo to receive .'50% net profit. Mo- 
lulsky and Luntz to get $100 weekly. 

PlaintifTs ask for damages of $38.- 
000 for the Lumo Amu.s. Corp. and 
$r2.0no for Molulsky and Liinlz. 



Frisco's Canteen Site? 

San Francisco, Oct. 27. 
Basement of Warfleld theatre, the 
shuttered TivoU theatre, and a ferry- 
boat to be docked on .the waterfront 
are among proposed locations for 
San Francisco's Stage Door Canteen. 

Barney Gould, member of can- 
teen's governing board, is carrying 
on a campaign for establishing the 
canteen as a showboat. He argues 
this would give project more color 
and make it distinctive in compari- 
son with other stage door caniLcns 
in country. 

Governing board, at its first meet- 
ing, started making plans that are 
expected to result, with cooperation 
of the American Theatre Wing, in a 
cantcsii within a short time. 



WB'S FINGERPEINTraG 

Warner Bros. homeolTice estab- 
lished a Anger-printing outfit Mon- 
day 126) for the convenience of em- 
ployees who want to have them- 
selves fingerprinted voluntarily un- 
der the War Identification Bureau 
plan. 

Ralph. W. Budd. director of per- 
sonnel, is in charge; unit located in 
the Warner clubroomi. 



ATW's Chi Canteen? 

Chicago. Oct. 27. 

American Theatrt Wing is trying 
to open a Stage Door Canteen 
in Chicago and has tried to influence 
important civic personages to .-.pun- 
sor such a venture. 

Service Men's Centers are doing 
job of entertaining soldiers .so well 
in this vicinity, however, that it 
.deemed unlikely such a project will 
meet with any success. - : - ■ 



Wednesday* October 28, 1942 



19 






^Heavenly days, but we're mowm* 'em downl Openings every- 
where skyrocket way over the openings of our first big 
laugh show, look Who's Laughing' (and THAT'S some- 
thing to beat) 

The big band-wagon news comes from New York, Brooklyn, 
Boston, Newark, Denver, Los Angeles, Providence, San 
Francisco, Kansas City, Cedar Rapids, Lexington, Pittsfield 
- EVERYWHERE! 



CHARUEMcC 
mMOUY 



And keep your eye peeled on more 
key openings this week and next 
. . WE'RE A NATIONAL LAiIGH 
EVENTI" 




THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE • GINNY SIMMS 

IHarQld Pcaiyi 

Bill Thompson*Gale Gordon* Isabel Randolph 
"Mortimer Snerd" and RAY NOBLE aid Band 

Produced and Directed by ALLAN DWAN 

Scrven flov by Poul Gerard Smirb ond Jo« BIgiiow. Sforv4»v fout 0«ranf SmIMi 



RAWO 



20 



PICTURES 



WcdnesdAy, October 28, 1942 



Soviet Drama, Films, Music- 



Continued from page 2 



times of sore trial for the good of the 
country. Not every citizen of the 
country is afforded the honor to de- 
fend the fatherland and its bounda- 
ries, but each man and woman can 
demonsUate his fidelity to the coun- 
try by working dutifully and self-ef- 
iacingly at the post he or she has 
been entrusted with. 

New life has come to birth in the 
Soviet theatre during the war, life 
inspired by the desire to present on 
the stage people who act the struggle, 
become heroes and are ready to die 
for the cause of their country. The 
war theme has become the most sig- 
nificant theme In the Soviet theatre. 
Drama 

In collaboration with the country's 
best playwrights, the theatre pro- 
duced new plays which are prize 
Soviet theatrical culture. Konstan- 
tin Simonov's war play, 'Russian 
People," turned out to be one of the 
most successful productions of the 
Moscow dramatic theatre. More- 
over, the powerful portrayal by 
actors of the simple Russian folk 
who are strong in spirit and who 
cannot be humbled by the enemy, 
and the realistic stage sets have 
made 'Russian People,' as produced 
by Moscow dramatic theatre, one of 
most noteworthy contributions of 
Soviet stage In war time. Simonov's 
play has been staged by almost all 
the leading theatres of the country. 
It is played by Rushkin Leningrad 
theatre, in town of Kiev, as well as 
In many theatres in national re- 



Yanks Praise Soviets 



Meredith Willson, member of 
the Popular Music Committee for 
Russian War Relief, has fash- 
ioned a tune titled 'And Still the 
Volga Flows,' which will be pub- 
lished by Witmark, with all roy- 
alties going into the Relief kitty. 
Melody is adapted from Rach- 
maninoff's second piano concerto. 

At a luncheon in New York 
last week, attended by Herman 
Starr, Warner Bros, music com- 
bine head; Benny Goodman, 
Manie Sachs of Columbia Records, 
Harold Evans, Ben Selvin, John 
Hammond and William Feinberg, 
of N. Y. local 802 of AFM, plans 
were made to exploit the tune. 
Edward Carter, head of Russian 
War Relief, dispatched a letter 
to James C. PetrlUo, asking per- 
mission to have the song record- 
ed by Goodman, 



publics. At present It's being re- 
hearsed in two of the Soviet Union's 
most prominent theatres, Moscow 
Art theatre and Maly theatre. 
Life at The Front 
Another extremely popular modern 
war play is Komelchuk's 'Front' It 
would be wrong to say of this drarha 
that it reflects life at the front, be- 
cause the play does much more than 

bam.: of tm tiov.* jf aU its'peo' 
pie, fighters, commanders and parti' 
sans, to the stage. This play, which 
is an extremely difficult one for 
actors because of its complex char- 
acters, is nevertheless being success- 
fully staged by Soviet theatres. 

Performance abounding In tense 
dramatic quality is a stage version 
of Tolstoy's 'War and Peace,* pre- 
sented by the Maly theatre In Mos- 
cow. This play, which is called The 
Patriotic War of 1812,' may, when 
considering its excellent script and 
the profound stage interpretation it 
has received, be regarded as an In- 
dependent piece of dramaturgy. In 
it images of those Russian people 
who in the critical year 1812 by their 
wisdom, adamant resolve and heroic 
struggle, succeeded in saving their 
fatherland from Napoleonic conquest 
are resurrected. The response of the 
audience is warmest when scenes of 
the past blend with events of the 
present and many words pronounced 
by the actors are applauded as most 
timely mottos of the day. 

Among innumerable theatres scat- 
tered over the Soviet land there's 
not a single one which hasn't pre- 
sented a play featuring the war 
theme. The Moscow Theatre of 
Revolution, which has taken up tem- 
porary residence in Tashkent, staged 
four war plays. These Include Kor- 
neichuk's 'Front,' Kapler's 'Parti- 
sans,' 'Moscow Nights,' 'Nikolai Po- 
godin' and 'Girl from Moscow' by 
Victor Gusev. The Leningrad Push- 
kin Theatre Is at present busy pre- 
paring three plays dealing with 
events of the present war, 'Peter 
Krimov' by Konstantin Finn, telling 
the story of the heroic work of sol- 
diers of Industry, Konstantin Simo- 



nov's 'Russian People and Invasion' 
by the well-known Soviet writer 
Leonid Leonov. The Moscow Dr.i- 
matlc Theatre is rehearsing Kon- 
stantin Simonov's latest piece, 'Wait 
for Me,' and the Maly Theatre in 
Moscow is staging A. Korneichuk's 
play 'Partisans in the Steppes of the 
Ukraine,' follows a sequel to 'In the 
Steppes of the Ukraine' whose heroes 
live and act in the conditions of the 
patriotic war. 

War's Inspiration 

Soviet musical theatres are like- 
wise supplementing their play bill 
by operas and musical pieces in- 
spired by the stirring event of war. 
Kabalevsky's new opera, the action 
of which approaches Moscow during 
October-December. 1941, the fateful 
months when the Germans were 
driven from Moscow's gates, is now 
being rehearsed by the filial of Bol- 
shoi Theatre in Moscow. The The- 
atre of Musical Comedy which is 
giving performances as usual in the 
staunch Leningrad city that has been 
transformed into an impregnable 
fort, will shortly preseitt to the pub- 
lic a new piece called 'Wide Rolling' 
Sea.' The latter is a musical play 
about gallant Baltic sailors and the 
glorious deeds of vigilance of Soviet 
citizens unmasking Fascist saboteurs 
who found their way into the heart 
of Leningrad. Here it's worthwhile 
noting that authors of the play, well- 
known writers Vishnevsky, Azarov 
and Kron, have taken part in bat- 
tles in the Baltic, while composers 
Budashkin, Qstlin, Kurtz and Minch' 
wrote music to script during their 
stay in the Baltic fleet. Name of 
piece has been taken from a popular 
sailor song, 'Wide Rolling Sea.' 

Every evening as twilight de- 
scends upon the blacked out capital, 
in front of entrances of Moscow's 
nimierous cinema houses are long 
queues of Moscovites eager to see 
the latest releases of the country's 
flim studios. Great popularity is en- 
Joyed by 'War Sketchbook Series,' 
depicting life and problems at the 
front. Among feature films shown 
in Moscow cinema houses there are 
three new films that deserve men- 
tioa Tb^y'n the historical picture, 
'George Saakadze,' 'Lad from Our 
Town' and 'How Steel Was Tem- 
pered.' 

'George Saakadze,' is about the 
legendary hero of Georgia, a promi- 
nent general and statesman who 
played a progressive role in Georgia's 
history of the 17th century, is one 
of the best releases of Georgia's film 
studios. Film Is a screen adaptation 
of the famous novel, 'Great Mourvai" 
by Antonovskaya. 

•Lad from Our Town,' unfolding 
the life story of young Soviet citizen, 
Is a film version of Konstantin 
Simonov's play of the same name. 
Every young man who sees this pic- 
ture will recognize in the hero of the 
film the qualities which he himself 
strives to attain: strong will, definite 
goal to pursue and ability to sacrifice 

oovR^l^fflei^^^^^^'IM. 

sponded warmly to 'How Steel Was 
Tempered,' based on a stirring epic 
by Soviet writer Mikhail Ostrovsky, 
who after a prolonged Illness died 
several years ago. This film repro- 
duces on the screen the life story of 
Pavel Korchagin, beloved character 
of the Soviet reading public, and 
simultaneously portrays the staunch 
struggle of the Ukrainian people 
against German interventionists in 
1918. 

Moslo 

Moscow composers havp made sev- 
eral praiseworthy cdntribuMons. 
Sergei Prokofiev's new piece. Second 
String Quartet,' and K^iuko^''s one- 
act opeca called 'At the Old Mill,' in- 
spired by war theme, were listened 
to with great Interest at the Com- 
poser's Union. Rendering of Pro- 
kofiev's 'Second String Quartet' and 
Shostakovich's 'String Quartet' by 
Moscow Philharmonic Society was 
hailed as quite an event by Moscow 
music lovers. 

Prokofiev's 'String Quartet' draws 
its theme from the folklore of the 
Caucasus. Entire score is blended 
with national melodies. Composer 
has ably used to advantage the color- 
ful dance music of Kabardino Bak- 
larian Folk Treasury. By employing 
a series of tricky mediums Sergei 
Prokofiev has succeeded in repro- 
ducing sounds of national oriental 
instruments "Tara,' 'Kemanchi' and 
others. 

Shostakovich's new quartet may be 
regarded as one of his outstanding 
accomplishments. In classic form, in 
simple and restrained language 
Shostakovich with extreme sincerity 
of great artists gives expression to 
deep, moving sentiments and Ideas. 



New 'VIollncello Poem' by composer 
N. Rakov has likewise warranted 
great success. 

After a break for the summer the 
Moscow Conservatory has renewed 
its traditional student concerts. Dur- 
ing the past week a series of concerts 
by 2,000 pianist students of Pro- 
fesors D. Sotrinitsky and Myudina, 
of the Leningrad Conservatory, were 
given. 

Despite strenuous times of war, 
Soviet men of art and letters are as 
busy as ever. Every day new books 
written by Soviet writers adorn 
shelves of bookstores. * 

Inspired by Heroic Labor 

Bulk of these works have been 
produced either at the front or in the 
rear, inspired by the heroic labor of 
some plant or collective farm. These 
books are permeated with deep de- 
votion for the fatherland and hatred 
for the enemy. They" voice senti- 
ments of the people and produce 
a benign influence upon the morale 
of Red army fighters and those who 
by their heroic labor in the rear are 
helping strengthen the forces of the 
Red army. 

Past- week has seen Soviet pub- 
lishing houses present the reading 
public with several new books. Large 
printing has been given to Ilya 
Ehrenburgh's new book, 'For Life,' 
a compilation of his articles for past 
three months. Alexel Tolstoy's "Tales 
of IvaA Sudarev' and the posthumous 
'Front Diary' of Eugene Petrov, re- 
cently killed in battle, have gained a 
wide reading public. Particularly 
vivid In 'Front DIaVy are the writer's 
past sketches of besieged Sevastopol. 

Amon^ Red army men handy 
pocket editions sponsored by 'Ogenek' 
magazine are very popular. Several 
new pocket editions of 4iterary works 
are published this week. These In- 
clude P. Pavlenko's and B. Ivanov's 
'People's Avengers,' "They Cable at 
Night' by V. Ardamatsky, 'On the 
Western Front,' by P. Belyavsk, and 
'Tales of War,' by P. Bershadsky. 
'Battery of Heroes' is the title of a 
new book devoted to the men of a 
naval antiaircraft battery of the 
guard staunchly defending the ap- 
proaches to Sevastopol. 

Many recent books have been in- 
spired by the dauntless struggle of 
the Red army and gallant exploits 
of its men. 'Men and Deeds' Is the 
name given to a voltune of war 
stories by Mark Kolessov. Loyal 
citizens done to death by fascist in- 
vaders is the theme of another new 
novel of this week called 'Eight 
Hanged in Volokolamsk.' 'The Great 
City of Lenin' is a book which un- 
folds the story of the defense of 
Leningrad. 

The war era marks a new type of 
Soviet writer, a man In uniform 
who can wield both a pen and rifle 
with no little success. To this cate- 
gory belongs N. Starostein, who's 
written a book called 'Parachute 
Jumpers,' recounting the life of 
Soviet parachutists who boldly op- 
erate in the enemy's rear. 

Soviet poetry isn't lagging behind 
prose. M. Isakovsky's volume of 
'New Poems' is a collection of 
verses written during the war. 

fili^y*>K'^'-^' /: w baa „ -y 
\ii'M^g 'lljoi. Mti i^.cii-' ,. wdlied 
'I Saw It Myself.' A collection 
of satirical verses called 'Fourth 
Page' belongs to the pen of poet M. 
Slobodsky. 

Many of the new books of Soviet 
writers are designated for young 
readers. Well-known children's poet 
Sergei Mikhalkov has written a 
book of rhymes called 'In the Land 
Where You Live.' K. Chukovsky 
has contributed a new anti-Fascist 
story for youthful readers. With 
breathless expectation Soviet chil- 
dren read Calonel N. Bakanov's 
book, "Three Comrades.' 

Several books dealing with Rus- 
sia's past have come out In print. 
Here it's worthwhile to mention 'In 
the Name of Duty,' a book of tales 
about the Russian navy by the well- 
known writer Novikov Priboi. All 
these books get large printings, 
ranging from 5,000 to 500,000. 



'Aerial Gunner' Starts 
Shooting at Texas Field 

Harlingen, Texas, Oct 27. 

Actual shooting of 'Aerial Gun- 
ner,' which will depict the story of 
the Army's aerial gunnery school 
was under way here. William H. 
Pine, producer of the picture which 
will star Richard Arlen, arrived here 
last week. Author of the film Is Lt 
Jack Dailey of the fields public rela- 
tion staff. Pine, who is now a Para- 
mount producer, has just completed 
'A Letter from Bataan.' 

Cast includes Chester Morris, 
Jimmy Lydon, Dick Purcell and Wil- 
liam Bendict, who are also on loca- 
tion. Femme lend still to be chosen. 



Corrent Shore Releases 

(PBINTS IN EXCHANGES) 

(Compiled by Besa Short) 

Trivate Smith of V. S. A.' 
(RKO, 19 mins ). First of This Is 
America' two-reel series. 

'How to Swim' (RKO, TA 
mins.). Walt Disney Goofy car- 
toon comedy. 

'NIgbUlfe in the Army' (20th, 
6^ mins.). Gandy Goose car- 
toon comedy. 

'Manp«wer' (RKO, 8 mins.). 
OWI production on nation's 
manpower problem (booked in 
lock plan). 

'A Hall of a Mess' (Par, 6^ 
min.<i. ). Popeye. 

'A Band Is Born' (Col. 10 
mins.). Hal Mclntyre's band. 

'Communiiy Sing No. 3' (Col, 
9Vi mins.). Includes football 
songs such as 'Boola doola,' 
'Notre Dame Victory March,' etc. 

'SoBth America Sports' (WB, 
9'-2 mins.). Typical .sports in 
leading Latin-American coun- 
tries. 

'College Belle' (Col, 16 mins.). 
Glove Slinger comedy. 

'Sappy Pappy' (Col, 16 mins ). 
Andy Clyde comedy. 

'Modest Miracle' (Indie. lO^k. 
mins.). Made for National Nu- 
trition program by Adams on 
vitamins. 

'Canvas Cut Ups' (Col, 10 
mins.). Wrestling sports subject. 

'Old and Modern New Orleans' 
(Col. 11 mins ). Ttavelog on 
N. O. 

"Moasc of Tomorrow' (20th. 7 
mins.). Paul ' Terry cartoon 
comedy on a super-mou.'sc. 

•Famous Boners' (M-G, 10 
mins.). John Ne.sbitt Passing 
Parade on errors that have 
changed history and lives of 
men. 

'Fine Feathered Friend' (M-G, 
8 mins.). Tom and Jerry car- 
toon comedy.- 



Film Reviews 

Continued from page 8 



Ven, Mi Corazon Te Llam 



Rios confesses, and it ends In a wash 
of sentiment. 

Song numbers have been worked 
into the plot with care and there 
are a set of dance routines, directed 
by Mercedes Guintana, which fit into 
the roadhouse scenes. Ray. 

TRES MOSQUETEROS 

('The Three Musketeers') 
(MEXICAN-MADE) 

Mexico City, Oct. 1. 

Film Trust rolcano of Posa Films pro- 
duction. Stars 'CantlnlUw' (Mulo Mo- 
reno). DIrMM by Miguel M. Delsado. 
Orlfilnal, Jaime Salvador: inuale, Manuel 
Baperon and Erneiito Cortaznr; camera. 
Oabitel Flgueroa. At CIno Teatro Ala- 

"™' 

Cart: Mario Moreno CCantlnllna'). An- 
sel Onmwi. RnquFi nojnn Consuelo Frnnli 
Andres Solcr. PItuka de Foronda. Julio 
Vlllarreal, Joriso R«7es. Antonio Bravo. 
B. ecbellnaky, Rafael Icardo. 



'Cantinflas' (Mario Moreno), head 
funnyman of Mexico, enhances his 
rep in this polite burlesque of an 
episode in Dumas' classic. This is 
another smash for Posa Films, screen 
company headed by Santiago Reachi. 
Pic has been socko here at the 
swanky Cine Teatro Alameda. 

'CZantlnflas,' who has been likened 
to Chaplin, gives the whole pic a 
flavor that make It first-rate enter- 
tainment for everybody, even those 
who know no Spanish. 

Story Is simple, subtle and direct 
and is a credit to Jaime Salvador, 
who has successfully scripted other 
Mario Moreno ('Cantinflas') vehi- 
cles. Plot concerns 'Cantinflas' and 
his three pals who become involved 
in a miscellany of mischief at a pic 
studio that has undertaken to do 
The Three Musketeers.' Comic goes 
mto a dream that projects himself 
and associates into the period of 
Dumas' novel. Moreno plays D'Ar- 
tagnan fully and funnily, neatly 
mingling the clown and courtier. 

Funster has good suppoi't. Out- 
.stonding is C^onsuelo Fronk, youth- 
ful and a looker, as Anne of Austria. 
Pituka de Foronda, blonde with 
personality plus and a penchant for 
wearing clothes well, is nifty in a 
soubret role. Jorge Reyes, Argen- 
tinian, Is adequate as the Duke of 
Buckingham, and Julio Villarreal, 
veteran of the Mexican stage and 
screen, portrays Louis XIII as a 
monarch with a sense of humor. The 
scheming Cardinal is well played by 
Angel Garasa. Parlor risqueness 
underlines the production. 

The Ballet theatre troupe does a 
graceful and generous sequence. 
Sound and photography are of a high 
order. Gabriel Figueroa, Mexican 
Oscar winner as cameraman In 
1941, Is in line for that honor this 
year with his work in this pic. 

Doug. 



Signal Corps Pix 

S Continued from page 4 

elsewhere and several have already 
been decorated for bravery under 
Are. 

Post-Grad Coone 

Though most of the personnel is 
from the film Industry, the Signal 
Corps Is giving the boys what is 
tantamoimt to a post-graduate 
course in camera and other technical 
work, particularly combat photog- 
raphy. They're learning to shoot 
scenes while riding In bouncing 
jeeps, armored trucks, plaQt^ or 
wallowing ships. Men are being 
turned out at the rate of hundreds 
annually, with an eight-week ;cOurse 
about the average period. Selected 
groups are trained In still and mo- 
tion picture photography. The photo- 
graphic schools offer no basic tt'ain- 
ing. Students are expected to be 
qualifled photographers or camera- 
men before enrollment. They are 
then given a short course stressing 
military methods, procedure and 
equipment Upon completion of their 
courses, men are assigned as photog- 
raphers with mobile army units in 
the field, to training film production 
units or other departments. 

Prime Fnrpose 

Chief purpose of the Center Is to 
make films that will help train fight- 
ing men as quickly as possible. Of- 
ficers in the field, speaking from 
practical experience, state that train- 
ing films used in conjunction with ' 
previous methods, can ' cut training 
periods as much as 40% in some 
cases. It is not anticipated that films 
will replace textbooks, but the com- 
bination of actual Instruction and 
motion pictures correlated by an in- 
structed has proved the soundest 
training method yet devised. 

Army officials point out that train- 
ing films are not a new Idea in the 
Army, but that the scope of the 
Army training film program at the 
present time Is unusual. Since train- 
ing time is a vital element in the 
present emergency, likened to a mil- 
itary asset that must be rationed 
as carefully as steel, copper or rub- 
ber, the importance of the Signal 
Corps unit cannot be overempha- 
sized 

Astoria studio today, operated 
with combined military and skilled 
studio efficiency, constitutes a 
smart, active uniformed replica of a 
segment of Hollywood. A large, 
modern mess hall has replaced the 
old projection rooms. Hollywood 
writers and studio workers are han- 
dling the same studio chores as In 
civilian life except that they are In 
uniform. 

Hollywood AiomnI 

Among those at the Center are 
Capt. Arthur Cozine, former general 
manager of production for Para- 
mount at Astoria; Lieut. Jesse U 
Lasky, Jr., Corp. Owen Davis, Jr., 
Lieut. Jack L. Warner, Jr., Private 
Carl Laemmle, Jr., Corp. Bernard 
Brandt, of the Brandt theatre clan; 
Lleuli! Lee Mortimer, film critic of 
the N. Y. Dally Mirror, now publio 
relations officer for the Center which 
Is under the command of Col. M. E. 
Gillette. Lieut. Col. Paul Sloane, 
director-producer, is aide to Gillette. 

Astoria (Eastern Service) studios 
were built in 1020 by Famous Play- 
ers at a cost of approximately tlO.- 
000,000. Among pictures produced 
there were The Cocoanuts' (Marx 
Bros.), 'Smiling Lieutenant' (Cheva- 
lier), 'The Copperhead' (Lionel 
Barrymore), 'Queen Elizabeth' (BUlie 
Burke), 'Monsieur Beaucaire' (Val- 
entino), 'The Battle of Paris' (with 
Gertrutie Lawrence and Charles 
Ruggles), 'His Women' (Gary Coop- 
er-Gertrude Lawrence). "The Royal 
Family.' 'Glorifying the American 
Girl' (Mary Eaton), 'Kid Boots' 
(Eddie Cantor), 'Sally. Irene and 
Mary' (Ginger Rogers) , 'The Bishop's 
Candlesticks' (with Walter Huston), 
and the first full-length feature with 
sound, 'The Letter,' with Jeanne 
Eagles. 

Among performers who appeared 
In pictures made at the Long Island 
studios were Ed Wynn, Nita Nalda, 
Tallulah Bankhead, Richard Dix, 
Preston Foster, William Powell, 
Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow, Miriam 
Hopkins, Elsie Ferguson, Paulina 
Frederick, Adolphe Menjou, Henri- 
etta Crosman, Ina Claire, Fredrlc 
March and others. 

Walter Wanger, currently producer 
for Uhiversal, was once In charge 
of the studio for Paramount. Monte 
Bell supervised the installation of 
sound equipment and was also in 
charge for several years. 



St. Loo Inductees 

St. Louis, Oct. 27. 
Ben Freeman, Ray Floodman and 
Andrew Henry, of the Will Rogers, 
west end nabe operated by Maury 
Davis, now in khaki. 



Ve<liie«l'r< October 28, 1942 



HAYWORTH'S Mi$ Beanty! 

mmn M\m i\)m 

KERN'S Greatest Score Slice "Slew Biaf 



in 



with 



■A 



Music liy JEROME KEM 

Screen play by Michael PeMier & Erneat Pa^ano 
and Delmer Davet 

Directed by WILLIAM A. SEITER 
Produced by LOUIS F. EDELMAN 
A COLUMBIA PICTURE 



22 



PICTURES 



Wednesdaj, October 28, 1942 



Majors Complying With U^. Cue Anent 
Too Many War But Not the Indies 



. 4t- 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Most studios during the past few 
weeks, since the Office of War In- 
formation issued its pronouncement 
that there were too many war films 
being made, have been going over 
their production plans. Result has 
been the elimination of a number of 
Ecripts with war angles, which 
pleases the OWI but also leaves the 
producers in something of a dilemma. 

Major companies — which have be- 
come very hep to their place in the 
U. S. propaganda scheme and very 
anxious to cooperate — have recog- 
nized the validity of the OWI squawk 
and complied willingly. Indie pro- 
ducers releasing through minor com- 
panies and states rights outfits have 
been somewhat less responsive, as 
they figure it is much easier to make 
a coin-catching film these days by 
giving it a war twist than by stick- 
ing to the old, reliable themes which 
have been pretty well worn out, 
anyway. 

Dilemma confronting studios in en- 
deavoring to comply with the OWI 
request lies in making a film timely 
without making it about the war— 
unless it be entirely a costume piece. 
Most people in the film colony feel 
GO deeply about the war that they 
Incline to believe a script dated un- 
less it has direct reference to the 
colossal conflict that is so affecting 
everyone's life, no matter how 
physically remote he is from it. 
Almost Impossible 
It appears utterly impossible to 
turn out a picture of present-day 
United States without the characters 
making at least a number of passing 
references to the war. They'd seem 
otherwise to be living in a vacuum 
end not plausible. As a matter of 
fact, although it wasn't made clear in 
the OWI release, the Government 
agency did not mean to ask the 
elimination of such references. It Is 
understood to rather favor them, 

OWI pronunciamento, it has been 
explained, was aimed to cut down the 
number of yarns with spy angles and 
showing combat scenes. It was not 
designed with the hope of Hollywood 
turning out more escapism, Audi' 
ences should be kept cognizant that 
there is a war by having references 
to it In films, but shouldn't be suT' 
felted with a bunch of cheapies that 
leave them cold to these films with a 
propaganda angle that will really 
mean something, Is the OWI opinion. 

Fortunate from the standpoint of 
everyone concerned is the fact that 
what pruning has been done to date 
has been on the quickies. No studio 
has eliminated any of its big. Im- 
portant war films, but rather the B's 
and C's which would have amounted 
to very mediocre program fillers at 
best Many of these were nothing but 
the old mellers with a war twist, pre. 
pared similarly to the way gag 
writers take a stale crack and bring 
It up to date. Exhibs as well as the 
OWI can be happy that many 
. them are off production schedules. 



lOew's Coney Island 
1941 Sdcknp-Mnrder 
Solved; 4 Confess 



Cops have solved and obtained 
confessions from four hoodlums, 
who, in robbing Loew's Coney Is- 
land, N. Y., of $70 that was on the 
way for deposit at the bank, killed 
a policeman guarding the manager 
to the bank and also took a shot at 
the manager. The killing and rob- 
bery occurred on Feb. 15, 1941. Con- 
fessions were obtained by the police 
on Sunday last (25). 

After the robbery the Coney Is- 
land put on a benefit for the mother 
of the murdered cop, raising f4,000. 



FIVE WAR PICTURES 
IN WORK AT RKO 



Hollywood, Oct. 27, 
Five pictures, each dealing with 
■ome phase of the war, are in pro 
duction at RKO this week with the 
start of 'From Here to Victory 
based on a war relief theme, star 
ring Cary Grant, directed by H. 
Potter and produced by David 
Hempstead. 

Four others are 'Flight to Free 
dom.' This Land is Mine,' 'Bombar 
dier' and 'Hitler's Children.' 



50G Tax Lien Vs. Kyne 



A $50,000 Government tax lien wai 
filed Tuesday (27) in N. Y. Supreme 
court again.;t Peter B. Kyne, author 
and playwright, by M. E. Van Buren 
deputy clerk of the U. S. Distric 
court. 

Papers filed with the count; 
clerk's office indicated that the judg 
ment against the author was entere 
on Jan. 12, 1940 has been satisfied b; 
means of acceptance of an offer 
compromise. The author's addre 
was listed as 1880 Pacific avenue, S 
Francisco. 



Overly Patriotic 

One of top yarns about the 
Industry's salvage drive Is told 
about the office boy at one of 
the major company homeoffices. 
Lad tossed in stapling and stamp 
gadgets in his patriotic fervor. 

Now the company's purchas- 
ing agent is on the rampage be- 
cause he's finding it difficult to 
replace the equipment. 



Brjishton's f3M Losa 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 
Yeggs forced open the safe of the 
Brushton here last week with drift 
pins and sledges, and escaped with 
more than $350. Burglars battered 
off one of the combination dials and 
left their tools behind. 

Brushton is an indie house, owned 
and operated by Herman Littlestone. 

Flare Path,' London 
Pby, to Be 20tli Pk 

Hollywood, Oct 27. 
'Flare Path,' current London stage- 
play dealing with a Hollywood actor 
In the RAF, was bought by 20th-Fox 
and assigned to Nunnally Johnson 
for production. 

Play was written by an English 
flyer, Terence Rattlgan, who also 
authored 'French Without Tears.' 



Drive-In Theatre Sued 
As Toblic Nuisance' 



Rochester, N. Y., Oct 27. 

Brighton Peace Justice postponed 
until tomorrow hearing on charge of 
maintaining a public nuisance againit 
H. Gradon Hodges, manager of 
the Drive-in theatre. Complainant 
is Angus E. Cameron of Brighton, 
who claims that under certain 
weather conditions the sounds from 
the speaking system are audible and 
disturbing in his home 'with the 
windows closed.' 

Hodges, free in $500 bail following 
his arrest on the charge, said the 
theatre is operated by a partnership 
of Cleveland residents, listed as Mrs. 
Mildred Wintner, Mrs. Lillian Wint- 
ner, Mrs. Sylvia N. Weitz and Mrs. 
Margaret S. Abrams. 

District Attorney Daniel J. O'Mara 
said the charge is an indictable mis- 
demeanor and might be referred to 
the Grand Jury. 

The theatre was opened last May 
and has had a fairly good season 
despite gasoline rationing. Cool 
weather has cut patronage and it was 
expected to close any day now. 



SCRAP MATS TO 
CONTINllEINDEF 



♦ ♦♦♦♦♦♦>»« MM «»»»*««»» M »»»*»»»»»»»« M I MM »»» 



Lefty's Notebook 

By Joe Laurie, Jr. 



!♦♦ ♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦«♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦♦>>♦» 



Following request from Donald 
Nelson, head of the War Production 
Board, the motion picture Industry 
plans to put the scrap campaign on 
a semi-permanent basis, with 'scrap 
matinees' (free admissions) to be 
continued as a primary means of 
promoting scrap. New York City 
theatres have discontinued 'scrap 
matinees' as result of opposition from 
Mayor LaGuardia. 

Excellent results achieved by ex- 
hibitors via 'scrap matinees' brou|9>t 
the proposal from Nelson. Heads of 
major' producers have been con- 
tacted by the War Activities Com- 
mittee to provide free pictures, nie- 
atres may arrange for the 'scrap ma- 
tinee' showings at the rate of about 
one a month for the next six months. 



FOm Goiids, Crafts 
Want Job Protection 
For Those in Service 



of 



other Story Bnys 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Metro bought 'By the People,' by 
Byron Morgan. 

Columbia purchased 'Susanna and 
the Youngsters,' by Andrew Solt. 

Dorothy B. Hughes sold 'The Fallen 
Sparrow' to RKO. 

Columbia acquired 'Without No- 
tice,' by Lili Hatvany and Andrew 
Solt 

Columbia acquired 'Dear Mr. Pri- 
vate,' comedy of camp life, by Joseph 
Hoffman. 

20th-Fox bought 'Flare Path,' Brit- 
ish legit play by Anthony Asquith. 

Harry Sherman bought 'Hopalong's 
Masquerade,' by Norman Houston, to 
be produced for United Artists re- 
lease. 

RKO bought the rights to Johnny 
Mercer's song, 'Strip Polka,' to be 
used as a musical theme in 'Once 
Upon a Honeymoon.' 

Sam Wood bought 'Jubal Troop." a 
novel by Paul Wellman, as his 
second production for Columbia 
release. ' 

Howard K. Smith sold his war I 
yarn, 'Last Train from Berlin,' to ; 
20th-Fox. ] 

Metro purchased "My Name Is 
Ruth,' refugee tele, by Eleanor 
Griffin. 

..Charles R. Rogers purchased 
Hello Beautiful.' by William Pierce 
and E. Edwin Moran. 

Libby Block sold her story, 'Im- 
igine Us,' to 20th-Fox. 
^ James Cagney picked "McLeod's 
Tolly,' based on a novel by Louis 
3romfield, as his first starrer for 
Jnited Artists release. Picture is 
scheduled for an early January sUrt 
with William Cagney producing and 
Agnes Christine Johnson doing the 
:reenplay. 



Hollywood, Oct 27. 

Job guarantees and protection of 
seniority rights for studio workers 
who have volunteered for military 
duty are being preyed by Holly- 
wood unions and guilds. There is an 
ambiguous clause In the Selective 
Service Act offering some protection 
to draftees after the war, but the 
unions declare that no provision is 
made for thous^ands of workers who 
volunteer or are called into civilian 
government agencies. 

Producers are reported sympa- 
thetic to the idea but unwilling to 
sign any agreement now. While 
agreeing that every effort will be 
made to reinstete all returning vete- 
rans, they contend that methods of 
operation and production policies 
may have changed to such as extent 
within the near future that many a 
returning worker will not be quali- 
fied for his old job. Temporary work 
permits, now being issued by unions, 
specify that they are only for 
the emergency and that regular 
members will have job preferences 
when the war js over. 



You Gotta Get Up 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Ann Miller draws the name role 
1 I 'Reveille With Beverly,' slated to 

nrt at Columbia, Nov. 2. 

Charles Barton directs and Sam 
' hite produces the musical, for 
\ hich several specialty numbers 
have already been shot 



More Newsreel Variety 
And Busmess Picks Up 



Coolacres, Cal., Oct. 27. 

Dear Jet: 

Me and Aggie were reading about Senator Lee trying to put over a 
prohibition rider on the 18 and 19-year-old draft bill and it brings back 
plenty of memories of the prohibition days on Broadway and points 
staggering west 

When prohibition came in plenty of boys and gals In show business 
who never touched a drop started bending the elbow and becoming 
'bottle men,' thus spoiling great careers. The funny part of it was that 
when they played Canada, where the stuff was legal, and good, they 
didn't take advantage of it The managers up there will tell you that 
they had very few acts that ever missed a show on account of being 
stewed. They took advantage of the quota, but used it after the show. 
Maybe they didn't want to teke advantage of Canada's hospitality. 

Remember Montreal where the stage hands would tip off the actors 
how to smuggle stuff into the States? The women would spend all week 
sewing girdles and hang bottles on it. When they walked into the train 
It was the cue for 'I got bottles that jingle, jangle, jingle' especially on 
the knockneed dames. They wouldn't walk far, just to the seat in the 
train and then flop until the border was passed. 

It was a cinch for awhile. Then the burley shows got greedy and 
stached dozens of cases in the scenery. Many of 'em were stopped at the 
border and lost their matinees and liquor. 

In the Pullmans the porters would show the actors where to hide the 
stuff. Usually in the ice cooler and the ventilators In the smoker. Then 
they'd tell the customs men where the stuff was and 'split the take.' 
Dog acts would put the bottles in the crates with the fiercest lotiking ani- 
mals. Ventriloquists would hide the stuff in their dummys; acts with 
props and scenery would have the edge on the regular acts with just 
trunks. Acts would bring in 'stuff' for their agents that is, if the hootch 
wasn't consumed before it got to the Palace Building. 

Those 'Cooperative' Stagehands 
Remember Montreal where the stagehands would tell you how to pack 
the stuff in your trunk then come down to the depot to see you off? 
niey'd then tip the customs men and when they made you take the stuff 
outta your trunk, you'd give it to the stagehands to sell for you and send 
you the coin. Of course, you never heard from them. Maybe they 
couldn't sell it. 

Then there was the gimmick of having the customs man come to the 
dressipg room to examine your baggage and seal your trunks. It cost 
you a sawbuck, but it was worth it because the guy would turn his back 
while you packed a dozen bottles in the trunk. He always managed to 
turn back just as everything was set, and then seal the trunk. They 
weren't dishonest — they just didn't believe in the law. 

On Broadway prohibition did a lot for show^ business. Elspecially 
cabarets. In 1924, after the Club Deauville on East S9th street with a 
"membership,' achieved success, there were 5,000 speaks. Over 1,000 
alone were located ttetween 9th and 9th avenues, and between 38th and 
69th streets. Tliere were 32 more cabarets in N. Y.. in 1924 than there 
were In 1918. All made plenty profits, some as high as eight grand a 
week. A 125-seater made $3,000 a week net— and I am quoting figures 
from the guys that owned them. 

Food sold at 100 to 250% profit A case of champagne cost them eighty 
bucks and sold by the quart for $300. A case of Scotch cost 'em $50 
and sold for as high as $20 a quart Mineral water in pints cost 'em 12c. 
and sold for $1 to $1.50. Cocktails that cost the owners 12c. sold for $1 
a throw. Yeah boy, those were the days, and Senator Lee wants to 
bring 'em back. It those days come back, vaudeville also has a chance. 

Talking about prohibition, I just looked at the ads in the old Clipper 
of 1894 and I guess there were plenty of lushes those days in the show 
business. One thing stands out prominently In the ads of those days. 
Most of 'em read, 'No boozers need apply;' 'Sobriety positively essen- 
tial;' 'Lushers keep -off;' 'If you are an elbow bender or a barfiy we 
don't want you.' The expression of 'Chippy Chasers save stamps' was 
also frequently in the ads. But the best one of 'cm all to me was by a 
rep show advertising for a guy to 'double ia brasj,' saying Tacit hounds 
save stamps.' ^ 

Ken Kling Ab Aet«r 

Going back to 1924, it was a great year. It was the year Gloria 
Swanson and Poll Negri ran a close race as top screen money draws. 
The K.K.K. was blamed for failure of Irish plays. Ken Kling ran a 
dollar bill up to $1,100 in his cartoon of Joe and Asbestos in the Evening 
Wrld and was offered vaudeville dates. He played a few weeks. 

Standard acts were playing large picture houses. Tliey went where 
the most coin was offered, and didn't care so much about glory or 
billing. Many big comedy acts we|nt over to Loew's. According to the 
tax commission the year 1924 showed there were 21,897 theatres, museums 
and concert halls; 190 circuses and 8,330 other exhibitions, including 
street fairs. They paid the Government close to $3,000,000 in taxes. 

Benny Leonard did an act with Herman Timberg and 19 great concert 
pianists were at the Metropolitan Opera House playing a benefit for the 
poor. Thirty-five new ra(iio stations opened and it' was claimed they 
clogged up the air lines. The first radio strike, at KYW, Chicago, was 
called by James C. Petrillo because the station hired two non-union 
musicians. In those days the station got plenty of orchestras from hotels 
and cafes for free. They all wanted publicity. 

Jolm B. HavL'n (Stair & Havlin) died and so did one of Broadway's 
great favorites. Tommy Gray. Tryouts were held at the Palace in the 
mornings for agents and bookers. Walter Winchell was on the Graphic 
in charge of the dramatic department and his own column 'Broadway 
Heresay,' which he did on the Vaudeville News. Waring's Pennsyl- 
vanians made their first N. Y. appearance at the Strand. The Republic 
theatre in Brooklyn, booked by Fally Markus, had kiddie rides and games 
on the roof while the mothers saw the show. The idea was not successful 
Yes sir, 1924 was the same year that Julius Tannen, one of the greatest 
monologists, met Johnny Stanley, one of the greatest wisecrackers, Julius 
sed: 

'Johnny some day we wilt hire the Hippodrome and give a reception to 
OUT enemies." And Johnny sed, 'Where will we put mine?" 
Best to the gang. 

Your pal. 

Lefty. 



Slight pickup In newsreel theatre 
attendance is attributed by house 
operators to the greater variety in 
material supplied by the five reels. 
Where the newsreel exhibitors for- 
merly were able to get 60 to 65 sub- 
jects from the five different news- 
reels, recently they were lucky if the 
number exceeded 45. 

But in the last few weeks some SO 
to 55 subjects have been gleaned 
from the reels. Newsreel theatre 
managers claim that most of the 'ex- 
chisives' and variety of clips cover 
the domestic front, but they are glad 
to get them after the sameness of 
war front yarns thus far. They. still 
are hopeful that as much ingenuity 
and enterprise (plus approval by 
military brns-lhats) will extend to 
war subjects. 



ZOth's Routine Meet 

Regular monthly meeting of 2Utn- 
Fox t>oard of direcfTbrs last Thurs- 
day (22) was routine affair, with 
only regular business matters com- 
ing up. 

William Goctz, company's produc- 
tion head, did not come east for 
the session. 



Otto's Triple-Threater 

Hollywood, Oct. 21. 

Otto Preminger takes over another 
chore at 20th-Fox, where he is cur- 
rently directing and acting in 'Mar- 
gin for Error.' 

New contract calls for a triple job 
as director, actor and writer. 



TITLE CHANGES 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

'Army Pup' at 20lh-Fox chntigcd 
to 'The Wags.' 

•Destroyer Squadron' release tag 
on "The Navy Comes Through' at 
RKO. 

'Life of Touhy' is release handle on 
'Prison Break' at 20th-Fox. 

'Scorched Earth' at Metro bec.ime 
'Russia.' 

'No Place For a Lady' in new 
handle on 'J3 Steps to Heaven' at 
Columbia. 

'Permit to Kill' at Producers Re- 
leasing Corp. became 'The .Shnke- 
down.' 

'Let's Have Fun' is release tag 
on 'Shall I Tell 'Em?' at Columbia. 

'Saddles and Sagebrush' is release 
tag for Columbia's 'Outlaw Busters. 



Wednesdsft October 28« 1941 



PIGTU1IE8 



23 



Distribs Prime Exldhitors to B( 
JudkkNisly for Holiday Playdates 



Bookers and playdate departments 
of distributors are urging exhibitors 
to take the most advantage of vari- 
ffos holidays coming up and to point 
their programs as well as shape 
campaigns without deUy. As result, 
one company claims that 60 dates 
have already been set on its pic- 
tures for Christmas and New Year's. 

President Roosevelt Is not chang- 
ing the traditional Thanksgiving 
holiday from Nov. 26 to Nov. 20, as 
during the past two years, and book- 
ers point out that the ^xhibitor gets 
a fine break this year since the pre- 
Xmas shoppirtg period will consist 
of only three weeks. 

Exchanges are trying to get ac- 
counts to make their deals and set 
up bookings as far in advance as 
possible so that they will not get 
jammed up and fail to get the great- 
est benefit from both pictures and 
holidays. Per U£ual, during the pre- 
Christmas buying lull, both distrib 
and exhib seek to avoid sacrificing 
pictures. However, exh'ibs often get 
themselves in a spot through care- 
lessness or unforeseen circumstances 
and have to waste product on bad 
weeks, meantime on occasion being 
left high and dry on good holidays. 

Pointed out that this year, with 
business levels away up. the exhib 
gets a break by having Election Day 
fall in the first week of Novemt>er 
and Armistice Day the second (Nov. 
11). While Election Day does not 
mean a day ofT for everyone or even 
a half day. it will be important to 
the iMxofTice, in the opinion of sales 
sources. 

However. Armistice Day stressed 
at of much greater weight for b.o. 
purposes than ever before since the 
country is again at war and also 
because it is a legal holiday. 

The men on the books, salesmen 
and lads on sales in the homeoftice 
are starting to remind accounts at 
this early date that both Christmas 
and New Year's Day fall very pro- 

Eltiously for the theatres, both be- 
ig on Fridays. For that reason, 
among others, they are trying to set 
the best pictures coming up for those 
weeks in anticipation of expecting a 
killing. 

Par's Deals 

Although under Neil F. Agnew's 
policy Paramount was not to be in 
any hurry to start selling this year's 
product, with only two groups of 
five each as yet screened, the com- 
pany has already concluded deals 
with between 55 and 60 circuits 
throughout the country with ex- 
taided playing time thus far assured 
In about 1,120 theatres. 

I*ar's first group, screened- in Au- 
gust but not offered for sale until 
September, includes 'Wake Island," 
Hajor and Minor,' 'Priorities on 
Pwade,' 'Glass Key' and 'Wildcat.' 
Seeond, tradeshown Sept. 30 and 
Oct 1, includes 'Road to Morocco,' 
Secret of Chance,' 'Mrs. Wiggs of 
Cabbage Patch.' 'Forest Rangers* 
and 'Henry Aldrich. Editor.' 

Among circuits already sold on 
available Par product, including 
some that are large and others which 
ere comparaUvely small, are Inter- 
state of New England, Lockwood 
* Gordon, E. M. Loew, Snider of 
New England, M. A. Shea. Schine 
Bros, Skouras and Century of N. 
Y., Fabian, Smalley, Walter Reade, 
Srandt Bros., Wilmer tc Vincent, 
Hunts Circuit, Katz Circuit. Af- 
piated, Gregory Circuit, Dolle of 
*™«naPoIis, Alpine Circuit. Semel- 
roth Circuit. Mutual Circuit, Martin 
Circuit, Pal Circuit, Oscar Lam. 
Mannuig Circuit, Neely Circuit, Nat 
Williams, Collins Circuit, Orr Cir- 
curt, Anderson chain, Everett Thea- 
"Jf' Theatre Service Corp., United 
Theatres, Dubinsky Bros.. Common- 
wealth Circuit, H. J. GrifTith, St. 
">uis Amusement Co. 

Also the Rogers string of St. Louis, 
*arrar-Tumer, Frisina, Keller Cir- 
cuit GriHith-Long. George Hunt, 
ff: '*°^''ey. R- E. Griffith, K. 
^ee Williams. Associated Circuit, 
Miner Circuit, Baer Circuit, Hain- 

ciJcuits"'"' ^"^ 

Par is screening its third group. 

^Jfo of five, on Nov. 2, 3 and 13. 

n^T' 11* Belongs to 

"aoQy. The Avengers,' 'Wrecking 

Xur-w' , . ^"""^^ Story and 
■-ucky Jordan." 



$65,000 Theatre Fire 

Galveston, Oct. 27. 

Showboat theatre at Texas City, 
near here, was destroyed by fire of 
unlfnown origin last Saturday (25) 
morning. Loss Is estimated at more 
than $65,000. 

-Showboat opened early this year. 
It is owned by the Griffith-Long 
chain. 



Settlement Of 
ASC-Hiotc^s 
Again Stalled 



• Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Move for peaceful settlement of 
the union fight for control of studio 
first-cameramen appears to have 
been jeopardized last night (Mon- 
day) by the election of Dewey 
Wrigley as president of the Inter- 
national Photographers Local No. 
659 of the lATSE. 

Wrigley, a director of photography, 
was expelled by the American So- 
ciety of Cinematographers for ac- 
cepting a 20th-Fox location job in 
Utah after the lA reportedly had 
forced two other ASC members off 
the job because they resigned from 
the lA. 

Wrigley is suing in Superior Court 
in an effort to force the ASC to re- 
instate him. The ASC has a five- 
year pact with producers which pro- 
vides that only ASC meml>ers may 
be hired as first cameramen in Cali- 
fornia. The court yesterday denied 
the demurrer of the ASC asking that 
the suit be dismissed and gave the 
union 10 days in which to file 
an answer. 

Peace move was launched by Fred 
Jackman, ASC president, who sug- 
gested that the ASC and Local 659 
appoint committees to accept settle- 
ment of the jurisdictional tifi. The 
proposal was accepted by Local 659 
and Jackman appointed Arthur 
Miller. Joseph Walker, Sol Polito, 
Leonard Smith and Byron Haskin. 
It was reported Monday (26) night, 
however, that all members of the 
ASC committee would refuse to 
serve because of the selection of 
Wrigley to head Local 659. 

Business representative Herbert 
Aller of Local 659 insists that the 
two committees will hold the flrjt 
meeting this week. Aller and others 
to be named by the executive b oard 
will represent the lA union. IBEW, 
with which ASC members now arc 
affiliated. Is sitting on the sidelines 
watching developments. It is under- 
stood that ASC members are pushing 
Jackman for a settlement since his 
son, Fred. Jr., was reinstated In 
Local 659. 



MRS. CLASSEN SEEKS 
TO RECOVER $3,000 

Rochester. N. Y., Oct. 27. 

Mrs. Helen W. Classen, widow of 
Hugo C. Clas.scn, known as Vic Hugo, 
former operator of the Oriental 
theatre in Hong Kong, was named 
temporary adminlstratix of her hus- 
band's estate in Surrogate"s Court 
here. This will enable her to make 
a claim against the American Ex- 
press Co., for the value of $3,000 in 
travelers' checks which she de- 
stroyed fo prevent their falling into 
the hands of the Japanese. 

She said that the theatre was de- 
molished by enemy bombs during 
the attack on the city and her hus- 
band died two weeks later. She was 
held in Stanley Prison near Hong 
Kong for Jieven months with 365 
Americans and some 3.000 British 
prisoner.s. She returned to the U. S. 
on the Gripsholm and has been liv- 
ing with her sister here, Mrs. J. 
Robert Jarvis. 

Food wns poor in the prL-iOn camp, 
she said, but she saw no atrocities. 

Her husband once owned a half 
interest in Hugo Bros. Circus and 
was one of the first to introduce 
talking picture."; in the Far Eait. 



e 

Shnbert^SlL, Doing OK 

St. Louis, Oct. 27. 
TTie already overseated conditions 
on Grand boulevard, this burg's 
busiest flicker house district, has 
been further accentuated by the re- 
cent relighting of the Shubert, a 
1,700-seater that has been dark for 
several years. > Originally built for 
legit, the house, then known as the 
Shubert-Rialto, was later operated 

by Warner Bros, as a cinema. 

When the anti-trust case against 
WB et al. was dismissed several 
years ago, WB gave up the house 
and Sam Rider attempted to open it 
as a burlesk theatre. Beefs by the 
clergy in the surrounding district 
forced the abandonment of the 
scheme. 

The new owner is Victor Massoti, 
a former hoisting engineer contrac- 
tor, and his manager is Martin W. 
D'Arcy, formerly holding a similar 
post at the Rivoll, downtown. The 
house is operating on a second and 
subsequent run policy with a 20c-2dc 
admish scale and is doing o.k. at the 
b.o. 

Other houses in a three-block srea 
are Fanchon & Marco's 5,000-seater 
Fox, 3,570-seat Missouri, 4,000-seat 
St. Louis and the Empress, a unit of 
the Ansell Bros, circuit, that has a 
seating capacity of 2,000. 



N.Y. DISTRIBS 
ANDBOOTHMEN 
SET NEW DEAL 



After negotiations that has been 
in progress for more than a year and 
a couple months ago hit a snag, with 
a strike threatened, distributors and 
Local 306,' Moving Picture Machine 
Operators of New York, have reached 
an agreement covering projection- 
ists working in homeoffice and ex- 
change screening rooms as well as In 
newsreel companies. 

The deal, written for two years 
and calling for a 10% increase in 
scale, will be submitted to the War 
Labor Board in accordance with the 
recent salary-freezing legislation. In 
addition to the Immediate 10% to be 
granted, distribs have agreed to make 
it retroactive for eight months. 

This will place about $250 into th»- 
hands of the approximate 100 men 
involved. Operators had been work- 
ing on their jobs since last year un- 
der the terms of the old contract. 

Distributors sought to throw out a 
clause In the contract which pre- 
vents them from closing some screen- 
ing rooms, while another clause 
sought by the union was not forced 
upon the distribs. Under latter stip- 
ulation, 306 wanted distribs to agree 
not to service film out of their ex- 
changes to non-union theatres. 

As result, the Loew suit for dec- 
laratory judgment against 306, 
brought last fall to stop the union 
from pulling out exchange operators 
because Empire-manned and other 
non-union houses were being serv- 
iced film, will be automatically dis- 
missed. 

Major L. E. Thompson, of RKO, 
and C. C. Moskowitz of Loew's, rep- 
resented the distribs in the negotia- 
tions, while Herman Gelber, presi- 
dent, and Bert Popkin, former busi- 
ness agent, acted for 306. 



Film Industry Toppers Think Jan. 
Too Soon For Another Bond Drive 



Though film industry toppers have 
been ' called in for consultation by 
the U. S. Treasury on forthcoming 
bond drives there is considerable 
doubt regarding the advisability of 



Would Cut List 
Of Available 
Extras to 1,200 



Hollywood. Oct. 27. 

Standing list of 1.000 to 1,200 
extras available for regular studio 
calls is being recommended to studio 
heads by Commissioner L. L. Living- 
ston, of the Labor Department Con- 
ciliation Service. Figured that if 
mob players subject to call through 
Central Casting are trimmed to that 
maximum it would assure a living 
wage of around $150 monthly for 
each extra. 

Move made by Government agency 
in compliance to protests of small 
group working extras. Last count 
revealed 5,227 supes still around 
after 1,300 weeded out In past two 
years. Screen Actors Guild would 
issue waivers if studio calls exceed 
total set by Livingston and produ- 
cers. SAG, through prexy James 
Cagney, has gone on record support- 
ing the move to Improve sub-stand- 
ard earnings of day workers. 

Six years ago around 20,000 extras 
split up the calls. Understood the 
new ruling would eliminate the $5.50 
group from Guild membership and, 
when needed, would be hired direct 
by the studios. 



another industry-sponsored cam* 
paign in January. Primarily it's be- 
cause show business does not expect 
to have as large an .-.mount of liquid 
coin of its own to throw into the pot 
so soon after the September drive, 
and would hesitate to accept respon- 
sibility unless attainment of the 
Treasury goal looked certain. 

Only the purchasing power of th* 
large theatre chains, the major 
producer-distributors and indepen- 
dently wealthy members of show 
business pulled the September drive 
out of a threatened slump. Loew's, 
Inc., for one, has some 150 separate 
corporations, and most of these with 
any loose coin bought bonds. 

Other circuits and producer-dis- 
tributors such as Paramount and its 
partners. National Theatres, 20th- 
Fox, Warners, RKO and individi)als 
connected with these various organ- 
izations similarly came through with 
heavy bond purchases in order to 
send the drive over the top. Jules 
Brulatour alone bought $1,000,000 
worth. 

Belief, also, that the novelty angle 
and drawing power of Hollywood 
star appearances would not prove as 
great so soon after the last cam- 
paign. 

Film industry Is continuing, how- 
ever, with a consistent and effective 
week-in and week-out exploitation 
buildup via the screen and in lobby 
displays to maintain public buying 
of bonds. 

One of the major objectives 
achieved by the industry's drive was 
to raise the percentage of regular 
payroll deduction figures. Increase 
in regular purchase: of bonds and 
stamps, which will continue long 
after the September campaign, are 
not credited to the single month's 
figures. 



Neu; York Theatres 



BEO. FBIDAT, OCT. M 

Jack Benny * Ann Sheridan 

la Wan«r Btm. Blot 

"Geo. Waahia^OB Slept Here" 

In Feraon 

Phil Spitalny 

A>d Hit Worid-FkiBOiu 

All-Girl Orcheitra 

And the whole "Hour of Charm" ahow 

Wst* S T R A N D ?U5. 



i^itit irii iHritii Hititit 

TK KUS MK MNOMI * 
* 
* 




* „, ASTOR wtiu t pwcM 5 



EXHIB DAVE SMASON 
BATONS SCHOOL BAND 



Kansas City, Texas, Oct. 27. 

Dave Smason, former orchestra 
leader at the Majestic, Empire, and 
Texas theatres in San Antonio has 
accepted the position of director of 
the local high school band. 

Smason also owns and operates 
the town's only motion picture house. 



Dave Loew to Coast 

David L. Loew plans to return to 
the Coast next week. 

He has been in New York for sev- 
eral weeks sitting in on exploitation 



CRNE FBESTON 30VS 
TIERNEY* FOSTER • SUTTON 

"THUNDER BIRDS" 

A 20lh Cenlury-Fox Picture 

Tth Ave. 
A SOth Bt. 



riDii a Bin R O X Y 

since Show " « A » 




2»i Bia WEEK 

"FLYING TKiERS" 

Sturrlna 

JOHN WAYNE 

hn Carroll • Anna La* 

CAPITOL im>,. 




FKIMmMIMT 
PNUnEMNII 

sssMiiiimu 



RMISTRMMERS 




MIdnlte 
F eitura 



PARAMOUNT :., 



B WAY & 
47eh SI, 



and distribution plans with United i 
Artists execs for 'Moon and Six- , 
pence,' which opened at the Rivoli, i 
New York, last night (Tues.). | 



PALACE 



CARY COOPER 

'PRIDE tPh'k YANKEES' 

— ami — 
"PKSnXATlON CNKJSOWN'* 
\\ I M 111 m f »nnf an 



BETTE DAMS 

AND 

PAUL HENREID 

In Warner Broa,' 

"NOW VOYAGER" 

Conttnuoui at Popular Price* 

HOLLYWOOD 
BROADWAY at 518T STREET 



M!C.H.Arv TODDT 

Star Garter 

clap:: 



cYxr MUSIC HALL 

'ntXSt OTKB 

"MY SISTER 
EILEEN" 

Spectacular Stage Production* 



LOEW'S 

STATE "fiS" 

Lut TInM Utt, 
Aim aOTHERN 
Rl4 8KELT0N 

In M-B-M'l 
■PANAMA HATTIE' 

I.N PKIISON 
Jimit BARTON 

Laura Dttnt 
DUTTON 

A. ROBINS 



SlBi> Ttgn. OA. M 

MIcluy R«»iMii 
'A YANK It ETON- 

I.N fKnttON 
Die* STABILE 
Gricle BARRIE 
Nan RAE and 
Mn. WATERFALL 



"Tin Perfect Skatint Sli«w."— Minlle. Ntiti. 

50c $1 & $1.50 Ji",' 

Sat. Nlghti Only 50c. to II.SO Plui Ta« 

Bon)a lloiilo \ .^rlhu^ \\. Wjrll prftent 
A .MISKAI, KKTH.*VA<iANZ.* 

STARS ON ICE 

CENTER THEATRE. Roekallllar Ctntar 

CO. S.S474 
Amfrlra'H Only Ire Tlientr« 
E«n.. iDcl. Sun. 8:40 Mali. Wa4..8at. Sua. 
Mall Orderi Promptly Filled— No. Men. Pert. 
Special Mat. Election Day. Nov. 3 



84 



PICTURES 



Wednesday, Oclober 28, 19(2 



lATSE dialienges SOPEG Claim 
On White^ollarites in New York 



The lATSE. in line with ils re- 
cent policy of seeking to have all 
fxrhanfies liealetl as one unit by 
Ihe NLRB. has contested the Screen 
Office & Professional Employees 
Guild hearinR for the white collar- 
Ite.s at the 20th-Fox exchange in 
New York City. 

SOPEG had an NLRB hearing for 
■the 20th-Fox crew and had peti- 
lioned for hearings for the United 
Artists and Metro exchanges in New 
York. The lA. stepped in and asked 
for one hearing for all three ex- 
changes and SOPEG agreed, since it 
V'ill save time to present all their 
evidence at the same time. 

The lA still has to prove its con- 
tenlion that N. Y. exchange collar- 
Ites should be aligned with other 
exchange workers around the coun- 
try. SOPEG will argue that the en- 
tire lA the.sis is unfounded since the 
Coast exchange crew-s are repped by 
Screen Office Employees Guild, of 
the American Federation of Labor, 
but not part of the lA. 

SOPEG al.so has the exchange col- 
laritcs at Columbia, in New York, 
Eigned; has bfen certified for Na- 
tional Screen Service crew in New 
York and is awaiting a NLRB de- 
cision on its petition for Paramount 
covering the home office, exchanges, 
music publishing subsidiaries and 
newsreel affiliate. 



AU OF FLA. SEACOAST 
NOW BLACK AFTER 7 P.M. 



St. Loo's WhIte-CollarUes 

St. Louis, Oct. 27 
Execs of F-I. an affiliate of lATSE, 
that has signed all film exchange 
employe.s, with a few exceptions, is 
prepping the opening of negotiations 
iov adjustments of wages and work- 
ing conditions. Originally organized 
Bs Local No. 17707 of Typists, Book- 
keepers, Shippers, etc., the new F-I 
came into being several months ago 
and took over No. 17707 and enlarged 
the scope of its membership to in- 
clude all but the branch managers, 
salesmen, office managers and con- 
fidential secretaries. 

Employes of the various flim ex- 
changes voted to join the new or- 
ganization and the branches now 
represented are Vitagraph, 20th Fox, 
Republic, Monogram, Producers Re- 
leasing Corp., Universal, Loew's, Na- 
tional Screen Service and Columbia. 



Jacksonville. Oct. 27. 

Florida's seacoast towns stretch- 
ing from Fernandina. north of Jack- 
sonville, around the tip of Key We.st 
and up the Gulf of Mexico to Pen- 
sacola is now thrown into darkness 
as early as 7 p.m. nightly and the 
going ha.-i been rather tough for 
hlni hou.>cs. The bulk of theatre 
business has been after 7 p.m. night- 
ly, roughly 80'"i of the patronage 
being after this hour. With black- 
outs, however, .scores of coastal 
Florida communities are plunged 
in darkness and there is practically 
no movement of traffic, either cars 
or pedestrians. 

Many of the re.sort communities 
such as St. Augustine. Daytona 
Beach. Miami and those of the Flor- 
ida West Coast have had a large 
influx of service camps, air fields 
which help boost theatre attendance 
Saturdays and Sundays. Pix the- 
atres on these days are crowded to 
capacity with service men granted 
leave from camps. 

A new and large unit of WAACS 
is due at Daytona Beach around Nov. 
1. Three theatres are operated here 
and a fourth will possibly be opened. 

With fuel rationing in effect 
Florida's warm sunshine will un- 
doubtedly be a determining factor 
for the inovement of more training 
camps to the state this winter. 

The best break the operator of a 
theatre can get in a coastal town on 
Saturday afternoon and Simday is 
a good heavy dov/nfall of rain. With 
the weather good the public makes 
good use of the beaches for bathing 
and other sports as the beaches are 
closed to any form of public travel 
after blackouts at night. Rain drives 
them into the theatres. 



Despite 20,000 Soldiers, 
Sabbath Taboo Sticks 



ASCAP to Adjust Where 
Populations Shifted 



Minneapolis, Oct. 27. 
Meeting with Northwest Allied 
officials here, John G. Paine, ASCAP 
general manager, promised that a 
method of relief from the music tax 
would be considered for small-town 
exhibitors in the territory whose 
business has been hurt by popula- 
tion shifts. The conference .with 
Paine was attended by Donald Gutt- 
man and Ted Mann, Northwest 
Allied Twin City governors, and 
Fred Strom, the organization's ex- 
ecutive secretary. 

Paine made clear that ASCAP 
doesn't have in mind any general 
lowering of fees for exhibitors and 
that only the situations that actually 
have been hurt by the past year's 
developments will receive the body's 
attention. 

1 

Cummins Asks Priority 
For New Colored Theatre 

Washington, Oct. 27. 

Sam Cummins, operating the Pix, 
^vill ask the War Production Board 
to give him priorities for a new thea- 
tre for colored in the Bennings Area. 
Hi< request will be backed by a 
petition with 10.000 signatures. 

Application is based upon the fact 
that the Government has built low 
cost housing for some 50,000 people, 
with no hoii.-^o for colored within four 
miles of the development. Abe Llcht- 
■ man, owner of a oh(iin'of<theQt*s for 
colored, has a site in this area but 
has never asked for priorities because 
of war conditions. 

Cummins will open a new house 
In the northeast section, a remodeled 
etore. in direct competition with the 
Atlas. Cummins also opens soon a 
theatre sealing 2,700 at ^'ewport 
News, Va., in a war production 
center crying for entertainment. This 
week he takes over the Belmont, in 
N. Y., just off Broadway, for ex- 
hibition of French and other foreign 
product. 



Spartanburg, S. C, Oct. 27. 
City fathers, seeking to ballot on 
Sunday pix here, were ganged by 
swarms of clergymen, evangelistic 
workers. W. C. T. U. members, et al. 
when they entered municipal cham- 
bers. One brother sprung a munici- 
pal huddle precedent — he moved 
ihat meeting be opened with prayer. 
Council agreed and the prayer was 
offered. Subsequently, pressure was 
applied in old time camp meeting 
style and when the shouting was 
over only one of the municipal 
poppas — a very young one and a 
bachelor. Bill Coan. stood his ground 
and voted to open the shows on Sun- 
days. 

His ballot was snowed under, how- 
ever, and so Spartanburg, with 20.- 
000 soldiers is still wearing weekend 
padlocks. 



Crnsors Kirk L'p Again 

GVeenville. S. C, Oct. 27. 
Greenville has had Sunday movies 
only a few weeks but already city 
council is considering a citizens' 
move to censor them. 



Stymie Sunday Ban 

E/Torls to interfere with Sunday 
operation in Buena Vista. Va.. have 
been stymied by the Bedford Thea- 
tres Corp.. which controls the Rock- 
bridge there and during (hp past 
week obtained a court order re- 
straining city officials from closing 
the house on Sundays. 

Order is effective until the end of 
January, when it will come up for 
action. Meanwhile, the towns at- 
torney is reported planning to try to 
get the court.s to dissolve the re- 
straining order early next month. A 
hot light is promised. 



BAN 'NO GREATER 8IN' 



St. Loula County Objeots (o Sex FIc 
and Ads 



St. Louis, Oct. 27. 
For the first time in years in the 
St. Louis area the judiciary has been 
re.sorted to to ban the advertising 
and showing of a flicker. Last week 
prixsccuting attorney Stanley Wal- 
lach of St. Louis County, adjacent to 
this burg, asked for and obtained a 
temporary injunction to stop the ad- 
vertising and showing of "No Greater 
Sin' at the Drive-In theatre in the 
coimty. 

To Circuit Judge E. McDonald 
Stephens. Wallach said he was taking 
the step at the Behest of residents 
near the theatre who complained that 
the showing of the flicker would con- 
stitute a menace to the morals of the 
residents of that community. Arnold 
Berger. manager of the al fresco' 
flicker house, declared the film wa*' 
educational in nature' despite Wal- 
lach's contention that it was scuy to 
the breaking point. The hearing on 
the banning order has been skedded 
for Friday (30). 



SCHLESINGER, 
SCGSIGNUP 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
The Leon Schlesinger Studios to- 
day resumed normal operations after 
signing a new contract with the 
Screen Cartoonists Guild, Local 852. 
Studio had been shuttered as result 
of 27 assistant animators walking 
out because part of them were 
not advanced to higher pay classifi- 
cations. 

While the Joint statement of the 
Guild and Schlesinger made no 
mention of details, it was learned 
that at least 14 of the group will be 
moved into higher classifications 
via Schlesinger's new contract 
which is similar to the pact recently 
okayed with Walt Disney. The set- 
tlement was negotiated by Schlesin- 
ger's biz rep, William Pomerance, 
and attorney Charles Katz of the 
Guild. 



Indde Stnlf-Pictnres 



Lucky Srike's Hit Parade reprise of Irving Berlin's 'I Lost My Heart 
at the Stage Door Canteen' Is a constant trailer for Sol Lcs.ser's (orih. 
coming film, 'Stage Door Canteen,' although the two have no connection 
The Berlin song is an excerpt from his soldier show. 'This Is the Army' 
and hence cannot be used in the Le.s.ser fllmization, which he is making in 
collaboration with the American Theatre Wing. However, because of 
the song hit's popularity and exploitation of the mytlvcal 'Eileen,' a 
character of that name will be part of the film. Mary Hay Barlhclmess 
(daughter of the yesteryear dancer and Dick Barthelmcss) may make her 
screen debut therein, as 'Eileen.' Melvin Burke is directing the tests for 
eight new faces who will be part of the Aim, which Frank Borzage directs. 
Shooting starts Nov. 10 on the Coast first. Delmar Daves did the .script. 

Names who have okayed participating are Helen Hayes, Katharine Cor- 
nell, Ed Wynii, Gyp.sy Rose Lee, Ray Bolger (for whom Rodger.s and Hart 
are writing a number), Gertrude Lawrence, Benny Goodman, Kay Kyser 
and Guy Lombardo bands, Gracie Fields (who influenced a share nf the 
profits going to a British theatrical charity), Katherine Hepburn, Tallulah 
Bankhead, Elsa Maxwell, Selena Royle, Jane Cowl (latter two execs of 
the SDC). and producer Brock Pemberton, who will play himself in the 
film version. 

Fredric March and Lunt ti Fontanne have said okay, depending on their 
theatrical itineraries, having until Feb. 1 for finalSleadline. The Hart- 
mans, Larry Adler. Charles Chaplin and Bettc Davis (who wants to, it her 
own activities with the Hollywood Canteen don't Jam her) are lother 
potentials. 

Le.s.ser .splits profits with American Theatre Wing and Navy Relief, 
besides the British charity. Players who participate, probably working 
only one, two or three days, will get paid pro rata (under Screen Actors 
Guild rules) of their established film salary. Where there is no estab- 
lished film salary, as with Miss Cornell, for instance, a top figure is arbi- 
trarily established and she gets pro rata. Many have told Le.sser to pay 
their money back to the Canteen. 



Motion picture theatres in Washington have gone all-out for Ihe Com- 
munity War Fair. It means that they are creating oppasition by a free 
show, to which they have contributed star value and expert showman- 
ship. Fair has also been plugged on all downtown screens. Carter Bar- 
ron, division manager for Loew's, and John J. Payette, zone manager of 
Warner Bros., ordered al! executives to cooperate for the War Fair. 

Film stars, arranged by Kenneth Thomson of Screen Actors Guild, work- 
ing with local D.C. committee, include Veronica Lake, Adolphe Menjou, 
Ralph Bellamy, Vera Zorina, Constance Bennett, Stuart Erwin and Lillian 
Gish. Radio's contribution was Andre Kostelanetz's Coca-Cola hour 
with Helen Jepson and Albert Spalding, and Walter Compton's 'Double 
or Nothing.' Fair, as a free attraction, expects to attract 200,000 from 
Oct. 23-30 inclusive, with 30 free exhibits. Admitted it would have beeii 
futile as a draw without the cooperation of Washington showmen. 



Author Sues Universal 
On Use of Title for Pic 



A suit for injunction, accounting 
and damages was filed Monday (26) 
in the U. S. District Court by Lloyd 
Mayor, author of feature stories and 
character sketches entitled 'Just Be- 
tween Us Girls,' against Universal 
Pictures Co., Universal Film Ex- 
changes, Inc., and Big 'U' Film Ex- 
change, Inc. 

'Girls' has been published by Life 
magazine and 30 Sunday papers 
throughout the U. S. and Mayor de- 
mands that the defendants be re- 
strained from using the title. He 
demands an accounting on all profits 
realized by the production and the 
release of pictures bearing the plain- 
tiff's title. 



Real Escapist Film 

Hollywood. Oct. 27. 
John Larkin is doing the .screen- 
play, to be produced by Sol M. Wurt- 
zel. 

20th-Fox assigned Robert Florey 
to direct the wartime tale of ad- 
venture in China, 'I Escaped from 
Hongkong.' 



Senator Nye 

S Continued from page 2 

kind of report of this meeting and 
my own part in it.' 

The Senator referred to the 1940 
Republican presidential candidate as 
'Corporal Willkie' and the magazine 
publisher as "Private Luce.' He wa.s 
critical of the second front and other 
statements made abroad by Presi- 
dent Roosevelt's 'special-delivery- 
Itlter messenger' and of Life's 'open 
letter to the British people' published 
two weeks ago. 

The North Dakota Senator cliiivged 
Ihat Willkie, Luce and Winchell were 
crtaling a feeling abroad of di.siinily 
here. 

'It .'etms to me that we sh<.iuld 
rau.se both Allies and fucs to knov.' 
thai there is unity here in America; 
that the Willkies. the Luces and the 
Winchells may spout their very 
heads off and not destroy the unity 
to win which exists here and which 
we want continuous .sharing of by 
our Allies.' he declared. 

Stork Club Reference 

'Let those .self-exaggerated indi- 
viduals do what they will, our Al- 
lie.s .should be made to know that 
we are a patient 134,000,000 people 
who did not all let themselves in on 
the Willkie-Luce-Winchell seeming 
theory that we could whip the world 
In six days and spend every night of 



Sidney L. Bernstein, who is due to return to England soon, made an 
excellent impression on the American film industry during his official 
duties as film consultant to the Ministry of Information. His job was to 
cement closer accord between the MOI and our own Office of War In- 
formation. 

Bernstein Bros, own a large chain of theatres in England, and Ihe MOI 
emissary, a practical showman, wisely refrained from projecting his .show 
biz background and ideas during his official career with MOI. On the 
other hand, having the authority and background of showmanship, and 
coupled with the delicate nature of his diplomatic assignment, the com-' 
bination worked out exceedingly well, according to patriotic U. S. film 
executives who, perforcer had to tie on the United Nation.s' plan of cam- 
paign. 



Although the National Council on Freedom from Censorship, affiliated 
with the American Civil Liberties Union, and the War Production Board 
have agreed on a revised ruling of the WPB granting freedom to educa« 
tional pictures, there is wide divergency on the terms of this revision, 
The Civil Liberties organization interprets 'educational' as applying tA 
all non-commercial films, with 'sales promotion' only in the sense of com- 
mercial purpose. 

In contrast, the WPB Is credited with interpreting 'educational' a^ 
applying only to classroom films. Also that 'sales promotion' means Ih^ 
promotion of anything even if its non-commercial. This would leavt 
the broad documentary variety of educational picture still in the category 
of 'sales promotion,' meaning that the WPB must fjreview the script 
before the film raw stock is released. 



Jack (ex-Mitchell &) Durant, who looks .somewhat like Clark Gabla^ 
makes capital of the resemblance in his vaudeville act. and uses as a top- 
per. 'Yes, Gable earns much more than I, even though we do look ver^ 
much alike, but can Gable do this?' Whereupon Durant does a difficult sid4 
flipflop from a standing position. 

Film .star had heard of the topper, 'Yes, but can Gable do this?,' and 
when Durant played the Olympia. Miami, recently the film player, who 
is in officers training there, asked Durant to be his guejit at Armt 
quarter.s. He expressed curiosity at the topper, 'Can Gable do thisr 
whereupon Durant did his entire act for the star. 



Time magazine (Oct. 26 issue) spotlighted wild life in the cinema cap- 
ital, focusing attention on the Errol Flynn rape case, drunkenne.ss charge? 
against Johnny Weissmuller, Helen Lee Worthing cone-time Zlegfeld 
girl), and' (he strip act by Marie Wilson in the Los Angeles police com- 
missioner's office. 

Among other mad stunts recorded by Time was Ihe football game, iita 
volving Rita Hayworth's 'Hollywood Wolves' and Betty Grable's team or 
comics, refereed by Victor Moore. 



Pete Wood, secretary of the Independent Theatre Owners of Ohio, has 
written and is circulating a paper dealing with the story of the old IJoil 
and its two cubs. It's creating some amusement among those reading 
it but in a left-handed manner it pays a tribute^ to Metro without men- 
tioning the company's name. The two cubs w'i^il strayed away Iionf 
their wise old father, assumedly Metro's Leo, a5''''''.'Igured as being 'Tom 
Connors and Billy Scully, former Metroites who aie .now sales managers 
for other companies, 20th-Fox and Universal, resp^il'w 'cly. 

^ Execs at RKO are racing against time to find a story for Michele Mor- 
gan before the end of December, or else. Under their contract the studio 
must provide a picture for the French actress or pay her for not w'orking. 
Her deal was for two films, one of which was 'Joan of Paris,' now in re- 
lease. Second was to have been 'Challenge to the Night,' now gathering 
dust on the shelf for the duration. Miss Morgan has a date wilh '100 (5irl» 
and a Man' at Universal e.-'ly in 1943. ' • 



that week enjoying thi 
explosions and sharp, i :^ im- 
ports emanating from photo^ . ; > • • 
light bulbs and forced cham^: 
corks in the famous halls of Sto, \ 
clubs. 

'Frankly, we ought to let England 
know that the campaign oratory dis- 
ciple, the publisher with the exag- 
gerated opinion of himself, and the 



iis I keyhole arti • i'. 
''an opinion .v ■ 

■ '>rt seem ' 
' ' -nited v , 



a s < 
•■ •■» I. 



1. ' '!>. 

mail. 

than a l,. > 
gigantic te 
as nations 



ix.t reflect Amerl- 
H : ihey make thelV. 
Id I ale that we ari 
. ; home, that wil 
I .1 front before wi 
" and count in win* 
that we are d4» 
). -d something olhef 
' e'ping hand in tjils 
preserving our )iv«» 



'V'cdDcsday, October £8, 19i8 



HAOIO 



mm TALK DX PROBLEM 



Birth Control Referendum Awkward 
Problem in Catholic Massachusetts; 
Radio, Piress Share Embarrassment 



SpringAeld, Mass., Oct. 27 
Massachusetts radio stations are 
being bombarded from both sides 
with criticism for their positions in 
selling or granting time for the dis- 
cussion of the various referenda 
which will be voted upon next Tues- 
day (Nov. a). With a big vote due 
because of the birth control and 
horse and dog racing bills, leaders 
of opinion, pro and con, have found 
the slalions adopting different poli- 
cies. 

The Mothers Health Council which 
ig pushing the amendment to per- 
mit the dissemination of birth con- 
trol to married persons is circu- 
larizing newspaper editors and their 
Senators and Congressmen at Wash- 
ington demanding an investigation 
of the refusal of three Boston sta- 
tions lo give or to sell them time to 
promote their views. In their letters, 
tjiey object to the attitude of V^Z, 
WBEI and WNAC. Kiey claim that 
candidates have only thinly hinted 
at the issue which is recognized as 
political dynamite In this strongly 
Catholic state, and demand the right 
to get their opinions before the pub' 
iio. They also claim that several 
Boston newspapers, unnamed, like- 
wise will not let them air their 
<tand. FCC has also heard their 
plainl. 

The Springfield Republican on 
Sunday (25) declared, editorially 
uat the refusal 'is an abuse for the 
fee to investigate.' The paper fa- 
vors the amendment. 

Radio men, however, are of the 
opinion that the Boston stations are 
^ell within their rights. 'It Is not 
discrimination,' said one station 
Manager 'to refuse both sides.' 

Some of the other stations through- 
out the state, however, are accepting 
uie council's money, though thus far 
l^e opponents of the referendum 
have confined their campaign to 
pewspaper stories, sermons, bus and 
billboard ads. WSPR in Springfield 
wrote for guidance to the FCC which 
replied that while there is no special 
section of its rules pertaining to 
referenda, the general policy of im- 
partiality must be observed, that if 
a station gives time to one side, it 
must give as much to the other, and 
if it sells time to one side, it must 
sell to the other. If the time is 
wanted. There is no requirement 
radio men feel, that time for these 
controver.sial issues must either be 
sold or donated. 

The Hampden County Committee 
of 100 which defeated the horse and 
dog racing bills in this county two 
years ajio are also up in arms that 
they cannot get the same opportu- 
nity from radio to state their views 
as they have received from the local 
press which is solidly against pari- 
mutuel betting. 

Radio men feel that the criticism 
ij unfair, particularly in view of 
Ineir donation of time to various 
qivic enterprises. Both WSPR and 
WMAS in Springfield are giving 
time freely for the current War 
Chest campaign. They not only ear- 
ned numerous live • A transcribed 
.programs for the v '^od campaign, 
but they will each tive three quar- 
ters of an hour -y other day for 
next two weekf to carry report 
meetings.. Both will carry the pro- 
grams, stations alternating on pick- 
ups. 



Congressman't Slant 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Congressman John Dingell of 
Michigan said last week it was 
more important for the nation's 
radio stations and newspapers to 
get out the vote than to get In 
the scrap. 

He urged all radio stations and 
newspapers to make repeated re- 
minders to their listeners and 
readers to go to the polls on 
election day and vote. 



METAL TRADES 
COUNCIL A KOL 
SPONSOR 



SealUe, Oat. IT. 

The Seattle Metal Tradei eounoU, 
comprising 81 unions, is now spon- 
soring the Ave tlmei weeMy "Waih- 
ington State and the War' with 
Howard Gostigan over KoL, local 
Mutual outlet. Most (hlpyara unions 
are represented I9 the Council, as 
well as some airplane plant unions 
and the Bufiding Service employees, 
former sponsors of the program. 

In addition to interviews wUh 
newsworthy men and wpme^ uia 
program treats current problems 
having to do with the war from a 
broad angle, not Just those pertain- 
ing to the metal trades workers. 



COAST RADIO WRITER 
KILLED IN SOLOMONS 



Sat Review Initiates 
Weekly Radio Critiqae 
' By Albert N. WilliaiiK 



The Saturday Review of Literature 
will devote one column weekly to a 
serious discussion of radio programs. 
Albert N. Williams will write the 
column. The former NBC writer- 
director Is now with the Coordii^tor 
of Inter-American Affairs. 

Most publications shy away from 
serious radio criticism and even the 
Saturday Review is pretty gingery. 
Magazine loses 10 days going to 
press, but will attempt to refer to 
specific programs. Williams' initial 
piece was in the Oct. 24 issue. 



HIS Fm 





Various Branches of Ameri- 
can Government Involved 
in Decision* of World- 
Wide Dissemination of 
Talk Via Shortwave — Re- 
publican Leader In Sharp 
Jabs at Condescension of 
State Department 



EXCERPTS EXPORTED 



BOWLING GREEN 208TH 
ON MUTUAL NETWORK 



station WLBJ. Bowling Green, 
Ky.. Joined the Mutual network last 
week, bringing the total num.ber of 
affiliates to 208. 

Outlet operalps on 1340 ko., with 
250 watts power, full time. 



RESINOL'S COIN GIVEAWAY 



Cortland Ferguson Acency, Balti- 
more, Combs Spot Market 



Resinol (.soap and ointment) is 
looking around for money giveaway 
programs on local stations In con- 
nection with an unlimited campaign. 

The agency i.-i Cortland D. Fergu- 
son, of P-'.tiniore. 



Holl . wood. Oct. 2" 
OfTicially reporter >illo(i Ir .. 

'n the Solomon I.s ;,r;-. , 

^a.s Stanley Ko|,.s, f 

radio writer. 
Ko|)s joined l!ic ,1 

the war and tra - 

under cninmand 1 

Dyke. 



■-J. 



r KK V, :■. 

:S eai ly in 
San Diego 
W. S. Van 



p d IVockter Tours 
(•! Hiow Agency, N. Y. 

■ .:d J. Prockter, head of time 
,K for the Blow agency, Is cur- 
<• .ily on a tour of the southwest 
and west for the Bulova watch ac- 
count. His itinerary will take him 
through Colorado, Texas and along 
the Pacific coast. 

He will iJtop awhile at the agency's 
newly established Hollywood office. 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Wendell Willkie's frank-speaking 
radio address last night (Monday) 
put various branches of the U. S. 
Government in a peculiar position 
so far as short wave airings of it 
were concerned. All the DX out- 
lets — which will be privately owned 
and operated for only a few more 
weeks — naturally contacted the Of- 
fice of War Information and the Co- 
ordinator of Inter-American Affairs 
to find what special steps were be- 
ing taken to obtain world-wide air- 
ing of the speech. Inasmuch as it 
was treated domestically Just as a 
Presidential address Is, that Is, car- 
ried on virtually all stations, DXers 
thought foreign handling also would 
be similar. 

OWI and CIAA Immediately got 
Ip touch with the White House and 
State Department for Instructions. 
Word they got was that the Govern- 
ment favored world-wide broadcast- 
ing of Willkie's talk, but that OWI 
end OIAA should not take extraord- 
inary steps to achieve it. Latter en- 
tails the sending of scores of cable- 
grams and wireless messages to sta- 
tions and point-to-point relay trans- 
mitters throughout the globe, in or- 
der that they pick it up and re- 
broadcast It. 

No Advance Copy 

It then developed that Oove.rn- 
ment agencies — apparently Including 
the White House— had not seej) a 
copy of the speech In advance. OWI 
and CIAA, which wanted texts, as 
they get of Presidential addresses, 
for translation into foreign languages 
in order to achieve simultaneous cov- 
erage, were told yesterday afternoon 
that 'Mr. Willkie Is still working on 
the speech.' Reason for his reticence 
at giving advance copies was Inter- 
preted here as being tied up with 
the Implied sharp critici.sm of ex- 
perts (presumably State Depart- 
ment, Army and Navy) for their re- 
sentment of typewriter strategists. 
Especially delicate were his jabs at 
State Department condescension. 

Despite the fact they hadn't seen 
the address, official sources notified 
the DXer."; that, contrary to general 
practice. Willkie's speech would not 
have to be submitted to the Office 
of Censorship prior to being put on 
the short waves. Willkie was said 
to be 'an authority,' which appar- 
ently put him above censorship. 

Excerpts of the Willkie talk were 
widely carried. In addition, at least 
one Latin American station. Radio 
Mundo in Buenos Aires, asked for 
and received the talk In English di- 
rect. It was carried point-to-point 
through facilities of RCA Communi- 
cations, arranged with the coopera- 
tion of the CIAA after the station 
had made specific request. 



AH Webs Did WeU in September; 
CBS Up 40% for mm, NBC 
FoHows Right Behind $3,510J)00 



All four cross-country networks 
came out of the month of Septem- 
ber with comparative increases in 
the sale of time. For Columbia, 
particularly, It was a rebound from 
the minus column. Whereas in Au- 
guest it was slightly off its gross 
billings as compared to the like 
month of 1941, the network this 
time showed a plus margin of 4%. 
For NBC the parallel Augusts rated 
a Mexican standoff. Last month 
NBC's gross was likewise 4% over 
what it had been in September, 1941. 
The Blue for the same period 



jumped 36%, while Mutual, due 
largely to its religious programs, 
was up by 34%. 

NBC was but $eS,0(M behind CBS 
on the gross. The NBC tally for 
this September was $3,510,000 and 
Columbia's $3,579,000. The Blue went 
over the $1,000,000 mark. 

As for the first nine months of 
the year, Mutual has a leeway over 
last year of 56%. The Blue's edge 
figures 22%. NBC is ahead by 6% 
and CBS, with an accumulative 
gross of $33,125,000. holds a margin 
of 2%. Estimates follow: 



NETWORK GROSS TIME SALES 

^EstivMted) 
FOR SEPTEMBER 



1942 

Blue $1,085,000 

ColnmbU 3,575.000 

Mntnal 707.000 

NBC 3.510.000 



Total $8,877,000 



1941 

$795,000 
3,445.000 
529,000 
3,360.000 

$8,129,000 



(FOB FIRST NINE MONTHS) 

1942 ' 1941 

Blue $10,680,000 $8.720,00» 

ColnmbU 33,126,000 32.579.000 

Mutual 7,092,000 4,554,000 

NBC 32.175,000 30,475,000 



ToUl $83,072,000 



$76,324,000 



% 

+ 38 
-I- 4 
+ 34 
-(■ 4 

+ • 



% 

+22 
+ 2 
+ 5« 
+ 9 

+ B 



THE RETURN OF CASTORIA 



Mostly In The South— Via Tonog It 
Enblcam ' 



Fletcher's Castoria Is back In 
radio, following a lengthy layoflf, and 
is lining up availabilities for a spot 
campaign pridpally throuj;h the 
south. 

The campaign, being booked 
through Youh^ Ik Rublcam, calls for 
10 announcements a week ^trough 
24 week% 



HERMAN STEINBRUCH 
JOINS 'VARIETY' STAFF 



Herman Steinbrucli has joined 
'Variety' in the New York home 
office as radio advertising manager. 
He assumed his duties last week. 

Stelnbruch was with Harry Wilder 
radio stations since 1038 and was 
for some years manager of WKNE. 
Keene, New Hampshire. Previously 
he spent six years with WMCA. New 
York, and three years with NBC. 



DX Takeover 
Legal Detail 
Finally Set 



Washington, Oct. ST. 

Months of labor By government 
attorneys to work out contracts for 
the taking over of the natlon'a 14 
shortwave outlets reached a step 
nearer conclusion Saturdoay (24). 
The completed pacts were mailed out 
to owners of the stations for their 
signature. 

It is understood that agreements 
had been reached and the station 
owners had initialed rough drafts in 
advance, so no major upsets are ex- 
pected. If everything runs smooth- 
ly, station operations may be in the 
hands of the Office of War Infor- 
mation and the Coordinator of Inter- 
American Affairs within two or 
three weeks. 



FTC DISPUTES RADIO 
COPY OFWORLD'S TONIC 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Radio continuities for World's 
Tonic, made by World's Medicine 
Company of Indianapolis, are 
charged by the Federal 'Trade Com- 
mission with being false and mis- 
leading. Continual administration 
of the tonic as recommended by the 
maker's advertising iHft^ cause 
severe gastro-intestinal irl^italion. 
according to the FTC. 

William y Cooksey. also known as 
Ross Dyar, operates under the name 
of the Worm's Medicine Company. 



PABST DELAYS 
RADIO FOR ZONE 
RULING 



The Pabst Beer account has gone 
to the Warwick Sc Legler agency, 
'fhe business had formerly been held 
by Lord & Thomas' Chicago office. 
The selection of another agency has 
been going on for months. 

It Is imderstood that radio will 
not be In the new Pabst advertising 
picture for the immediate future. 
The accoimt has elected to refer the 
bankrolling of a network series until 
the Government has passed on a 
pending proposal that the transpor- 
tation of a brewer's product be 
limited to a certain zone. There are 
also packaging problems to be 
solved. 

The competition for the Pabst ac- 
count had involved over 10 agencies. 
Most of them had submitted or au- 
ditioned programs. Among the 
shows offered by Warwick & Legler 
was one headed by Groucho Marx. 



Eddie Weber, G. Whiting 
On Staff of Top This', 
Now a Network Frolic 



Eddie Weber who has been pianist 
with Cross and Dunn for many sea- 
sons, resigned to become general 
manager of 'Can You Top This,' the 
twice a week radio program of Joe 
Laurie. Senator Ford, Harry Hersh- 
field. Outfit has opened offices near 
the Lambs- club and George Whiting 
is on the staff. 

'Top This' is on the air on Tues- 
day over WOR for Kirkman's soap 
and Saturday evenings the trio net- 
works through NBC for Colgate. 



Wyandotte Cleaners 
On Annual Radio Flyer 

Wyandotte Cleaners U taking Its 
annual flyer in spot broadcasting 
through the midwest. 

The quest Is for woman's partioi- 
patlon programs, with N. W. Ayer 
as the agency. 



26 



RADIO 



l^ednesday, October 28, 1942 



Senitan (Drew Pearson) Surrenders 
6:30 to Go In on Blue Opposite Benny 



Seiutan is giving up Ita present 
Sunday night spot (6.30) on the Blue 
Network to Sherwln-WllUams and 
the Drew Pearson program will 
occupy Ihe 7-7.15 niche, starting Nov. 
15. The paint manufacturer resumed 
its •Metropolitan Auditions' in the 
6.30-7 p.m. period two weeks later 
(29). 

Effective with the switch Pear- 
son's hookup will jump from 27 to 
55 stations, or the full basic and 
Pacific links. Serutanls move to a 
period opposite Jack Benny was en- 
couraged, according to Raymond 
Spector, agency on the laxative ac- 
count, by an experience it had on 
WENR, Chicago. The latter station 
has been clearing the commentator 
by way of delayed broadcast at 7 
p.m. EWT. On two mail offers WENR 
brought the biggest return per dollar 
value. 

Under Pearson's new setup the 
Blue will have three commentator in 
the hours from 7 to 9 p.m., the other 
two being Earl Godwin for Ford and 
Walter Winchell for Jergen's. 



Script Costs on 'Mayor' 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Charles Tazewell, freelance 
writer, is script editor on the 
Lionel Barrymore show, 'Mayor 
of the Town.' for Lever Bros., 
at a salary of $300 a week. Jean 
HoUoway, who resigned as writer 
of the Kate Smith show to script 
'Mayor,' does the latter program 
from the east, getting $500 a week. 
In addition, the client pays vary- 
. ing amounts for script ideas. 

Ruthrauff & Ryan is the agency 
on the account. 



KFEL-IBEW 
TO MEDIATION 



Adman Edwin Kraft's 2nd 
Alaskan Station Set For 
Close OWI Work Fie 



Seattle, Oct. 27. 
'Formal opening of the new re- 
gional Alaskan station in Ketchikan 
Is set for October 31, according to 
Edwin Kraft, owner. New station, 
KTKN, is at 930 kilocycles, and has 
1,000 watts power on unlimited time. 
KTKN will work closely with the 
Office of War Information's im- 
portant task of supplying news and 
entertainment to American troops in 
the north, along with KINY, Juneau, 
also owned by Kraft, Seattle radio 
advertising executive. 

Most of the top programs of the 
major chains will be made available 
to Alaskan listeners through KTKN 
and KINY under a special plan de- 
veloped by Murry Brophy, of the 
OWI. 

Roy Grandey recently program 
director at KOL, Seattle, will be 
manager of the new station. Perry 
Hileary of KOMO is program direc 
tor and Dallas Williams, KOL, is 
news director. Vincent Kraft, chief 
engineer of KINY, will also be chief 
engineer of KTKN. 



Denver, Oct. 27. 

Contract dispute between KFEL, 
Denver, and the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 
has been certified to the War t,abor 
Board and the question of wages 
and conditions will be arbitrated at 
a later date. 

The union and station found that 
the differences were too great for 
them to continue their negotiations. 



BUCKINGHAM GUNN 
HEADS CHICAGO CLUB 



LaGuardia Fails To 
Crack FCC Sundown Rule 
On 830 Channel Berth 



Chicago, Oct 27. 

Buckingham Gunn of J. Walter 
Thompson succeeds Earl G- Thomas 
as president of the Chicago Radio 
Management Club. Thomas resigned 
his office, also as radio-director of 
McCann-Erickson, Inc., to become a 
specialist-captain in tl\e U. S. Army. 

Ralph Atlass, manager of WJJD- 
WIND, has been named a trustee of 
the club, which devotes itself to aid- 
ing the war effort from the radio 
angle. 



Phonograph Records For 
Two KSD Local Sponsors 

St. Louis, Oct. 27. 

After a lapse of seven years the 
Selle Jewelry Co., one of the largest 
retail establishments In the down- 
town district, has returned to the air 
and currently is bankrolling a -Sun- 
day p.m. program over KSD. The 
program tagged 'Gems of Melody' 
uses phonograph recordings. 

The Kruth China Co. returns to 
KSD Nov. 8 with a weekly 15 min- 
utes of wax. 



Washington, Oct. 27. 
Radio station WNYC, operated by 
the City of New York, lost a two- 
year fight when the -Federal Com- 
munications Commission voted final- 
ly to reject the station's application 
for longer operating hours. The de- 
cision, which was announced Wed- 
nesday (21), was reached on a vote 
of 5 to 2, with Commissioners George 
H. Payne and Paul Walker dissent- 
ing. WNYC now operates from 
6:00 o'clock in the morning until 
the hour of sunset at Minneapolis 
It's application asked for extension 
of the time to 11 o'clock at night 

Mayor F. H. LaGuardia personally 
undertook to argue before the FCC 
for the extension of the time for 
the night hours. The contest cen- 
tered over the fact that WNYC op 
erates on B3U kilocycles which is the 
same clear-channel frequency as- 
signed to WCCO, an outlet of the 
Columbia Broadcasting System in 
Minneapolis. The Columbia station 
uses 50 kilowatts of power while the 
New York station operates on one 
kilowatt 

The application was opposed both 
by the Columbia Broadcasting Sys- 
tem and the State of Minnesota. 

In Its action last week the Com- 
mission merely made final Its earlier 
proposed findings, which it made 
public about eight months ago. Then 
the Commission held that the WNYC 
proposal was contrary to rules of 
the FCC and that if the application 
were granted service of ooth sta- 
tions would be Impaired. 



IWurder of Lidice' Not 
Repeated on KDKA Wax; 
Embarrassments Galore 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 
Edna St. Vincent Millay'a 'Mur- 
der, of Lidice' turned out to be the 
'Mystery of Lidice' last week as far 
as KDKA was concerned. Whole 
thing was a tragedy of errors. We.st- 
inghouse station couldn't take the 
broadcast from NBC because of a 
previous commitment to air a United 
War Fund pageant here and when 
Vincent Johnson, radio editor of 
Post-Gazette, heard that no arrange- 
ments were being made at least to 
transcribe and re-broadcast it, he 
started a one-man campaign to get 
the show on the air here. Finally, 
Bob White, new program director, 
agreed to wax the show from the 
original and put it on KDKA three- 
quarters of an hour later. 

But White's promise apparently 
was premature because he hadn't at 
that time received the web's per- 
mission to rebroadcast. So by the 
time NBC said to lay off, on account 
of the Petrillo situation re delayed 
airings, Johnson had already an- 
nounced in his column that KDKA 
was going to offer a transcribed ver- 
sion of the program. 

In the meantime, too, because of 
the last-minute turmoil, the waxing 
had already been made locally be- 
fore NBC's veto reached KDKA. 
Came the moment when 'Lidice' 
was scheduled to go on here and an 
announcer said 'due to conditions be- 
yond our control the program sched- 
uled for this time will not be heard.' 
Then a second later came the voice 
of Alexander Wbollcott speaking his 
preface to the Millay work. An engi- 
neer had picked up the wrong rec- 
ord; what he had reached for was 
the Johann Strauss waltz. , Or so the 
story around KDKA goes. At any 
rate, the 'Lidice' recording was 
yanked within 45 seconds, and then 
the phone calls started pouring in at 
the station switchboard. 



The Wiite-a-Figbter Corps 



General Mills Stimulates Kids to Help Fill Soldiers' 
Greatest Desire, Mail From Civilians 



The Adult Version 



Adult drive to encourage 
civilian mail for soldiers has 
been undertaken by Kate Smith- 
Ted Collins who have developed 
the slogan over the air via Gen- 
eral Foods *If you don't write, 
you're wrong.' 

Government circles credit this 
with doing much to swell vol- 
ume of mail to troops. 



CBS-IBEW IN 
NEW DICKER 



UNGAR ON COAST AD 
COUNCIL'S RADIO PANEL 



Hollywood, Oct. 27. 

Arthur Ungar, editor of Daily Va 
riety, has accepted an invitation of 
Hollywood Radio Section of Adver 
tising Council, Inc., to serve on its 
executive committee. 

Group chairmaned by Jack Smal 
ley of Batten, Barton, Durstipe & 
Osborn comprises Kay Kyser, Sidney 
Strotz, Don Belding, George Gruskin 
Al Scalpone, John Guedel and Joe 
Alvin. 



Capt. Earl Thomas Now 

Chicago, Oct. 27. 

Earl Thomas has resigned his ex 
ecutive post with McCann-Erickson, 
Inc., Chicago, to accept a captaincy 
In the United States Army Special 
Ists Corp. 

Thomas Is president of the Chicago 
Radio Management Club. He has 
been associated with McCann-Erick- 
Eon for two years, and previously 
was a freelance program producer 
In New ¥ork. 



Officials of the national office of 
the International Brotherhood of 
Electrical Workers are currently en- 
gaged in negotiating new contracts 
with CBS for the various IBEW 
locals which have majority repre- 
sentation in Columbia managed and 
operated stations. These do not in- 
clude KMOX, St. Louis, which en- 
tered into a new contract with the 
union some time ago. 

The CBS-IBEW contracts expired 
Oct. 1, but there have been a cou- 
ple extensions granted pending ne- 
gotiations. The officers of the locals 
involved will be called into the 
meetings after basic terms have 
been worked out. 



Margaret Lewerth Doing 
Four For 'Eyes and Ears' 

Margaret Lewerth, continuity 
writer of 'Great Moments of Music' 
on CBS, will script at least four of 
the 'Eyes and Ears of the Air Force' 
programs on WMCA, New York, for 
the First Fighter Command. Bernard 
Dougall wrote last week's show. 

Next Tuesday night's (3) edition 
of the series will be directed by 
Stuart Buchanan. Last night's (Tues- 
day) was handled by Robert Louis 
Shayon. Assignments are made 
through the Radio Directors Guild. 



CoL Hans Christian Adamson Missing 



Official Historian of Air Force Was Radio Writer 
on CBS 'School of the Air' Series 



'Essential Occupation' Is 
One Only If Local Draft 
Board Agrees That It Is 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Certain occupations in the radio, 
newsreel and communications serv- 
ices were certified by National Selec- 
tive Service headquarters as es- 
sential to the war effort. The list 
was issued as a guide to local draft 
boards in classifying registrants for 
deferment and is confined to occupa- 
tions requiring six months or more 
of training. 

The fact that one's occupation is 
listed as an 'essential' one does not 
of itself mean that a local draft 
board must grant a deferment. In 
such a case the local board is a law 
unto itself. The list is purely a 
guide which the board may use or 
not as it sees fit. 

To seek deferment the registrant 
would have to prove to the local 
board that his activity was essential 
to the war effort, that his job was 
essential to the functioning of the 
activity, and that he was not re- 
placeable at the time. The defer- 
ment thenjnight be granted so the 
employer could train another em- 
ployee, but the deferment would not 
exceed six months at one time. The 
deferment might be renewed. If nec- 
essary. . Then again the local board 
might not grant a deferment. 

The list of 'essential' occupations 
in radio includes: . Control room 
man, junior and senior control su- 
pervisor, director of International 
broadcasting, technical engineer, 
foreign language announcer and 
translator, foreign language news or 
script writer, program transmission 
supervisor, broadcasting radio re- 
pairman, radio rigger, radio com- 
munications traffic chief, translator, 
war correspondent 



Col. Hans Christian Adamson, of 
the Army Air Force, who is miss- 
ing with Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker 
somewhere In the Pacific, is well 
known In radio. He is scripter of the 
Wednesday broadcasts of the 'School 
of the Air of the Americas' series 
on CBS, His wife, Helen Lyon, 
was formerly co-narrator with Roy 
Chapman Andrews on the Wednes- 
day stanzas. 

When he left on the Pacific flight 
with Rickenbacker, Adamson took a 
typewriter with him. Intending to 
write nine 'School of the Air' scripts 
during the trip. He was already far 
ahead on scripts, being an unusually 
systematic and rapid writer. 

Besides his 'School of the Air' 
activities, Adamson recently became 
official historian of the Army Air 



Force and was at work on that 
project. He resigned last January 
as radio and press representative of 
the American Museum of Natural 
History, N. Y., to become a major 
in the public relations section of the 
Army Air Force. He was promoted 
to lieutenant colonel last July and 
to colonel In September. 

Col. Adamson was in New York 
for several days just before leaving 
on the Pacific flight. He had at that 
time just returned from a trip to 
England, and said he expected to 
leave for Australia. Of Danish 
birth, Adamson came to the U. S. 
when he was 21. He became a 
newspaper man and has written a 
number of books on aviation and 
natural history. 

He Is 52. 



'Dulfy's Tavern' to Use 
Guest Stars Regularly 

'Duffy's Tavern' will use guest per- 
sonalities regularly hereafter. Peter 
Van Steeden's orchestra will play a 
more prominent part in the program, 
too. Present seven men will be in- 
creased to 14. 

Change will make program sub- 
stantially a revue. It's on the Blue 
for Bristol-Myers. 

Norman Corwin Due Back 



Norman Corwin Is due back from 
England in about two weeks to re- 
sume his 'An American In England' 
series. 

Currently he Is touring the British 
Isles gathering material for the 
show. 



By WALTER RASCHICK 
Knox Reeves Agency 

Minneapolis, Oct. 27. 

The eagerness of our American 
troops for mail and the disturbing 
fact that they write four letters out 
of camp for every one that comes in 
is the basic thought behind General 
Mills' new stunt in connection with 
'Jack Armstrong' on the Blue net- 
work. We are stimulating children 
to write soldiers by setting up a 
Write-A-Fighter-Corps. The prelimi- 
nary response is very encouraging 
and we anticipate tie-ups and bless- 
ings from many n.itional youth or- 
ganizations. 

The merit of our position lies in 
the fact, I think, that it is as nearly 
free of commercial stamp or tieup 
as an idea financed by a commercial 
radio program can well be. There 
are no boxtops, no investment of 
any kind. Required General Mills 
provides the booklets, badges and 
instructions gratis. 

Juvenile listeners to our Ill- 
station hookup on the Blue are asked 
only to write 'Jack Armstrong, Min- 
neapolis, Minnesota,' for working 
materials. Latter includes a kit and 
manual for the Squadron Leader, 
whose duty it then becomes to par- 
cel out five fighter pilot honor bars 
to each of his squad members (boys 
or girls), plus accessories such as 
the stencil which enables each mem- 
l>er to make his own Wi ite-A-Fight- 
er-Corps letterhead. Paper is not 
furnished, on the assumption that the 
more home m.tdc the letter looks to 
the enlistee, the more interesting. 

Bright, Small Talk 

Moppets are urged in the Manual, 
to steer away from depressing 
news, to tell in.<:tead about what the 
family pooch is doing, the details 
of the local highschool football 
game, that Pa took Ma to dinner 
last night, etc. Members pledge 
themselves to write one letter per 
month, at which time they ask 
Mamma to press a star (furnished in 
the kit) onto a designated spot on 
the fabric Honor Bar. Any delin- 
quent letter writer is not entitled 
to wear that month's star and holds 
up- the entire squadron's right to 
wear it. Thus the hustlers put the 
needle on the laggard.':. 

In accordance with War and Navy 
Department regulations, WAFC 
members arc urged to write only to 
flghtera whom they know and are 
told speclflcally not to write to 
strangers In the services. 

First squadron tn enlist in WAFC 
is composed of five Quiz Kid boys, 
with a QK girl voted unanimously 
their squadron leader. Chicago and 
Fort Wayne (Ind.) dep.nrtments of 
education have already declared 
themselves in on WAFC promotion, 
with the letter-writing being sched- 
uled as classroom assi.tjnmcnts. 

Bob Greenberg, promotion man- 
ager at WHK, Cleveland, opened his 
.station's WAFC publicity barrage 
with a group of youngsters at Rain- 
bow Children's Hospital named as 
Cleveland's flrst WAFC squadron. 
Greenberg is already working with 
Cleveland's noted Boy's Town in 
spreading WAFC go.<;pcl. 

In addition to schools, Boy and 
Girl Scout troops are being enlisted 
in the movement. Hugh Chamber- 
lin Burr, executive secretary of the 
Federation of Churches, Rochester 
(N. Y.), has mailed an explanatory 
letter and a copy of the WAFC Man- 
ual to all ministers in his territory. 
Through this medium, thousands of 
youngsters who attend Rochester's 
Sunday schools will be told about 
the WAFC idea and plan. Many 
parents will likewise hear about It 
in their church groups. 

General Mills execs would like to 
see the Write-A-Fighter idea expand 
nationally to the point where it 
would become such a widespread 
movement that the Jack Armstrong 
parent body would be merely one 
chapter. Already there are tieups in 
the making between Jack Arm- 
strong and non-competitive program 
sponsors, indicating that all young 
America may soon be scribbling 
missives to Uncle Sam's service men 
and women. 

Already the Boy Scouts of Amer- 
ica are in on the WAFC drive, as 
are the Departments of Education 
of Fort Wayne, Ind.. and Chicago. 
Tieups are in the making whereby 
General Mills, Inc.. .sponsors of Jack 
Armstrong, hope to enli.st hundred.": 
of thousands of youngsters through- 
out the country tc get the mall out. 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



RADIO 



21 



Kesten Memo on CBS Execs 



The following U the official text of 
Paul W. Kesten's inemorandum of 
Oct. 19 addressed 'to the executive 
personnel of the Columbia Broad- 
casting System explaining the new 
lineup of departments at the network 
and clarifying the Jurisdiction of the 
three new vice-presidents, Joseph 
Ream, Frank Stanton and Frank 
Vfhite: 

(Copy) 

•Attached is a very slmplifled 'traf- 
flc chart' of the CBS organization in 
terms of departments and functions 
and their relationship to the execu- 
tive offices. 

It reflects the changes which have 
been announced in recent memos, 
together with some further redistri- 
bution of 20th floor functions. 

lake all 'organization charts.' espe- 
cially when shrunk to such rudimen- 
tary outlines as this one, the best you 
can claim for it is that it gives 'a 
rough idea' of the general setup. It 
will be evident, I am sure, that no 
attempt has been made on the chart 
to detail individual departments as 
such. Some of our most important 
departments, such as Traffic and Pro- 
duction, are merely grouped under 
the heading of 'Program Operations.' 
Short Wave is not shown at all. be- 
cause its functions are respectively 
represented under 'Programs' and 
'Program Operations.' 

Nor is there any recognition, in the 
size of alphabetical position of the 
Individual departmental 'boxes,' of 
the size or importance of each opera- 
tion — witness the fact that eight sep- 
arate O & O stations, each with a 
large staff, are placed In one small 
box. Such other shorthand has been 
used as the word 'Accounting' to rep- 
resent Accounting, Bookkeeping. 
Budgeting — all of the fiscal functions 
which head up to the Treasurer's of- 
fice. The latter itself is not named 
because it is represented by Frank 
White in his broadened capacities as 
one of the three Administrative Ex- 
ecutives. 

The principal purpose of this par- 
tially new setup is to break a bottle- 
neck. 

Up to now I have been assuming 
direct contact with Mr. Paley and 
three general executives, in addition 
to seven operating departments plus 
our Washington office. With two or 
three urgent matters popping up 
from each of these sources on an av- 
erage day, plus a few 'high-priority' 
calls- and conferences with agencies. | WADC to WJW, 
advertisers and government officials, 
I found that I Was often the bottle- 
neck for half a dozen or more de- 
partment heads who had no one else 
to turn to on critical problems. 

Under the new arrangement you 
will see that I am continuing such 
close contact only with Sales and 
Sales Promotion, plus our Washing- 
ton office, and am delegating to Joe 
Ream, Frank Stanton and Frank 
White the 20th floor open-door to all 
other departments and divisions. 

In this process we have tried to 
effect a more logical grouping of ac- 
tivities, such as shifting Labor Rela- 
tions to Frank White, who already 
had the closely related field of Per- 
sonnel, and transferring Physical 
Operations, under Stanley McAllis- 
ter, to Joe Ream, who already had 
Program Operations with its various 
departments, under Jim Seward. 

No chart, of course, can ever show 
the multiple relationships between 
hard-working people (between and 
within dozens of departments) which 
are the essence of good functioning 
in an organization worth its salt. 

Fhope no one will assume that by 
working out our operations in this 
thumbnail chart we are In any way 
Implying that direct contact between 
Individuals, including myself, must 
follow the lines on this chart 'or else.' 
We want, and must have, the same 
flexibility and ease of access which 
we have always had, but you can't 
draw enough lines on any diagram to 
Indicate that. 

None of this, of course, leans in 
the direction of reducing either the 
authority or Initiative of the 30 or 
more responsible operating heads 
(Including our station managers) 
represented on the chart. In fact. 
Just the opposite. We will never be 
properly organized, in our over-all 
management, until responsibility is 
delegate more and more fully to the 
executives who are the chiefs of 
their own special flelds and who, 
with their staffs, really 4o and are 
practically everything ' that CBS is 
and does. 

There is, however, probably no 
other business In which a routine 
operation in any department can 
more often develop questions of 



basic company policy— than In this 
business of broadcasting. The new 
setup will at least make a general 
executive more readily available to 
each of our operating heads than. in 
the past.' 

P. W. K. 



PayroH Traffic 



♦♦♦»««♦« »<<>♦«♦ 

Wichita.— Leo Silvera, native of 
London, who received his vocal 
training in Italy and France, and 
has done concert work in U. S., is 
new addition to staff' of KFBI, 
where he will be In charge of mu- 
sical productions. 



Manchester, N. H. — Ramsey Wil- 
liams, formerly an announcer at 
WFEA, Manchester, resigned to Join 
the announcer staff of KOB, Albu- 
querque, N. M. Before joining 
WFEA he was with WCOU, Lewis- 
ton, Me., and previous to that was a 
stock company actor. 



Kansas City.— Robert S. Conlan & 
Associates, market research, and 
sales promotion firm, has opened a 
branch office in Dallas, under the 
management of William L. Stout, Jr, 
formerly of the home office staff. 



New York City.— Geraldlne Mer- 
ken, formerly with WINS, New 
York, has joined the continuity de- 
partment of WOR, New York. Char- 
lotte Peters married Oct. 10 and re- 
signed from the WOR engineering 
staff. Leonie Greenwood Adams 
Joined the office force Of the sta- 
tion's engineering department, suc- 
ceeding Marie Franke, resigned. 



Cleveland. — Marvin Arnold, singer 
on WHK's .'Mutual Goes Calling,' 
heard over that web Monday 
through Thursday, is going into the 
Army. 



Kansas City. — Betty Louise Veach 
added to publicity staff at KMBC, 
CBS outlet. 



Answer Co>Op Rap 

Washington, Oct. 27. 
Th« FCC has received formal 
replies from NBC and CBS to its 
request for Information concern- 
ing the complaint of the Co- 
operative League of the United 
States that the networks would 
not sell It time. Both webs ad- 
mit the refusal and cite the fact 
that the Co-op was not selling 
goods, but politics. 
' The offered programs were 
clearly controversial in nature,' 
wrote CBS, 'being designed to 
promote a fundamental change 
In the present system of market- 
ing goods and services.' 



Co-Operatives' 
Issue Politics 
To Erickson 



Minneapolis, Oct. 27. 

David J. Erickson, Farmer Labor 
candidate for state attorney general. 
Is announcing in his campaign talks 
that. If elected, he'll wage a fight 
against the barring of co-operative 
organizations from the air by the 
radio chains. 

The co-ops protested when the 
chains announced they'd refuse the 
advertising. 



(Co-ops are not barred from the 
networks so far as selling their 
goods is concerned but are barred 
from selling their political philoso-. 
phy which is highly controversial. 
Co-ops attacking business open 
themselves to counter-attack. — Ed.) 



Boffalc— Dick Angell. who went I 
to WBNY as an announcer from a 
WEBR sales job, has enlisted as an 
apprentice seaman in the Maritime 
Service. 



Akron — Tom McClowry, an 
nou'ncer. has transferred from i 



Toungstown— Gary Lee, formerly 
with WSON, Henderson, Ky., has 
become an announcer at WKBN, 
Youngstown. 



CBS Shuffles M.&0. 
Mgrs.; Forbes to N. 
Joscelyn to Minnesota 

Columbia has reshuffled its staff of 
managed and operated station man- 
agers. The move resulted from the 
assignment of William Forbes, man- 
ager of WCCO, Minneapolis, to a 
post of assistant to the executive 
management, (20th floor). 

A. E. Joscelyn goes from WBT, 
Charlotte, to the management of 
WCCO, and A. D. (Jess) Willard 
leaves WJSV. Washington, to take 
over CBS' Charlotte outlet. Pending 
the naming of a manager for WJSV 
Earl Gammons, the network's Wash- 
ington v.p.. will double as supervisor 
of the station's operations.^ 

Frank Stanton, new CBS vice 
president, made the changes. 



Montreal. — CBC has made 
changes of staff for the provinces of 
Quebec and Ontario. Jean Baudet 

heretofore regional director at Mon- 1 

treal as well as supervisor of music, i Joe JDllan doing a piece for Amer- 
will be attached henceforth to the lean Magazine based on his observa 
Toronto office. He will also act as { tions while in London for the Nor 
(Continued on page 35) i man Corwin program. 



Kern (New Kind of Wate^Hfix Paint) 
To Extensively Use Radio Spots 



^♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦» . 
Argentine Actiyities 



By BAT JOSEPHS 

Buenos Aires, Oct. 27. 
Gran DeipensM Argcntlnas, local 
A Sc P-type grocery chain, goes on 
air for first time In new three- 
times-weekly morning session. Pro- 
gram carried by Radio Mundo LR 1 
and chain concentrates on housewife 
advice with commercials dealing 
with spot bargains. 



Carlos Borneo Inked for production 
of Casa Albo series on LS 9, La Voz 
del Aire. Program series will seek 
new talent. 



Bay Ventnrs and French jazz or- 
chestra takes over Federal Soap pro- 
gram on Belgrano LRSand Primeia 
Cadena Argentina de Broadcastings. 
Show stars vocalist Michelin Day, 
Coco Asian and Henry Salvador. 
French composer Paul Misraki han- 
dling arrangements. 



Genlol (local aspirin) reported 
spending 100,000 pesas for series on 
LR 4 (Radio Splendid) and RADES 
chain. Biggest chunk of this coin 
going to NinI Marshall, screen come- 
dienne who's reputed to be highest 
paid local star. 



Sherwin-Williams Is readying 
through the Noivell-Emmett agency 
one of the biggest money spot cam- 
'paigns in recent years. The pitch 
will be in behalf of the manufac- 
turer's new paint, Kem, and th« 
company estimates that it will spend 
$1,000,000 on spot alone during tho 
ensuing year. A major portion of 
this sum, based on anticipated sales, 
has already been appropriated. 
There will be a daily concentration 
of announcements, four or five dur- 
ing the day and two or three at 
night. 

The paint ' manufacturer's target 
I will be particularly markets where 
current increases of income will 
I make it possible for home and farm 
I owners to splurge on that long- 
needed painting job. Kem has a cel- 
lulose base, is compounded of non- 
prlorit/ materials and can be mixed 
with water. The packaging- angle has 
received Washington approval, and 
the sales appeal will probably make 
note of the scarcity and upped ex- 
pense of painter labor and stress 
Kem's roller application as a marked 
step toward eliminating messinesa 
and the need of expert technique. 



Magnesia San Pellegrino returns 
to air with 'Salvase Quien Pueda' 
(What a Jam). Programs moving 
from Sunday morning to Tuesday 
night spot. M.c'd by Juan Carlos 
Thorry and stars film actress Alicia 
Barrie. Stresses audience participa- 
tion. 



El Nato Castro let by LR 2 Radio 
Argentina for Metropolis. Men's 
store chain, Mondays and Thursdays 
at 8. 

Cereeveria Palermo (beer), now 
running series on LR 6, Radio Mitre, 
starring Lys Zabay with Antonio 
Vargas orchestra. 



Alberto Anehart, comic, set for 
Ricoltore (cooking oil) series on Bel- 
grano by Publicldad Simplex. Show 
run as 'Picaporte y Canalita' origi- 
nal by Billy Kerosene. Also fea- 
tures comic Marcos Kaplan and Is 
directed by Jose A. Ferradas. 



MeJorsI (U. S. aspirin) expects 
to have exclusive contract for Jean 
Sablon, due here late this month. 
Have finished series featuring Fer- 
nando Ochoa and plan to use An- 
tonio Vela and Fidela Campana in 
new setup. 



Pal ^aipr Blades (U. S.) have 
taken the Saturday 9 p.m. spot on 
Mundo. Listeners asked to send in 
accounts of most thrilling adventures 
for dramatization, with prizes of up 
to 100 pesos offered. 



AS CBS EXECUTIVES UNE UP 

(BoMed on New Simplified Chart) 



CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

(Waiiam S. Pidey) 

PROGRAMS— EDUCATION— ENTERTAINMENT— 
PLBUC AFFAIRS— OTHERS 



♦ 



MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE 

(Paul IT . keaten) 
NET^t ORK SALES— SALES PROMOTION— WASHINCTON OFHCE 



AD>UNISTRATIVE 
EXECUTIVE 

(Joseph H. Ream) 

ENGINEERING 
LEGAL 
PHYSICAL OPERATIONS 
PROGRAM OPERATIONS 
STATION RELATIONS 
TELEVISION 



ADMINISTRATIVE 
EXECUTIVE 

(Frank Slanlon ) 

COMMERCIAL EDITING 
LIBIL4RY 
O. & O. STATIONS 
PUBLICITY 
RADIO SALES 
RESEARCH 



ADMINISTRATIVE 
EXECUTIVE 

(Frank WhUe) 

ACCOUNTING 
BMI 

COLUMBIA RECORDS 
LABOR RELATIONS 
NEW DEVELOPMENTS 
PERSONNEL 



WJR hprovises 
Building Heat 
Off Radio Tubes 



Detroit, Oct. 27. 

Under the urgencies of war, Sta« 
tion WJR here has found a method 
of slashing down the use of vital 
fuel oil for its heating system 
and is converting Its transmitting 
equipment Into the Job of heating 
the building. The fact that any 
system used to cool the transmitter is 
a sourse of heat was put to work 
under the new exigencies without 
the use of any critical materials. The 
system of water-cooled tubes for 
transmitters is comparable to that of 
an automobile in which the water 
circulates In a closed system and is 
used over again. 

Engineers at the studio worked out 
a method of circulating the hot 
water from the tubes being careful 
to duck any resistance to the flow of 
water since tubes are as hard to get 
OS oil and they wanted no burn-outs. 
The radiators for heating the build- 
ing were dubbed in at the points 
where the water was hottest — around 
130 degrees — and the hot air from 
the radiator flns directed Into the 
regular hot air duets from the oil 
furnace. 

Results are that where the oil 
heating system provided an air- 
stream of 110 degrees, the water 
heating system when operated alone 
provides 101 degrees of heat, con- 
.servlng fuel - oil and letting radio 
itself heat up the place. 



DIRECTORS LEAVE NBC 



Leader, WUgos, Fleming Off Net- 
work Staff 

Anthony Leader and William Wil- 
gus. NBC staff directors, leave the 
network within the next couple of 
weeks. Leader will enlist Nov. 10 
in the Civilian Pilot Training Course 
of the Civil Areonautlcs Authority. 
Van Fleming, another NBC staff 
director, has been given an in- 
definite leave of absence because of 
illness. A substitute for him and 
replacements for Leader and Wil- 
cus will probably be named bv NBC 
production manager Wynn Wright 
within the next week or two. 

Wilgu.i has resigned effective in 
two weeks to take a radio a.<;slcn- 
ment with Coordinator of Inter- 
American affairs. He will direct 
two Spanish language shows (or 
.short-waving to Latin America, plus 
recording for rebroadcast over 
South American stations. The pro- 
i;rams will be 'Contraespionaje,' a 
translation of Phillips Lord's 'Coun- 
ter Spy' on the Blue network, and 
not-yet-tltled Spanish version of 
'The World Is Yours' and 'Unlimited 
Horizons.' Former series will b* 
.<!hortwaved by NBC and the latter 
by CBS. 



88 



RADIO 



Wednesday.'vPetober 28, 1942 



Soiindefects Getting Big Workout 
As Substitute for Waxed Music 



American Federation of Musicians* 
ban on recordings is taxing the in- 
genuity of ad agency blurb writers 
and producers. Their problem is to 
And substitutes for music in the 
making of transcribed announce- 
ments, and the masterminding from 
this quarter is being centered on 
£ound effects. 

In their quest the agency men are 
haunting the sound effects depart- 
ments of transcription studios and 
networks. They listen to sound ef- 
fects records by the hundreds hop- 
ing to find something that will make 
an expedient replacement for music 
and will at the same time figure as 
a thematic association with the 
product. 



WOV BOASTS OF 
ANTI-FASaST 
STAFFERS 



Publicist of WOV, New York, pre- 
ceded program schedule this week 
by 'pointing with pride' to members 
of its Italian announcing staff as 
possessors of learned degrees and 
records as anti-fascists. They are: 

Paola Serene, Doctor of Economics. 

Arrifo ColDmbo, Doctor of Laws. 

Giallana Ctcrbi, Doctor of Econo- 
mics and described by WOV as the 
former 'Ted Husing of Italy.' 

Pietro Novaslo, Doctor of l,aws, 
ex-member of Italian parliament. 

Rcnzo NIssIm, described as a for- 
mer professor of law at a major 
Italian university. 



LOIS FROST TO WNEW 
AS MISS JUDIS' AIDE 



Lois Frost, of the Benton St Bowles 
radio department, starts Monday 
<2) as assistant to Bernice Judis, 
general manager of WNEW, New 
York. Before joining B. & B. she 
was with WMCA, New York, and 
prior to that with Ward Wheelock 
agency. 

Miss Frost was originally from 
Chicago, where she was employed 
by the Edward Petry office. 



AFRA ELECTIONS 



Actor and Announcera To Be Voted 
at Aslor Nov. S 



Nominees for the New York local 
board of the American Federation 
of Radio Artists have been named 
by the membership, and the election 
will be held at the annual meeting 
Nov. S at the Astor hotel, N. Y, Nine 
actors, five announcers and seven 
singers will be elected. 

Actor nominees Include Bill 
Adams, John Brown, Alan Bunce, 
Helen Claire, Lon Clarke, Phil 
Clarke. Ted de Corsia, Eric Dressier, 
Carl Eastman, Betty Garde, House 
Jameson, Frank Lovejoy, Arnold 
Moss, Minerva Pious, Alan Reed, 
Anne Seymour, Hester Sondergaard 
and Ned Wever. 

Announcers are Mel Allen, Ben 
Grauer, George F. Putnam, Jr., Ken 
Roberts, Warren Sweeney, Sid Wal- 
ton and Alun Williams. Singers are 
Gordon Cross, Phil Duey, Felix 
Knight, Eugene Lowenthol, Evelyn 
MacGregor, Alex McKee, Walter 
Preston and Claude Reese. 



Woman Does Six-Hour KQW 
Control Room Sesh After 
Own Daytime Chores 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

First woman operator to work full 
time on a standard station here is 
Margaret J. Bruce, who went into 
the control room at KQV last week 
after taking a training course at the 
station. She manages an advertising 
concern by day, taking up her six- 
hour shifts at Blue network outlet 
at 6:30 p.m. 

Another femme operator is Marie 
Wilk, but she only handles the FM 
programs broadcast by W47P, com- 
ponent of WWSW, town's single 
indie station. 



CONNOLLT HAKES A SPEECH 

Cincinnati, Oct. 27. 

Thomas D. Connolly, CBS director 
of program promotion, discussed ad- 
vertising in wartime at a meeting of 
the Cincinnati Ad Club, last week. 
He was introducejl by Fred H, 
Palmer, sales manager of WCKY 
local CBS afliliate. 

Representatives of all Cincy sta- 
tions attended the session. 



'BONOWAGON' TALENT 

Douglaa, Levant, McGoIre, St. John 
For Tbia Saturday 



Melvyn Douglas, Oscar Levant and 
singer Marcy McGulre will guest on 
Saturday night's (31) Treasury De- 
partment 'Bondwagon' broadcast on 
WOR-Mutual, with Robert St. John 
present to make the bond-sale pitch 
at the close. Dramatic spot will 
probably be an addaptation from 
the current hit novel 'Hostages.' 
Tom Riley will direct on assignment 
by the Radio Directors Guild. 

Tentatively set for the Nov. 7 
edition of the series are Gracie 
Fields and Deems Taylor, with either 
Helen Hayes or Helen Menken prob- 
ably reading the Kathleen Morris 
piece, 'Nation Indivisible.' No di- 
rector is set for this broadcast. 



Democrats Use 
Special New York 
Election Webs 




Schenectady, N. Y., Oct. 27. 
Leighton & Nelson, appointed as 
the agency placing broadcasts ,under 
the auspices of the Democratic State 
Committee and on behalf of the 
Democratic ticket, has arranged a 
special 17-station hookup. This is in 
addition to the use of the State Blue 
network, the State Columbia web, 
WMCA, WABC, WEAF, WQXR, 
WHOM and WBYN. The schedule, 
to which several additions were 
made last week. Is one of the most 
extensive in recent years. 

A total of 15 half-hour evening 
blocks have been bought on each of 
the 17 special-loop outlets. The 
9:30-10 spot is the one on which the 
addresses are usually broadcast, al- 
though some stations, with other 
commitments for that time, make 
wax playbacks for turntabling later 
in the night. Leighton & Nelson 
worked with the New York Tele- 
phone Company in setting up the 
special circuit. 

Its lines are: WHN, New York; 
WKIP. Poughkeepsie; WKNY, King- 
ston: WABY, Albany; WTRY, Troy; 
WSNY, Schenectady; WMFF, PlatU- 
burgh; WIBX, Utica; WAGE, Syra- 
cuse; WSAY, .Rochester; WGR, Buf- 
falo; WJTN, Jamestown; WHDL, 
Olean; WENY, Elmira; WMBO, Au- 
burn; WNBF, BInghamton; WWNY, 
Watertown; WBTA, Batavia; WSLB, 
Ogdensburg. The programs have 
originated in different cities, stari- 
ng at Jam.estown. moving Eastward 
to Albany and Troy, and going into 
Greater New York. The final of five 
broadcasts from New York boroughs 
will be in Manhattan on Oct. 31. 

For that date, a Saturday, two 
evening blocks have been purchased 
on the State blue web: 9 to 9:30 and 
10 to 10:15. Stations carrying these 
broadcasts: from Carnegie Hall, will 
be: WJZ, New York; WHAM, 
Rochester; WAGE, WEBR, WTRY, 
WMFF, WKIP, WJTN, WHDL and 
WSNY (the last nnmed by special 
arrangement with the Blue skein). 
The Columbia State web will be 
used from 10:45 to 11 on the eve of 
election. 



Inside Stuff-Radio 



In connection with the recent controversy about when Elsie Janis 
made her radio debut, Ted Maxwell, author of the 'Bright Horizon' 
serial for Lever Bros, recalls directing a program starring her about 
1930. Broadcast was sponsored by Union OH to ballyhoo the fact it was 
supplying the Southern Cross plane in which Sir Charles Kingsford- 
Smith was flying the Pacific. 

Miss Janis, playing an engagement at that time at the Orpheum, San 
Francisco, was flown to Los Angeles for the broadcast, which originated 
at KFI (that was before the station had studios in Hollywood) and was 
heard on NBC. Also participating in the program were Don Francisco, 
then radio director of Union Oil, and Anthony Fokker, the plane de- 
signer and manufacturer. Maxwell recalls that Miss Janis was paid 
$8,000 for the all-night broadcast, her assignment being songs and comedy 
patter at intervals throughout' the night. Maxwell was at that time 
western division production manager of NBC. 



Ralph Edwards u.sed a contestant on the repeat show of his 'Truth or 
Consequences' program to sell $107,360 worth of War Bonds Saturday (24). 
As penalty for missing the question fed her, Mrs. Jeanette Brenner, an 
AWVS worker from New York, was told to deliver ad lib a 30-minute 
spiel to sell at least $10,000 worth of bonds. Response from listeners to 
the 22 stations, the repeat rides west of Denver, totaled the above figure. 

Mrs. Brenner's winnings for the job amounted to a phone call to Hawaii 
to a son in service and a trip to Camp Shelby, Miss., to visit another in 
training, in addition to a complete outflt. 



A talking film on television, prepared for presentation at schools, serv- 
ice clubs and other audiences which might be interested in iconocsoping, 
has been made by General Electric. GE produced it in the fornv of a 
20-minute show over its Schenectady television station, WGRB, giving a 
complete backstage picture of how a television program is presented. 
One of the most interested 'spectators' was Robert S. Peare, manager of 
broadcasting for GE. Peare was ill at home and until he gave his ap- 
proval of the picture it could not be released. 



Nellie Revell has been quoted twice recently in the 'Ladies Home Jour- 
nal' and once in 'Reader's Digest,' all three quotes being 19 years late from 
her 'Right Off the Chest,' published in 1923 as a book and based, in turn, 
on her weekly pieces for 'Variety.' 

Fern Pearson, lead of 'Helpmate,' made a special trip from Chicago to 
be interviewed Saturday on Miss Revell's program on the Blue. She 
returned immediately to Chicago. 



Alan Lipscott, vet vaude and radio gag writer, is author of 'Stooging 
for the Stars,' a piece about radio stooges, in current issue of The Family 
Circle mag, 2c pub distribbed through A&P stores. He credits the foils 
with large contribution to success of many stars, but also the stars re- 
cently with having good sense to frequently reverse roles and play straight 
to the stooge. 



'The O'Neils,' serial CBS for Standard Brands, is owned by Jane 
West, with Ed Wolf managing it and owning an interest. Miss West 
supervises the scripting of David Victor and Herbert Little, Jr. She aU:o 
plays the part of Trudie Bailey, which she created. James Tansey, one of 
the leads, also has an interest. 



of leMt 




SHOSTAKOVICH'S 7TH 
IN BUENOS AmES NOV. 7 



Dmitri Shostakovich's '.Seventh 
Symphony,' will have Its South 
American premiere in Buenos Aires 
on Nov. 7 on a broadcast sponsored 
by the Pal Razor Blade Co. 

Understood that the Coordinator 
of Inter-American Affairs was in 
strumental in clearing the music and 
copyright. 



LUi Valenty's Role 



Editor, 'Variety': 

JThe enthusiastic reception which 
the entire pres.s— and the radio au- 
diences—have given to the 'Murder 
of Lidice.' was extremely happyfy 
ing to all of us who were part of 
it. You will understand how sad- 
dened I was to find that 'Variety 
did not properly credit me. I played 
the Mother, and I am Litl Valenty 
(not Margrit Hyler!) 

Lili Valentv. 



Welcome Lewis starts new 'Singo' 
show Thursday (20) on WJZ, New 
York. Hazel Flynn, managing. 



Canadian Broadcasting Corp. will carry National Hockey League games 
from Toronto Saturday nights. Half-hour commentary by Foster Hewitt 
will be short waved to Britain during the games, recorded in London 
by BBC and re-broadcast to the Canadian troops there each Sunday after 
the games. 



Jim Tranter, 40, who commuted between New York and Buffalo last 
Spring, appearing in the NBC 'Mr. District Attorney' series and directing 
WBEN dramas, has enlisted in the Army. With brother, Don, now Buffalo 
Courier-Express radio editor, he formed a two-piano team over WOR 
a decade ago. He's now at Ft. Niagara. 



Tenor Jan Pecrce being absent the weeks of Nov. 4 and 11 on a con- 
cert tour, the Celanese radio program, 'Greater Moments in Music' will 
substitute Mario Berini and Charles Kullman In that order. 



Coca-Cola Uses Herb Lewis 
Boston, Oct. 27. 
Herb Lewis and the Melodeers, 
directed by Rakov, started a new 
Refreshment-Time' series over WBZ 
yesterday to be heard Ave mornings 
weekly. Mondays through Fridays at 
eight. Sponsored by Coca-Cola. 



More La France Satina 



La France Satina starch is expand- 
ing its spot campaign with the inter- 
est being mainly in women's partici- 
pation. .Staojps. 

Young & Rubicam is the agency. 



Popaiar 

'^nie^CIassies with a Blend 
of the Modern . . and NEWS" 



will iroadcartt WMklyt 
43 hour* of fh* but liked itml-cltiile 
«nd claufe mtlediM . . « feafurina 
OUTSTANDING ARTISTS AND 
COMPOSERS. 
19 hourt of faverif* muiieal comedy • 
molten picture funoi ond toft-iw«*t 
rhytlimi — familtar muile by LEAD> 
IN& ORCHESTRAiS and SIN6ERS. 
4 hours of oporoHa and epcro prtionl- 

Ing GREAT VOICES. 
6 hourt of novelty mui'ic, 
t hourt of UNLTEO PRESS NEWS, 

And here's DEFINITE EVIDENCE tlief 
WLIB-listeners buy WLIMDVERTISED ' 
preduels And '<ervleos> Urt month, , 
WLIB'S fifth the otr, wo reeetved / 
ever 16,000 ,\\i>n from listeners, 40% 
contetning j. )of of purchase. 



V :i\v 



And HtmtmlMr WUB it tlUI molnfttlnliia 
Me Lowest HATE FOR COVCRAQe Of 
TH[ NtW YOM MAKKBT. 

OPPICES: RKO BUILt^lNG. 
Now Y«rk City 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



ADyERTISBMEMT S9 



BLUE GRABS NEW BIZ OSCAR FOR '42 



Report to Advertisers, Agencies, 
After 9 Months on Its Own, Shows 
Blue Nietwork's Big Wartime 
Upswing . . . Stresses Pioneering. 



As the Blue Network enters 
the last lap of its first year 
of independent operation, we 
believe it is time to rc))ort 
comprehensively on the strides 
we have made since January 
1, 1942. 

We don't need to remind you 
that the BLUE went on its 
own almost immediately after 
America entered the war. 
Right from the start the chal- 
lenge was thrown on our door- 
step — and we had to prove 
that we could adjust to the 
prol)lem of wartime service to 
the nation eflficiently and 
quickly. We are glad to say 
that, despite severe restric- 
tions on equipment and per- 
sonnel, we have more than 
met this challenge. We have 
already proved that the Blue 
Network is especially well 
geared to handle advertising 
governed by wartime condi- 
tion's. 

It was no miracle that accom- 
plished this. It was hard, ag- 
gressive work and imagina- 
tive good sense on the part 



of all our staff. Among us 
we have created a new, con- 
structively competitive spirit 
that sliows clearly in Blue 
Network programming, news 
commentary, sales promotion, 
audience building. We have 
made it easier and more eco- 
nomical for advertisers to get 
nationwide network coverage 
when they buy BLUH. 
Biggest Innovation 
Our biggest innovation came 
when the Program Depart- 
ment let down the bars to in- 
dependent program producers 
who could put on really first- 
rate shows, Tliis brought a 
keener sense of competitive 
showmanship into sustaining 
programs. Consulting with 
our Station Advisory Com- 
mittee, the Department went 
to work to produce more of 
the kind of programs more 
listeners wanted. Yes, the 
BLUE always did have the 
cream of "serious" sustain- 
ers. But now these are sup- 
ported by what we believe is 
the finest schedule of popu- 



lar sustaining programs of- 
fered by any network. 
New Headliners 

And speaking of popularity, 
we believe that the BLUE 
now offers some of the best 
listening on the air — top- 
ranking shows to appeal to all 
age groups and to every con- 
ceivable taste in programs. In 
News, for example, which is 
one of the most important 
services radio can render the 
public today, the BLUE has 
some of the biggest names — 
not only reporters, but com- 
mentators w ho make tlie news 
make sense. We know the 
BLUE leads in children's 
programs. Just check off all 
the top "kid shows" you've 
ever heard of and most likely 
they'll be on the BLUE. 
^[usic? The nation's top 
bands every night in the 
week. Variety? Comedy? 
Mystery? Quiz? Audience 
participation? The BLUE has 
them all — including that sen- 
sational new type of daytime 
show "Breakfast at Saidi's" 
that has women listeners all 
agog. 

Economical Coverage 

But getting back to new de- 
velo])ments, though we have 
lost 5 stations to other net- 
works, 32 new station.s have 
joined up with the BLUE 
since we started paddling our 
own canoe. This gives us a 
total of 142 stations. To meet 
special requirements a sub- 



BLUE NETWORK'S ROLL OF ADVERTISERS 

As of October 23rd. 1942 

NEW ACCOUNTS— COAST TO COAST 

ilccount Program Title Period 

Ameiican Cigarette & Clgar 

Co.— Pall Mall ClBareltes. . ."Oi-ncle Fields" Mon. thru Frl.. 9:S.S-10:00 PM 

Bristol-Myers— Mlnit-Rub .. .' Dufry'.s Tavern" TiieH., 8:30-9:00 PM 

Clipper Craft ClotlieH— Trl- 

moiint Clothing Co "Dorothy Thompson" Sun.. 9:45-10:00 PM 

Coca-Cola "Spotlight Bands" .Mon. thru .«iat.. 9:30-9:.i5 PM 

Cream of Wheat "Breakfast Club" Frl. and .Sat., 9:4r)-10:00 AM 

Ford Motor Co "W'at'ch the W"orld Go By". ..Seven days a week, 8:00-8:15 PM 

General Foods — Post Toastles. "Don Wlnslow of the Navy". .Mon. thru Frl., 6:00-6:15 PM 

General Mills— Kl.'< "Lone Ranger" Mon., Wed., Frl., 7:30-8:00 P.M 

General Mills — Whfalies ".lack Arm.MlronK ' Mon. thru Frl., ,';:30-5:45 PM 

Hall Bros ".Meet Vom- .\avy" Frl., 10:00-10:30 PM 

I..ance. Inc Sundav Toastchee Time". .. .Sun.. 4:30-5:00 PM 

Mall Pouch Tobacco Co "Counterspy ' Mon. 9:00-9:30 PM 

MlnneapoUa-lloneywell "Alias .lohn Freedom" lOvery fourth Jlon., 10:15-10:45 PM 

(\ F. Mueller— .Macaroni '-MornlnK -Maiket Bjtskel" Wed., Tliurs.. Fri.. 10:00-10:15 AM 

Northwestern Yeast Co "Si)ngs of a Dreamer" .Mon., ^Ved.. Frl., 10:00-10:15 AM 

Sherwin-Williams Co ".Met. Opera Auditions of the 

..'Sup fi:.10-7:00 PM 
n>' •.. <" ••.> ■■■•: 30 P.M 
..Mon. t,.ru Thurs., 10:00-10:15 PM 
.Sat.. 2:0n-.i:00 PM 
..Mon. thru Frl.. 5:4.';-6:00 P.M 
.Sun.. 5:30-6:00 I'M 
.Mon., Wed., Frl., 11:30-11:45 AM 



Rioa;^^" iTnTmem . : 

. . . ' Iljymond Gram .'<wlng '. 
. . .".Xh-iropolltiin Opera". . . . 

. . ."Captain Midnight" 

. . .".Mu.«icnl Steelmakers" . . . 
. . .' Smile Awhile" 



Socony-\'acuun> Oil 

Texas Co 

Wander Co. — Ovalllne... 
Wheeling Steel Corp.... 
Wilson Milk Co 



NEW ACCOUNTS— PACIFIC COAST 



Austin Studios. 
A. S. Boyle Co. 



ChlorlUt! Solutions 

Fisher Flouring Mills 

General Mills — Cheerloafs. 
Nestle's Milk Products 



"Hero of the Week". . 
Ureiikfast at Sardl's" 

"Breakfast at Pardl'.s" 
"Breakfast at Sardl's" 

"Kop llarrlgan" 

"Breakfast at Sardl's" 



AM 



Tide Water Associated Oil. . ."Football ' 

Wa.<Jhlngton Coop. Egg and 
Poultry "Breakfast at Sardl's" 

ACCOUNTS CONTINUING- 



..Sat., 6:55-7:00 PM fPWT) 

Mnn.. Wed., Frl., 9:55-10:00 

(PWT) 

Pal., 9:45-10:00 AM (PWT) 

....Thur.M.. 9:45-9:50 A.M (PWT) 

Tues. thru Sat., 6:00-6:15 PM (PWT) 

'Wed.. 9:40-9:45 AM (PWT), Sat., 

9:30-9:45 A.M (PWT) 
...,Sat., 2:00-5:00 PM (PWT) 



TiK-s., 9:40-9:4.'; AAI (PWT) 

-COAST TO COAST 



\'arlous Davs and Times 
15-8:30 PM 



Adam Hat Stows "Bo.xing Bouts" 

Brlstol-Myer.-<— Mun> "In Person— Dinah Shore"... Frl 

Carter Products— .\rrld ".limnile Fidler From Holly- 
wood" Pun., 9:30-9 

Carter Products — Carter's 

Llttrle Liver Pills "Inner Sanctum" Sun., 8:30-9:00 PM 

Cummer Produces — Energlne. .".Manhattan at Midnlglit" Wed. 

Hecker Products- H. O. Oat3.".Mo\ ian Si.<!ters" Sun., 

Ironlzed Yeast Good Will Houi " Sun., 10:00-1 1:00 P.M 

Jergens Lotion "Jergens Journal 'Wlih 'WaUer 

Wlncliell" Sun., 9:00-9:15 PM 



;45 P.M 



8:30-9:00 P.M 
5:00-5:15 I'.M 



Jergens— Wuodbury Soap "Parker Family' 

Miles Laboratories— Alka 

Seltzer and "Vitamins "(Juiz Kids" 

Miles Laboratories — Alka 

Seltzer and "Vitamins "Lum & Abner"., 

Serutan Co "Drew Pearson". 

Sun Oil Co "Lowell Thomas- The Day's 

News" 

Swift & Co.* .."Breakfast Cluli"l 

W'llllama Shaving Cream "True or False " 

Williamson Candy— Oh Henry 

Candy Bars < "'Famous Jury Trials". 

ACCOUNTS CONTINUING 

Langendorf United Bakeries. .""Red Ryder"' 



Sun., 9:15-9:30 P.M 
Sun., 7:30-8:00 P.M 



Mon. thru Thurs., 8:15-8:30 PM 
Sun., 6:30-6:45 P.M 



Mon. tliru Frl., 6:45-7:00 P.M 
. .Thuis., Fri.. Sat.. 9:30-9:46 AM 
..Mon., 8:30-9:00 PM 



Tues.. 9: 00 -'J: 30 P.M 

PACIFIC COAST 

Tues.. Thurs., Sat., 7:30-8:00 P.M 

(PWT) 

Neighbors of Woodcraft "Grandpappy and His Pals". ..Sun., <fWT)„,,.,^ 

Skinn er & Eddy Corp "Breakfast at Sardi .s" Mon. thru )• rl , 9 : 35-9 : 40 AM (PW T) 

•SUrilng Nov, 3, Swift IncreiifWB from Ihrff* to five morninica itefUly ov»r 143 lni.i»K.l of 93 atailona. 




NEW BLUE SHOWMANSHIP extends to public service programs 
. . . as typified by the recent Bond Night on the Blue. Above 
shows Blue personnel working at BLUE headquarters the night 
of this highly successful program which, as a by-product, helped 
build llstenership for other Blue Network programs. 



stantial number of extra sta- 
tions is also available to the 
BLUE. And here's one of the 
B i g Reasons behind the 
blue's attraction for smart 
advertisers. There's a mini- 
mum of overlapping between 
BLUE stations. Our policy 
is to locate 50,000 watters 
only in places that justify the 
cost. Now the BLUE not 
only gives primary coverage 
of 47 out of 50 leading mar- 
kets — coast-to-coast it serves 
a total of 73.8% of the na- 
tion's radio homes; concen- 
trated chiefly in the 561 coun- 
ties where 81% of retail 
sales are made and where the 
largest proportion of Avartime 
production is centered. Reck- 
oning by the number of 
families reached in their 
homes for each dollar spent, 
the BLUE is the most eco- 
nomical advertising medium 
you can buy. 
Wartime Pioneering 
In still other ways we have 
pioneered in helping adver- 
tisers get the most for their 
wartime dollars. We knew 
there were many manufac- 
turers whose production had 
been either curtailed or ab- 
sorbed by the war effort and 
we knew they didn't want 
their old friends to forget 
them. So we developed our 
'".Teamed Sponsorship" — a 
"kilocycle built for four" 
which neatly fills the bill for 
advertisers who might other- 
wise have been war casualties. 
Ours was also the first net- 
work to adopt the 2% cash 
discount principle. We pio- 
neered the "daytime flat rale" 
that permits advertisers to 
buy nationwide radio time 
just as they buy space in na- 
tional maga/.ines, on a unit 
basis. In the past several 
weeks -we've carried a num- 
ber of "Victory Broadcasts" 
built around an Army or 
Navy K Award made to com- 
panies engaged in war pro- 
duction. The success oi these 
new-type broadcasts lias been 
clearly demonstrated. 
Keep 'Em Remembering 
There's one other job, too, 
that deserves special mention, 
the job our staff is doing on a 
particularly important war- 
time function of advertising. 
That job is to "keep 'em re- 
membering." A campaign in 
trade papers has forcefully re- 
minded advertisers of the 
need of maintaining Good 
Will even though stocks may 
be down to nil. Then, through 



audience promotion and pub- 
licity, we are attracting more 
and more listeners to Blue 
Network programs every day 
— keeping that Good Will 
alive in a manner that's go- 
ing to pay dividends when 
this war is over and won. 
Another big part of our au- 
dience-building job is the 
keener, livelier showmanship 
now found not only in BLUE 
Commercial programs but jn 
the w"ar service programs for 
which we have been acknowl- 
edged the leader. We arc 
particularly proud of the Blue 
Bond Night program that 
brought in $10,303,369 worth 
of pledges by 4 a.m. the night 
of the show and won en- 
thusiastic applause from Sec- 
retary of the Treasury Henry 
Morgenthau, Jr. 




KAT LORRAINE .... current 
diva in The Chamber Mnsie 
Society of Lower Basin Street' 
This famous program which 
served as a stepping-stone for 
Dinah Shore and Zero Mostel is 
typical of the popular-appeal 
sustainers now attracting big- 
ger audiences to the BLUE. 

30 New Account* 

Now that the Tall season is 
already under way, we're 
.•iorry "Ea.sy Aces" and "Mr. 
Keen" have left us. We hope 
they'll be back on the BLUE 
soon. But, since the first of 
the year, ■ the BLUE has 
added .10 new advertisers (not 
including our "Victory Broad- 
casters") to its list of spon- 
sors — more than any other 
network. This is real "|)roof 
of the pudding." It proves 
that today "Better Buy Blue" 
is no longer just a slogan. It's 
what more and more adver- 
ti.^rs who have w"atchcd our 
progress during our first in- 
dependent year are saying 
among themselves. We're 
proud of our standing with 
advertisers and we're confi- 
dent of continuing to merit 
their belief in us. 

THE BLUE NETWORK 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



Embassies-in-Exile Source of Material 
For Underground' Series in Buffalo 



Buffalo, Oct. 27. 
Success of one-time drama shot 
based on red-meat Russian docu- 
mentary evidence of Nazi cruelties 
has prompted WBEN to take up 
United Nations' secret activities as 
theme of new drama series. Charles 
Harrell, station's drama and public 
service head. Is writing and direct- 
ing weekly half-hour series he calls 
'Underground Melodramas,' based 
on factual material he is obtaining 
from embassies-in-exile of occupied 
nations. 

First on the Friday night list (23) 
v;as sub-titled The Orange Journal.' 
recounting the secret editing and 
printing of Holland newspaper and 
pamphlets. Next skit (30) will be 
The Sometime Bombs' with accent 
on' recent shipment to Nazis at 
Stalingrad of Czech-made bombs 
filled with sand instead of powder. 

. Also coming up in 'Poland's Black 
Christmas,' dramatizing Poles' acts of 
burning all spare clothes on Christ- 
mas Day when advajnce word was 
received that Nazis intended to col- 
lect them for soldiers at front. 
Also on each program Is a one-min- 
ute interview with outstanding 
workers at local war plants. First 
was John L. Marsh, cited by WPB 
for Invention of cable-stretching de- 
vice used on Bell Alraeobras, 



WSAM, SAGINAW, MICH. 
HAS UNLIMITED TIME 



Washington, Oct. 27 
Federal Communicatolns Commis- 
sion has granted the application of 
WSAM, Saginaw, Michigan for a 
modification of its license to change 
operating assignment from 1230 kilo- 
cycles, 100 watts nlgbt, 250 watts day, 
specified hours, to 1400 kilocycles, 
250 watts, unlimited time. 
FCC acted Wednesday (21), 



BURMA ROAD TRUCK 
DRIVERS AS naioN 



Chicago, Oct. 27. 
Road to Danger,' new NBC half- 
hour program debuts from Chicago, 
Friday, 10:30 p.m. over WMAQ. Pro- 
gram is about experiences of two 
truck drivers on the Burma Road, 
roles being played by Curley Brad- 
ley and Clarence Hartzell. 

Also in cast are Bret Morrison, 
Fred Barron and John Goldsworthy. 
Jack Mitchell authors script, 



McHeniy Tichenor Buys 
Newspaper in Texas 

Harlingen, Texas, Oct. 27. 
McHenry Tichenor, owner and op- 
erator of station KGBS, Harbenito,* 
has purchased the San Benito Light. 
Sale was announced by W. D. Hol- 
land, owner and publisher of the 
paper. 



4tii Station for Miiwankee 
Out on War Regulations; 
Sought by WRJN/Racine 

Milwaukee, Oct. 27. 
Plans for a fourth radio station in 
the Milwaukee area, to operate as an 
independent, were squelched this 
past week when the Federal Com- 
munications Commission gave notice 
that it would deny an application of 
the West AUis Broadcasting Co., Inc., 
for authority to build a' new standard 
broadcast station in West AUis, a 
suburb of Milwaukee, where some of 
the nation's biggest war plants, in- 
cluding the Allis Chalmers concern, 
are operating. 

The West Allis Broadcasting Co. 
has t>een operating as a remote 
studio of WRJN, of Racine, broad- 
casting various foreign language pro- 
grams — German, Polish and Slovak, 
at regular weekly intervals. 

Denial is in keei>ing with the 
FCC's announced policy of conserv- 
ing materials and skilled services for 
the war effort. Although the com- 
pany had purchased or arranged to 
purchase the materials needed to 
build the proposed station, the com 
mission said the application could 
not be granted because the conserva- 
tion policy 'speciflcally refers to the 
use and not to the acquisition of 
materials.' 



Kate Smith was inducted into the 
Father Duffy Canteen as a Colonel 
after her last broadcast. Ceremony 
was held on stage of Playhouse Two 
while audience was still in the 
house. 



DORIS DOWD TO COMPTON 

Former Actresa and Badle Writer 
Now Dolnc CommerolsU 



Doris Dowd, recently continuity 
writer of the Kate Smith program, 
joins the Compton agency Monday 
(2) as a commercial copy writer, 
under Muriel Haynes, copy chief. 
She'll work with Vera Oskey on the 
copy for Duz, for Procter & Gamble. 

Before becoming a writer. Miss 
Dowd was an actress. 



WTIC Sponsors 
War Museum; 
Stamps Buy In 



Hartford, Oct. 27. 
WTIC Is sponsoring a war bond 
exhibit in a downtown store. Upon 
purchase of .a war stamp, patrons 
are admitted to the exhibit to see 
samples of war material manufac- 
tured locally and ranging from a 
machine gun cartrMge to a rubber 
raft. 

'War museum' Is open to public 
daily, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Representa- 
tives of the studio are staffing the 
exhibit, while troops of a nearby 
Army camp are serving as guard of 
honor for the exhibits. Local press 
has carried daily color stories on 
exhibit with station going on air 
several times a day in effort to 
promote sales of bonds. 

Exhibit, which simulates a cham- 
ber of commerce promotion of local 
industry, was aranged by Paul 
Morency, g.m. of th^ station, and 
James Clancy, sales promotion man- 
ager. 



Meredith at Ft. Worth 

Fort Worth, Oct. 27. 
•^ieut. Burgess Meredith of radio, 
stage and screen, who is stationed 
in Fort Worth, was one of the lead 
ers in the War Chest campaign which 
is now being held. 

He made numerous speeches for 
the fund. 



Frank Sullivan s Spoof on Radio Copy 



(From FH, Sunday, Oct. 26) 



WGR'SmSTERYHALL' 
SERIES TO MUTUAL 



Buffalo, Oct. 27 
When Red Hydcr goes off Mutual, 
WGR will fill the Monday 7:30-to- 
8 p.m., spot on the network with 
'Mystery Hall' an off-and-on local 
scripter for years. The series start- 
ing Nov. 2 will alternate original 
comic -and horror whodunits, with 
the first labeled 'The Devil Wears 
Galoshes.' by Sergt. Donald Spatts, 
now of Ft. Meade, Md. 

Herbert Rice, station drama chief, 
will direct the mystery series as well 
as the one-time Mutual shot, "The 
Weakest Link,' revealing the fallacy 
of false propaganda, set for Thursday 
(29) from 9:30 to 10 p.m. Script is 
by Dorothy J. Lewis and Cal Janis 
WGR musical director is writing 
original music. 



Exercise ties my muscles into 
knots. I'm a slave t.) floors'. My gums 
are sore and tender to the touch. 
The wrong soap is apt to rob me of 
a complexion like peaches and 
cream. Washing leaves me so "done 
in' I can't even drag myself to a 
movie. 

Who am I? 

My loveliness is hidden by dull, 
mousy hair. If I tried Shampine, 
though, I'd be amazed at the change. 
My hair would glisten with a new 
beauty I had never believed possible. 
My- cigar is a cigar in which only the 
finest Havana tobacco has been 
blended with choice domestic leaf. 

Who am I? 

The cigarets I smoke are made of 
the finest tobacco money can buy. 
They are the best cigarette value for 
my money and the price is only 
fifteen cents plus local taxes in cer- 
tain states. I am a slave to stomach 
distress, and I should do as thou- 
sands have done, that is, get a box 
of Blips, the new scientific, anti-acid 
remedy. Why should I suffer any 
longer from that peculiar stinging 
sensation In the chest? Blips are 
really wonderful, they are soothing, 
healing and refreshing and scientific 
tests have shown that they are the 
brand-new, sure-fire method of re- 
lief. 

The shaving cream I use is kind 
to tender skins and creates a quick 
billow of de luxe cooling lather, 
leaving my face young and more 
attractive. I have that well-groomed 
look women admire. My teeth are 
alluring; they gleam and sparkle 
because I use Blop's toothpaste, 
which stimulates the gums, cleanses 
the teeth to their natural brightness 
and helps remove acid film. I buy ■ 
tube of Blop's at my corner drug- 
store tonight or at the very latest 
tomorrow morm'ng and I always look 
for the trademark and Insist on the 
genuine article. I refuse all sub- 
stitutes. 

Who am I? 

I'm full of pep because I drink 
Bleep's yeast in tomato juice and it 
is rich in wholesome natural vita- 
mins. When I suffer from head colds, 
and get that tired, achy . feeling. 1 
take Blapps cold tablets, whicn 
shrink swollen membranes, soothe 
irritation and help clear the nasal 
passages. Why should I keep on 
being miserable? I too can be beau- 
tiful because Just beneath my pres- 
ent skin is a younger, lovelier, 
brand-new skin. I get my entry 
blanks from the nearest dealer. 1 
enclose three wrappers and I print 
my name and address plainly. For 
further details I see my daily news- 
paper. I think it's a wonderful idea 
to start the day with a nice, big, 
rich, creamy dish of Cruncho, 
the super-American breakfast fbod 
which tastes super-good and is mar- 



vellous, rich creamy, juicy, delicious 
and creates such a billowy lather- 
no, hold on, that's shampoo that' 
creates the lather. I don't delay, m 
be sure to read. 111 never regret, ill 
ture in again. I won't suffer any 
longer. I'll be anazed. I'll see for 
myself. 

Who am I? 

Give up? 

Why, I'm the fellow who writes 
the radio commercials, of course. 



Berg; Seipmann, Tyler 
To Address Stephens 
College Ra£o Meet 



Dr, Louis Berg, the New York 
psychiatrist who has several times 
publicly attacked daytime serials, is 
scheduled to be one of the speakers 
Nov. 6-7 at Stephens College, Co- 
lumbia, Missouri. The occasion is a 
regional conference on educational 
radio in wartime and the sponsor- 
ship is by the Association for Edu- 
cation by Radio. 

Sherman P. Lawton of the college 
has lined up Charles A. Siepmann, 
formerly of Harvard anJ before that 
with BBC in London, who. is now 
with the OWI in Washington, and 
John W. Tlnnea program director 
of KWK, St. Louis, and I. Keith 
Tyler, of Ohio State, as other speak- 
ers. 



Then on to Chicago 

Chicago, Oct. 27. 

School Broadcast Conference and 
Concurrent Sessions of the Associa- 
tion for Education by Radio will be 
held at the Morrison hotel, opening 
Nov, 10 and closing Nov. 12, 

The National Associatioi^ of Edu- 
cational Broadcasters and other 
groups will participate in the ses- 
sions. 



Thompson, Ex-WBYN, 
Attached to Tank' Mag 

Griffith B. Thompson, ex-general 
manager of WBYN and now in the 
Army as a Captain, working out of 
■Yank' office in New York City. 

'Yank' is the Army magazine. 



1. Q: at SUnley, Pittsburgh 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 
Dr. I. Q. broadcasts will be aired 
I here from Stanley theatre, WB de 
luxer, for six successive Mondays 
beginning next week (2). 

Show was done from Stanley for 
similar length of-lime several year* 
ago and helped biz considerably, 
although then house wasn't running 
regular stage presentations, as it Is 
now. 





tie a string on your finger 




set your alarm 



TO 

IBHSaHMIIBlilB 



that JERRY LAWRENCE'S "Mutual Matinee" 

on WOR Mm, thru Thurs. fr<m 2:1,5 to 4:30 p.m. 

is one of the greatest afternoon buys in radio. Write, wire or phone (PE 6-8600) 
today for complete details on cost; time to be bought; wide and unusually 
novel programming opportunities. 

— power-fvU station X^^iS 
at lUO Broadway, in New York 




H K M B B R 



o r 



THE 



MUTUAL 



BROADCASTINO 



a Y 8 T e M 



Wednesday, Octoiber 28, 1942 



MEXICO'S lOSTH 
BROADCAST 
STATION 



Mexico City, Oct. 27. 
Mexico now has 108 radio stations 
in service with the opening of 
XERB (50,000 watts) at Rosarito, 
Lower California Territory, not far 
from the U. S. border. Station is 
owned and operated by Gen. Abe- 
lardo L. Rodriguez, ex-president of 
Mexico, who is now commander of 
the Gulf military-naval zone and 
chief supervisor of the government's 
intensified farm-factory production 
program. 

XERB is advertising Rodriguez' 
various industries, mostly fishing 
and sea products packing. In the 
northwest. 



RADIO 



SI 



Estelle Broderfck Joins 
Marjorie Spriggs in D.C. 

Boston, Oct. 27. 
Estelle H. Broderick, WORL pro- 
duction traffic manager, joined the 
United States Treasury Department 
in a similar capacity last Friday (23). 
She has been at station for past six 
years. 

Her new duties will be under di- 
rection of Marjorie L. Spriggs (for- 
mer WORL and WBZ, Boston, pub- 
licist), who heads the women's radio 
division of the War Savings Depart- 
ment. 



NEW PRODUaiON AND 
CAST OF 'HELP MATE' SET 



'Help Mate,' serial which last week 
shifted origination from New York 
to Chicago and got a complete re- 
vision of production personnel, is 
now produced and. directed by L. G. 
CBucky') Harris, of Grant agency. 
Authorship has been taken over by 
Frank and Doris Hursley, who for- 
merly wrote some of the 'Aunt 
Jenny's True Life Stories' script. 

Fern Persons and John Larkin 
now play the leads, and the rest of 
th? cast includes Kathryn Card, Sid- 
ney Ellstrom and Beryl Vaughn. 
Announcer is Charles Lyon and 
pianist is Alan Grant. Allan Fish- 
burn is NBC production man on the 
show. 

Before its transfer to Chicago, 
'Help Mate' was written and di- 
rected by its creator, Leonard Ber- 
covici, with a special score com- 
posed and played by George Davis, 
However, after 52 weeks on the air, 
a clause in the contcact transferred 
ownership of the show to Cudahy 
Packing (Old Dutch Cleanser). When 
Bercovici refused to alter the script 
line to suit the Grant agency, which 
recently took over the program from 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, Chicago 
the serial was taken away from him, 
moved to Chicago and given a com 
plete production overhauling. 



PhiUy FootbaU CaUers 



Philadelphia, Oct. 27, 
Carl Owen and Taylor Grant, 
WCAU staff spielers, will handle the 
broadcasts of the home games of 
the University of Pennsylvania foot- 
ball team, sponsored by Philco. '' 
Bill Carty and Byrum Saam share 
the chores in the airing of Temple 
University and Villanova College 
games via WIP, bankrolled by At- 
lantic Refining. 



WTAG Gets Relay Okay 



Worcester. Oct. 27 
WTAG has received license from 
the FCC to operate city's first relay 
broadcasting station, WBEE. Addi- 
tion of new portable mobile station 
supplements portable recording 
equipment which WTAG has used at 
fixed points remote from studios. 

Capable of transmitting at a 15 
mile radius from the station as w.ell 
as furnishing cilywide coverage, 
WBEE now enables WTAG to in- 
crease its public service by airing 
on-the-spot broadcasts of important 
local events. 

Intermediate frequency of WBEE 
will also permit use of this trans- 
mitter in place of municipal police 
station, should emergency occur 
which police station was made In- 
operative. 



WBYN CROSSES EAST RIVEA 

WBYN, Brooklyn, which has been 
broadcasting a majority of its pro 
grams from New York City studios 
has shifted back to Dodgertown. 

As of yesterday (27) station's 
schedule will stay in Brooklyn until 
8 p.m. before shifting to Manhattan 



Malcolm Weymafi, former WEBR, 
Buffalo, announcer, has just received 
his commission as 2d lieutenant 
Army, • 



in 



• WRITER 

• DIRECTOR 

• PRODUCER 

FRITZ 
BLOCK! 



Spielers Scarce 

Boston, Oct, 27. 

The dearth of announcers here 
due to conscription has led 
Charles 'Chuck' Klein to double 
as announcer on WCOP. 

Regularly he sells advertising. 



FCC Okays Station Sales 

Memphis, Oct. 27. 

Sale of WJZM at Clarksville, 
Tenn., by Roland Hughes to Mayor 
William Kleemans was approved by 
the FCC in Washington. Announced 
price was $25,250. 

Another transfer In this area also 
approved was that of WMSL at De- 
catur, Ala., to the Mutual Savings 
Life Insurance Company, which ac- 
quired control through purchasing 
60 shares of common stock in the 
licensee, Tennessee Valley Broad- 
casting Company from Clarence 
Calhoun, Jr. 



Phoebe Mink no longer on the 
WMCA, New York, payroll. Had 
been aide to . 'Con Goldstein, head 
of publicity and special events. 



Bromo Seltzer Knuckle-Rapped 



Stanback, BC, Otiiers Cited for Radio Claims by 
Federal Trade Commission 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Headache remedies advertised by 
radio continuities and other media 
received a jolt when the Federal 
Trade Commission' charged five 
manufacturers of the palliatives with 
false advertising and misrepresenta- 
tion. FCC on Wednesday (21) 
launched its complaints agaihst the 
makers of Bromo Seltzer, Stanback, 
BC, Hick's Liquid Capudine and CC 
Compound, also known as the 4 C's. 

Emerson Drug Company of Balti- 
more, makers of Bromo Seltzer, was 
charged with making grossly exag- 
gerated, false and misleading repre- 
sentations on behalf of Its product. 
It was also charged with failure to 
have its advertising carry a- warning 
or statement revealing the potential 
danger of the excessive use of its 
preparation with respect to either 
the dosage or frequency of use and 



such failure, FTC said, may lead th« 
public to believe that the preparation 
may be taken safely in such amounts 
and with such frequency as may be 
necessary to accomplish the repre- 
sented and desired results. 

Similar charges are made against 
the B. C. Remedy Company, makers 
of BC and BC Headache Powderg, 
of Durham, N. C; Stanback Com- 
pany. Ltd., of Salisbury, N. C, 
makers of Stanback and Stanback 
Headache Powders; Capudine Chemi- 
cal Company of Raleigh, N. C. 
makers of Hick's Liquid Capudine; 
and the Chelf Chemical Company of 
Richmond, Va., makers of CC Com- 
pound, CCCC and the 4 C's. 



Ed Leemy resigned WBYN, New 
York, publicity chore to shift to 
similar berth at WPAT, the Pater- 
son, N, J., station. 



"THERE IS 
NO SYNONYM 
FOR SUCCESS." 



NEW 
YORK 
CITY 




MO. 4 OF A jEllES-WHItT THE MEN WHO MK YOVI 
HENHXNDISE TtUNK ABOUT NUTIHE ADVEBTISIM 



''THERE IS NO 'SECOND CHOICE 
FOR NATIONALLY 
ADVERTISED RRANDS'' 



Sayi J. W. CASSIN, Piesident and General Manager 
THE DOW DBUa COHFANT, Cincinnati. Ohio.* 




lleventy percent of ihe lime, according to 
Nielsen Central Consumer Survey made for 
our stores, there is no second choice for a 
nationally advertised brand of proprietary 
medicine or toilet article that is otit of stock. 
The customer will go some-where else to buy 
the nationally advertised brand he or she 
wanted in the first place. Eventually, they 
may take what they can get without regard 
to quality, but as long as our customers have 
a choice, they demand nationally advertised 
brands. 

"Continued national advertising via radio, 
magazines, and newspapers can prepare a 
customer for the possibility of a product 



being out of stock. Consumer ill will is thus 
averted. 

"More importantly, continued advertising 
can help us inform customers as to true 
shortage conditions. It will stop rumors of 
shortages which cause hoarding and bring 
about an unequal distribution of the manu- 
facturer's product. Thus, the cumulative ef- 
fect would be to counteract the tendency 
toward Inflation. 

"It is most imperative that advertising be 
continued, therefore, to guide the buying of 
our consumers in such a way as to tide us 
over the trying days that lie ahead." 



*Operalei 42 drug ilores— Ihlrty-lhree ierva Greater Cincinnati, Ave Pilltburgh, two Springfield, one Middlelown, one Sleubenvllla. 




82 



RADIO 



Wednesday* October 28, 1942 



Regional Consdltant Plan of O.Wl And 
'Canned Music Dilemma Occupy NAB. 



By NANCY HUDSON. 
Pinehurst, N. C, Oct. 23. 

At the National Association of 
Broadcasters, fourth district meet- 
ing, 53 station executives of the 
FoiM'ili District went on record as 
approving the proposed Office of 
War Information regional consultant 
plan for coordinating radio's gov- 
ernment war material. The OWI 
plan preview opened a day which 
closed upon a discussion of the 
Amci'ican Federation of Musicians 
Canned Music ban. 

Carl Haverlin outlined the OWI 
project. He stated that non-networl{ 
sinljons will be asked by the OWI 
to use IG one-minute government 
announcements a day, stations with 
network affiliations — 12. The plugs 
will be .<!ent out by the OWI to be 
delivered irrespective of local, non- 
government appeals the stations 
carry. In addition, the OWI plans to 
send broadcasters series of 15 min- 
ute transcriptions. Haverlin urged 
the station representatives to main- 
tain close contact with the OWI 
regional and branch offices. 

Sbafto Presides 

President Neville Miller, Haverlin 
and G. Richard Shaftp, WIS, Col- 
umbia. S. C, the executive presiding 
at the convention, reviewed the his- 
tory of Petrillo's recording ban. 
Miller outlined steps which N. A. B. 
has taken in the scrap. Conclusion 
was no clear solution of the music 
problem is in sight, but the fight 
will be pressed. 

Between the OWI and A, F. of M. 
discussions, delegates heard irom 
Gene Carr, ex-WGAR, Cleveland, 
now of the Office of Censorship, 
then the early afternoon session 
divided into sales managers' meet- 
ing and general conclave. At the 
latter, M. A. MUman spoke for the 
United States Treasury department 
Mrs. Gertrude Clinton, of the 
Raleigh office of the U. S. Employ- 
ment Service, and Capt. G. B. Lee, 
N. C. liaison officer, discussed angles 



of the manpower problem, advising 
broadcasters to abandon thoughts of 
indefinite deferrment of key men 
and Instead plan temporary defer- 
ment appeals on basis of the length 
of time in which replacements can 
be trained. They advocated employ- 
ment of women and disabled men 
to help solve the stations' labor 
problem. 

Marvin Beard, o( the Office of 
Civilian Defense, also addressed the 
general afternoon meeting; and Hav< 
erlin took the floor again to report 
on BMI's present standing. North 
Carolina's Governor J. Melville 
Broughton delivered the evening's 
banquet address. 

The fourth district delegates come 
from Maryland, the District of Col- 
umbia, North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina, Virginia and West Virginia. 



KSTP HAS 48 
COMMERCIAL 
NEWSCASTS 



Minneapolis, Cot. 2T. 
With acquisition of Com Products 
Refining Co. accotmt (Krsml Des- 
serts) KSTP now has 48 sponsored 
news periods per week — a sponsor 
for each of its news periods except 
the Sunday 11 a.m. spot. New KremI 
series will be aired at 8:30 and 11:30 
a.m. and 5:25 p.m., Mondays through 
Fridays. 

Other news sponsors Include Rich- 
man Brothers, Phillips Petroleimi, 
Bristol-Myers, Sweetheart Soap, 
Griffin Shoe Polish, Mode} Laun- 
dry of Minneapolis and St. Paul, 
Minnesota Milk Foundation, fit. Paul 
Book St Stationery Co., Greun 
Watches, and Vlck Chemical Co. 



Oct. 28, 1942. 

Dear Crossley: 

If you phone anybody and they 
say they didn't hear us, you tell 
thern v/e are on the Columbia Net- 
work now, Wednesdays, Thursdays 
and Fridays at 7:30 P.:.'.. KWT. Will 
you do that, like a good kid? 

Same sponsor, ANACIN-sanie 
a£ency, BLACKETT SA.MPLE & HUMMERT. 

Thanks for past favors, 
Crossley, and haven't you anybody 
up there who oan oount higher than 
3 or 4? 

Sincerely 



Qoodman Ace 




N.A.B. ATTENDANCE 
AT PINEHURST, N. C. 

Philip P. Allen, WLVa!" Lynch- 
burg. 

Campbell Arnoux, WTAH, Norfolk. 
L. H. Avery, NAB, Washington. 
Bryct P. Beard, WSTP, Salisbury. 
Marvin Beers, O.C.D.. Washington. 
William C. Bourne, O W.I., Rich- 
mond. 

William Bowry, WMBG. Rich- 
mond. 

Robert E. Bradham, WTMA, 
Charleston. 

Harry G. Bright, WGBR, Golds- 
boro. 

Walter Brown, WSPA, Spartan- 
burg. 

Ollie L. Carpenter, WPTF. Raleigh. 
Eugene Carr, Office of Censor- 
ship. 

Madeline Chace, O.C.D.. Atlanta. 

Howard L. Chernoflf, West Vir- 
ginia Network. 

Mrs. Gertrude Clinton, U. S. Em- 
ployment Service. 

Charles H. Crutchfleld, WBT. 
Charlotte. 

Roland D. Cuddy, WBTM, Dan- 
ville. 

Major Richard E. Daley, Knoll- 
wood Field. 

Clay B. Daniel, WSJS, Winston 
Salem. 

B. H. Darrow, O.C.D., Cleveland. 
John H. Dodge, WRC, Washington. 
Don S. Elias, WWNC. Asheville. 
Mrs. Don S. Ellas, WWNC, Ashe- 
ville. 

Harold Essex, WSJS, Winston 
Salem. 

Jack Field, WPTF, Raleigh. 
Fred Fletcher, WRAL, Raleigh. 
Elmer D. Free, O.C.D., Baltimore. 
R. Sanford Guyer, WBTM, Dan- 
ville. 

Milton N. Owaltney, WPID, Peters- 
burg. 

Ralph S. Hatcher, WTAR, Norfolk. 
Carl Haverlin, O.W.r.-B.M.I. 
Harold Hayes, O.W.I., Raleigh. 
Sheldon B. Hlckox, Jr., NBC. 
Charles O. Hicks, WSOC, Char- 
lotte. 

Francis M. Hipp, WIS, Columbia. 
Ruffln Home, WFNC, Fayetteville. 
Mrs. C. C. Hudson, WBIG, Greens- 
boro. 

Nancy Hudson, WBIG, Greensboro. 
B. Walter Hufflngton, WPID, 
Petersburg. 
Henry Hulick, WPTF, Raleigh. 

E. Z. Jones, WBBB, Burlington. 
Ray P. Jordan, WDBJ, Roanoke. 
A. E. Joscelyn, WBT, Charlotte. 
Herbert Kendrick, WJLS, Beckley. 
Stanton KetHer, WMMN, Fair- 
mont. 

John W. Kirkpatrick, WSPA, 
Spartanburg. 

Lt. George Kirkscy, Knollwood 
Field. 

Cy Langlois, Lang-Worth, New 
York City. 

Capt. Gleason B. Lee, Raleigh. 

George Ludlam, O.C.D., Washing- 
ton. 

Richard H. Mason, WPTF, Raleigh. 
Ezra Mcintosh, WWNC. Asheville. 
Neville Miller, N.A.B., Washington. 
Mrs. Neville Miller, N.A.B., Wash- 
ington. 
M. A. Milman, Treasury. 
R. E. Mitchell, WMBG, Richmond. 
James H. Moore, WSLS, Roanoke. 
Paul Moyle, WFNC, Fayetteville. 
John W. New, WTAR, Norfolk. 
Charles Parker, O.C.D., Raleigh. 

F. F. Patterson, WSTP, Salisbury. 
Royal E. Penny, WBT, Charlotte. 
I. E.. Pittle, ASCAP, Charlotte. 
Graham B. Poyner. WPTF, 

Raleigh. 
Ray Reeve, WRAL. Raleigh. 
Edney Ridge, WBIG, Greensboro. 
J. D. Saumenig, WIS, Columbia. 
Bill Schuldt, Jr., CBS. 

G. Richard Shafto, WIS, Columbia. 
Mrs, G. Richard Shafto, WIS, 

Columbia. 

Alex Sherwood, Standard Radio, 
Chicago. 

Carleton Smith, WRC, Washington. 
George W. Smith, WWVA, Wheel- 
ing. 

John E. Thayer, WWNC, Asheville. 
Harold H. Thoms, WAYS, Char- 
lotte. 

Jack Treacy, NBC, New York City. 

George W. Walker, WAIR, Win- 
ston Salem. 

Ronald Weeks, WCSC, Charleston. 

A, D. WiUard, WSJV, Washington. 

T. Doug Youngblood, WFIO, Sum- 
ter. 



WLOL, Mpk., Rejects Cost-Piar-biqu'Dy 
Offered Tartnership' With Wine Finn 



Art and Life 



Des Moines, Oct. 27. 

When Gene Shumate, sports- 
caster for station KSO-KRNT, 
Des Moines, Iowa, had his first 
script accepted for Rudy Vallee 
he used the money to pay medi- 
cal expenses of first youngster. 

Now he's written a 'Dr. Chris- 
tian' script and with the returns 
will pay for the second Shumate 
youngster, expected soon. 



E' WINNERS IN 
REPLY SALUTE 
TO NAVY 



Rochester, N. Y., Oct. 27. 

WHAM bounced up with the idea 
that four local industries which have 
received the Navy 'E' for production 
should honor the Navy with a half 
hour radio drama on Navy Day, to- 
night at 7:30 p.m. The four companies, 
Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, Consoli- 
dated Tool and Gleason Works, 
which previously had shunned radio 
advertising, went for the idea. 

Program, written by Lillian Heer- 
mans, will be presented by WHAM 
staff. Including 20-piece orchestra. 



HAPPY ARE THEY 



KOO and Frisco Chronicle Plug 
Each Other Big 



San Francisco, Oct. 27. 

KGO and the morning Chronicle 
are exchanging lots of publicity over 
their spot and feature news tieup, 
which they are billing as 'audio- 
visual presentation of events.' Also 
'Voc-a-News.' 

The station refers to maps and 
pictures carried in the Chronicle, 
while the newspaper urges readers 
to tune in on KGO and get the latest 
slants on news taking place in the 
map area or further details on fea- 
ture pictures published by the 
Chronicle that day. A daily link be- 
tween the Chronicle and KGO is the 
latter's 'Let'^ Look at the Map' pro- 
gram. 

When KGO's special events de- 
partment recently prepared a broad- 
cast from the Navy diving school in 
Oakland, a feature story on the sub- 
ject plus pictures was given the 
Chronicle for prior publication. The 
Oakland paid off in plenty blurbs. 
All of which makes the arrangement 
an odd one in a town where the pub- 
lishers are still not so friendly to 
radio. 



Rorer Goodrloh Is announcer on 
Hudson Coal Company's 'Memory 
Lane' over WGY, Schenectady, hav- 
ing won the job in an audition with 
eight others. He is on WGY's staff. 



By LES 'BEES . 

Minneapolis, Oct. 27. 
Station WLOL has rejected flatly 
an oHer from Franklin Distilled 
Products as reported in 'Variety' Oct. 
7 which would have had the effect 
of placing the station in sales part- 
nership with the account. The prop, 
osition as made to WLOL by Don 
Natlianson of the Minneapolis 
agency, D. S. Manson & Associates, 
would have compensated the station 
at so much per case of wine sold, the 
figure reported being 10c. WLOL in- 
formed Nathanson that it would ac- 
cept nothing smacking of cost-pcr- 
inquiry. 

Subsequently the Franklin Dis- 
tilled Product account, of which 
Meyer Schulberg is head. Issued to 
WLOL, according to manager H. £. 
Westmoreland, a regular purchase 
order for one half hour weekly of 
the participating 'Talk of the Town' 
program conducted by Florence 
Lehmann. 



KMOX Rons AU Night 

St. Louis, Oct. 27. 

Starting Sunday KMOX, the 
S0,O0O-Watt j)Utlet here for CBS 
started an around-the-clock sked for 
the duration. Interim between 1:30 
a.m., the former closing house, and 
5:00 a.m. will be devoted to a 'Vic- 
tory Patrol' program in which Guy 
Runnion will handle the m.c. stint. 

The program will include news re- 
ports during the last Ave minutes 
of each hour; occasional Interviews; 
special CBS net transcriptions; wes- 
tern end hillbilly music; recordings 
by name dance bands, and martial 
airs of outstanding bands on recordx. - 
Another feature of the early a.m. 
session will be the special bally for 
war bonds and stamps sales. 



Tom Hussey at WNAC 

Boston, Oct. 27. 

Tom Hussey, commercial an- 
nouncer at the Boston Braves and 
Red Sox games, has been named 
successor to Jim Britt, sports expert 
at WNAC, since latter has become 
a Navy lieutenant. 

Hussey started with WRUF, 
Gainesville, Fla., 11 years ago, and 
came to WNAC in 1935. 



Trenchard Joins WAAT| 
Walter KeUy Into Armr 

Roland Trenchard, at one time 
manpger of WHOM, in N. V., has 
been named director of publicity and 
war activities at WAAT, Jersey 
City. He supplants Walter Kelly, 
who has Joined the Army. 

Trenchard Is stationed at Newark, 
where WAAT has opened up heVlr 
studios In the Douglas hotel. 



You Can Laff 

If You Want to— 
BUT . . . 

A friend of mine has ■ new 
plan to help the Nnvy. He 
wants to take the extra width of 
cloth from the lailor'a trousera 
legs, and move It up to where it 
will do them more good. 



HERB SHRINER 

QAMEL CARAVAN 
WU. MORRIS AGY. 



5000 WAHSl 

DAY ANDMCHT 



In the 
Salt Uke Market 

This Exclusive NBC .Outlet 
Consistently Gets the Big Tune-In 

KDYL 



MIT UKI CITY 



UTAH'S^ 
OHM 
NBO 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



9S 



^or iiamediate release to . ^^^^^^^p^M^^ 



Brtiikiiig all records 



j^^^m m w m 



^eUcnai.A(anaiienu>nt.,.^\^'^MLXi J. DOKSO.» 761 WRH AVENUE. W.Y.C 



WALTER WINCHiU 

' "Thb Big Times Morton Oovi'ney at ihe So/oy- 
l^hza Ccrf* townige— Of ^W-ouff 

IP suimm ^m Hm. 

*^M<trfop Oowntiy's iprch son^s ai Savoy- 
Plaza a terrific dtnuv^ " . 



VAiHem 



^'Cap<icUy crowdi have gn^f^d Morton 
DoyfMy at «y«r/ p^^dfttkonce at Scrroy Plaza 
Cof« Lounge/' 

MALCOLM JOIINS0N EVENINO SUN: 
"Overflow f>u$(nes5 atSawy-^PIaxaCafe Lounge . 
smc« Morton Downey began his engagement." 

ROBERT DANA 

"Morton Downey bringing in solid business at 
Savoy Plaza Cafe Lounge." 

MAYFAIR ROOM, Bfockstone Hotel, Chiteg^ 
ST. FRANCIS HOlii, San fraiMis^ 
MAYFAW;ClUftrB»ston 
THE MOMNp$, Cleveland 
CHEZ PAltEE^ Chicago 
STRAND THEATRE, New York 
ORIENTAL THEATRE, Chicogb 
RKO THEATRE, Boston 
RIVERSIDE THEATRE, Milwaukee 

COPLEY-PUZA HOTEL 'BOSTON • NOV. 26 
★ 

Publicity . . . DOROTHY ROSS 



S4 



RADIO 



Wednesday, Octolier 28, 1942 



From the IVoduction Centres 



IN NEW YORK CITY . . . 

The Radio Trade Is Discussing: Cot. Hans Christian Adamson, miss- 
ing in action tuith Eddie Rickenbacker — ASCAP's iiu'itatioiu to its 
radio customers for a social affair and acceptances from Mullen, Paley, 
Wood, McCosker, Ream. Stanton, Weber — TTie Stage Door Canteen's plea . 
that Hollywood ditto layoff — Willkie's improved radio delivery. 

Selena Royle's click appeal for War Bond sales on last week's Freedom 
House program over WEVD was written by Stanley Richards, who also 

authored the 'Hills of Bataan' dramatic sketch on the show U W. 

Herzog, manager of WTMJ-W5SM, Milwaukee, was in New York last 

week Hubert Pryor named CBS shortwave news editor, succeeding 

John Edwards, who resigned to join the OWI Alan Hewitt, newcomer 

to 'Our Gal Sunday,' also playing a running part in 'Against the Storm' 
....Roger Bowman, formerly with WLIB, has joined the announcer staff 

of WHN Johanna Dewitt has taken over authorship of 'David Harum' 

serial, succeeding her husband, John DeWitt, who enlisted in the Naval 
Reserve. . . .Marjorie Hayes Camp scripted The Death and Life of Johnny 
Long' as Friday night's (30) chapter of 'Listen to a Strange Tale' on 

WMCA WLIB has added a studio string ensemble, under the direction 

of Waldo Mayo Harry Marble has joined the Army and George Bryan 

has been commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in the Army Air Force. They 

were CBS newscasters Thomas J. Corey has resigned from the Compton 

agency media department to join the Army. . . .Stanley J. Wolf and Arthur 
W. Alsberg have been elected president and vice-prez, respectively, of 
Rockhill production office, succeeding Joseph Tenenbaum and Ralph E. 

Schneider, resigned Lieutenant Al Tanger, former WLIB announcer 

now in the Army Air Force, was married recently to . Brenda Ross, 
formerly of WLIB. .. .Peter Michael, co-author with his sister Sandra 
Michael of 'Lone Journey' injured his leg last week in a scuffle with a 
rattlesnake he was photographing on his Montana ranch. He's due back 
at his Ridgefleld. Conn, home in a couple of weeks.... Roy Winsor, of 
Blackett-Sample-Hummert, Chicago, in town last week. 

Stefan Heym, writer of 'Hostages,' was on WGY's 'Speaking of Books' 

Oct. 23 He's a German exile. .. .Max Lemer and Mildred Allen teamed 

as critics with Granville Hicks. 

Doug Coulter, director of broadcasts at CBS, to Hollywood for a week 
. . . .his colleague, Davidson Taylor, just back from his mother's funeral In 

Mississippi Ethel Smith, Hammond organist, added to 'Hit Parade' 

H. Allen Smith's piece on 'Bing-King of the Crooners' appears in next 
Saturday Evening Post and declares that nobody really knows Bing Crosby 
despite his wide circle of acquaintances The star of a network com- 
mercial program and the show's director were heatedly arguing over 
their respective competency to judge the value of a certain piece of 
material when the entertainer cracked, 'Well, Tve got a couple milUon 

dollars. What have you got? Tve got a couple friends,' the director 

retorted, and with that he walked out of the studio rehearsal, ending bis 
connection with that particular program. 

Mrs. Clarence Day, Jr., wife of the author of 'Life With Father,' and 
Oscar Serlin, producer of the stage adaptation of the book and also ol 
'Strip for Action,' were 'arm chair* guest detectives on 'EUeiy Queen' over 

NBC. Oct. 24 Groucho Man and two assistants, Joe Rainey, songstress, 

and Rhoda Reis were guests on 'Soldiers With Wings,' broadcast over CBS 

from the Santa Anna, CaL Flying School, Oct 24 WGK, Schenectady. 

has opened a Navy Sub-Information Center in the main lobby of the 

station. Chief ^>ecialist William H. Saidel is in charge WOV and WLIB 

are among New York stations to be used by the Democratic State Com- 
mittee and on behalf of the state ticket 

A citation of merit to WLVTs Cincinnati management and personnel for 
the station's leadership in civilian defense broadcasts was presented Sun- 
day (25) by the Office of Civilian Defense for the Fifth Corps Area, em- 
bracing Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. 

A series of five minute platters of picture chatter are being prepared 
by T. J. Valentino in N. Y. with arrangements for broadcasting over 80 
stations. Discs are made up of Bob Richardson's gossip along with pre- 



''AFTER THE 
BALL (GAMES) 
ARE OVER 



WSAH SAUS AIDS 

I. Srrae) car and but 

cardi 
3. Neon Signs 

3. Display Cordt 

4. Newspaper Adt 
3. Toxicab Covers 

6. Downtown Window 
Displays 

7. House.organ 
t. "Meet rhe Sponior" 

Broodcost 




points out Sviy our 
Steno, "WSAI ke«pi its 
listeners tfirouigTi'' Cincin- 
noli's finest afternoon 
orxl evening schedule, 
rncluding 'Club Moh'nee', 
'Between the Boolcends', 
'PrescotI Presents', on 
hour for children and, of 
course. News on the 
Hour. If you're loolcing 
for results, spot your 
message in WSAI'* 
afternoon schedule." 



IT SELtS rASTER IF IT'S 

UlSfl 




CINCINNATI'S OWN STATION 

m 

MBC • UUt NETWORKS • *,060 Warn Oay and Nighl • Riprtttnled by SpsI Solei. Int 



view comments on forthcoming Alms. First record includes a scene from 
Alexander Kordas 'One of Our Aircraft Is Missing.'.... 

Davy Levy, director 'We, the People' and currently subbing for Joe Hill 
as director of 'Manhattan at MidnighC has authored tonight's (Wedfiea- 

day) script for the latter series James Monks joined cast of 'Our Gal 

Sunday.' doubling from Maxwell Anderson's legit 'Eve of St. Mark' and 
Katharine Seymour's Bible serial, "Light of the World,' for General Mills 

'Great Moments of Music' troupe returning from San Francisco after 

tonight's broadcast, those making the trip including director Joe Hill, 
Young & Rubicam contact man Frank Fagan, announcer Larry Elliott, 
narrator Roger Lyons and singers Jan Peerce, Robert Weede and Jean 

Tennyson Phyllis Jeanne Creore's 'Canteen Girl' program now heard 

Tuesday evenings on WEAF and Fridays on NBC (network only). Singer 

is using lots of her material now Head censor Byron Price and OWI 

chief Elmer Davis discuss news dissemination tonight on WMCA. .. .Start- 
ing today, the Radio Executives Club holds its weekly luncheons at the 
Cafe Loyale instead of Lexington hotel. , . .Priscilla Kent's dramatic stanza, 

'Going Up.' to be aired Friday night (30) on NBC Major Norman 

Sweetzer, former director of 'Lorenzo Jones.' stationed in England with 
the Bomber Command. . . .Singer Alex McKee's 'Prayer for Victory,' based 
on Bach's Air for G-String, performed last week on 'American Melody 
Hour'.... Jay Clark succeeded Ruth Borden as writer of 'Backstage Wife.' 
He's formerly been a director of various shows.... New cast of 'Mr. Keen' 
includes Bennett Kilpack, Betty Garde. Florence Freeman and Florence 
Malone. . . .'I'll Find My Way' and 'Miss Meade's Children' serials fold 
from the Mutual network after next week. .. .Vivian della Chiesa was off 
the Sunday night (25) 'American Melody Hour' broadcast due to a cold. 
Evelyn MacGregor subbed. 



IN CHICAGO . . . 

Two more NBC employees to armed forces, George F. Kosecke of mail 
department in United States Coast Guard and Kenneth H. Farris, guide, 



29 CBS 
.WBBM- 
Novelist 
. . .Lester 



to Army Total of 36 NBC Chicago employees in service, 

employees with Uncle Sam while WGN has biggest total, 48. . 
CBS book reviewer. Professor John F. Frederick will host 
Thomas Mann on Nov. 14 broadcast in special program on war. 
L. Washburn, NBC studio engineer, gets captaincy in U. S. Army Signal 

Corps U.S.O. Camp Show Unit No. 46. composed of WLS National 

Bam Dance talent has given .a show a day for 139 days, playing all over 
nation. .. .'Lone Hanger' ^moves over to WLS Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday, 6:30 to 7.... WLS continues to leave air six days a week at three 
p.m., but now returns again at six until eight, resuming again at three 
a.m. Irene Frankenburg of NBC guest relations department resigns to 
accept post in United Stales Navy 

Major General H. S. Aurand dedicated Chicago's new Army Information 

Center in a special broadcast over WBBM Tatman, Inc., Chicago, will 

sponsor Music Lovers Hour on WCFL. Monday through Saturday from 
10:30 to 11:30 p.m., with Goodkind, Joice 8c Morgan agency setting deal. ... 
Brooks Connally, WIND announcer, resigns to become Chief Petty officer 
in Navy ... .James Dale, announcer and newscaster with WOC, Davenport, 
with WIND'S announcing staff. ..18-day racing s essio n at Sportsmen's 
Park, Oct. 19 through Nov. 7, being broadcast over WIND on 'Sports Edi- 
tion' program, 2:15 to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday Les Blitdidl, 

WBBM-CBS producer, directs new sustainer for Army Air Corp, "Silver 

Wings For Victory,' Saturday afternoon quarter-hour John Harrineton, 

staff announcer WBBM, beded with sprained back S. Rosen bakeir. 

sponsors 1:30 p.m. news period on WJJD, Monday through Saturday, deal 

set by Gourfain-Cobb Advertising Agency Sye Billsbury returns to 

WJJD announcing staff afftr four-week layoff due to operation. . . .Bob 
Bailey, of 'That Brewster Boy,' to Hollywood on special radio assignment 

. .Chuck Acrees, local m.c, has new show on WMAQ Wednesday nights 
at 10 o'clock entitled 'Something to Talk About.' 



IN HOLLYWOOD . . . 

Lieutenant Commander William H. TTuesdale, gunnery officer on the 
Astoria, one of the American cruisers sunk oS the Solomons, guested on the 

Nelson Eddy show via CBS Jim and Marian Jordan (Fit>ber McGee 

& Molly) made a brief, graceful appearance on Ginny Simms' niilip 
Morris program over NBC (a little more than an hour l>efore tbej did 
their own show ) to present one of a series of gifts from Hollywood 'namei' 
to Lieutenant Tom Moore, Marine flier back from the Solomons after sink- 
ing a Japanese warship. 

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello teamed, at the end of a boxing bout tktt 
with guest John GarAeld, on their show over NBC, for a straightforward, 
convincing explanation of the reasons for meat rationing and the neces- 
sity for universal voluntary cooperation before the compulsory plan can 
be put into effect. 

Tom Brophy, prez of Kenyon Sc Eckhardt agency, came to town looking 
for a radio director and after interviewing applicants left for a brief 
siesta at Del Monte before returning east. Just who will flU the post 
vacated by Maj. Joe Stauffer won't be decided until he looks over the 

mail that has piled up since he left New York Charlotte Blanson, 

N.Y. and Chicago serial queen, here for a try at the sprocket operas. . . . 

Don Becker around for a few days Dave Rose, music director for 

Don Lee, joined photographic unit of Army Air Force and stays in 

Hollywood Cass Daley has been booked for her fourth guest spot on 

Kraft Music Hall. How nvany does it take to become a regular?.... 
Patty Boyd, assistant music librarian at KHJ, leaves this week for Frisco 

to become Mrs. Pat Kelly. He's KFRC publicity director there Abbott 

and CosleJlo and all concerned are plenty elated over their flrs\ Crossley, 
an individual 17....LaiTy Stewart is now canarying yith Freddy Biartin's 

orchestra Next two programs in the Screen Guild-Lady Esther lineup 

are "My Favorite Wife" with The Robert Taylors (Barbara Stanwyk) and 
'Take a Letter Darling,* co-starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Ru^ell.... 
Jack Benny switched over from cigars to a pipe on advice of his medico 

and then took to his quarters with a bad throat A. E. McElfresh, radio 

(Continued on page 35) 
— 



RCA-NBC DENY 
ALLEGATIONS 
OF MUTUAL 



Cniicago, Oct. 27. 

RCA and NBC last Saturday (24) 
filed its answer to the triple dam- 
age action filed by the Mutual Net- 
work and affiliated stations several 
months ago. The answer denied that 
NBC's exclusive contracts with af- 
filiates had damaged Mutual in any 
way. Mutual claims that the 28- 
day removal clause in the NBC- 
stations agreement creates a condi- 
tion of unfair competition and has 
caused loss of business for Mutual. 

The answer states that national 
advertisers would not use the net- 
work medium unless the network 
were able to guarantee circulation 
in the markets desired and also for 
an extended period of time that the 
advertiser may elect to option. The 
answer further contends that Mu- 
tual itself has seen fit to recognize 
the necessity of exclusive option 
time, but has limited such arrange- 
ment in a way to injure the revenue 
of NBC. CBS and the Blue Network 
and build up Mutual's own revenue. 
Also that the complaint does not 
state a (laim upon which relief 
could be granted Mutual. 



'Who's Who at the Zoo' 

Portland, Ore.. Oct. 27. 

A new series of radio programs 
for children was started this week 
over KALE. One-half hour weekly, 
'Who's Who At the Zoo' is an effort 
to acquaint youngsters with animal 
lore. It's related by the new zoo 
director, Arthur Greenhall, formerly 
of New York, and partly dramatized 
by Portland school children. Scripted 
by Mrs. Tom Decker, wife of KOIN 
continuity staff member. 

'Manuals have been sent to teach- 
ers of lower grade and kindergarten 
schools, and the schools and station 
are working together on the animal 
education of the very young. Pro- 
gram Is sustainer for KALE. 




EVERY DAT IB MB.\TLE88 
when you have a tbin wife* JAME8 
MADIHON, cemnty autlior. I write 
■n mr SBffm by moonllabt becauiie 
there m notliiae new ondn the wmm. 
Send n for in UAG SBBET. P.O. 
Box tt*, OrtH Central Aanex, New 
Yotk. 

(Watch /or a new gag eoery week) 



Urcdo StatioB Sale Okay 



San Antonio, Oct. 27. 

The Federal Communications | 
Commission has approved the trans- 1 
fer of KPAB, Laredo, from Howard 
W. Davis, J. K. Beretta and W. W. 
McAllister, operating as the Laredo 
Broadcasting Co., to Mervel M. Val- 
entine. The reported price paid by 
Valentine for the station is $14,500. 

Davis and McAllister, also on 
KMAC. San Antonio. Baretta is 
president of the National Bank of 
Commerce, of this city. 



Miller Broadcasting System, Inc., a 
Delaware corporation, has surren- 
dered its authority to conduct busi- 
ness in New York State. 

Papers to this effect have been 
filed with the Secretary of State in 
Albany by Lincoln Epworth, New 
York City. 



pan You Afford the Price ef a Daily Newspaper 

1) T« gel advance Worntatlea on phig tones being readied far 
release? 

2) To be positive of perfomnce rlgkls' cicarawes (ASCAP, BBH, 
SESAC, License free to aO, et«.) 7 

3) To locate tunes and pabUshers at •■ecT 

4) To arrange programs la a Jiffy — why wa4e through stacks of 

music? 

5) To get a preview of coming tunes— a chorded lead sheet of 
chorus and lyric on every card? 

6) To get Ideas for revivals, for programs, for recordings, for trans- 
criptions? 

Tune-Dex card service (100 a month) on new and old songs, costs 
only four cents a day! 75 publishers now represented. The most 
talked of thing in music circles this year. 

FRKK — .•<iini|ile rurdg nnil complrte Infurtnnlloii. .lu-i write on jniir 
IrllarhnKl. U'ARMNO— Till* wrvlre Is OM.V for nrofexiiluiiillii III ur 
rnnnrrtril nltli tlie muiilo banlneiiii. 



TUNE-DEX. Inc. 



1619 V Broadway 
New York City 



Wednesday, October SSj 1942 



RADIO 



S5 



PlioiluGtien Centres 



CnrtbniM from page 34 



bead ot Pedlar & Ryan, back to New York after hanging around for the 

Lady Esther takeoff Art Baker now airing his Notebook" on NBC 

California network for L.A. Soap Co Gene Gach, former radio pa 

and now a two striper (corporal), has written a book about his experi- 
ences which Dadd-Mead Tarings out under the title of In the Army Now' 
... .Bob Reynolds. KMPC manager, east on biz and for a caU on the folks 
in Okmtilgee, Oka.., . .Orson WeUes kicks off Nov. 9 from KNX on his 
Lockheed-Vega series, X^eiliag Unlimited." Claire Olmstead wiU k>ok 
after the production with Jim Fonda of Lord & Thomas. . Eddie Cantor 
donated $1,000 to Hollywood Canteen for using the 'hair for his broad- 
cast last week. And to boot, he had Ida in the kitchen making sandwiches 
for the boys. ...Bob Hedd, writer-producer of NBC's 'Eyes Aloft,' now 
has his listeners booing their sets. Each week he puts in a sequence 
that calls for boos or bouquets, with the dialers encouraged to vent their 
feelings on the loudspeaker. . . .Alice Belding, frau of the Lord & Thomas 
downtown office head, dishing up publicity at KMPC.... Ann Langen- 
dorf, niece of the ^onsor of 'Red Ryder," now in the cast. Adventure 
serial is pulling off Mutual for full ride on the Blue network Nathan 
Scott, coast Blue network music director, now has a Private in front of 

his name L«w Crosby, Livan and Abner's announcer, shot his big toe 

ofl while cleanieg a gun. Big game hunter Jack Runyon was also involved 

in an accident, the victim being a cow in pasture SpUce Jones and his 

City Slickers are now regulars on the Bob Burns airer Four-year old 

son of Arnold Marquis, NBC writer-producer, died of pneumonia. 



I Payrell Traffic I 

j^^S CoMlancd from pace 27 

liaison officer between the stations 
of the CBC's French and English 
networks. Om^ Reoaud, who has 
been acting as assistant to Mr. 
Beaudet becomes maaager of the 
Montreal stadios wit^i jurisdiction 
over those at Quebec and Chicou- 
timi. He will be directly i«sponsible 
to assistant manager Dr. Aagustin 
Fiigon. The GBC also has fonned an 
■dmiAistTative committee predbled 
mei by Frigoa asd caanposed of 
Jtmn Beaudet, Oraer Reaaud, Ar&ur 
Dupont and Leopold Houle. 



W em eW tt — Andy Browning, as- 
sistant chief engineer at WTAC, 
has been pramoted to dbief engi- 
nber. H. H. Newell, wbo formerlr 
combined the post with that of con- 
sulting engineer, continues in his 
advisory capacity. 



Akm, O.— WAIX: has hired wo- 
men to replace men called into army 
service. Carol Scheeser and COa^ys 
Ammons are sow control operatcKs, 
Urs. B. S. nnley is bookkeeper at 
the station, and Oadys ^r^i^. in 



addition to running the switchboaii 
and a typewriter, is 'Glad Henri' 
for morning listeners. 



nttAw^h— Billy Cover, local 
singer who left Baron Elliott band 
here nearly a year ago to join Blue 
Baron, has quit lattei's outfit to be- 
come a member of the artists staff 
at KOKA 



Saa Fra»e*M*— Charles F. Pendle- 
ton, formerly of KIEM, Eureka, has 
jomed KSFO announcing staff. 

Robert Fasson, former newspaper 
oorTesi>ondent, is a new KPO oom- 
menlator. 

Donald Xevin Currlin, ^nployed 
as an announcer at KGO, to succeed 
George Applegate, who resigned to 
become « shipyard weWer. 

May Ratliff was transferred from 
KPO-NBC secretarial staff to press 
department replacing Edwarda 
Pickett Gilmore, resigned. 

Cincinnati. — Frances Raine, Jr..son 
of the radio editor ol the Cincinnati 
Times-Star, has been added to the 
sUfl of WCKY, local CBS outlet, as 
news-o-graph operator. He is a Uni- 
versity of Cincinnati student. 

Milwankce — Clifford Rasmussen, 
technician, resigned last week from 



HERBERT S. CHASON 
INTO WHN,N.Y^ JOB 

Herbert S. Chason, formerly with 
the CBS research and sales promo- 
tion departments, has been named 
advertising and promotion manager 
of WHN, New York. 

He was at one time with the ad- 
vertising department of du Pont. 



Steele's Atlantic Deal 



Atlantic Coast network this week 
announced the appointment of Ted 
Steele as director of programs. Pro- 
gram auditioning is already under 
way, but Steele states main job now 
is to find or create service shows, 
for the Treasury Dept., civilian 
morale, etc. 

Steele's Metro option, inked early 
this summer, runs out Oct. 30. He 
continues with his NBC schedule 
until January. 



XEB Fereed to Mo?e 



Mexico City, Oct 27. 

Radio station XEB here, which on 
Oct 12 went to 100,000 watts from 
the VifiOO it had used for several 
years, now has to find a new home. 

Station, owned by the Buen Tono 
Cigarette Co., a French enterprise, 
must move because the building it 
has long occupied is to be absorbed 
by the city in its expansion of the 
adjoining San Juan public maiket 



the sUff of WTMJ-WSSM, Milwau- 
kee, to join the Marine Corps. He 
reported at San Diego. 

Warren Mead, formerly program 
jupervisoT of WSSM, the Milwaukee 
Journal's FM station, has been 
named production manager of 
WTMJ-W55M, the combined outlet. 
He is also acting as aide to Russ 
Winnie, assistant manafier. Bob 
Heiss is now Alet announcer of the 
station, and Margie Walters has suc- 
ceeded Marian Ringenbach in the 
program office. 



New r«rk Cil7 — Stephen Price, 
director for the Office ol War Inter- 
mation, enters Army in November, 



^ Radio Daffodils « 



Mcidea CMy.— What the film censors of Mexico City okay doesnt always 
find a like response from the country's broadcasters. The picture censor 
had passed favorably on a production, 'La Casa de Mujeres' ("The House 
of Women"), for showing at a leading theatre, but when the latter's man- 
agement tried to place some announcements about the film on XEW, 
Mexico City, it was flatly turned down. The station didn't fancy the idea 
of exploiting a picture, which dealt with a brass-check joint. 



Bochester, N. Y. — Truman Brizee, just back from hospital, became 
WHAM's head of publicity, sales promotion and merchandizing, succeed- 
ing Arthur Kelly who, in a t>urst of versatility, converts himself into a 
radio engineer. 



Bnflslo. — Ralph Hubbell, WGR sportscaster, won the five-lap special for 
local broadcasters at the Roller Derby here (the other four contestants 
didn't finish) and gave the $50 War Bond prize to the USO. Radio feuds' 
helped build audience to 9,000. 



James Bixler's New 

Assignment at Blue 

James Bixler, formerly in the 
Blue network's night production 
staff, has been shifted to a part-day- 
time schedule, plus duty weekends. 

His assistant, Addison Amor, will 
handle the night assignment, under 
snpoArision of Hany Frasee, pro- 
duction manager. 



Ralpk Sndair at 

Ralph Sinclair has been named the 
new copy chief of the Ruthraufl & 
Ryan agency. 

He succeeds in that post Everett 
Grady, who has been upped to ex- 
ecutive vp. 



Ruth Clemens Off NBC 

Ruth Clemens, assistant to John 
Almonte, nigW manager of NBC. has 
resigned to take an advertising 
agency position. 

Her successor hasn't ben named. 



Collins With me * Petcn 
Chicago, Oct 27 

Robert S. Collins joins the local 
staff of Free Si Peters, radio station 
representatives. 

CoUins resigned as Chicago sales 
manager of Newspaper Gvoups Inc. 
to take the post. 



French-Owned 

XEB to mono 

Watts in Mexk 



Mexico City, Oct 27. 

Radio station XEB here, owned 
and operated by the Buen Tono 
Cigarette Co., an old-established 
French enterprise, has gone on 100,- 
OOO-watt potency. Inaugural pro- 
gram lasted 17 hours. XEB, one of 
the oldest of Mexican commercial 
stations, began as a 5,000-watter and 
had been operating at 10,000 watts 
for some time. 

Preparations for raising the power 
had been made more than a year 
ago. But war conditions had hamp- 
ered obtaining equipment and ma- 
terial from the U. S. until now. XEB 
is now runner-up to XEW (150,000 
watts) here as the most powerful 
ccounercial station in Mexico. 



San Anionio — Alma Tatcfa is 
the latest addition to the staff of 
station KTSA. Joins as secretary to 
the station's War Program Director, 
Lew Lacey. Miss Tatch comes from 
advertising circles in Chicago. 



BOB HAWK 

^^Thanks To The Yamks^^ 
Saturdays—CBS 



7:3t p.iii. EWT— Cs9t 
9:M p.in. MWT- 



CWT 
PWT 



For CAMELS 



86 RADIO REVIEWS 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



*nK REFUSE TO DIE' 

Caal: Madeleine Carroll, Joseph 

Schlldkraul, Eric von Stroheim, 

ClIKon Fadiman.-'ftoy Barfcy 
Director: Phil Cohan 
Writer: Juslln Herman 
Drama 
Sustaining 
Sunday, 7:30 p. m. 
WN'EW. New York 

WNEW added its own tribute to 
the new immortal villagers of Lidice, 
Czecliia. last Sunday evening (25) 
with a program that seemed to be 
more devoted to a sober appraisal 
ot the tragedy's implications than 
to an cfToit at dramatic pyrotech- 
nics and wailing-wall reproach. The 
bite or anger and the clenched fist 
were there, but -crvcd merely as a 
base to the main theme: the Nazis 
in their 'stupid arrogance' and mass 
murder had not only made the men 
of Lidice live forever, but had ral- 
lied the civilized world to greater 
determination against their brutal 
force. 'We Refuse to Die' was suf- 
fused with performances of the in- 
spired category, the direction was 
suiehanded throughout, Roy Bargy's 
batoning of his own score gave 
colorful accent to mood and dialog, 
but the script somehow failed to 
have what it lakes to cut deeply 
into the listener's consciousness and 
emotions. It was an exposition of 
man's inhumanity to man, but the 
lift that comes from the recognition 
of human kinship was missing. 

Somewhat unorthodox was the 
writer's use of a double narrator and 
the device may have been the source 
ot confusion to some listeners. There 
was Clifton Fadiman to guide the 
listener through the prolog and 
Joseph Schildkraut, cast as one of 
the Lidice victims, to double as nar- 
rator of the Nazi artocity and a 
major figure in the acting passages. 
Eric von Stroheim, in the role of 
the German general delegated by 
Hitler to carry out the town's de- 
struction and the murder of its male 
populace, turned in an interpreta- 
tion that ranked high in suggesting 
overhanging dread, German thor- 



oughness even when it comes to 
human exlcrminalion and the prick- 
ing of conscience which some lime 
must befall even the most hardened. 

The play closed with the vow that 
'men snail walk again in freedom' 
and that Lidice will rise again. Vlad- 
imir S. Hurban, Czech minister to 
the United States, who was present 
in WNEW's studio, expressed his 
people's appreciation for the broad- 
cast tribute and he was followed by 
Edouard Benes, president of the Re- 
public, who in a shortwaved broad- 
cast from London, thanked the 
American people for helping keep 
the memory ot Lidice alive. 

Odec. 



KAY-ASHTON STEVENS 

'Chat Across the Tables' 

Guests: Ernest Byfleld, C. Aubrey 

Smith, Claudia Cassldy, Ben Bernie 
15 Mins.: Loral 
Sustaining 
Sunday, 12:3t p.m. 
WBBM, Chicago 

Kay-Ashton Steven.';, actrc^s-wife 
of the Chicago literary critic and 
columnist of the Chicago Herald- 
American, inaugurated a pleasant, 
conversational, 15 minutes of chit- 
chat with [tersonalitics from different 
realms in public life. On this broad- 
cast (staged In the Pump Room of 
the Ambassador Elast hotel) were 
Ernest Byfleld. C. Aubrey Smith, 
Claudia Cassidy and Ben Bernie. 

Mrs. Stevens brings to the micro- 
phone a pleasant, cultured personali- 
ty, an easy professional manner and 
a fine speaking voice. Her inter- 
views are better-thaii-average. due 
to writing job and because she has 
veered completely away from the 
usual, hackneyed interviewer's ap- 
proach. 

None of the subjects was asked 
anything strictly biographical. In- 
stead, Mrs. Stevens picked one or 
two highlights in their experience 
and permitted them to tell the story 
which, in each case, was interesting. 

If Mrs. Stevens can keep up the 
pace she has a winner. Loop. 



'BACHELOB'S CHILDBEN' 

< It: Hugh Stndebaker, Marjarle 
Hannan, Patricia Dunlap, OUn 
Soule, Marie Nelsoo, Charles 
Flynn 

Writer: Bess Flynn 

Director: Buss Young 

IS Mins. 

CONTINENTAL MILLS 
Dally, 16:45 a.m. 
WABC-CBS, New York 

(Bates) 

Bess FlyiTn's veteran daytimer re- 
cently switched sponsorship from 
Campbell's soup to General Mills' 
Wonder Bread, but it remains with 
the Ted Bates agency and except for 
the commercial copy continues in its 
accustomed groove. Bachelor Dr. 
Bob, the kindly proxy-papa, has 
reached middle age in the years 
since the yarn started, and his 
brood of adoptees has grown up a 
bit. But the flavor of emotional dra- 
matics against a background of 
folksy human goodness is unchanged. 
It'j undistinguished hokum woven 
about the commonplace, but de- 
monstrably of wide popular listener 
acceptance. 

Current sequence concerns a re- 
cent tiff between twin sisters Janet 
and Ruth Ann, and the efforts of Dr. 
Bob and Ellen to effect a reconcillia- 
tion. There's also the next story 
complication gettihg under way, Mrs. 
Lane's lawsuit against Dr. Bob for 
an alleged unauthorized operation 
on her son David. That prospect. 
Dr. Bob says, has him 'disturbed,' 
which should be some kind of an 
indication of the character ot the 
writing. 

Long opening commercial on the 
broadcast caught dwelt on Wonder 
Bread's vitamin I content, while the 
slightly shorter closing one was a 
testimonial about the nourishing, 
economical meals the product pro- 
vides. There was little distinction to 
the copy. Hobe. 



THE MAGIC CABFET* 

Writer: Flttmaurloe Hill » 

Director: John Adaskin 

3t mins. 

Sustaining 

Sunday, 5:.1<l p.m. 

CBC, OtUwa 

Producer John Adaskin has suc- 
ceeded in making a kiddie show that 
lowers above other Canadian pro- 
grams of the same type. Utilizing 
the literary output of Grimm, Hans 
C. Andersen and Aesop, Adaskin 
niters the material to bring out color 
and interest. This despite some 
over-projection by the actors. 

In 'The Tinder Box,' ancient tale of 
a soldier who married a princess 
despite her pappy and mammy, the 
King character overdid his hay- 
fever, the Witch her harsh voice and 
the Queen her comedy severity, but 
the general quality of the perform- 
ance more or less eclipsed these res- 
ervations and the show came out 
with zest. 

Although aimed at a 12-year-old 
mind. Hill's script was most ot the 
time as modern as a Flying Fortress. 
Credit for a large part of the show's 
and the series' success will go to the 
conipositions. arrangements and di- 
recting of the music, all by Bob 
Farnon. young Toronto musician, 
who has captured the spirit of the 
fairy tales, and with the oddest col- 
lection of grotesque cadenzas takes 
the kiddie.s— all ages — back to their 
Alice in Wonderland days. Corm. 



'MY PBAYER WAS ANSWERED' 

Transcription 

15 Mins. — Local 

STAB FURNITURE CO. 

Sunday, 2:15 p.m. 

WSNY, SchenecUdy 

This srrestingly titled scries ot 
playlets is broadcast over a string of 
stations, under various advertiser 
auspices. Produced and waxed by a 
West Coast organization, dramatiza- 
tions deal with cases in which indi- 
viduals turn to a Higher Power for 
aid after all human agencies fail. 
The program pivots on a broadly re- 



JOSEPHINE HOUSTON 



THE SINGING STAR 



"Josephine Houston is one 
of the best singers of her day. 
She should be at the Metro- 
politan.^^ 



^^Jos^hine Houston has one 
of the finest soprano voices 
we've ever thrilled to." 



VARKTY 



'lovely melodies beguilingly 
sung by a genuine artist/' 




BILLBOARD 

"Her voice has dear and 
lovely quality." 



''A first rate singer, Josephine 
Houston/' 



"One of the most Ingratiating 
of singers " 



ligious angle but is In no sense sec- 
tarian. Strictly speaking, it is radio 
entertainment geared for a certain 
type ot mass reception and employ- 
ing many standard tricks of that Held 
Characterization, if there be any is 
not subtle, the long arm of coinci- 
dence is freely used, and the acting 
is more direct than distinguished. 
However, the whole adds up to fairly 
slick hokem, competently handled. 

On an earlier shot, listeners were 
asked to submit stories of cases in 
which their prayers had been an- 
•swcred. This was not the case when 
heard more recently. One yarn told 
of mutiny aboard ship. The captain 
loses his eyesight in an injury during 
a storm and recovers it, in a second 
big blow, after he prays to God. The 
villain is washed overboard; sailing 
ship reaches its Australian port. 
Hardly distinctive but well done. 
Another story with a Spanish Civil 
War background and the rescue ot 
an American girl, etc., was not as 
clear, as convincing. 

Advertising was in surprisingly 
good taste for local sponsorship, even 
if opening spiel about furniture store 
enjoying the 'privilege of entertaiiv- 
ing listeners in privacy of their 
homes' is slightly pretentious. 

Jaco. 



Noriega Elected Head 
Of. Annooncers Society 
Jnst Formed m Mexico 



Mexico City, Oct. 27. 
Local radio announcers have or- 
ganized a society of their own, Aso- 
ciacion Nacional Democratica de 
Anunciadores de Radio (National 
Democratic Radio Announcers Asso- 
ciation). 

They have elected as president, 
Aloiiso Sordo Noriega, air sports re- 
porter and newscaster, who is now 
chief government inspector of com- 
mercial radio stations. 



PRIZE TUNE HOOK FOR 
KJR MUSICAL SHOW 



Seattle, Oct. 27. 

KJR has sold a weekly halt-hour 
musical show to Schoenfeld's Furni- 
ture Co. Will Include Bob Harvey, 
leader ot the orchestra at the China 
Pheasant, local nitery. Each week 
a new tune written by a Northwest 
composer will ^e awarded a $25 War 
Bond, and -will also compete for a 
grand award ot a $500 War Bond 
to be given for the best tuna writ- 
ten during the series ot broadcasts. 

Zena Griffin will emcee the show, 
which will include 15-pieca band, a 
novelty vocal quintet and a feminine 
vocalist. 

Will air Wednesday nights at nine. 



FIND NEW CALL LETTERS 



XEQW CenluMd With XEW and 
XEQ In Mexico 



Mexico City, Oct. 27. 

All radio stations in Mexico must 
have letters that completely identify 
them and cannot possibly lead to 
confusion in station identification at 
home and abroad. This was stressed 
by the Ministry of Communications 
and Public Works, ruler ot air af- 
fairs in this country. In ordering 
station XEQW to And some mora 
distinctive lettering. 

This station has frequently been 
confused with XEQ and XEW here, 
two of the most important in Mexico. 



KFRC's Gal Newscaster 

San Francisco, Oct. 27. 
First femme newscaster In this 
area made her debut on a sponsored 
KFRC program. Distaffer Is Ruth 
Anderson, who clicked so well while 
substituting for a vacationing male 
that she was signed on a permanent 
basis. 

Miss Anderson pilots a Monday 
through Friday stint for which she 
was formerly just the commercial 
announcer. 



Personal Management OALE, Inc. 4S W. 48th SL, NY.C 



W!AV 



WedneBday. Oetober 28, 1941 



CONCERT-OPERA 



8T 



San Francisco Opera Doing Terrific 
Business; Standees AH Performances 



■H- 



San Francisco, Oct 27. 

The San Francisco Opera Co., first 
of the major three opera companies 
jn the U. S. to open its season, Is do- 
ing almost fantastically well finan- 
cially In this. Its 20th anniversary 
season. During the past week the 
company again sold out on five 
oueras, which means that every per- 
fomance given to date has beep a 
sellout, an almost unheard-of record 
In operatic history. 

The average gross on the first five 
operas of the season was $13,400, 
and 'Lucia.' at a reduced scale of 
«4 40, grossed $12,200. 'Traviate,' 
also given as an extra performance 
in Sacramento Oct 10, played to 
5 000 people with receipts of $16,400. 
Prices this year were scaled down 
from $7.26 to $8.05 In the orchestra, 
the company thus losing $35,000 an- 
nually in gross, but the company has 
more than made this up by the ter- 
rific demand for tickets. Standing 
room has been allotted to the Army 
and Navy, with an average of 700 
per performance present The bal- 
ance of the season, which ends Oct 
31, Indicates, from the advance aale, 
that financially the season will do 
the best In San Francisco history. 

Of the operas given in the past 
week, 'Lucia' was the best from a 
performance standard. Uly Pons 
was at her best on the vocals and 
sang the 'Mad Scene' superbly with 
all of the flortura, runs and cadenzes 
■ being taken with flawless ease and 
concluding with a bcU-llke high 'E.' 
A surprise was the tenor, Jan Peerce, 
In a role not fitted for starring pur- 
poses by a tenor. Starting with the 
duet 'Verrano a te' with the colora- 
tura, and running through the 'Fra 
Poco' and "Tu che a Dio,' the tenor 
was in magnificent voice, singing 
with a long unbroken line, tremen- 
dous power and vitality and with 
ringing top 'A's' and 'B's.' Richard 
Bonelli delivered a finely sung 
'Cruda Finestra' and acted with his 
customary authority, while Lorenzo 
Alvary, Thelma Votkipa and Paul 
Walti were excellent in subordinate 
parts. Pietro Cimara's conducting 
was exemplary for its firm hold on 
orchestra and principals alike. Ar- 
mando Agninl provided excellent 
stage settings as usual. 

'Carmen' Excellent 

'Carmen,' Monday (19), was also 
an excellent performance with Irra 
Petina, Met secondary mezzo, taking 
over the title role for the first time. 
The singer, known as an excellent 
actress, lived up to her repuation 
and imbued the character with bril- 
liance and fire. Her husky dark 
voice was well able to cope with the 
varied moods of the vocal score. 
Raoul Jobin provided the best sing- 
ing with his immense lyric tenor and 
perfect diction as Jose. His 'Flower 
Song' stopped the show. Llcia Al- 
banese provided a well sung Micaela 
with the 'Je dis che rlen,' also a show 
stopper. John Brownlee was not a 
good Toreador, and his delivery of 
his aria lacked the power and verve 
It should have. In the supporting 
cast Alvary as Zuniga was the vocal 
and dramatic standout with good 
bits being provided by Miss Votkipa, 
Cristina Carroll, Alezzio de Paolis 
and George Cehanovsky. Gaetano 
Merola led a powerful vital orches- 
tra with deep understanding for the 
score. 

■Fausf Wednesday (21), saw Ezio 
Plnza as its star, with the basso at 
52 in better voice than ever. His 
long rest 'has restored much of his 
golden quality, and his huge power- 
ful tones soared effortlessly over the 
orchestra, while his acting domi- 
nated all scenes he was in. Charles 
KuUman was a sympathetic Faust, 
singmg adequately if not brilliantly, 
and reaching his high mark with a 
well-phrased, well-sung 'Salut de- 
meure.' Licia Albanese looked a lit- 
tle mature for Marguerite, but sang 
well, especially above the staff, 
where her top notes were always 
_ luU and brUliant Her duets with 
Kflllman and the 'Jewel Song' with 
a resonant high 'B' were her high 
points. John Brownlee provided a 
good soldierly Valentine, and sang 
the Avant de quitter' with abundant 
leeimg. Verna Osborne, lyric so- 
prano, made her debut with a well- 
sung Siebel and disclosed a voice of 
good quality but a trifle light for ihe 
part Thelma Votkipa and Ceha- 
novsky completed the cast with good 
impersonations of Martha and Wag- 
ner, whUe Fausto Clevr led a virile 
orchestra with abundant feeling for 
"•s score. Again, as In most all of 



BOXOFFICE SALE GOOD 

Xa Boheme' Strang Despite Sub- 
loriptlon Lag In War 



Indianapolis, Oct. 27. 

Charles L. Wagner's production 
of 'La Boheme,' with Suzanne Fisher, 
William Hain, Mack Harrell and 
Frances Greer, was first major event 
of local music season at opening 
of the Martens series in English's 
theatre Oct. 19. House (1,500) was 
scaled from $1.10 to $3.30 and 
grossed estimated sock $3,000, with 
standees, at one performance. 

Gladys Alwes, manager of series, 
reports that subscriptions, anticipat- 
ing gas rationing, are not as numer- 
ous as last year but that over-the- 
counter sales have been excellent 
The series Includes the Ballet thea- 
tre, Deo. 1; Helen Traubel, Jan. 17; 
Vronsky and Babin, Feb. 14 and 
Alexander Kipnis, March 22. 



ROMANTIC AGE' 

With Alloa Markova, Karen Conrad 

Ballet Theatre 

Met Opera Hoose, Oct, 23 

On Friday (23) the Ballet Theatre 
presented a U. S. premiere of a new 
work called 'Romantic Age' by An- 
tal Dorati with music by Bellini. 
Both the ballet and its story itself 
are trite, and but for the presence 
in the cast of Alica Markova, would 
be boring. Story deals with a group 
of nymphs, with one of the number 
unable to dance. Cupid, danced by 
Karen Conrad, shoots her with an 
arrow, and she becomes the best 
dancer of the lot. A golden Faun 
and a youth then vie for her love 
with the Faun frustrated, and the 
youth the winner. 

Miss Markova's grace and acting 
ability as a clumsy dancer have to 
be seen to be believed, and the rest 
of the cast was well above standard. 
The music is tuneful, but with such 
familiar arias as 'Ah non giunge' 
from 'Sonnambula' and pieces of 
'Norma' which are easily recogniz- 
able, one expects the dancers to 
suddenly stop and sing. Eddy. 



16 MISSING 
FROM MET 
ROSTER 



The prospectus of the Metropoli- 
tan Opera Co. for Its forthcoming 
60th season opening Nov. 23 lists 105 
singers on the roster and 16 dropped 
since last year. Two additional 
works have been added as revivals, 
'Salome' and 'La Serva Padrona,' 
the second being revived for Salva- 
tore Baccaloni. 

Of the singers off the roster, the 
most prominent is Elisabeth Rett- 
berg, who resigned 10 days ago after 
19 successsive years with the com- 
pany. Others are Jean Dickenson, 
Susanne Fisher, Muriel Dickson, 
Greta Stueckgold, Rose Pauly and 
Dusolina Giannini, sopranos; Kath- 
ryn Meisle, contralto; Charles Hack- 
ett (deceased), Jussi Bjoerling, Tito 
Schipa, Jan Kiepura and Anthony 
Marlowe, tenors; Carlo Morelli, bari- 
tone, and Virgilio Lazzari and Leon 
Rothier, basses. 

Of the sopranos, only the exclu- 
sion of Miss Giannini Is a surprise, 
for while she did not sing last year, 
she is one of America's best dramatic 
sopranos. The Met could use Bjoer- 
ling to great advantage if he was in 
this country, and it is regretful as a 
matter of sentiment to see the omis- 
sion for the first time since 1910 of 
Leon Rothier's name. The 68-year- 
old French basso last sang at Gio- 
vanni Martinelli's 25th anniversary 
party almost five years ago in a 
scene from 'Juive.' 

The balance of the list is much the 
same as Isst year with four men, 
baritone Lieutenant Arthur Kent, 
Chief Petty Officer, tenor John Car- 
ter, and Privates Elwood Gary, tenor, 
and Clifford Harvuot baritone, car- 
ried as inactive on the roster. 



the performances, the staging of Ar- 
mando Agninl was outstanding. 

•L Amore Dei Tre Re,' Friday (23) 
was the first of the operas to fail 
to sell out although a profit wjis 
made on the performance. Ezio 
Pinza was its star, with the basi ii 
excellent form vocally, and his ana 
■O Ricordn, il pensiero' stopping the 
show. As is customary with Pinza, 
he dominated the acting, Robert 
Weede was next in line among the 
principals, with his big baritone scor- 
ing in the two arias allotted him. 
'Fiora, Fiora, piccolo flore" and 'Fan- 
ciulla tu non puoi.' Conductor Italo 
Montemezzi led his orchestra bril- 
liantly, but Charles "KUltman's lyric 
voice struggled in vain to cope with 
the arduous music of Avito and only 
in the duet 'O Fiora Fiore, sono 
Avito" did the full lyricism of his 
part come through. Jean Tennyson 
as Flora found the tessiturr, high 
and much of her acting was forced. 

Among the lesser principals Alessio 
de Paolis as Flaminio and Elizabeth 
Wysor as La Vecchia were the vocal 
and dramatic standouts with good 
characterizations turned In by Paul 
Walti, Kathleen Lawlor, Margorie 
McCarthy and Claramae Turner. As 
usual, Armando Agninl's .stagin'? was 
exemplary In taste and brilliance. 



Concert Reviews 



WANDA LANDOWSKA 
Harpsichordist 

Town Hall, N. T„ Oct. 21, 1942 

Wanda Landowska's annual reci- 
tals on this forgotten instrument, 
the harpsichord, are events in N. Y. 
In her case the N. Y. critics feel at 
liberty to let go every adjective in 
an effort to describe what they hold 
to be perfection. Last year it was 
stated that she was the world's 
greatest haipsichordist; this year 
Virgil Thomson of the Tribune de- 
clared that she is the greatest artist 
in music, that nobody plays anything 
else as well as she plays her instru- 
ment A sold-out wildly cheering 
house agreed. 

However the artist despite her 
perfection, and the impressive tone 
values she manages to evoke from 
her obsolete instrument, is not al- 
ways an interesting recitalist, per- 
haps because even technical perfec- 
tion palls. The harpichord itself, 
compared to the present day piano 
fails to bring forth the floods of 
color now expected. Her recital 
manner and dress are as old as her 
strange genius. Eddy. 



MIRIAM SOLOVIEFF 
Violinist 

Town Hall, N. T., Oct 23, 1942 

Much of this youthful violinist's 
playing was highly commendatory, 
but while talented to an unusual 
decree, she has a tendency to allow 
her emotions to run riot which re^ 
suited in some off pitch playing and 
scratching, especially in the open 
ing Beethoven sonata. 

She possesses all the attributes of 
a possible great artist, and being but 
21, has ample time to develop her 
gifts. Eddy. 

JEAN WATSON 
Contralto 

Town Hall, N. T., Oct. 20, 1942 

Young Canadian contralto is fine 
artist. Her voice is large, full 
bodied, and with a quality that Is 
most pleasing. She uses her voice 
with artistry and seems to belong at 
the Metropolitan. Outstanding in her 
recital were arias from 'Alceste' and 
'Gioconda.' 

Her only faults lie in her failure 
to act her arias out, and a suspicion 
that the top voice stops about at an 
'A' flat. Given another year, and an 
additional two tones on top, and 
she will be hard to beat in her class. 

Eddy 

DOROTHY BAKER 
Soprano 

Town Hall, N. T., Oct. 19, 1942 

This recital was distinctly a poor 
one. for Dorothy Baker, church 
singer, was in bad voice throughout 
with improper breath control and 
screechy upper tones predominating, 
The singer slid from pitch on many 
occasions. 

Considering the good work she has 
done in the past it must be attributed 
to an off night rather than any defl 
nite retrogression of her vocal abili 
ties. Eddy. 



WITOLO MALCUZYNSKI 
Pianist 

CarnCRle Hall, N. Y., Oct 19, 1942 

One of the last pupils of Paderew- 
ski. this Pole possesses a brilliant 
technique, power, ability at shading, 
an excellent pianissimo and firm 
knowledge. But his recitals seem to 
lack that indiflnable something 
which distinguish a great artist from 
a Kood one. 

For the present. Wilold Malcuzyn- 
ski is in the latter class. Eddy. 



See Nazi Cunning Behmd Argentine 
Artists Rap at Yanqui Operatics 



CHICAGO OPERA WINNERS 



File Clerk and Musle Teacher Win 
Chance, to Sing 



Chicago, Oct 27. 

Finals in the Chicago Opera Com- 
pany auditions were held last vreek 
in Chicago, with Gladys Zeiher. 
mezzo-soprano, and Bruce Foote, 
baritone, given contracts to sing 
with the company this fall. 

Miss Zeiher is a file clerk in a 
Chicago office. Foote is assistant 
professor of music at the University 
of Illinois. 

Judges included Fortune Gallo, 
Giovanni Martinelli, Mrs. William 
E. Cowan and local newspaper 
critics. 



LOWEU THOMAS 
HEADS LECTURE 
GUP 



Lowell Thomas has been named 
president of the recently organized 
American Platform Guild, Inc., 
trade association for the lecture 
business. Other officers are Chan- 
ning Pollock, representing the artists, 
William Feakins, for the managers, 
William Huff, for the sponsors 
(bookers), all vice presidents; and 
James B. Pond as executive secre- 
tary. 

Organization has most topnotch 
lecture managers in its fold except 
Colston Leigh and Lee Keedick. 

Understood that H. V. Kaltenborn 
was offered the proxy post but 
nixed the offer since he has not 
been active in lecture field for some 
time. 

The organization is staging its first 
get-together, a luncheon, at the Mc- 
Alpin hotel in New York, on Satur- 
day (31). 



GINO BALDINI NAMED 
USO-CSI CONCERT HEAD 



Gino Baldini is new head of the 
concerts division of USO-Camp 
Shows, Inc. His experience includes 
managing Sir Thomas Beecham and 
the Westminster Choir. 

He follows C. C. Cappel, who re- 
signed some weeks ago to handle the 
Baltimore Symphony Orch. 



OBLIVIOUS TO INJURIES 



Elizabeth Wysor Sings After Serlonii 
San Francisco Accident 



ELLA BELLE DAVIS 
Soprano 

Town Hall, N. Y.. Oct. 25. 1942 

Colored soprano has extraordinary 
range, carrying power and luscious 
quality in a lyric voice. Her voice, 
whether used at its full power, or in 
a pianissimo, was under perfect con- 
trol and the highlight of the recital 
was the effortle.ijs ripping off of high 
'C's and a ringing "E" flat to con- 
clude the 'Sempre Libera' from 
'Traviata.' 

Equally at home in French, Ger- 
man, Italian or English, and blessed 
with intelligence and interpretative 
ability, she should eo fjir. F.ddv. 



San Francisco, Oct 27. 

Despite fractured ribs, torn ten- 
dons in her back, concussion of the 
brain, broken fingers, a dislocated 
shoulder and cuts and abrasions, 
Elizabeth Wysor, contralto, sang La 
Vecchia in "L'Arjiore Dei Tre Re," 
Friday (23) with the San Francisco 
Opera Co. Singer was injured in 
a fall from a hor.<;c the previous 
Sunday (18) while riding in the Oak- 
land hills. 

Miss Wysor had made her Frisco 
debut the Friday before in The 
Bartered Bride,' Thrown once by 
a frisky horse, she remounted, and 
wss again jarred loose causing th^ 
injuries. 



Buenos Aires, Oct. 20. 
Group of artists of the Teatro 
Colot> here have forwarded to 
President Ramon S. Castillo a memo- 
randum alleging that foreign artists, 
particularly those from the U. S., 
are being overpaid while local siAg- 
ers have been slighted. Manner in 
which only the Nazi press has played 
up this alleged slight has left little 
doubt in local minds that the entire 
stunt has been cooked up by Nazi 
propagandists to aim at Yanqui con- 
cert and operatic stars who have 
been the leading imports here this 
season. 

Axis propagandists have been par- 
ticularly adept at working on the 
natural susceptibility of local artists 
to, get across the idea that localites 
are being ptfshed out of jobs by the 
influx of gooawilling warblers. Since 
the Colon is operated by the Munici- 
pality of the Federal Capital of 
Beunos Aires and its losses come 
from taxpayers' pockets there is 
plenty of ground for cracking down 
should the officials be so inclined. 
Petition asks that Federal Govern- 
ment issue a decree to intervene in 
the situation in the name of patri- 
otism. Points out that prices paid to 
stars from the U. S. have^been 
exorbitant and cites several ex- 
amples, among them payment of 
33,830 pesos (about $8,000 U. S.) to 
Zinka Milanov for participation in 
three operas; 26,000 pesos (about 
$6,500) to Frederick Jaegel for four 
operas; 12,000 (about $3,000) for one 
opera to Raquel Ravina; and 23,200 
pesos (about $5,500) to Bruna Cas- 
tagna for three operas. 

In contrast, payments to certain 
Argentine artists are noted averag- 
ing 3,000 pesos (about $750) for 
three months contract number of 
performances unspecified. 

Unusual note about the petition 
is that until the war there were few 
American stars here and the Colon 
management has never been strong 
for Yanks and, in fact has long been 
suspected of being antL-American. 



ROBERT CASADESUS' 
35 U.S: RECITALS 



Robert Casadesus, French pianist 
has been booked for approximately 
35 engagements this season at $800- 
$1,000 per by Columbia Concerts. 
The pianist opened his tour Oct. 13 
in Utica, N. Y. 

Among his important engagements 
are those with five orchestras. They 
include the Chicago Synvphony, Nov. 
8; the N. Y. Philharmonic, Nov. 14 
and. 15; the Pittsburgh Symphony, 
Nov. 27 and 28; the St. Louis Sym- 
phony, Dec. 11 and 12 and the Okla- 
homa Symphony in Oklahoma City 
and Tulsa, Feb. IS and 16. He plays 
his annual Carnegie Hall, N.- Y. re- 
cital Nov. 4. 



Charles KuUman Crowds 
In a Few Road Dates 



Hartford's Special 'Aida' 



Hartford, Oct, 27. 
The first opera in a series of five 
planned for this city was presented 
last night (27) with a chorus nnd 
orchestra locally recruited, each con- 
taining a personnel of 50. Ang.;lo 
Canarutto of the Met was the con- 
ductor. 

Opera was 'Aida' with Kurt Baum, 
Winifred Heidt and Mobley Lu- 
shanya in the cast. 



Charles Kullman opened his fall 
dates with an appearance with the 
San Francisco Opera Co. Oct, 16 In 
'The Bartered Bride.' After leaving 
that company he plays his only con- 
cert date of this year at the Uni- 
versity of Utah, Nov. 4, and then 
appears in •Boheme' with Grace 
Moore on the WGN Chicago operetta 
hour, Nov. 7. Kullman then returns 
to N. Y. for Met rehearsals and will 
sing his usual 20-30 Met appearances 
this .season. 

He was forced by Met committ- 
menLs to cancel out of a 'Boheme' 
and Tosca" with the Chicago Opera 
Co. He opens his Met season in 'Don 
Giovanni' in Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 
the .second night of the season. His 
concert tour will open Feb. I and 
he will play 10 dates to Feb. 21. The 
tenor receives $1,250 for a concert 
appearance. 



FOR THE DURATION 

Young.5lov/n, O,, Oct. 27. 
Carmine Ficocelli wielded the ba- 
ton here Oct. 19 before the Youngs- 
town Symphony Orchestra, his last 
appearance with the organization 
before cnteriim the Army Oct 31, 



Mobley Lushanya Subs 
For Vivian Delia Chiesa 

Toronto, Oct. 27. 

Because of illness, Vivian Delia 
Chiesa had to cancel her guest-artist 
appearance with the Toronto Phil- 
harmonic Orchestra Thursday (22) 
when proceeds were turned over to 
the Canadian Merchant- Marine. 

One of the stars of the San Carlo 
Opera Company, Mobely Lushanya, 
stepped into the breach and donated 
her .services as gucst-arlist to re- 
nl.Tc Miss Chie.sH 



S8 



ORCHESTRA GROSSES 



Wcdiiesd«7, October 28, 1942 



Knipa Zd Nifty $60,000 in N. 
Kaye Great $18,500 in Balto, 
Crosby Swings $44,000 in Oii 



(Estimates for This Week) 

Blue Barron, Pittsburgh (Stanley; 
S.800: 30-44-55-C6) — 'Eyes in Nighf 
(M-G). Could be that Barron's back 
here again too soon, since he played 
WB deluxer last only about six or 
seven months ago. No accounting 
otherwise for weak $16,500. 

Bob Crosby, Chicago (Chicago; 
4.000: 35-.')5-75)— Plus 'Are Husbands 1 
Necessary' (Par). Nice $44,000, with ' 
Crosby getting credit for bulk of ' 
draw. ! 

Ted Flo RIto, San Francisco | 
(Golden Gate; 2,850; 44-55-75)— With 
•Here We Go Again' (RKO) and 
vaude (2d wk). Combo drawing ter- 
rific $22,000 on second stanza. 

Horace Heldt, Washington (Capi- 
tol; 3.434; 28-39-44-66)— Plus 'Seven 
Sweethearts' (M-G). Combo getting 
nice $26,000, with film credited for 
considerable portion of b.o. 

Tiny Hill, Chicago (OrienUI; 3.200; 
28-33-44-55)— With "Spirit of Stan- 
ford' (Col) and vaude. Nice $18,000. 

Sammy Kaye, Baltimore (Hippo- 
drome; 2,240; 17-28-38-44-55-68)— 
With -Highways By Night' (RKO). 
Band gets all the credit for great 
$18,500. 

Stan Kenton, New York (Strand; 
2.75B; 35-55-75-85-9B-$1.10) — With 
Three Stooges and Jack Carson on 
stage, "You Can't Escape Forever' 
(WB) on screen (2d-flnal wk). Fall- 
ing down on holdover, take looking 
only $28,000, slender. First week was 
good, however, at $40,000. 

Gene Krnpa, New York (Para- 
mount: 3,664; 35-55-75-85-99-$1.10)— 
With Merry Macs, other acts, on 
stage, (2 wk). 'Forest Rangers' (Par) 
<lst wk) on screen. Band held over 
while picture changed. Krupa Is 
credited with much ot the $60,000, 
excellent, grossed on the week ended 
last night (Tuesday). Krupa and 
'Rangers' hold over. 

Jebnny hong, Washington (Earls; 
2,210; 28-39-44-66)— With 'You Can't 
Escape Forever' (WB). Picture 
slugged by crix, but band is pushing 
gross to trim $19,000. 

Tony Pastor, Providence (Metro- 
politan; 3,200; 30-55)— With 'Youth 
on Parade' (Rep) and Stroud Twins 
and Frank Sinatra on stage. Good 
$7,000 in three days. 



MOSQUE IN NEWARK 
PROBABLE FOR NAMES 



Another name band location job 
will open in Newark in a few weeks, 
if present plans materialize. Frank 
Meiritt and Newman Waters. Bir- 
mingham theatre operators, who re- 
cently bought the Mosque theatre 
there, are planning to establish a 
nitery on the basenienl floor of the 
theatre and are dickering with Frank 
Dailey, owner of Meadowbrook, 
Cedar Grove. N. J., to operate it. 
Merr'ilt and Waters come north Fri- 
day (30) to attend a meeting with 
Prudential Life Insurance Co. rep- 
resentatives at which time the sale 
will be fully consummated. Pru- 
dential is the former owner; sale 
price is $1,000,000. 

Mosque is the spot which Dailey 
look an option on about six months 
ago when rubber and gasoline ra- 
tioning went into effect. He intended 
then to operate a nitery on the 
premises along the lines of. his Mea- 
dowbrook, if the latter spot was in- 
jured by transportation curtailments. 
Apparently his option was still in 
effect when the theatre changed 
hands, and the projected affiliation 
with Merritt and Waters is the re- 
sult. If the deal goes through 
Dailey will continue to operate Mea- 
dowbrook since that spot has so far 
escaped the b.o. blight expected. 



Powell Draws 
Big $6,380 at 
Totem Pole B. 



AFM Board Meetingr In 
Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 27 

Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 27. 

Local 444, American Federation of 
Musicians, has been contacted by 
Harry Benton, national treasurer, 
relative to the election of a hotel 
and other tentative plans for the 
annual national convention of the 
AFM, to be held here the second 
week in June. 

The national executive board usu- 
ally holds its meeting in Miami in 
November to go over plans but the 
Jacksonville local is hoping that the 
board will meet here, as accommoda- 
tions are now difficult to secure in 
Miami due to the demands of the 
armed services. 



SEN. CLARK'S 
ANTIPETRIUO 
BILL 



HIOODLURENO 
HELPTODANCE 
SPOTS EAST 



An idea ot how some name band 
opportunities in the east have sut 
fered since Hollywood discovered 
b.o. bands and began drawing them 
westward for films in increasing 
numbers is outlined in the problems 
confronting such spots as Frank 
Dailey's Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove. 
N. J. In the past two months or so 
Dailey has been forced to rebuild or 
rearrange his band schedule seven 
times. Of course, conscription and 
enlistments of leaders has figured to 
some extent, but most of the fault 
lies in the fact that top names have 
been spending longer and longer 
periods on the Coast. 

Dailey's latest lineup calls for 
Jerry Wald, Nov. 20-Dec. 3; Charlie 
Spivak. Dec. 4-17; Cab Calloway. 
Dec. 18-Jan. 7; Jimmy Dorsey, Jan. 
22-Feb. 4. followed by Alvino Key 
March 5-April 1, then either Tommy 
Dorsey or Gene Krupa. 

In contrast to Dailey's troubles the 
Palladium Ballroom, Hollywood, has 
been having a picnic with these same 
bands brought west to play Alms, a 
situation pointed out last winter in 
'Variety.' As these bands make their 
films they either double into or play 
the Palladium before or after. 



(Estimates; 

Charlie Barnel (Shubert T., New 
Haven, Conn., Oct. 25). Approximate 
4,200 payees at 75c top for band and 
vaude was average biz here. 

Shep Fields-Jack Teagarden (Mu- 
nicipal Aud., Buffalo, Oct. 23). Ad- 
vance sale made this double header 
look good, but heavy rain on night 
played held take down to so-so 
$1,350 at $1.10. 

Guy Ormandy-Allen Curtis (Ray- 
mor-Playmor B., Boston, Oct. 23-24). 
Two local bands did well to draw 
1,600 Friday and 1.800 Saturday, be- 
low average, at 75c-6Sc for $2,380 
gross. 

Teddy Powell (Totem Pole B., Au- 
burndale, Mass., Oct. 21-24). Powell's 
second four-day date was better than 
first. B.800 paying $1.45 pair for ex 
cellent $6,380 gross. 



'Has Knowledge of Eli 
Oberstein's Waxing 
Sez Local 802 



Four Kaye Men in Service 

Sammy Kaye's orchestra is losing 
four men to various service branch- 
es, all within a week or two. Don 
Cornell, guitar-singer, has already 
left the outfit, headed for the band 
at Camp Stewart, at West Point. 

Others going -imminently are 
George Brandon, sax. Army; Lloyd 
Gilliam, trumpet, Marines and Ralph 
Flenniken, Navy. 



New York local 802 of the Amer- 
ican Federation ot Musicians claims 
that it has knowledge of musicians 
who have admitted being on the 
date during which Eli Oberstein of 
Classic Records illegally recorded 
recently, and is continuing its in- 
vestigation. Meanwhile Oberstein 
was before the 802 trial board last 
Thursday (22) as scheduled, for 
questioning, and nothing happened. 

Oberstein was asked where he had 
secured the recording.*; of '1 Had the 
Craziest Dream' and 'Der Fuehrer's 
Face.' He told the board that the 
disputed platters were made in 
Mexico and that he simply bought 
the masters for pressing in the U. S., 
which isn't against union rules. 
Board answered that with an asser- 
tion that it had proof otherwise but 
couldn't yet produce it. 



Washington. Oct. 27 
Legislation to restrict the powers 
of James C. Petrillo, president ot 
the American Federation of Musi- 
cians, was introduced in the Senate 
Friday (23) by Senator D. Worth 
Clark ot Idaho who was chairman ot 
an interstate commerce subcommit- 
tee that heard testimony on Petrillo 
last month from Chairman James L. 
Fly, chairman ot the Federdl Com- 
munications Commission, and Elmer 
Davis, director ot the Office of War 
Intormation. Bill would make illegal 
any orders ot Petrillo to ban the 
production of records or electrical 
transcriptions. The measure would 
make it Illegal for any 'person or 
any group or organisation of per- 
sons, or the officers, representatives 
or members thereof, to make any 
agreement, or to engage in any com- 
bination or conspiracy, to re/use to 
make or manufacture or to refuse 
to engage in the making and manu- 
facturing of phonographs records, 
electrical transcriptions, or other 
forms of recordation, if a purpose 
or effect of the contract, agreement, 
conspiracy or combination is to limit 
or curtail the supply or use of 
phonograph records, electrical tran- 
scriptions, or other form of recorda- 
tion by radio broadcasting stations 
or coin-operated phonographs." 

Nothing in the bill would prevent 
the American Federation of Musi- 
cians from seeking to improve wage.s, 
health standards, working conditions 
or hours of its members. The pro- 
posed legislation provides that 'no 
such contract, agreement, conspiracy 
or combination shall be considered 
unlawful if it Is ba.<;ed on a dis- 
pute concerning compensation, hours, 
health, safety or conditions of em- 
ployment.' 

Senator Clark's bill provides pen 
alties ot a fine of $5,000 or not more 
than one year imprisonment, or both 
tor violations. The legislation, if 
enacted, would be in effect for the 
duration ot the war and six months 
afterward. 

Need tor the legislation, according 
to the bill. Is based on: (1) that radio 
broadcasting is an es.<;ential public 
service and is strongly affected with 
the national public interest; (2) that 
radio broadcasting is of great im 
portance to the successful prosecu 
tion ot the war; (3) that the use of 
recorded music by radio stations is 
essentia! to the optimum utilization 
of radio facilitie.<:: and (4) that the 
cessation of the manufacture of 
phonograph records and electrical 
transcriptions would threaten to 
eliminate the source of newly-re- 
corded music. 



Bands at Hotel B.O/s 



(Presented herewith, as a weekly tabulation, (s the estimated cotter 
charge buslneu being done by name bandi in various New York hotels. 
Dinner business (7-10 p.m.) not rated. Figures after name of hotel give 
room capacity and eover charge. Larger amount designates loeekend and 
holiday price. This compilation is based on the period from Monday. 
Saturday.) 

CoTera retai 
Wnkf Paat Cow* 

Band Hotel rUT«I Week On Dm! 

Alvino Rey Astor (1,000; 76c-$l) 2 3,250 6^00 

Ray Heatherton , Biltmore (300; $1-$1.50) 26 1,100 17!500 

Vaughn Monroe* . Commodore (500; $1-$1.50) 3 1,950 7 525 

Lani Mclntire* ,.. Lexington (300; 75c-$1.50) 37 1,725 57,475 

Harry James Lincoln (225; $1.50-$2) 3 2,125 6 300 

Benny Goodman*. New Yorker (400; 75c-$1.50) 2 2,350 6,150 

Bob Allen Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$1.50) 3 1,625 5,'675 

Guy Lombardo ..Roosevelt (400; $l-$1.50) 2 I.575 4275 

Emil Coleman* ,,. Waldorf (550; $1-$1.50) 2 2,900 6,800 

• Asterisks indicate a supporting floor show, although the bond is (he 
major draui. 



Lot Angeles 

Freddy Martin (Ambassador; 900; $1-$1.50). Hot weather notwithstand- 
ing (it was high in the 90'8 most of the week), this chap continues to keep 
the cover count around the 3,000 mark. It's getting to be more ot a 
career than an engagement tor this smooth dance outfit. 

Joe Reichmaa (Biltmore; 1,200; B0c-$1). Another long-runner who 
writes his own ticket every week on either side of 5,000. 



Frank Ryerson, trumpeter long 
with Glen Gray, replaced Shorty 
Ch5.rock with Alvino Rey. Mike 
Sabol, tenor sax, into Army; Reid 
Tanner, trombone, vice Sam Levine; 
Russ Brown, vice Kai Windling, 
trombone. 



TEDDY POWELL INTO DIXIE 



New Room Opens Nov. 10 or 12 at 
Manhattan Hotel 



Teddy Powell orchestra gels its 
first New York hotel date Nov. 10 or 
12, opening at the Dixie hotel for 
six weeks, with option.s. Job is an 
unusual one for that type of 
band in that it calls for three sepa 
rate sessions daily, at luncheon, din 
ner and supper in the newly laid out 
Plantation Room. 

For weeks the Dixie has been at- 
tempting to institute a name band 
policy but since the intention be- 
came known it used only trios and 
quartettes. Powell will have six 
broadcast wires weekly, paid for by 
the hotel. 



Chicago 

Gria Williams (Empire Room, Palmer House; 600; $3-$3.50 min.). Doing 
nice business, bringing In 4,800 people. The Hartmans co-attraction, latter 
renewed eight more weeks; 16 in all. 

Art KasscI (Walnut Roonv Bismarck hotel; 300; $l-$2 min.), Kassel, a 
favorite here, attracted a fine 2,600 for his fourth week. 

Woody Herman (Panther Room, Sherman hotel; 800; $1.25-$2.S0 min.). 
Herman still doing smash business, getting 6,200 payees tor week. "Three 
Make-Believes' added attraction. 

Nell Bondsha (Maytair Room, Blackstone hotel; 350; $2.50 min.). Thanks 
to Dwight Fiske, as main attraction, brought in fine 1,500 to this room. 

Henry KInr (Marine Room, Edgewaler Beach hotel; 1,100; $1.25). Maes- 
tro still doing fine business, attracting 3,000 people last week. 



Boston 

Ramon Ramos (Oval Room, Copley Plaza; 300; $1 cover). Biz boomed 
skywards here past week with 2,050 covers. Saturday night 969 paid 
tariff. Credit shared by band and show headed by Joan Edwards, John 
Hoysradt and dancers Mario and Floria. Dinner sessions also fine. 

Jack Edwards (Terrace Room, Hotel Statler; 450; $1 cover). Edwards' 
18th week continued excellent with 900 covers over Friday-Saturday, only 
late nights. Dinner traffic excellent. Edwards closes Saturday (31) with 
Chick Floyd coming in Monday. 

San Francisco 

Harry Owens (Mural Room, St. Francis; 700: 75c-$l-$1.25). Owens* 
Hawaiian music has been bringing big crowds to this room tor months; 
accounted for 4,000 currently. 

Herble Holmes (Peacock Court, Mark Hopkins: 600; $1-$1.50). Given a 
big boost when Katharine Dunham dancers checked in latter part ot week, 
but otherwise just average at 3,000. 

Henry Busse (Rose Room, Palace: 615; $1-$1.25-$1.50). Busse's second 
week at this spot rolled up a fine 3,500. 

Chick Gandcll (Persian Room, Sir Francis Drake: 250; $1.50 and $2 min.). 
Gandell rounded out his first month attracting 1.500 weekly customers. 



St. Louis 

Nick Stuart (Club Continental, Hotel Jefferson: 800; $l-$2 min.). Now 
in seventh week this band and fresh supporting floor show is one ot the 
best draws in town. Club is located downtown and biz last week was 
hypoed by a convention. Drew a total of 3..')00 people. 



Minneapolis 



Tony Dl Pardo (Minnesota Terrace; Nicollet hotel; 550; $1-$1.50 min.). 
Fourth week ot early return engagement for this band plus three floor 
show acts. Attendance holding up to good 500 nightly. 



Location Jobs, Not in Hotels 

(Los Angeles) 

Jimmy Dorsey (Palladium B, Hollywood, fourth week). Smitten by 
the heat early in the week but picked up over the weekend for a stout 
25.000, aided by Lockheed-Vega Aircraft party of nearly 5,000 Sunday. 
Gene Krupa comes in Nov. 10. 

Ersklne Hawkins (Casa Manana N, Culver City, Cel., second week). 
Plugging along without any particular pull around here and got a little 
over 4,000 admishes. 

Ray McKlnley (Trianon B, Southgate, Cat., fourth week). Improving 
every week and despite the unusual heat pulled up with around 5,000 
stubs. Jan Garber follows. . 

Muzzy Marcellino (Florentine Garden;; N, Hollywood, third week). Do- 
ing the nitery biz ot the town with the count close to 6,000. Main at- 
tractions are Nils Granlund's floor show with Gertrude Niesen and Mills 
Bros. 

Anson Weeks (Casino B, Hollywood, first week). Onetime tav in these 
parts. Weeks getting only drop-in trade which figures around 2,500 on 
the week. 



(Chicago) ' 
Buddy Franklin (Chez Paree; 650: $3-$3.50 min ). Aided by Jack Cole 
and His Dancers, this between-headliners show brought in nice 3,500 diners 
for week. 

Cbico Marx (Blackhawk; 600; $1.25 min.). Marx has proven to be the 
biggest personality attraction here in years and is the talk of the town. 
Marx current night club sensation, with 4.100 jamming this rendezvous 
to see and hear the popular pianist-comedian-leader. 



(Minneapolis) 

Jack Crawford (Happy Hour; 600; no cover or min.). Second and final 
week ot this well-ilked band found drop in nightly attendance to around 
400. 'Fats' Waller opened this week and is packing 'em in. 



ton Schroedtcr band opened at 
Tavern, Mayflower hotel, Jackson- 
ville, Fla. Replaced Karl Hoppe's 
orchestra, which had been at May- 
flower for six months. 



Jimmy Vincent orch (8) opens at 
Rainbow Room, George Washington 
hotel, Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 30. 
Follows Don Grimes outfit at Rain- 
bow Room since June. 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



ORCHE8T1U8 S9 






Uneup for 802 s Election Dec. 3 



Following U the list of major candidates for the election, on Deo. 8, at 
Local 802, the New York unit of the American Federation of Musicians. 
Blue ticket is the administration and the Unity ticket the opposition. De- 
(plte the 'ticket' classifications it is no simple matter to vote a straight 
ticket at these elections since the candidates are listed alphalietically and 
not under party designations. 

BLUE UNITY 

Preiident Jack Boacnberc Dave GusikoS 

Vicc-prez DIek MeCaan Bob PattcrsMi 

StcTttary William Felnberr Sammy Kramar 

Trtamrer Harry Snber Nick Vltalo 

For Executive Board 
BLUE UNITY 

EmU Baiter Frank Cola-Santa 

William Laendncr Tom D'Onofrlo 

Charles luccl Ted Eastwood 

Jolin Lone Irving Glaek 

Maurice Purfalln Al Hanuti 

Herman Tiven Jerry Nazer 

Ksbert Sterne Ray Parker 

Sara Sober Al Raderman 

S. C. Thompson Jerry Serly 

(New men are Charles lucci and Herman Tiven, both from the list of 
delegates, replacing John Manuti, houseman at Met Opera, and Aldo Ricci, 
active in radio; both declined to run since new regulation limiting board 
members to $75 per week salary and prohibiling their holding additional 
]obs was passed. ) 

For Trial Board 
BLUE UNITY 

Max Arons Irving Bloom 

Edward Horn John ClesI 

Ed Daly Angel Del Busto 

Frank Garlsto Hymic Grossman 

C. G. McGibeny I>aul llein 

WUIiam Powers 'lilton Jablons 

Sam Raderman Andy Pine 

GIno TIrclll Kenneth Roane 

Jack Slelii Johnny Sylvester 

(New men are Ed Daly, from list of delegiiles; Sam Radoiiiiaii and Jack 
Stein, replacing George Schoctor, NBC houseman, who declined to run 
after the $75 rule went into effect, and Sherman Brande and Dick Landon, 
who resigned to enter the armed services last month.) 

Understood that the administration gave three of the openings on the 
executive and trial l>oards to the delegates, who's names are mentioned, 
alter the full list of delegates, 27 in all, signed a petition requesting this 
action. For the.se men, who get $45 a week salary, it means a chance to 
step up to the $75 wage which the board jobs will hcnceforlh pay. It was 
also the first time the delegates have acted in unison. 



OUTS AT 802 
mWL ESCROW 
DEPT. 



The next membership meeting of 
A.F.M., New York Local 802, slated 
lor Nov. 9, may serve as a barometer 
of the outcome of the elections, to 
be held Dec. 3. Opposition to the 
current administration is distribut- 
ing leaflets saying it will offer a mo- 
tion at this meeting to di.scontinue 
the local's escrow department. 

The escrow and collection depart- 
ment was installed by the incum- 
bents, in 1939. in an attempt to 
eliminate chiseling and kick-backs. 
Modus operandi is to have all wages 
for single dates and dubious spots, 
which are purportedly the big of- 
fenders, paid to the escrow depart- 
ment which they pays the musicians 
who thus are assured their full sal- 
ary. The cost of this department is 
financed out of the 3% relief tax. 

Unity claims the membership Is 
against the escrow department since 
|t has aUegedly not alleviated the 
kick-back evil and that the use of 
relief funds to finance the escrow de- 
partment is penalizing those mem- 
bers on relief. 

The administration is ignoring the 
^^w^^ on the escrow department, 
which Is headed by Max Arons, as 
part of its policy of not getting into 
a mudslinging setto. Understood 
iiiat they feel ihe escrow department 
nas made some progress in stamping 
out chiseling and kickbacks, that it 
's easy to find fault, but not .so tim- 
Pie to produce a more efficient 
mechanism. Also understood that 
incy will quietly muster all their 
slrcngth to beat the motion if it 
"oes come up for a vole. 

Marian Brent, formerly of WHK 
faff in Cleveland, is the new singer 
with David Cheskin's orchestra on 
*:« Columbia network spot Satur- 
day afternoons from WKBW, Buff- 



Archer's Sioox CHy Dancer 



Sioux City. la.. Oct. 27. 

Old Sioux City auditorium, built 
35 years ago, has been purchased by 
Tom Archer of Des Moines, who will 
remodel it into a modern dance hail. 
Three decades ago it played many 
Shubert shows during the K. & E. 
and Shubert war. 

Archer operates ballrooms in Des 
Moines, St. Joseph, Mo., and Sioux 
Falls, S. D. 



Nothing Very 
Precise About 
QDT Support 



The Office of Defense Transporta- 
tion will not deliver a blanket okay 
for the use of bu.ses by name bands, 
or name a specified number of ve- 
hicles to be used as it did in the 
case of Negro bands (colored crews 
were granted Ave cruisers for a 
Ihrce-month period). Instead the 
procedure to . be followed will ask 
that each white outfit contemplating 
a trip through the southeast or 
southwest file a request for a bus 
with the ODT. agreeing to play two 
camp dates a week. 

Definite approval of the entire 
plan has not yet been forwarded by 
the ODT. but band bookers are still 
proceeding with the layina out of 
routes through the .-p'^cKicd terri- 
tories. 



EXPERT FliERS 





Detroit Symphony Men in 
Ordnance Plantt— S o m e 
Gueu That 60% of Motor 
City MuMciant Are Doing 
Full or Part-lune Work 
in Defense Factories 



Sen. Wheeler Reveals His Private 
Efforts to Settle 'Canned Music' issue; 
He Raps Senator Clark s Proposal 



LONG HOURS 



Wife Sues Dick Ballou 



Detroit, Oct. 27. 
Inroads on Detroit's musical per- 
sonnel may pose a problem wliich 
will take years to solve if — and 
when — the Detroit Symphony Or- 
chestra is revived after the war. 
Although the organization, now 
known as the Detroit Orche.stra, 
still is hitting the air under the 
.sponsorship of Sam's Cut-Rate, Inc., 
there has been some drifting away 
of its memliers. Among those an- 
swering calls to other cities are 
Jo.seph H. Mosbach, first bassoon 
player, who has gone with the St. 
Louis Symphony. Others who own 
their homes here are pondering 
whether to uproot their families and 
accept some of the good offers eLsc- 
where or wait to see if a new civic 
spon.sorship will be worked out 
here. 

One factor which may serve to | 
keep the orchestra members in De- 
troit i.s the fact that they are pre- 
mium employees in the booming war 
plants here. Men as dextrou.^ as 
.symphony musicians with their 
nn{;ers make ideal precision work- 
ers in the armories — and are paid 
accordingly. 

Just a rough idea of how the war 
plants are gobbling up the inu- 
sician.s who ..re converted into prize 
employees can be gleaned from a 
survey of the Hud.son Naval Aisenal 
here. Among the big-paid employees 
there with the right touch on 
speedy production are Sune John- 
son, member of the French horn 
section: Earl Van Amburgh, former 
first trumpet with the symphony; 
Scott Spencer, former clarinetist at 
the Temple theatre; Rudolph Waha. 
of the .symphony's clarinet section; 
Art Black, who led orche.stra.s at 
two of the ballrooms here; Paul 
Hiett, first ba.ssoon with the Michi- 
gan Symphony Orchestra: Harry 
Niven. one-time star clarinetist with 
the Ringling Bros, circus band; Pete 
Luccilli, theatre and symphony or- 
chestra trumpeter, and James Tin- 
ney. clarinetist, with the Scniuli- 
navian .Symphony. 

That's just a cro-'s-section of one 
plant on musicians with others em- 
ploying them in equal proportions. 
Some estimates are that 60',i of mu- 
sicians here are doubling in the war 
plants. Many are cutting out music 
entirely because of the heavy trhed- 
ules which doesn't make it easy to 
pull toijether a first-water symphony 
organization again once it is dissi- 
pated. 

Ilya Schkolnik 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Mrs. Ann Ballou, a Pittsburgh girl, 
filed suit for divorce here last week 
from Dick Ballou, the band leader. 
He was in New York and did not 
contest the action. 

Wife testified that she forgave him 
when he left her gome time ago, but 
that shortly after their reconcilia- 
tion Ballou tossed a dirty floor mop 
in her face. That was too much, Mrs. 
Ballou told the court. 



KITCHEN HELP 
SHORTAGE END 
INN'S RUN 



Summit Inn, Baltimore, is prob- 
ably the first name band location 
.stand clo.sed by the lack of help. 
Spot shuttered Saturday (24) be- 
cause it was unable to replace wait- 
ers, kitchen help, etc.. which had 
cither been drafted or left to take 
war production jobs. Gray Gordon's 
orchestra which was to open Sun- 
day evening for four weeks, was 
cancelled. 

Inn, which was equipped with net- 
work wires, used bands of the cali- 
bre of Stan Kenton, Johnny 'Scat' 
Davis, Johnny McGee. 



Jack Jenny May Agaiii 
Try Dance Leadership If 
Morris Deal Is Set 



Jack Jenny, trombonis-t, may blos- 
som forth with a full-size band soon. 
Currently working in New York ra- 
dio studios Jenny will again become 
a leader If an organized band can be 
found for him and a location job 
with wires can be secured. He would 
be handled by the William Morris 
agency, which has him booked with 
a .small combination for a college 
date next week. 

Jenny tried leading a couple years 
ago. but gave up after his outfit 
dropped a fair-sized bundle of cash. 



BUDDY RICH VAMPS 
UNTIL MARINES CALL 



master of tlip Detroit Symplioiiy Or- 
chestra, has joined the musical staff 
of WJZ for violin recitals. George 
Miquelle, former first chair celli.st 
with Ihe .symphony, which rcccnlly 
was abandoned here by its wealthy 
.^ponso^s. al.so has joined the ;nii>ii al 
staff of the studio. 



Buddy Rich has left his spot as 
drummer with Tommy Dor.sey's or- 
former concert- che.stra and is leading a small pickup 



Ben Bemie's Ottawa Event 



Marshard in Army 

Boston. Oct. 27. 

Jack Marshard. local band agency 
head and personal manager of 
Vaughn Monroe, is in uniform as 
Second Lieutenant in ,^rmy with 
specialist's rating. 

His brother. Harry, former band 
leader, enlisted as buck private. 
Booking business will be carried on 
by their associate, Lew Bo nick. 



Chicago. Oct. 27. 
Ben Bcinie and his radio .-liow 
.will headline a public rally iji Ol- 
jlawa. Oct. .31. Regular Bernie show 
\v.'\\\ be broadcast from Toronto Pii- 
jclay. Oct. ,10. to Canadian and United 
I Slates war workers over CBS-CFRB. 
, on theme. 'What Canadian War 
Worker.s Are Doing to Help Win 
War.' 

Ottawa rally is for benefit of Can- 
ada's Air Cadets and will consist of 
full* hour's program by Canadian 
Broadcasting Corp. ■ 



band al the Club Touville. Los An 
celes, while awaiting a call to enter 
the Marines. Rich eiili.sted in that 
branch of the .service a couple of 
months ago in Chicago, but later was 
given a 90-day delerrment to makt 
■puBany Was a Lady' with Dorsoy 
for Metro. ■ — 

Dor.sey finished the film last week 
and is now vacationing. Later he is 
to do one-nighters up and down the 
coast, play the Palladium Ballroom. 
Los Angeles, and in December is to 
return to Metro for another film, 
lie replaced Rich with Pete Vuolo. 
a .New Yorker. 



Sammy .Schafer, trumpeter, has led 
Herman Middleman band at Yacht 
Club, Pittsburgh, to join Casino the- 
atre pit oich and has been succeeded 
temporarily by George Allison, for- 
merly with Don Bestnr. Allison's 
sitting in until Simny Kaiwen. who 
quit Middlemiin for Chuck Fos'.cr, 
returns. •• 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

Conflict over the method of handl- 
ing James C. Petrlllo, president of 
the American Federation o( Musi- 
cians, and his ban on musical re- 
cordings has developed into open 
controversy between Senator Burton 
K. Wheeler of Montana, chairman of 
the Senate interstate commerce com- 
mittee, and Senator D. Worth Clark 
of Idaho, author of a pending bill 
to restrict PetriUo's powers and lift 
the ban on recordings, Clark intro- 
duced his legislation aimed at 
Petrlllo on Friday (23) and the next 
day Wheeler denounced it as an 
'anti-strike' measure and revealed 
that he had been working behind the 
scenes with the AFM and broadcast- 
ing interests in an attemg^fe work 
out an agreement. 

The author of the bill denied it 
was aimed at unions. A month ago, 
he said the Senate adopted his reso- 
lution authorizing the interstate 
commerce committee headed by 
Senator Wheeler to investigate the 
Petrillo order. 'A few witnesses were 
heard and then the matter Appeared 
to be forgotten.' 

He charged that Wheeler had 
failed to name a subcommittee to 
continue the investigation after the 
full committee had heard testimony 
from Elmer Davis, director of the 
Office of War Information, and 
Chairman James L. Fly of the Fed- 
eral Communications Commission. 

To this Wheeler replied: "I felt 
more could be accomplished through 
conferences between the labor group 
and the broadcasters than could b« 
accomplished through Senate hear- 
ings emphasizing the controversy.' 

Senator Wheeler then revealed hit 
attempts to get the disputing parties 
together. 

'I am trying to get an agreement 
among all the parties concerned.' he 
stated. 'I have talked with James 
Padway, general counsel of the 
American Federation of Labor and 
he Is conferring with James C. 
Petrillo. I have talked with repre- 
sentatives of the rodio stations. I 
think it will be much easier for those 
concerned to get together now than 
it would be if sore spots were 
created.' 



25c DANCING 
IN TWIN TOWNS 



Minneapolis. Oct. 27. 

Admission prices for dancing are 
hitting a new low in the Twin 
Cities. The Twin City Credit Unions 
brought in Duke Ellington and 
Jan Savitt this week to the St. Paul 
anj Minneapolis Auditoriums for 
dances and sold tickets admitting to 
either or both dances at 2,Sc. The 
Unions aI.so -^ave away a $500 war 
bond to the lucky number holder 
and other war bonds and .stamp 
gifts and had 1,000 .service men as 
honored guests. A one-hour stage 
show preceded the dancing. 

From the Happy Hour Jack Craw- 
ford'.s band went into the Marigold 
Ballroom here for a onc-nighter with 
a local orchestra and the event was 
.sold at a 39c. bargain price. 



Memphisites into Army 

Memphis. Oct. 27. 

Two more local maestri have fol- 
lowed Colic Stoltz. first of the Incal 
li adcrs in uniform, into the sci v ice. 

Pete Bourkc. who trontcti a local 
bund successfully the past sCM-ral 
sea.sons. has been inducted into Ihe 
Ai'iny. His outfit will coniiniie to 
swing oul. with Howard llrirvey 
batoning. 

Sammy Lazcrov. veteran Memphis 
bandsman heard for years at the 
old Silver Slipper Night Club, is 
nkewis^jeade^g^h^^rm^^^^ 



40 ORCHESTRAS 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



Inside Stuff-Orchestras 



Bob Allen, whose band opened a few weeks ago at the Pennsylvania 
hotel, New York, in Glenn Miller's spot, is to appear before the board 
of N. Y. local 802 of the AFM tomorrow (29) to answer charges of failing 
to give two weeks' dismissal notice, preferred by Claude Garreau, pianist. 
Garreau opened at the Fenn with the band and was later handed his 
notice, but when only two days had been worked out Allen secured a 
job for him with Joe Marsala's orchestra at Log Cabin, Armonk, N. Y. 
Garreau took it rather than work out the notice with Allen and then be 
faced with the prospect of looking for a job. 

Marsala held the musician only a few days and also gave him notice. 



One of the softest jobs for top musicians is the Gracie Fields-Pall Mall 
B-min. radio program over NBC which means that the 10 to 14 men whom 
maestro Harry Sosnik employs get the same scale for their five mins. 
(which is actually less, considering the long commercials fore and aft) 
as they would for a full half hour. 



Mai Hallctt's orchestra may switch booking agencies within the next 
few weeks to the William Morris agency. Hallett is now with Music Corp, 
of America where his contract soon expires. Hallett last week disbanded 
his orchestra and assumed leadership of Rudy Wallace's unit, from Nashua, 
N. H. 

Hallett is handled by Sy Shribman who recently placed Hal Mclntyre's 
band with the Morris Agency. 



Phil Spitalny posted a $5,000 surety bond to prevent attachment of 
props during stay in Des Moines Oct. 24 and 25. The Des Moines Kiwanis 
club filed suit for $4,000 against Spitalny and his all-girl band for alleged 
breach of contract. 



Wm. Morris Band Dept 
Adds 3 New Staffers 



Three new staff members join the 
band department of the William 
Morris agency Nov. 2. They are 
Herb Gordon, Joe Marsalais and 
Edna Van Veen, all of whom were 
formerly associated with Fredericks 
Bros. 

GordSn will sell bands to hotels, 
cafes and transcriptions; Marsalais 
will concentrate on cocktail and 
other small units, and Miss Van 
Veen will function as assistant and 
secretary. 



XAVIER'S ROAD CO. 



Femme Leader Dolores' Unit a La 
Cugat'a Band 



Band which replaces Tommy 
Tucker's at the Es:>ex House hotel. 
New York, tomorrow night (29) is an 
Xavier Cugat road company, billed 
as 'Xavier Cugat Presents.' Outfit, 
now in rehearsal, is to,be composed 
of six girl violinists, four male saxes 
and piano, bass and drums, all male. 
It will be led by Dolores, a South 
American importation who sings 
and dances in addition to batoning. 



THE TERRIFIC NOVELTY 



VICTOR'S NEGRO GROUP 



Records 'Praise uTe Lord' Backed br 
• Spiritual 



RCA-Victor made recordings last 
week in New York with the South- 
ern Sons, a Negro quartet the com- 
pany has been releasing on Its race 
list. Session was set up expressly 
to record the fast-growing pop, 
'Praise the Lord and Pass the Am- 
munition,' which was backed by 
spiritual for release in about a week 
under the Bluebird label. 

According to Victor, the job was 
done with the knowledge and con- 
sent of N. Y. local 802 of the Amer- 
ican Federation of Musicians. Since 
it was strictly a vocal arrangement, 
802 had no jurisdiction. The AFM, 
of course, still is enforcing its ban 
against union members making re- 
cordings and transcriptions. 

There was a report during the 
week that Decca had done some re- 
cordings also. Talk centered around 
the popular 'Der Feuhrer's Face,' 
which neither Decca nor Colum- 
bia recorded before the AFM's Aug. 
31 deadline. Decca denies' the rumor 
emphatically, asserting there is 'no 
recording being done at all' there. 



Od the Upbeat 



Ozzle Nelson band signed by 
Warners for a musical short titled 
'Ozzie Nelson and His Band.' 



Gene Krupa orchestra No. 8 on 
Metro's list of name bands for future 
musicals. 



Jan Garber band and stage revue 
at Fox-Orpheum Theatre, Wichita, 
for five-day engagement coming from 
Texas interstate circuit. 



Chavez' latin orchestra Is being 
enlarged to U-pieces and a mixed 
(Continued on page 52) 



Band Bookings 



Mitchell Ayrcs, Nov. 3, week, 
Tunetown B., St. Louis; 13-14, Ste- 
phens C, Columbia, Mo.; 15, Meadow 
Acres, Topeka, Kan. 

Bobby Byrne, Nov. 1, Ritz B., 
Bridgeport, Conn.; 2-4, State T., Har- 
risburg. Pa.; 5, week, Adams T, 
Newark, N. J.; 13, week, Palomar 
B., Norfolk, Va. 

Benny Carter, Nov. 15, 4 days, 
Lincoln T., Los Angeles. 

Sonny Dunham, Nov. 11-12, Poli 
T., Waterbury, Conn. 

Chack Foster, Nov. 6,- Tower B., 
Pittsburgh, Kan.; 7, Pla-mor B., 
Kansas City; 10, Lakeside B., Butten- 
berg, la.; 11, Modernistic B., Clinton, 
la'.; 13, week, Casa Loma B., St. 
Louis. 

Glen Gray, Nov. 6, week, Orpheum 
T., Minneapolis; 13, week, Orpheum 
T., Omaha; 20-22, Orpheum T., 
Davenport, la. 

Louis Jordan, Nov. 1, Sterling 
H.. Cincinnati; 2. Lincoln B., Colum- 
bus, O.; 3, Community Center, To- 
ledo; 6, week. Royal T., Baltimore; 
13, week, Howard T., Washington, 
D. C. 

Stan Kenton, Nov. 8, Shubert T., 
New Haven; 9, four days, Palomar, 
Norfolk, Va.; 13-14, VPI. Blacks- 
burg. Va.; 17, two weeks, Tunetown 
B., St. Louis. 

Will Osborne, Nov. 6, two weeks, 
Chicago T., Chicago; 20, week. Am- 
bassador T., St. Louis. 

Tommy Tucker, Nov. 6, week, 
Stanley T.. .Pittsburgh; 13-15, Para- 
mount T., Toledo, O.; 17-19, Palace 
T., Columbus, O.; 20-26, Palace T., 
Cleveland; 27-Dec. 3, Colonial T., 
Dayton; 4-10, Circle T., Indianapolis; 
11-14, Palace T.. Akron; 15-17, Palace 
T„ Youngstown. 

Charlie Spivak, Nov. 4-5, Poll T., 
Waterbury, Conn.; 6-8, State T., 
Hartford; 10-12, Empire T., Fall 
River, Mass.; 13, week, Keith's T., 
Boston. 

Joe VenutI, Nov. 2, three weeks. 
Commodore Perry H., Toledo. 

Jerry Wald, Nov. 6, Geo. F. Pavll- 
lion, Johnson City, N. Y.; 7, Bellevue- 
Stratford H., Philadelphia; 8, Ritz B., 
Bridgeport, Conn.; 10, Elks Aud., 
Elizabeth, N. J.; 11, Masonic Temple, 
Scranton, Pa.; 13, week, Stanley T., 
Pittsburgh. 

Herble Kay, Nov. 1-3, State T., 
Kalamazoo, Mich.; 4-7, Keith T., 
Grand Rapids; 8-10, Michigan T„ 
Jackson, Mich.; 11.14, Mich^ah T, 



Lansing; 15-17, Temple T., Saginaw; 
18-21, Capitol T., Flint; 22-23, Michi- 
gan T., Ann Arbor; 26-28, Bijou T, 
Battle Creek. 



THE 
SENSATION 
OF THE 
NATION I 

FREDDIE 
SLACK 

And His Orchestra 
With Vocals by 

ELLA MAE MORSE 

FOR FOUR WEEKS 

starting Oct. 29 

CASA MANANA 

HOLLYWOOD 

Mutual Network 
• 

Their Capitol Records 
Are the Sensation of the Nation! 

COW cow BOOGIE 
MR. FIVE BY FIVE 
DOLL DANCE 
•. 

Personal Management 

JOE eiASER, Inc. 

30 Rockefeller Plaza, N. Y. 



"RIDE or 

an«l 

"IT'S SAND, MAN " 

Newest Columbia Record 

COUNT BASIE 

And His Orchestra 



Per. Hgt: HILTON EBBINS 
Dir. Willliim Morrii Agency 




(THE SOLDIER, THE SAILOR AND THE MARINE) 

By KAY and SUE WERNER 
Writers of TEN LITTLE SOLDIERS 



NATIONAL MUSIC CORPORATION 

580 5th Avenue, New York 

Phone LAckawanna 4-0173-0176 

SID LORRAINE, Gen. Mgr. 

DAVE BERNIE, Cen. Prof. Mgr. 

Chicago New York Hollywood 

MAX LUTZ NAT DEBIN OAKLCY HALPEMAN 



NATIONAL MUSIC CORPORATION 



PRESENTS 
THE SENSATIONAL BALLAD- 




By PAUL HERRICK and MATT DENNIS 

Recorded for Columbia by 

HARRY JAMES 



4. White Christmas (2) (BerUn). 



10 Best Sellers on Coid-Maclimes 



(Record* beloto are uraVMng most nickels (his toeefc <n iufceboxea 
throughout (he country, at reported by operatort to "Variety.' Namti 
0/ more than one band or i;ocaI<st after the title Indicates, <n order of 
popularity, whose recordings are being played. Figures and names ta 
parenthesis Indicate the number of weeks each long has been in the tistinai 
and respective publishers.) 

1. Gal In Kalamazoo (10) (BVC) I 9/*"° 'l^'"*'' Victor 

"I Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

2. Praise Lord (2) '. (JJ**' ^J?*"" Columbia 

(Merry Macs Decca 

3. My Devotion (9) (Santly) I vI?Tw °«"*^ 

' • (Vaughn Monroe Victor 

J Blng Crosby Decct 

I Charlie Spivak. .. .Columbia 

(Andrews Sisters Decca 
Johnny Mercer Capitol 

. .Spike Jones Bluebird 

(Tommy Dorsey Victor 

(Inkspots Decca 

J Vaughn Monroe Victor 

ILes Brown Qkeh 

9. He's My Guy (7) (Leeds) J Harry James Columbia 

(Tommy Dorsey Victor 

(Anr\ J Guy Lombardo Decca 

(MUls Brothers Decca 

OTHER FAVORITES 

(These records are directly below first 10 in popularity. Tunes with 
number of weeks in parenthesis are fading, others saining.) 

_,. _ _,. , (Andrews Sisters Decca 

Five By Five (Leeds) i Freddie Slack Capitol 

Came Talk Joe (5) (Shapiro) 



5. Strip Polka (11) (Mercer) , 

6. Der Feuhrer's Face (1) (Southern)..., 

7. Just Though You're Here (9) (Yankee) 

8. When Lights Go on Again (1) (CLP). 



10. Met Her Monday (4) 



Capitol 

(Sammy Kaye' Victor 

( King Sisters Bluebird 

( Bing Crosby Decca 

i Charlie Spivak ... Columbia 

{Sammy Kaye Victor 

\ Charlie Spivak. . . .Columbia 

Silver Wings (13) (Shapiro)....! {^^^ Kn'^-^S 



Be Careful, My Heart (11) (Berlin). 



Stage Door Canteen (7) (Army). 



Daybreak (Feist) 



At Last (Feist). 



( Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

I Harry James Columbia 

I Glenn Miller Victor 

( Charlie Spivak Columbia 

{Jimmy Dorsey Decca 

( Benny Goodman . .Columbia 

There Are Such Things (Yankee) Tommy Dorsey Victor 

(Tommy Dorsey Victor 

( Inkspots Decca 



Take Me (BVC). 



Street of Dreams (Miller). 



Why 



Don't YOU Fall In Love (Harms) {^f^'e ^e\i":-^ 



Wednesday, October 28, 1442 



Bandleader'Pnbs Slowed by A.F.M. 

Can't Put Their Music Numbers on Back of Hit Tune 
Recordings Anymore 



Bandleader-owned publishing firms 
lav* been finding the going some- 
what tough since the American Fed- 
eration of Musicians clamped down 
on phonograph records. Such firms 
U54d to depend for a major portion 
of their Incomes on the royalties de- 
rived from songs which their maes- 
tio owners managed to place on the 
other side of a platter contalniiTg a 
hit song. The 'riders* have in recent 
years rated as the choicest gravy for 
l)and leaders. 

Because of the effect that the re- 
cording shutdown has had on the 
exchequer of such publishing enter- 
prises their leader owners find 
themselves with the alternative of 
BubstantiaUy increasing the plugs of 
their house tunes on the networks 
CO as to collect more for perform- 
ing or dig down in their own pockets 
to cover operating expenses. 

RADIO EXECS 
TO SOCIALIZE 
ATASCAP 



For the first time In Its history 
ASCAP has Invited licensees and the 
press to one of its general member- 
ship dinners. The event, to be held 
tomorrow evening (Thursday) at the 
Astor hotel, will have such guests 
IS Frank Mullen, NBC general man. 
ager; Mark Woods, Blue Network 
president; A. J. McCosker and Fred 
Weber, chairman and general man- 
ger, respectively, of the Mutual 
Network; William S. Paley. CBS 
president: Joseph Ream and Frank 
Stanton, CBS v.p.'s; Neil F. Pelghan. 
board chairman of the Council of 
State Liquor Dealers Associations, 
which is composed of cafe and tavern 
operators, and Col. H. A. Cole, direc- 
tor of the Allied States Exhibitor 
Association. 

rhere will be no speeches, but 
lots of Informal entenalnment has 
be^n programmed. 



ASCAP Scores Pomt 
h $600,000 Trust Suit 

Federal Judge Edward A. Conger 
In N. Y. on Tuesday (27) granted an 
application of ASCAP to strike out 
all references to the motion picture 
consent decree in the anti-trust suit 
of 200 theatres against ASCAP for 
WOO.OOO treble damages. 

The court ruled that the consent 
decree could not be referred to in 
the complaint since it had no bear- 
ing on the issues involved in this 
suit and because the decree was not 
entered after testimony was taken. 

Judge Conger also granted an ap- 
plication of ASCAP for a bill of par- 
ticulars. The theatre suit charges 
ASCAP with unlawfully fixing 
"cense fees for the use of musical 
compo.'Jitions, with the screening of 
films. 



Junk Theme Song 



Film scrap drive has a campaign 
song entitled 'Junk Ain't Junk No 
More ('Cause Junk Will Win the 
War)'. 

Words and music by Austen Croom- 
Johnson and Allan Kent. Bregman, 
Vpcco & Conn publishes. 



SONG PARODY CASE HEARD 

'<Ht« Walter Bcserves Decision in 
Robblna Action 

Robbins Music Corp.'s suit for an 
injunction against the publishers of 
^ng Parodies, Inc, and Red Star 
a^tributors was tried before Justice 
Carroll G. Walter in the N. Y. su- 
preme court Monday (26). Decision 
^as reserved. Walter Douglas, 
Chairman of the MPPA's board, and 
Abe Olman, Robbins general man- 
JKer, were among those who testified 
»r the plaintiff. 

-luHan T. Abeles, Robbins counsel. 



Rainger's Death in Plane 
Crash Ends Songwriting 
Partnership With Robin 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
Ralph Rainger, 41, one of the fore- 
most melody writers In the profes- 
sion for the past 15 years, was killed 
Oct. 23 in a plane crash near Palm 
Springs that claimed the lives of 11 
others. He was enroute to New York 
when his plane collided with an 
army bomber over the desert. In 
the east he wai to have met his 
songwriting partner, Leo Robin, in 
a discussion with Jack Robbins, 
music publisher, on the score they 
wrote for 'Coney Island,' recently 
completed, and their next assign- 
ment at 20th-Fox, 'Greenwich Vil- 
lage.' Robin, averse to flying, was 
in Chicago where he trained for the 
wedding of his sister, Ruth, former 
singer with Phil Harris. He returned 
to the Coast pronto. 

Born Ralph Reichenthal in New 
York, Rainger attended, successively. 
Brown University, New Jersey Law 
School and Walter Damrosch In- 
stitute of Musical Art. During his 
high school days in Newark he be- 
came interested in music and organ- 
ized a pickup band with Ted Flo 
Rito. Even though he held a bache- 
lor's degree in law his heart was in 
music, ,and early in his career be- 
came an accomplished pianist. At 
one time he was pianist with Paul 
Whiteman and later teamed with 
Edgar 'Cookie' Fairchild, now music 
director on Eddie Cantor's radio 
show. They were featured as a 
double piano team with pit orches- 
tra.'; in New York in such musicals 
a< the first 'Little Show' and 'Queen 
High.' He was coming along as a 
compO!:er and made his first impor- 
tant bivl with 'Moanin' Low,' which 
Libby Holman sang into the hit class 
in 'The Little Show.' 

In 1,930 he went to the coast and 
learned with _Robin. During their 
seven years at Paramount they 
wiole the music for such filmusicals 
.-s 'She Loves Me Not,' which 
brousht them overnight fame with 
ihe soiij;, 'Love in Bloom;' 'Shoot 
the Work.':.' -Torch Singer,' The Big 
BroadcaiJt.' 'Bedtime Story,' 'Interna- 
lioniil House.' 'Come on Marines,' 
'The Trumpet Blows,' 'Little Mi.ss 
Marker,' 'Music in the Air.' 'Rose of 
the Rancho," 'Palm Spring.-;,' 'Rhythm 
on Ihe Range,' 'College Holiday." 
two more i.ssues of 'Big Broadcast' 
and numerous others. 

Three years ago Rainger and 
Robin moved over to 20th-Fox, 
wheic Ihcy wrote the music for five 
picunes— '.Miami.' 'Cadet Girl,' 'Rise 
•ind Shine.' 'My Gal Sal' and 'Coney 
Island.' They received the Academy 
award for 'Thanks for the Memory,' 
which they wrote at Paramount. 

SurvivinK Rainger are his widow 
and t'.vo children, who live in Bev- 
erly Hill.'i. and his parents, residing 
in New York. 



a-sked for a decision based on his 
contention that the ma-r made un- 
authorized use of song titles in con- 
nection with the sale of the song- 
sheet and that this procedure con- 
stituted unfair competition. Abeles 
also a.sked for damages of $45,000. 

Efforts by counsel for Song Paro- 
dies to have the temporary receiver 
for the publication made the de- 
fendant in the suit failed last week. 
Abeles opposed this motion before 
Justice Julius in the same court. 



CKT YOUR C'OI'IKS NOW— 

I BURNED A MATCH 

(From Kiiil 1.1 i: "i ■ 

OGEECHEE RIVER LULLABY 

CAB CAI.I.OW.W .\<i. -.iWrnt <'ol. 
RYTVOC, Inc., 1685 B'way, N. V. (ASCAP) 



Sheet Mosic SeUers 

(Week of Oct. 24) 

White Christmas Berlin 

Praise Lord Famous 

My Devotion!.. Santly 

When Lights Go On CLP 

Spangled Banner Waved. .Miller 

Stage Door Canteen Army 

Serenade in Blue BVC 

Army Air Corps Fischer 

Came Here for Joe Shapiro 

Pennsylvania Polka ....Shapiro 

Gal in Kalamazoo BVC 

10 Little Soldiers Lincoln 

Manhattan Serenade .... Robbins 

Wears Silver Wings Shapiro 

Every Night This Time. .Warock 



MUSIC 41 



Secret BaDot Retained By ASCAP; 
Gene Buck Sees No Merit in Device 



Mack Paiil Now SergL 

Myrtle Beach, S. C, Oct. 27. 

It's Sergt Mack Paul now with 
new title affixed last week for the 
former Boston rep for Jtwel and 
previously E. B. Marks Music. 

Paul is connected with the medical 
corps at the Base Hospital here, and 
has been assisting In surgery. 



The ASCAP board of directors last 
week voted down a proposal by 
Gene Buck, former ASCAP presi- 
dent, that the secret ballot be elim> 
inated from the board's procedure. 
Buck sought to have this taboo in- 
corporated in the society's by-laws. 
In the resulting discussion Buck 
flared out at one of the directors, 
but before the two could become 
really embroiled other directors in- 
( Continued on page 42) 



I'D DO IT AGAIN 

Another ballad as magnetic as 
our current hit "MY DEVOTION" 

Great for Bands! . . . Great for Singers! 

Great for You! 

I'D DO IT im 



By IRVING TAYLOR and VIC MiZZY 

Slowly (wiih expression) 




The d/yVte^tutttri my heoriiOS con-tuA 1o tei ^«u. 





Copyright 1942 by SANTLY JOY, Inc., 1619 Broadway. New York, N. Y. 
International Copyright Secured AM Rights Reserved 



SANTLY-JOY, Inc., 1619 Broadway, New York 



TOMMY VALANDO, Prof. M'g'r 

BILL COTY PAUL SALVATORI JACK FAY 

Middle West Chicago Boston 



MURRAY LAZAR 
Hollywood 



42 



MUSIC 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



NBC, CBS. Blue. Mutual Plugs 



Following tabulation oi popular ttiusic periormances embraces all four 
■networks— NBC, CBS, Blue and Mutual— as represented by WEAF, WJZ, 
WABC and WOR. N. V. Compilation herewith covers week beginning 
Monday throtigh Sundayi Oct. 19-25 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and 
based on data provided by Accurate Reporting Service regular source lor 
music publishing industry. 

TITLE PUBLISHER TOTAL 



Praise Lord. Pass Ammunition Famous 



37 



Came Here Talk For Joe Shapiro 26 

Dearly Beloved— t'You Never Lovelier' Chappell 25 

Manhattan Serenade Robbins 25 

White Christmas— t'Holiday Inn' Berlin 23 

Daybreak Feist 21 

Cot Gal Kalamazoo — t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 20 

There'll Never Be Another You— f Iceland". . . Morris 20 

Mr. Five By Five— t'Behind Eight Ball' Leed.-; 19 

Can't Get Out Mood— t'Seven Days Leave'... Southern 18 



Serenade In Blue— t'Orchestra Wives' BVC 

Street of Dreams Miller . 

Anchors A weigh \ Robbins 

•This Is the Army. Mr. Jones Army .. 

At Last— t'Orchestra Wives* Feist ... 



18 

18 

17 

17 

16 

Cobs of Love Paramount 16 

15 

15 

14 

14 

13 

13 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

12 

10 



Wonder When My Baby's Comin' Home Crawford 

When the Lights Go on Again CLP 

He's My Guy Leeds . . . 

My Devotion Santly .. 

I Mel Her on Monday ABC .... 

Pennsylvania Polka Shapiro . 

By Light Silvery Moon. . . .-r; Remick . 

Be Careful. My Heart— t'Holiday Inn' Berlin ... 

Hip Hip Hooray Robbins . 

•I'm Getting Tired So I Can Sleep Army 

I Get Neck of Chicken Southern 

Why Don't You Fall In Love With Me? Harms . 

When Long Way From Home B'way . . 

Major and Minor — t'Major and Minor' Famous . 

Every Night About This Time Warock 9 

Idaho Mills 9 

Caissons Go Rolling Along Shapiro 8 

Der Fuehrer's Face Southern 8 

There Are Such Things Yankee 8 

At the Crossroads Marks 7 

Abraham — t'Holiday Inn' Berlin 7 

Just a Letter From Home Atlas 7 

Move It Over Santly 7 

People Like You and Me — t'Orchestra Wives'.. BVC 7 

Blue Ray Robbins 6 

Army Air Corps Carl Fischer 6 



Leap Frog Leeds 

Lullabye of Rain .• Jewel 

Starlight Sonata BMI . 

Take Me BVC . 

Velvet Moon Witmark 



British Best Sheet SeHen 

(.Early October) 



London, Oct. 17. 

Jealousy Wright 

White Christmas Victoria 

Anniversary Waltr Chappell 

Worth Fighting For Sterling 

3 Little Sisters C-C 

Always In My Heart. . .Feldman 

You're Mine F-D-H 

One Dozen Roses Victoria 

Threw Kiss in Ocean Wood 

Where in World Wood 

Moonlight Cocktail Chappell 

Apple Tree Sun 



YMCA Seeks Song 
Sheets for U.SA 
Detention Camps 



The YMCA is asking music pub- 
lishers to contribute sheet music, 
.song folios and orchestrations for 
distribution among enemy aliens held 
in resettlement and detention camps. 

The same organization obtained 
several months ago from publishers 
a huge load of music for American 
prisoners of war in the Orient with, 
the transportation being handled by 
the Red Cross. 



Sid Lorraine Heads Music 
House Fmanced by An 
Insurance Man of Frisco 



. Southern 5 

5 

5 

5 

5 

5 



Touch of Texas 

Cow Cow Boogie Leeds , 

It's Lonesome Old Town Berlin 

Just As Though You Here Yankee 

Kille Killc Santly 

Keep Smilin'. Keep Laughin' Leeds . 

Over There — t'Yankee Doodle Dandy' Feist 5 

Ten Little Soldiers Lincoln 5 

Whistler's Mother-in-Law Melody Lane 5 

Yankee Doodle Boy — t'Yankee Doodle Dandy'. Vogel 5 

You Never Lovelier — t'You Never Lovelier'. . .Harms 5 

tFilmusical. •'This Is the Army' publishing subsid. 



Sid Lorraine has become general 
manager of a newly organized pub- 
lishing house, the National Music 
I Corp. The venture is being bank- 
rolled by Walton Goldman, a San 
Francisco insurance broker, who for 
years has had the yen to get into the 
music business. 

Lorraine has named Dave Bernie 
as his New York professional man- 
ager. Max Lutz will have charge of 
the Chicago office, and Oakley 
Haldeman has taken over the Holly- 
wood representation. Broadcast 
Music, Inc., will clear Nation's per- 
forming rights, and the new house is 
starting off with the song. That 
Soldier of Mine,' which has already 
been recorded by Harry James. 

In the music business for 25 years, 
Lorraine has in turn been profes- 
sional manager of Chappell Sc Co. 
and Southern Music Co. 



DAYBREAK 

— "«"'"-zrr^r;... 

Lyrle by HiroU Adamion 

Sure-fire Material, Becau.e /t'f D/fferene 

IF I CARED A UTUE BIT LESS 

( And You Cared A IWIe Bit More-) 

Wed. and M«.ic by B.rW.y Or.h.m «d C.rl.y Mill. 

• 

Everyone A9ree.-L.st Yea,^. Bi, SKow Hit 
Will Be This Year*. Picture Song Sensation. 

TAKING A CHANCE ON lOVE 

. . - J Muiie by Vernon Dul« 

Lyrie by John Latouehe and T.d FeHer Mui.e y 

u- I- Th. Skv" with Ethel W*»«r.. 
.L ij a U nietura. Cabin In iho s«y , - 

^'';oi:?.to-Vr£»onU..Ann.t.n.U^ 
BucV and Bubble, end many other.. 



ion HIQOIIIY, ff*L Ngr. MOAMTAY • N«W VOM 



Success of a Mission 



Congratulations were heaped upon 
Fred Ahlert, Stanley Adams and 
Charles Tobias by ASCAP writer- 
directors last week for the success- 
ful way the trio has carried out its 
mission to the west Coast. The three 
had been delegated to explain the 
writers' new system of classification 
to west Coast members and ulti- 
mately gain the latter's approval for 
the plan. On their return to New 
York the junketeers disclosed that 
for two weeks prior to calling a 
meeting of endorsement they saw as 
many writers individually as pos- 
sible so that by the time the general 
gathering took place the selling job 
had been pretty well completed. 

Writers living in the east will have 
the plan explained to them at a 
meeting called for next Tuesday (3) 
at the Astor hotel, N. Y. 



Secret BaHot 

S Continued from pace 41 ^ 

terceded with the adjouration, 'No 
personalities, please!' 

Buck had submitted the proposi- 
tion in the form of a resolution, 
which, in turn, was to be presented 
for adoption to the general meeting 
of ASCAP members at the Aslor 
hotel, N. Y., tomorrow afternoon 
(Thursday). Under ASCAP by-laws 
the board is required to pass on all 
such resolutions. 

In presenting his resolution Buck 
argued that it was his opinion that 
the directors ought to do their vot- 
ing out in the open so that every- 
body would know how each man 
stood with regard to the election of 
a member and other matters. One 



Inside Stiiff--MiKk 



Th* lata Ralph Ralnger and Leo Robin wer« distinguished by the fact 
they remained an Inseparabla songwrlting team and true friends to the 
end, differing from the professional and/or personal relationships such as 
attended other writing teams. Even the time-honored Rodgers and Hart 
combo is doing a temporary split, with Richard Rodgers engaging in a 
musical adaptation for the Theatre Guild in collaboration with Oscar Hanv- 
merstein II, although both will reunite for the Mexican musical that 
Lorenz Hart is working on. 

But many another songwrlting partnership has come and gone in the 
interim, such as Mack Gordon and Harry Revel, later Gordon and Harry 
Warren, while Revel teamed with Mort Greene and has since split. Arthur 
Johnson and Sam Coslow, Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen, later Arlen and 
'Ted Koehler, Howard Dietz and Arthur Schwartz, Jimmy McHugh and 
Dorothy Fieldj (who later teamed with Jerome Kern, among others), and 
even the Jerome Kern-Otto Harbach-Hammerstein team has undergone 
periodic changes. But never Robin and Rvnger, although the former was 
impressed into service to do what he later called a 'dummy lyric' for an old 
Frederick Hollander tune which Paramount wanted to slip into a 'B' pic- 
ture, one of the first Dorothy Lamour sarongers titled 'Her Jungle Love.* 
Eventually this ad lib so-called 'dog' tune became a 250,000-copy hit, 
'Moonlight and Shadows.' 

Robin and Rainger were a Paramount song-writing team for seven 
years, starting with 'Big Broadcast.' 'Love in Bloom,' 'June in January,' 
'Thanks,' 'Love Is Just Around the Corner,' 'Rendezvous With a Dream' 
(not a smash pop song, but which quietly sold 250,000 copies), 'Hills of Old 
Wyoming' (later officially adopted as the stale song), are some of their 
hits. An untitled forthcoming Par picture, due tor January shooting, was 
their last collaboration. 

Despite great pressure on both partners from other tunesmiths, neither 
stepped out on his own, with the lone exception of the above-mentioned 
Hollander chore. 



Edgar Leslie, George W. Meyer and E. Ray Goetz split $15,000 among 
them for the screen rights to 'For Me and My Gal,' Metro's film of yes* 
teryear vaudeville. Film had collaborative scripting o^ Sid Silvers, 
Richard Sherman and Fred F. Finkelhoffe (producer of the current vaude 
hit, 'Showlime' on Broadway. Arthur Freed, producer. Busby Berkeley, 
director, and dance stage Bobby Connolly are all steeped in the vaude 
tradition; as are Ben Blue and George Murphy (and Julliane Johnson) 
of the cast. 

Yesteryear Hit Parade medley worked into 'Me and My Gal' include 
'Oh You Beautiful Doll,' 'Long, Long Trail,' 'When You Wore a Tulip,' 
'After You're Gone,' 'Smiles,' 'Pack Up Your Troubles,' 'Oui, Oui Marie,' 
'Over There' and 'You Ask Me If I Love You.' The Elsie Janis plot 
analogy in the overseas entertainment also is reminiscent of another day. 



'It Can't Be Wrong,' the song just published by Harms, Inc., has a source 
history that is similar to that of 'Where Was I?,' Witmark's hit of a couple 
years ago. 'Wrong' is based on the 18-bar melody which dominates the 
score of the current Warner Bros.' release, 'Now Voyager.' During a 
sneak preview of 'Voyager' in Hollywood, Victor Blau, who handles music 
copyright clearances for Warners, found his fancy captured by this par- 
ticular melody. In a conversation later with Leo Forbstein, the studio's 
musical director, Blau ventured the opinion that the melody might turn 
out to be another 'Where Am I?,' which had served a!s the theme melody of 
the original and remake edition of 'One Way Passage.' Forbstein took 
the matter up with Max Steiner, who scored 'Voyager,' and the song that 
followed was a collaboration between Steiner and Kim Gannon, WB con- 
tract lyricist. 



One of the strongest selling fllmusical scores in years is Irving Berlin's 
'Holiday Inn,' whose figure totals 393,292 copies to date. Of this, 241,898 
copies are accounted for by 'White Christmas'; 'Be Careful, It's My Heart,' 
sold 120,627; 'You're Easy to Dance With, 7,674; 'Happy Holiday,' 4,666; 
'Song of Freedom,' 2,487; 'Abraham.' 7,728; 'I'll Capture Her Heart Sing- 
ing (Dancing),' 5,512; 'Let's Start the New Year Right,' 1,183; 'I've Got 
Plenty to Be Thankful For,' 1,517. Week ending Saturday (24) saw 'White 
Christmas' selling 75,218 alone, and 'Be Careful,' the No. 2 hit, 7,007. 

Not even 'Always' has sold like that, says Berlin. First two days of 
this week moved 20,000 copies each day on 'Xmas.' 



The newsreels can take a bow for starting a song on its way to hitdom. 
Fox-Movietone News, last week, offered a two-chorus plug on the 
popular English war ditty. The Thing-ummy Bob,' which was sung 
by a group of Australian femme factory workers. A flurry of jobbers' 
orders poured into Robbins Music Corp. When "March of Time* foUowed- 
up with a special presentation of the song last Thursday night (Oct, 22), 
additional orders caught Robbins short on copies. 'The Thing-ummy 
Bob' is a novelty about gal factory workers who make war gadgets, but 
don't know what they're tor. Grade Fields has been plugging it also. 



ASCAP's publisher classification committee has askecf the pub members 
to submit a list of numbers in their catalog which they consider to be of 
marked value as far as availability is concerned. The committee will 
consult this data when it gets around to the task of revising the avail- 
ability ratings of the entire roster of ASCAP publisher members. 

The committee meanwhile is trying to arrive at a set of standards, of 
rules, to be applied in the general revision. 



Famous Music has dropped 'Praise the Lord, this is Famous Music Corp.' 
as a telephonic greeting, after one new phone girl excitedly gave out. 
Praise Famous Music Corp.,' and they started ribbing the firm. 

Paramount Pictures prexy Barney Balaban has kudosed Sid Korn- 
heiser, prof, head of the music subsidiary, that he is 'delighted Paramount 
indirectly fits into the pattern of giving America a truly great war song.' 



of the publisher directors pointed 
out that his outside business Inter- 
ests, such as that with contract 
writers, some times made It advis- 
able for him to cloak what he 
thought best for the society's interest 
under this very device, the secret 
ballot. The publisher added that he 
saw no reason for jeopardizing his 
business relations with a writer by 
letting that writer know how he (the 
publisher) voted on a proposition 
sponsored by the writer. 

The board vote which several 
months ago substituted Deems Tay- 
lor |or Buck as^SCAP prez was by 
secret ballot. 



"1 WANNA GO BACK TO WEST 
VIRGINIA" 

Recorded br 
■k .MIl.T HGRTH THIO 

Vtcen 
■k HPIKK JONER 

And HIh CItr .tilckrra 
nlurhlrd 
# MERRV MACS 

■k FRRDDY M.\RTIN 

Victor 
■i, .I.XCK McI,EAN 

<;niilial 
•k TOMMY TtirKKR 
roiamblii 
rArllHia listed nlphnbcUrnllv) 

VANGUARD SONGS, INC. 
lime N. vino St., Hollywood, Calif- 



MOST CONSISTENTLY PLAYKD SONU IN AMERICA 

STRICTLY INSTRUMENTAL" 

RKCORDED BY 

HARRY JAMES (COL.) BOB CHESTER (BLUEBIRD) 

JERRY WALD (DECCA) JIMMIE LUNCEFORD (DECCA) 

CHERIO MUSIC PUBLISHERS, INC. 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



VAUDEVILLE 



4S 



Detroit s Unjust Reward 



Detroit, Oct. IT. 

Nitery and tavern men here, trying to oblige war workers by cash- 
ing their checks, have their headaches. They've been pretty expen- 
live headaches, with the top case example being Henry 3. Addison, 
who runs Addison's Old Tavern. Twice he's been held up for upward 
of $i3,000. 

With the town's mechanics hauling down checks too big for the 
corner grocers to handle, and two of the shifts wanting their' ohecks 
cashed at hours when the banks were closed, the nlteries had gone 
into business here as amateur banks. It was nice accommodation and 
not bad for biz. 

However, they're starting to back out of the bank business now that 
the mobsters have gotten wise to the amount of cash they keep on 
hand for cashing the checks. A quartet of holdup men nailed Addison 
in his club last Friday (23) and made oft with upward of $8,000 in 
currency. In February he was robbed of $8,800. 



Henie-Wirtz Ice Show May Be Forced 
To Close Due to Snarl on AGVA Pact 



First militant moves by the As- 
Eocialed Actors and Artistes ol 
America since it took over the man- 
agement o£ the American Guild of 
Variety Artists were made last week 
in New York when Arthur M. Wirtz 
was informed that unless he entered 
into a basic agreement with AGVA 
his 'Star.s on Ice,' at the Center, N. 
Y., would be declared unfair, as 
would Sonja Henie's 'Hollywood Ice 
Revue.' 

Wirtz came from Chicago Satur- 
day (24) (or a confab with the 
Four A's board, but that huddle 
failed to reach an agreement. Chi- 
cagoan refused to do business with 
AGVA, and was given until Satur- 
day (30) to comply, after which 
'Stars' will be picketed. Understood 
that the stagehands and musicians 
have agreed not to cross such a 
picket line, and so the rink revue 
may be forced off. 

Miss Henie {vould particularly be 
affected in Hollywood, since the 
Screen Actors Guild could hardly 
decline to follow the action o( the 
Four A's. Any of the skcters in 
the Henie show who are also used in 
her pictures will similarly be barred 
from the studios. 

Wirtz said he had no objection to 
his attractions being unionized, but 
that biecause of past inconsistencies 
with AGVA he could not do business 
with the vaude union. His jam with 
AGVA dates back to the Coast, 
where the local there upset an agree- 
ment he entered into with the heads 
of ttie pnion. Four A's and the pres- 
ent AGVA people concede that 
Wirtz has an argument in his favor, 
but insist that with the four A's 
now in charge of the vaude union, 
he has no reason to hold out, enter- 
ing into a basic agreement. 

Wirtz offered to have his 'Stars' 
show go under Equity, but the latter 
does not rate the show among the 
legit attractions. Equity's rule calls 
for eight performances weekly, extra 
pa> applying '.hereafter. Under the 
AGVA proposal 'Stars' will be sim- 
ilarly rated, the vaude union having 
recently set eight times weekly the 
maximum (or other ice show;;. 'Stars' 
has been playing nine times weekly, 
with additional per{ormances on hol- 
iday weeks. 

Four A's will continue to help or- 
ganize (or the vaude outfit, other 
night spots to get attention soon, the 
Diamond Horseshoe in particular. 
Understood that there will be a re- 
organization of the vaude union, 
with the locals probably eliminated. 



OLD EMBASSY, N. Y.. 
SLATED TO REOPEN 



The old Embassy on East 67th 
street. New York, later the Polish 
Pavilion, is slated to reopen with 
Jane Froman. Harry Richman, as 
host, was another possibility, but 
now cold. Some of the Famous Door 
management is interested therein. 

The old Kit-Kat on East 55th is 
another closed spot due for renais- 
sance, on the crest of the nitery up- 
beat, to be known as Cafe Life, and 
primed to oppose the nearby Cafe 
Society with a mixed colored-ofay 
entertainment. Oscar Shimmerman, 
ex-Cafe Society headwaiter will op- 
erate here. 



AGVA Pickets 
Leon-Eddie's 
After Pact Snarl 



PITT RENTAL ROW 



MeU, McCurry Haled Into Court 
Over NItcry Pact 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Don Metz and Elmer McCuiry. 
operators of the Sky Vue, nitery op- 
posite the County Airport, wore 
baled into court last week by the 
property owners, Samuel P. Liitz ,nnd 
his wife, Mary M. LuU. who claim 
they had failed to pay either rent or 
the alternative, 6% of the gro.<!s in- 
come, for the last three years. 

In Common Pleas court, Judge W. 
Heber Dithrich handed down a deci- 
sion ordering Metz and McCurry to 
make an accounting. At the same 
time, he fixed the income at $25,000 
In 1939, $41,000 in 1940, and S59.000 
in 1941. 



Maxine Lewis moves into the new 
Last Frontier Hotel, Las Vegas. 
Nev., Oct. 30, to produce the floor 
shows, with Gus Martel's orchestra 
dishing. up the music. 



Following the expiration of the 10 
days of grace, within which time an 
agreement was to be negotiated, al- 
loted by the International Board of 
the Associated Actors and Artistes 
o( America, the American Guild of 
Variety Artists posted pickets in 
front of Leon & Eddie's 52d St. nit- 
ery in N. Y. City last Sunday (25). 
Despite the pickets and the 4.\'s 
ruling that the spot was to be taboo 
to all members of the 4A's branches, 
whether they worked or were 
just visiting the ."spot only one 
out o( 11 principals and one 
out of eight chorus girls had 
refused to cross the picket line. The 
rest had all appeared and played the 
show. However the union is con- 
tinuing to contact the performers 
working at L&Es. clarifying (or 
them the issues involved and pos- 
sible penalties, including the possi- 
bility that they will be unable to 
work under the jurisdiction of the 
other 4A's unions (pictures, radio 
and legit), unless they toe the mark. 

Meanwhile I.eon Enken. co-owner 
and operator o( L&E's in partnership 
with Eddie Davis, is adamant that 
his club is unique and different and 
that it cannot afford the Class A 
rating which AGVA wants to allot. 
L&E's currently operates on a $50- 
$30 scale that permiLs (our shows a 
day. This is neither Cla.<;s A nor B 
under the pre.-sent AGVA rules. 
Enken claims that the A rating, 
which calls for $75-$45 minimums 
would mean a 100'- lilt in wages 
since the A scale calls (or pro rata 
wages for the extra shows over 
three a night. 

How Leon Figures It 
According to Enkens figuring, the 
minimums would work out at $100- 
$60 since he needs the (our shows 
a day. and lho.<e are prices that he 
cannot pay. Likcwi.se Leon also 
claims thai in actual elapsed time 
the performers who work .it his 
club only do two show.« a night since 
all their routine.': are cut to permit 
Eddie Davis to do his routine which 
runs about 40 minute?. 
I The .spot is offering a 20'; in- 
j crease. $5 per week to the line and 
! $10 per week lo the principals, and 
figures that is as far as they can go. 
since even the musician.s' union ac- 

iContinued on pJge 45) 



Atty. for 'Notorious^ 
Nitery Suicides After 
Kickback on Mpls. Rap 

Minneapolis, Oct. 27, 
Persian Palms, 'notorious' local 
night club, got more unfavorable 
newspaper publicity when Jacob 
Garon, its attorney, committed sui- 
cide after having Seen indicted for 
allegedly attempting to dissuade a 
witness from appearing in municipal 
court against it. It was charged that 
he sought to persuade a minor, who 
had been arrested for intoxication 
and claimed he was served the 
liquor in the Palms, to go to Cali- 
fornia to take a war plant job before 
the case came to trial. 

Previously, after a soldier had 
charged that a woman hanger-on at 
the club had rolled him for his 
money and after a charge that a 
minor performer had appeared in 
the floor show while intoxicated, a 
municipal court judge accused the 
police of protecting it. 



FLOOR SHOWS 

BLOOM IN prrr 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Floor shows blooming all over 
town these days, with established 
spots which in past have been con- 
tent merely to dish out dance music 
going in for acts. It's a direct re- 
sult of the war, operators claim. 
Younger set is fast disappearing from 
local haunts on account of the war 
and ringsides are being peopled more 
and more by oldsters. Dancing isn't 
enough for this latter crowd; they 
want entertainment, too, thus the 
rush for performers. 

Latest spot to go In for acts is 
Merry-Go-Round, previously a dance 
spot exclusively. First show, which 
opened Friday (23), consists of Leon 
Fields, Bertay Sisters, Madeline 
Gray and Paddy. With new policy, 
boulevard room has dropped the 
minimum and installed 5Sc. cover 
charge on week nights and 75c. Sat- 
urdays. 

Another room which will shortly 
go in for acts is the Chatterbox, Wil- 
liam Penn hotel, which hasn't had a 
show for more than four years. Even 
small spots, heretofore satisfled to 
get along with three and four-piece 
bands, are adding entertainment on 
weekends and expect to extend it all 
through the week when gas ration- 
ing starts in a few weeks and the 
places 10 and 15 miles out of town 
are expected to quietly retire from 
business. 

Music's becoming the least impor- 
tant thing around here now. '.rhe 
oldsters prefer to sit, drink and 
watch. 



Suspend Ohio Bum OKays 

Findlay, O., Oct. 27. 
The liquor licenses of the Paradise 
and Brunswick night clubs, Findlay, 
O., were suspended for 30 days by 
the Ohio State Liquor Board for 
alleged sales to minors. 



Paul E. Brown, blind brother of 
Aim actor Joe E. Brown, is now in 
his third month at the Cottonwood 
Room (Blackstone .Hotel), playing 
electric organ. 



4As Board Tables Proposal That 
Equity Absorb AGVA; Assures Full 
Support of Variety Actors Union 



SLATES REFUTE MARCUS 
ON 'STOLEN' MATERIAL 



Syd Slate (Slate Bros.) claims Doc 
Marcus is talking through his own 
pi jverbial hat in claiming that they 
copped his audience-participation 
hat bit. Firstly, the Slates insist 
that the bit is in the public domain; 
secondly, that the stunt was given 
them by Lionel Kaye, now in 'Sons 
o' Fun,' Winter Garden, N. Y., and 
Harry Jarkey, both of whom, the 
Slates maintain, did the bit before 
Marcus. Finally, the Slates insist 
that they" first did the bit two years 
ago at Earl Carroll's Restaurant in 
Hollywood. 

Marcus charges that he had the 
Slates work the bit with him when 
both acts were at Latin Quarter 
nitery on Broadway, and that the 
three brothers then did the bit on 
their own (without Marcus' permis- 
sion), at a subsequent date at Loew's 
State, N. Y., last week. 



Frisco AGVA In 
Crackdown On 
Phoney Benefits 



San Francisco, Oct. 27. 

An epidemic of phoney benefits 
parading under guise of patriotism to 
get free entertainment has brought 
a crackdown from the American 
Guild of Variety Artists here. Union 
told nlteries that it they sent their 
shows to 'benefits' found later to be 
not strictly on the up and up, the 
night clubs would have to foot the 
entertainment bill. 

Matt Shelvey, executive secretary 
of the Frisco AGVA, took position 
that if admission was charged for an 
entertainment, and it was not imme- 
diately evident for what useful pur- 
pose the receipts were to be used, it 
was no go on free talent. 

Highly solvent affairs for shipyard 
workers, at $1 a throw, were expect- 
ing to line up shows without cost oe- 
cause war bonds were raffled during 
the cour.se of the soirees. 

On other occasions, friends or 
political acquaintances of nitery 
operators would request that talent 
be sent around to some 'benefit' that 
would have only a remote connec- 
tion with our activity or a worthy 
cause. 



Gets Arden Decree 

Buffalo, Oct. 27. 
Margery Cephus, entertainer, was 
granted an Enoch Arden dissolution 
of her marriage in 1935 to Leon Ce- 
phus, described as a 'singer and 
dancer.' 

She testified in supreme court that 
her husband disappeared while in 
Buffalo in 1936. 



Vocalist Turns Manager of Vaudeville 
House in War-Booming Woonsocket 



♦1- 



Stuart Allen, vocalist and orch 
leader, is pulling out of the music 
biz to become general manager of 
the Park Theatre, new indie house, 
in Woonsocket, R. I. He will double 
as musical director since the house 
will play vaude. 

New showplace opens on Nov. 5. 
Arthur Fischer will book the shows 
out of New York. Arthur Darman, 
a Rhode I.^land woolens magnate, 
who ha.s dabbled in theatre opera- 
tions, is understood to be the money- 
man. 

Woonsocket is smack in center o( 
a flock of new manufacturing plants 
loaded with war contracts. Town 
has jumped in population from 50,- 
000 in 1940, to almost 100,000. 



Draft 5 USD Actors 



USO-Camps Shows, Inc., last week 
lost five acts to the draft boards. All 
of the acts were .slated for overseas 
units. They are Ted Lester, George 
Prentice, Jay & Lou Seller, the Mar- 
tin Bros, and Georgie Tapps. 

Just lo rub things in the Martins 
were brought in to replace George 
Prentice and were then also yanked 
by a draft board. 

This is answer enough to false im- 
pression that USO acts were dratt- 
dcferred. 



Walter H. Greaza's recommenda- 
tion to the Associated Actors h 
Artistes of America's International 
Board, that Equity take over the 
American Guild af Variety Artists, 
was tabled last week by the Board 
at a meeting in New York. Thus did 
the Board acquiesce to a proposal 
by Jonas Silverstone, AGVA's na-. 
tional attorney, that the variety per- 
formers' union retain the same in- 
dependence as the other union affili- 
ates of the Four A's, the parent actor 
union. 

The Equity takeover of AGVA had 
been suggested by Greaza as a solu- 
tion to the variety union's financial 
and administrative difficulties. 
G eaza, assistant executive secretary 
of the legit union, has been on loan 
from the latter to administrate 
AGVA during recent months. His 
leave of absence from Equity expires 
Dec. .1, when he returns to his 
former union post. 

Following the announcement sev- 
eral weeks ago of Greaza's AGVA 
suggestion, Silverstone revealed that 
he was working on a lengthy report 
that he expected would refute the 
Greaza claim that AGVA was in- 
capable of handling its own affairs. 
The Board's-doei5rt^fn'^J'•*«P■ 

The report: 

'The Committee, after ex-., 
tended consideration, is of the 
opinion and recommends to the 
fntermittofuil Board that no fur- 
ther actiort in the matter of a 
proposed tieup or amalgamation 
with the Actors' Equitty Associa- 
tion be taken. 

"The International Board has 
taken over and is exercising dili- 
gently all of the powers of the 
National Board of AGVA. The 
varioiu branches have joined 
t0ith the International Board in 
providinp that members of those' 
branches tuorkinfl in AGVA's 
jurisdiction, shall become mem- 
bers of AGVA in good standing; 
further that if any persons who 
work in AGVA's jurisdiction as 
entertainers refuse to become 
members of AGVA in good 
standing, such action tuill be a 
valid objection if they in the 
future shall apply for member' 
ship in any of these branches. 
These resolufiojts luill be en- 
forced ond employers reftuing to 
enter into with AGVA contracts 
covering minimum tudges ond 
tDorfcing conditions tuill be 
placed on the unfair list, and ac- 
tion will be taken against them 
accordingly by all branches in- 
cluding Actors' Equity Associa- 
tion. 

'With this cooperation it is felt 
that aTTiatgamation with Equitv is 
unnecessary at this time.' 



MUST ADVERTISE FOR GALS 

Schenectady Hurley Slater Finds It 
Tough lo Get Chorines 



SchenecUdy, N. Y., Oct. 27. 

Shortage of burlesque chorus girls 
and the unwillingness of tho.<!e in 
New York to come to Schenectady 
forced Pal Brandeaup, producer of 
hurley at the Erie theatre, to Insert 
advertisements in Schenectady. Al- 
bany and Troy dailies for chorinvs. 
Ads stated experience was not essen- 
tial for the six-day week job -at $40. 
Brandeaup sought 24 girls. 

The Erie, one-time wheel sta.nd, 
returned to burlesque several months 
ago. 



Corp. Gagnon Gets No 
Furlough From Missus 

Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

Hollywood Co-Eds, dancing acro- 
bats who closed an engagement at 
the Nixon 'Cafe Saturday night i24), 
have instructed their agent that they 
will accept d^tes for the next few 
months only in towns where 'This 
Is the Army' is playing, That's be- 
cause one of the girls, Paula De- 
Marro. is married to Cpl. Leo 
(Chick) Gagnon. o( the Irving Berlin 
soldier show. They were married a 
few months ago. 

They open Thursday (29) in Phila- 
delphia, where 'Army' opened la.st 
night (26), and go from there to 
Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Cin- 
cinnati, St. Loui.s, Detroit and Chi- 
cago, all towns 'Army' is playing. 



44 VAUlNnnLLB 



f^ARiEfy 



Wednesdaj, October 28, 1942 



Death of Addie Cherry Recalls Vaude s 
Lousiest Act on Vegetable Circuit 



Death of Addie Cherry, 83, in their 
home town. Cedar Rapids, la., on 
Monday (26) recalls a time-honored 
(how biz tradition which Is best 
summed up by that vaudeville his- 
torian. Joe Laurie. Jr.: 'What ster- 
ling Is on silver the trademarlr of 
lousy was typified by the Cherry 
Sisters.' 

Known as the 'vegetable twins,' 
Eflie and Addie played Hammer- 
stein's Olympia (pre-Victoria) on 
Broadway (in 1896) behind a net for 
eight weeks at $500 per, and that 
'direct from Broadway' billing was 
worth plenty to the goshawful .«is- 
ter act for years thereafter in the 
lesser towns. Booked by Willie 
Hammerstein as a novelty for the 
sophisticates, their very serious act, 
which included a temperance pitch, 
was okay stuff in the hinterland, 
which was kindlier to the twain, al- 
though recognizing the inherent me- 
diocrity. 

The idea of playing behind a net. 



OPPOftTDHITV m 

VilDEllLUiUI 
AROimiD m 43 



Alt NBC-aflUiated radio 
starion in a falr-sixed city b 
interested in the lervices of 
a vandeviile-trained enter- 
tainer capable of acting aa 
emcee and announcer. Nice 
opportunity for steady em* 
ployment. 



Plea— write, full detail* 
of qtudifieatioiu and ex- 
perience to 

"BROADCASTER" 

C/O Variety 

1S4 West 46th Street 
New York City 



to encourage thrown vegetables, 
wasn't new. In the lB70s, Shake- 
spearean 'actors' like James Owen 
O'Connor, Count Johannes and Dr. 
Landis hammed it with 'Hamlet' and 
got rich from the b.o., many com- 
ing just to ven{ their spleen in the 
form of hurled produce from the 
henhouses and vegetable patches. 
Willie Hammerstein thus got his idea 
of using a screen when playing the 
Cherry Sisters, but the throw- 
things-at-aclors gag died with Ham- 
mer.Mein because, it is recalled, when 
Billy Rose tried to resurrect the same 
idea at the Casino de Paree during 
the Prohibition era, it died. His 
ads read, 'Sunday Nitc, Amateur 
Nite, Come and Throw Vegetables at 
Actors,' and, save for an occasional 
drunk's ice cube being pitched, the 
stunt flopped. 

The late Epes W. Sargent (Chicot), 
writing in his Chicot's Weekly, be- 
fore he joined 'Variety,' said: 

'The Cherry Sisters do not care to 
be exploited as freaks and Insist on 
being treated with due respect. By 
way of material for press notices, 
they wrote £. D. Price, manager of 
the Pleasure Palace, N. Y., whom 
they were soliciting for a booking, 
that the terrible pair had been given 
'four golden horseshoes' [did Burns 
Mantle get the four-stars Idea here?] 
In Chicago, and presented with a 
glass cane [shades of Lou Holtz] 
handsomely decorated with ribbons 
at St. Louis. 

'If arrangements could be made,' 
continued the then vitriolic Sargent, 
'I should be glad to present thein 
with ■ horsesho* attached to the 
business end of an ablebodied and 
hard-working jackass.' 

Lauria recalls that when h* had 
his 'Memory Lane' flash act on tour, 
the Cherry Sisters, with deadpans. 
Insisted that their names be in lights 
outside the Chicago theatre, Chi., 
above the act. 

Advent of the Cherry Sisters, re- 
garded as th* lousiest act in the his- 
tory of vaudeville, well antedates the 
inception of 'Variety.' When they 
appeared at Hammerstein's Olympia 
on Broadway it was said they were 
'so bad they are good.' They later 
appeared in Proctor's 23d Street 

One of the yams connected with 
the Cherry Sisters was their expla- 
nation of why vegetables were 
heaved at them. The girls claimed 
that whenever that occurred It was 
by disappointed managers who had 
made advances to them, even though 
they were the hickiest of women. 

There were five Cherry sisters 
originally who appeared in their na- 
tive town of Marion, la., in a sketch 
with songs called The Gypsy's Warn- 
ing,' Addie at that time being 24. 
Girls wanted to visit the Chicago 
World's Fair of 1893 and, to raise 
coin, hired Green's Opera House, 
Cedar Rapids, to stage their show. 
There was bedlam of noise from out 
front, but the performance went on. 

When they saw the notice In the 
morning paper they sued for libel. 
Case was heard in the theatre and, 




after the judge saw 'Warning,' gav* 
I the verdict to the newspaper. Deaths 
reduced the act to a duo, Addla and 
I Effle occasionally coming out of re- 
I tirement to 'revive' the act, although 
i they went back to the farm orlginal- 
- ly in 1903. In 1924, when the sur- 
viving two sisters were becoming 
aged, they appeared at the Orpheum, 
Des Moines. 'Variety' covered it as 
a New Act; the notice stated in part: 

'Efne and Addie Cherry are of the 
famous Cherry Sisters who startled 
Broadway in the early 90's. 'Per- 
fectly terrible' was never more appli- 
cable. As terribleness, their skit is 
perfection. . . .Effle got Into the 
spotlight recently by being defeated 
for mayor (Cedac Rapids) . . , Effle 
sings a song about 'She was my sister 
and oh how I missed her' . . .Effle 
talks fluently on everything from 
prohibition to the Equity strike. She 
wants particularly to clean up the 
stage, and says she prefers this to 
closing shows on Sunday ... If It 
were not for a reputation for being a 
bad act gained 30 years ago, the 
Cherry Sisters would not get a hear- 
ing. . . . Effle explains they had re- 
tired from the stage before, on ac- 
count of the war. The reporter took 
it for granted the recent affair with 
Germany was referied to, but stage- 
hands are at odds over the question. 
Some insist she meant the Civil War 
and others say It was the Spanish- 
American.' 

Dancing was immoral, the Cherry 
Sisters claimed, so all they did on the 
stage were recitations and singing. 
And they had the distinction of doing 
iMth worse than everybody else. 

Effle Cherry, in poor health, Is now 
the only survivor of tha family of 
five girls and a brother. 



Smaller Niteries 
Decry Paucity Of 
Talent in Frisco 



San Francisco, Oct. 27. 
A shortage of entertainers, giving 
operators of the smaller niteries ter- 
rific headaches, has developed here 
due principally. It Is believed, to fact 
tlra and gas rationing Is keeping 
talent from drifting to Frisco from 
tlie east 

Despite their boomtown biz, spots 
that must And their talent locally are 
being forced to drag their shows 
over long periods with few or no 
changes in cast. Hotels and larger 
night spots are doing okay, since 
their entertainers are brought out 
under contracts. 

Added to fear of show people that 
if they come west by automobile 
they may not l>e able lo shuttle east 
again is usual fact of less of talent 
to wartime activity, and fact that 
peak biz here has brought a great r 
call than ever before for entertainers. 

Some night club men console 
themselves with the hope that be- 
cause business is so terrific, the 
hordes of soldiers and sailors, ship- 
yard workers and plain civilians are 
satisfied, without frills, when they 
can even get close enough to the bar 
to order a drink. 



2 NicL Niteries Shot 
On Tax Claims; link 
Owner to &nbezzler 



Detroit Oct 27. 

Two Jackson (Mich.) niteries were 
shuttered last week by government 
agents following an investigation 
Into a 8140,000 shortage in funds at 
Foote Hospital in the city. 

Both clubs, the Roseland Inn and 
the Ledo Club, are operated by Don- 
ald W; Stahl, who has been held 
under $10,000 bond in the investiga- 
tion in the hospital shortage. 

The speciflc charges on which 
revenue agents closed the two clubs 
was that Stahl was in arrears. $4,269 
in cabaret and federal employment 
taxes for the past several years. He 
originally was taken into custody on 
charges that he accepted 870 from 
Miss Marion Reece, former Foote 
Hospital bookkeeper, who Is await- 
ing sentence for embezzlement and 
also that he testified falsely that 
she had never given him any of the 
hospital funds. 

Tha agents declared both clubs 
would remain closed until the taxes 
were paid and filed Hens against the 
spots with the register of deeds. 



Qiicago Nitmes Doiiig Sma^ Biz; 
Marx, Herman % Other Reviews 



Chicago, Oct. 27. 
Chicago's niteries are playing to 
jammed houses, as war incomes pro- 
duce new spenders in the enter- 
tainment marts of the midwest me- 
tropolis. 

Among the outstanding attractions 
Is Chico Marx, at the Blackhawk. 
This is his first local appearance as a 
band leader and night club m.c, and 
he's clicking big in both roles. 

Marx is attracting the carriage 
trade, which formerly went only to 
the Chez Paree, Camellia House. 
Mayfair Room and other top spots of 
the town. More champagne corks 
have popped since he opened than in 
six months previously, and the spot's 
take has upped considerably. Back- 
ing him and his tomfoolery is a llrst- 
rate band, put together and led by 
Ben Pollack, veteran orchestra 
leader. He has assembled a fine 
bunch of boys who play swing and 
sweet with equal ability. 

Woody Herman, at the Panther 
Room of the Hotel Sherman, is cur- 
rent rage of the younger crowd. 
Making his third annual visit to this 
rendezvous. 

Griff Williams, at the Empire Itoom 
of the Palmer House, has this month 
aided in cracking former record held 
by Veloz and Yolanda, reaching new 
highs in the number of diners at- 
tracted. Of course, he's backed by 
the Hartmans, Parker and Porthole, 
the Merriel Abbott Dancers ana a 
flrst-rate floor show. 

At the Edgewater Beach hotel 
Henrr King's band has upped busi- 
ness in the Marine Dining Room by 
about 25%. Supported by no head- 
line show. Just good acts, plus the 
Dorothy Dorben Dancers in several 
smart routines. King and his piano 
wizadry have gained the repeat pat- 
ronage of this room's more mature 
guests. 

• Chez Paree is presently between 
shows. Grade Fields having departecl 
and Sophie Tucker not slated to 
come in imtfl Oct 30. However, the 
intermediate show, featuring Jack 
Cole's Dancers ini some lesser acts, 
plus Buddy Franklin's orchestra, is 
attracting good biz. 

In the heart of the Loop, the 
Latin Quarter, where Little Jackie 
Heller heads the stage show, the 
management reports a $3,000 increase 
in business over last week, with each 
successive week In the past two 
months having shown some better- 
ment Heller is given credit, how- 
ever, for most of the new draw. 

Mayfair Room of the Blackstone, 
where Dwight Fiske, the piano ra- 
conteur, and Neil Bondshu's orches- 
tra h(jld forth nightly, is doing its 
best business of the year. At the 
Camellia House of the Drake, Vir- 
ginia Hays, singer, backed by Val 
Ernie's popular little orchestra, is 
also doing better-than-avcrage busi- 
ness. 

Walnut Room of the BUmarck. 
Collslmo's and the dozens of niteries 
in and outside the Loop all report a 
patronage surpassing that of recent 
months. 

Cocktail lounges and bars are also 
enjoying flne business, with week- 
ends outstanding. 



Georgia Tappa and Renea Da Marco 
Now it's Dwight Flska, piano racon- 
teur, with his ncy little stories in 
song. 

Fiske does seven numbers. 'From 
Titles to Tails,' about an octoge- 
narian who surprisingly fathers a 
child, starts things off. Which give, 
an idea of the other tunes. 

Neil Bondshu's musical aggrega- 
tion is comprised of skilled, versatile 
musicians, sax and trumpeter play- 
ers all doubling on string to provide 
very nifty dance music. Loop. 

EMPIRE ROOM, CHI 

(PALMER HOUSE) 

Chicago, Oct. 22 
Griff Williams Oreli. TJie Hnit- 
mani:, Parker & Porrholc. Waller 
Lonfi. Boh Kirk. Waller King 
Freddy Terry, Merriel Abbott 
Dancers': $3 minimum. 



Nicely-balanced show, with a Rood 
band and the peer of comedy ball- 
room duos to top tMe layout, com- 
bine for a pleasant evening's diver- 
sion at this class spot. 

Novelty opening is provided by 
the Abbott Dancers, attractively at- 
tired in blue and gold, when they fit 
four huge jigsaw puzzles together on 
the floor, to make up likenesses of 
the stars in the show. The dance to 
this feat is pert and amusing. 

Walter Long works out some in- 
tricate terp patterns, his looks, trim 
(Continued on page 45) 



PHIL 
REGAN 

On Tour 

Paraonal Represantativat 
FRANK VINCENT 
Beverly Hills, Calif. 



MAYFAIR ROOM, CHI 

(BLACKSTONE HOTEL) 

ChicoflO, Oct. 23. 
Dwight Fiske, Weil Bondshu's 
Orch (10) ; no minimum, no cover. 

Show at the Mayfair Room consist- 
ently revolves around one entertain- 
er—such as HUdegarde, Jane Pickens, 



"BIG TIME 



CAROLYN MARSH 

THRUSHING AT THE. 
VERSAILLES" 

Waller Winchell 



7th WEEK 



Dir.! JOB KIETO 
1891 Braadway 
lav WEISS AOKNCV 



ALWAYS WORKING 

WHITEY ROBERTS 

Wn'k N'nv. t. Central Thrntrr, rii>- 
mlo, N. J. , 
Wrrk Not. IS, ICwl« TliMtre, Phila- 

rirlplilii 

MVrk Nov, 20, BtMiler Thratnt, ntm- 
iHirgh 



Thanks 



to all our friends in New York 



The 

3 




(MOE • LARRY • CURLY) 



Currently 

STRAND THEATRE. N. Y. 

(COOMEST COLOMBIA nCTU>CS| hAEET A. MMH 

General ABsaement Corp. 



Wednesday, Octobw 88, 194t 



VAUDEVnUE 45 



The Press Said: 

"Best of the new comedians" . • • 
- Dorothy KUsallen, 

Journal-American 



HA slick cccentrlo oomedlan" . . . 

Mori, Variety 



Sure-fire laugh geUer ... a great 
floinlo bet" • . . 

™ Denis, Billboard 



"Mows down the crowd" . . . 

Charles Slevert, 

World-Telegram 



"Overnight sensation" . . . 

Cue Magailne 



"A tip to talent scouts" . . . 

Hollywood Reporter 



"Banks as a show stopper equal 
to Berle or Lewis. He'll write 
Us own ticket In a year" . . . 

Syd Gathrld, 

Phila. Daily News 



"An op and coming funnyman 
who shows definite promise of 
hlttiog the big time. Has broken 
every house record for cash re- 
eclpts and attendance at Glass 
Hat" . . . 

Malcolm Johnson, 

Evening Sun 



"His hilarious Impressions boom- 
ing business at Glass Hat" . . , 
Gene Knight, 

Journal-American 




The Nation's No. 1 Joker 

Prom the Paramount, N. Y., 
to E[elmont-Plaaa*» Glasa Hat 
Held Over for Nine Weeks 

l^alton Roof, PhUadelphia 
Held Over Four Weeks 

^nd Now Back' to the 
GLASS HAT 

By BOX-OFHCE DEMAND 

For an 
Indefinite Engagement 



Direction 
WILLIAM MORRIS AQENCY 



Night Club Reviews 



S Continued from page 44 i 



EMPIRE ROOM, CHI 

appearance and hoofing ability win- 
ning applause. 

Parker and Porthole, latter being 
the sailor-dummy, is a better-than- 
average ventriloquist act, made un- 
usual by the fact that the dummy 
talks when Parker is a considerable 
disUnce away from him. Highlight 
of the act is a mind-reading turn, 
which is clever, being nicely-timed 
and presented. 

Hartmans, of course, still have a 
great turn. They sUrt with a magic 
act, pulling colored bouquets from 
the craziest places, follow it with a 
zany dance to 'Sylvia' and a nut 
routine which they call 'A Gay Num- 
ber." Their finish is Grace Hart- 
man's hysterical vocal of 'When a 
Gypsy Makes His Violin Cry,' with 
Pani Hartman, providing violin ac- 
companiment. 

Griff Williams, pleasing of per- 
sonality and backed by a fine aggre- 
gation, delivers sock background for 
entertainers and provides very 
danceable music for the guests His 
singers Bob Kirk, Waller King and 
canary Freddy Terry are all clicko. 

Loop. 

OVAL ROOM, BOSTON 

(COPLEY PLAZA HOTEL) 

Boston, Oct. 24. 
Joan Eduiards, John Hoysradt, 
Mario & Floria, Ramon Ramos Orch 
(7); minimum fo 9, $2, cover there- 
after, $1. 



Inasmuch as this upper-crust sland 
goes for intimate, sophisticated en- 
tertainment without girls or name 
band fol-de-rol, the above bill is dis- 
tinctly down the middle. Business 
not remarkable considering the cur- 
rent renaissance of night life all 
around. 

John Hoysradt remains a highly 
groomed performer whose nifty cos- 
mopolitan style IS appreciated here. 
Missed at first with a curiously un- 
funny story of a couple of fellows in 
Berlin in 1960, but quickly recovered 
with a series of imitations and 
stories. Finishes very powerfully 
with a flne-takeoflf of Hildegarde and 
a timely skit of a fellow taking his 
wife to a football game. He also 
emcees. 

Joan Edwards goes over strong. 
Has a curiously impersonal program 
of songs untU she gets to 'My Devo- 
tion' and 'White Christmas,' then 
catches on big. 

Registering heavier than anything 
else is the dancing team of Mario 
and Floria. They're fresh and bub- 
bling, doing six difficult routines. 
They're generous with encores. 
Ramos' band supplies good, evoca- 
tive music for the show, and its 
dance-music style Is refined and dis- 
creet, favoring show tunes. Elic. 



MONTE CARLO, N. Y. 

Sonny Kendis Orch (8), Nerita's 
Rhumba (5); $2 minimum. 



If ever a room by itself can be- 
come a nttery headliner this is it, as 
Franklyn Hughes has decorated it. 
It's a madcap boite which almost 
gives one kleig eyes with its flash 
and melange of colors, but fits In 
well with the wartime mood of 
escapology. It reminds of the old 
Alkazar In Hamburg and the sundry 
'palasts' of pre-Hitlerian Berlin. 

Gene Cavallero, owner of the 
famed Colony restaurant, is running 
the cafe on his own, since Felix 
(Fefe) Ferry is slated for the olive 
drab. The adjacent Monte Cfarlo 
Beach is now the Casino, a sort of 
Cub Room (a la the Stork's annex) 
or akin to the Champagne Room of 
EI Morocco. It's more intime, for 
tete-a-tete stuff, with Joe Fejer's 
string quartet dishing up the 
schmaltz Viennese medleys. Fore- 
part of the Casino is for the gin- 
rummy addicts, as in the Stork's Cub 
room. Between the two, Cavallero 
should do all right. 

In the main Monte Carlo Sonny 
Kendis' band is on the podium, this 
time augmented to eight men, and 
the flashy Hispanic coocher. Nerita, 
heads the congarhumba quintet for 
the alternates. Abel. 



BLUE ROOM, N. O. 

(HOTEL ROOSEVELT) 

New Orleans, Oct. 24. 
Ted Weems Orch, Don Loper & 
Moxine Barrat, Rosita Rio.?, JWargery 
F(yye, Perry Comto, Elmo Tanner, 
Billy Blair. 

Ted Weems' smooth jrand ot 
rhythm is back in the town s sw,-.nk- 
iest nitery after a long abseni-e. He'.<: 
backed by an entertaining package 
of acts, each heavy on talent. The 
combination makes one of the most 
diveiting bills seen in the spot. 

Leader handles himself, the baid 
and the show nicely. Crew looks 
well and provides plenty oj good 
n.usic. featuring some corking ar- 



raiigements which include swee* as 
well as swing tunes, with an occa- 
sional waltz and rhumba thrown in. 
Weems emcees nicely. Otherwise, he 
remains In the background, letting 
his boys and the acts take the spot- 
light and bows. 

The floor show proper features 
only three acts. Dancing and sing- 
ing are dominant. Topping the en- 
tertainment are Don Loper and Max- 
ine Barrat, a classy ballroom team 
who are no strangers here. Their style 
Is smooth, easy and eye-pleasing. 
Miss Barrat is attractive, and she and 
Loper kept the first nighters asking 
for more. 

Margery Daye is a looker with a 
nice chassis who got a strong re- 
sponse for her acrobatic and high- 
kick terp. She's as flexible as a 
politician's promises, and twice as 
good. 

Rosita Rios, Latin songstress. Is an 
asset to any show. She offers a group 
of the better equatorial tunes and 
sells the ballads well. She pos- 
sesses looks, an ear-soothing voice 
and has plenty ot tropical vigor and 
appeal. 

Operating without a femme 
chirper seems no handicap to Weems. 
Perry Como is still with the outfit 
and he really sends 'em with his 
singing. Femmes go for him In big 
way. Elmo Tanner, who features a 
whistling turn, also got a big hand. 
But it is partly Billy Blair, who 
doubles on the bass viol, who steals 
the show among the bandmen. His 
comic chanting, mugging and antics 
drew plenty of laughs and applause, 
especially his rendition of 'Arthur 
Murray Taught Me Dancing.' Liuz. 

Lounge Restaurant, N. Y. 

(WALDORF HOTEL) 

John Ktrby Orch (6) ; no minimum 
or couer. 



John Kirby's sextet is an ideal 
combination for this tastefully dec- 
orated, intimate room. One of the 
many drinking or dining alcoves of 
the Waldorf, the Lounge is small, 
seating perhaps 100, with a dance 
floor that's comparatively spacious. 

Kirby's group, composed of him- 
self on bass; Russell Procope, alto 
sax; Charlie Shavers, trumpet; Billy 
Kyle, piano; O'Neill Spencer, drums, 
and Buster Bailey, clarinet, enjoys 
the reputation of being, perhaps, the 
outstanding small combination in the 
business. Few bands this size are as 
satisfying for dance tempo, yet proj- 
ect such rich harmonies and im- 
pelling rhythm. 

Never a loud group at any time, 
Kirby and his men still have to 'keep 
their delivery almost to a whisper 
in this room, especially during din- 
ner. The manner in which the sotto 
voce is handled only adds to, rather 
than detracts, from the band's im- 
pact. Shavers' muted trumpet. Pro- 
cope's smooth alto. Bailey's low-reg- 
ister clarinet, solidly grounded on 
Kyle's piano. Spencer's brush-drum- 
ming and the deadpanned Kirby's 
bass, ride a groove with which even 
the talkiest dowager couldn't find 
fault. As a matter of fact Kirby 
had a couple of them nearly singing 
along with various standard inter- 
pretations, when caught. Later, and 
sometimes during dinner when re- 
quests are made, come the flery ar- 
rangements for which the band is 
noted. 

From whatever angle one looks at 
it, Kirby's group is ideally situated 
here. 'wood. 



Balinese Room, Memphis 

(HOTEL CLAEIDGE) 

Memphis, Oct. 24. 
AI Kavelin Orch (11), uiith Dpro- 
thv Timmonj, Ed Hoelst & Dtcfc 
Willkie. 



Discarding his 'Cascading Chords' 
for the duration, Al Kavelin is treat- 
ing the customers to straight dance 
music in the society idiom. 

Kavelin candidly admits that the 
intricate pyramiding of notes re- 
quired for his bell-like arrangements 
are too difficult to maintain with the 
draft forcing frequent changes in his 
personnel. Men scarcely get hep to 
his trilling chords before they are 
pounding different cadences with 
their feet in Uncle Sam's military 
boots. A simplified orchestration has 
replaced. 

The results are not bad. Kavelin 
is still a mighty fine musician and a 
slick salesman. Rand has plenty of 
commercial matter on the ball and is 
taking well here. Had never played 
Claridge before, but was at the com- 
peting Hotel Peabody three years 
ago about the time his composition, 
'I Give 'You My Word," was scoring a 
hit. 

Setup now hinges largely around 
Kavelin's own violin work; he's 
fiddling much more than forrnerly. 
Nice piano by £ddie Hoelst ana re- 
markable trumpeting from Dick 
Willkie are genuine assets. Gal 
singer, Dorothy Timmons, is brand 
new, but catching on nicely. Mart. 



N.Y. CAFE BIZ 
IN SUDDEN 
UPBEAT 



New York cafe business took a 
sudden upbeat again this past week 
after a statio period the week be- 
fore, Nitery managements, now al- 
most accustomed to New Year's eve 
business every night, gouldn't figure 
out what happened as it eased back 
to normalcy— meaning light Mon- 
day-to-Thursday. The dope was that 
transportation was becoming a fac- 
tor, but It perked again. 

During the ebb bla, one famed 
cafe was $S,000 behind by Friday, 
but spurted Saturday; another was 
$2,000 behind on the week by Thurs- 
day, but made it up on the weekend. 
The Friday-Sunday Influx, of course, 
is abnormal and taxes everybody's 
energies and space. 

At the moment, the big wow Is 
Joe E. Lewis' smash tradb at Monte 
Proser's Copacabane (fcaMP, In- 
cidentally,, is better, but wfll Qe In 
Mt. Sinai hosp anotiier month or 
so). Leon Sc Eddie's haa been doing 
socko; the Stork seems to be the 
lure of every hinterlandep< new 
Monte Carlo, redeoorated and under 
Gene (Colony restaurant') Oaval- 
lero's sloe management, with Jefe 
Ferry due to go into th« •ervi»e, 
is likewise getting the oTass trade; 
ditto El Morocco. Another high- 
light is Libby Holman's boom tolLa 
Vie Parisienne's supper trade, where 
she appears only after midnight to a 
$2 minimum on a percentage deal. 

Mardi Gras, until recently Mother 
Kelly's and formerly tiie Beach- 
comber, Plantation, etc., opeps again 
tonight (Wednesday) 09 tiie cea- 
ond floor of the Winter qa^en 
building with Ethel Shutta and Bert 
Frohman as co-stars. 

Leon-Eddie's 

Continued from page 4S ; 

cepted a 6%% increase, while the 
stagehands took a (1% tilt. 

Enken claims his spot, ^ith a 280- 
seatlng capacity, cannot afford the A 
rating, even thou^ La Conga, Hurri- 
cane and Latin Quarter nfierles, in 
New York, hold A classifications. He 
argues, 'how about the 'Versailles, 
Copacabana and Billy Rose's Dia- 
mond Horseshoe, which are not or- 
ganized by AGVA.' He claims that 
his spot was the flrst In New York 
(jity to sign an A(sVA oontraof, and 
that they voluntarily gave the chorus 
girls a six-day week with seven-day 
pay some two years ago. 

L. A E.'s Peeve 

What particularly irked Enken Is 
that no one askefl the performer's at 
his spot whether they wanted the 
pickets out front. Likewise l^e claims 
that it was his 'understan<Ung Uiat 
the negotiations would be worked 
out okay, and then ell of a sudden 
came the freeze'; that 'we were not 
permitted to talk to Mr. Dul^eU or 
Mr. Gillmore'; that 'Alan Corelil 
came to me and sai^ not to worry, 
and then all of a sudden ^e ean't do 
anythfng and we're a couple of labor- 
batters.' 

So far as AGVA Is concerned, they 
are insisting that L&E'i accept the 
A classification, since tney rate the A 
spot on its capacity, prices for liquor 
and food, tariffs for ringside tables, 
and its location, and Iceordlng to 
these factors this spot dan Ijandle the 
A classification. Also AG'VA admits 
that neither of the nitery owners nor 
th«ir attorney appeared before the 
International Board of the 4A's, but 
also claims that they didn't ask to 
appear and that If the^ had it Is pos- 
sible although not certain that uiey 
could have had a hearing. 60 far as 
Corelli Is concerned, AOVA'f tUnd 
Is that he does not repre^ht them' 
and that the nitery operators were 
in error in negotiating with him. 

Meanwhile Enken is determined to 
continue operations and even If 
AGVA and the 4A's yartk the show 
and the band and the stagehands he 
claims he will continue to operate 
with Eddie Davis as his (how end 
non-union musicians, talent and 
grips if necessary. 



Jimmy Gamble orch opened two- 
week engagement fridaV (i3) at 
Vogue "Terrace, PitUburah. replacing 
How4y Baujm, whp tas gone back to 
the Merry-(5o-Round, Pitt. 



44 HOUll REVIEWS 



MUSIC HALL, N. Y. 

Leonidoff presentation; getUngs by 
Nat Karyon; costumes Willa Van and 
H. Rogge; lighting, Eugene Braun; 
U'ifh Edwin Sleffe. Whitey's Jiver- 
deers, Anthony, AUyn & Hodge, 
Norma Getner, Jean Guelia; world 
premiere of Richard Mohaupt's 
'Prelude (o Glory,' conducted bv 
Enio Rapee and Frank Nowicki, 
with Selma Kaye, soloist, and Marion 
Baxel commentator; Rockettes and 
ballet; March of Time's 'Fighting 
Freticli' and 'My Sister Eileen' re- 
rieiced in 'Variety' Sept. 18,' '42. 

Leonidoff has devised a neat 
presentation in 'Contracts,' sub- 
divided into four parts, and per usual 
in the mammoth Hall the dumb acts 
bofT the hardest, for obvious reasons. 
Not that the dialog doesn't carry, be- 
cause the p a. system at this Rocke- 
feller Center showplace is the ulti- 
mate ill acoustical pickup and am- 
plification, but none the less the very 
nature of the sight values in the 
6,200-seat auditorium gives a dumb 
act an advantage beyond its basic 
values. 

Following the Rockettes, who 
come on the heels of a productionary 
overture — world preem of Richard 
Mohaupt's 'Prelude to Glory' — the 
customers are hungry for a little 
zing. It comes in eposide two, 
wherein Edwin Steffe and the choir 
feature Jacques Wolfe's "Glory Road.' 
when Whitey's Jiverdeers get swing- 
ing. ActuaUy this is a Lindy Hop 
octet of lammisters from Harlem, but 
by now the audience is primed for 
anything approximating a little pep 
end the madcap antics of this new 
legmania are a setup. 

Anthony, AUyn & Hodge mop up 
with their Hartmanesque hokum 
ballroomology. Of the same idiom as 
many another mixed trio before 
them, the two men and the femme 
carry out the illusion of legit hoof- 
ing for a longer period. Once hav- 
ing proved that they can do their 
terps in orthodox manner, the rest 
is the now standard comedy pattern 
when the males get tangled up and, 
with elaborately studied embarrass- 
ment, seek to right their wrongs. 
Finale, of course, has the sleek 
femme doing pratttalls over the 

f rostrate foons of her partners, who 
ctually break the bumps in that 
manner. The finale 'Off Stage and 
On' is a reprise of a former BIH in- 
terlude, wherein the ballet master 
puts his charges through their paces. 
For the 'gala premiere' sequence 
Norma Getner and Jean Guelis, 
the premiere dancers, are flashily 
backed by Florence Rogge's corps de 
ballet (with a neat musical setting 
worthily credited to Maurice Baron) 
As they dress tiie stage, flanking the 
rostrum up unto the side nmways, 
it's a flash of compelling order. 

Maestros Emo Rapee and Frank 
Nowickl baton Mohaupt's new sym- 
phonic overture, unique in its narra- 
tion by Marion Basel as he commen- 
tates the 'Prelude to Glory.' The 
spieler reprises the Hitlerian trage- 
dies that befell Europe, until the 
United Nations took command of the 
situation, with appropriate and 
colorful musical setting to match. 
It's another distinguished work from 
this young Continental maestro 
whom Rapee "produced' last year 
with his Town Piper Music' Here, 
Selma Kaye la soprano soloist 
backed by the Music Hall choir and 
with Dick Leibert's organ accom- 
paniment. Abel. 

ADAMS, NEWARK 



When My Baby's Qpming Home,' and 
'Mad About Him Blues? 



Wji - 

First of the regular acts brings on 
Chester Dolphin, juggler, who spices 
his turn with humor and goes over 
nicely. 

On next. Buster Shaver presents 
Oliver and George, midgets, who 
cavorl and sing to Shaver's pian- 
ology.. Lilliputians have a standard 
midget routine but give it a bright 
treatment that was very well re- 
ceived. 

Closing the bill, Al Bernie. mimic, 
turns in a group of impressions that 
went over with a bang. A nephew 
of Ben Bernie, he focuses his 
mimicry on radio personalities and 
his hilarious repertoire was good for 
two encore.'^. Bernie's best bet is 
his Ink Spots takeoff, a solid char- 
acterization. Joiui. 



Geii« Krupa Orch 
Anita O'Day, Ray 
Eldridge; Merry Macs (4), Lane 
Bros., Bob Evans; 'Forest Rongers' 
(Por), rewicuied in 'Variety,' Sept. 
30. '42. 



CENTRAL, N. Y. 



Looiiey Leicis. Harry Rose. Jean 
Carroll. Chick Hunter, Ponies (12), 
Sliowgirls (6), Don fratjcisco, Bur- 
ton &■ Jeanelte. Kaye & Carroll, 
Olympics (2), Housre Band; 'Confes- 
sions of Boston Blackie' (Col). 



Plenty of girl flash Is apparently 
what the clientele wants at this 
Broadway theatre, and the Brandts, 
together with some acts and sketches, 
are giving it to 'em as 'vaudeville.' 
The conglomerate of toned-down 
burlesque with vaudeville, pla<! a 
'B' picture, is apparently getting by 
at the boxolTicc. It isn't anything 
that vaude diehards would go for; 
it's mostly a burlesque type of cus- 
tomer at whom the show H aiBicd, 
and that's evidently the kind that's 
being drawn to this house. 

Gags in the sketches are old. In 
many cases downright dirty and at 
no time leave anything to the imag- 
ination. 

The major appeal lies in the 12 
ponies and six showgirls, all of whom 
are, collectively, passable lookers. 
There isn't a dancer among the line 
and stager Harry Puck has wisely 
limited the routines to simple forma- 
tions. A major fault, too. Is fail- 
ure to bill the performers properly 
for identification purposes. 

The comics are still holdovers, in- 
cluding Looney Lewis, Harry Rose 
and Chick Himter, plus Jean Car- 
roll, platinum-tressed straightwoman. 

Vaude acts comprise Don Fran- 
cisco, wire walker, who gets by well 
enough: Kaye and Carroll, muced 
duo of jugglers, who go through the 
standard stuff; Burton and Jeanette, 
guy-gal impersonators, okay, and the 
Olympics, the usual roller-skaters. 

Big fairly good when caught. 

Kahn. 



TOWER, K. C. 



Kansas City, Oct. 23. 
The Little Tots (4), Henry Si«- 
mon, Hubert fiyer & Co., Arnold 
Furst, Saul Crnuman and His 'Musi- 
cal Stairatone' Marilyn Ballinger, 
Totoer Orch toifh Don Tiff ond Mike 
Carle; 'Voice of Terror' (U) and 
'Man in the Trunk' (20fh). 



Newark, Oct. 22. 
Jerry Wald Orch (16) tmth Anita 
Boyer, Chester Dolphin, Buster Shav- 
er, with Olive A George, Al Bernie; 
'Desperate Chance EUery Queen' 
(Col). 



This: is virtually Old Home Week 
for Jerry Wald. L^der is a native 
Newarker, attended high school 
here, and played most of the local 
spots l>efore he acquired somewhat 
of a reputation. Current appearance 
is Wald's first local personal since he 
achieved his present stature. The 
dark, good-looking maestro con- 
tinues to pack plenty of b.o. lure 
here. 

Wald's band, made up of five saxes, 
four rhythm and six brasses, is long 
on virtuosity but lacking in eye 
appeal. Orch goes through Its rou- 
tines in competent fashion, but gen- 
eral effect is one of lacklustre, 
crew's uninspired didoes and drab 
habiliments not making for impres- 
sive sight values. 

Musically, the band registers well 
enough but reaches its peak only 
when prodded by Wald's clarinet - 
ing. Wald and the band turn in a 
olicko performance with 'I Surren- 
der, Dear' and score again with an 
original composition which also turns 
the spotlight on the drummer. Out- 
fit rings down the curtain with an 
(mpressive version of the classic. 'In 
9ie HaU of the Mountain King,' from 
ttie Peer Gynt suite. 

Anita Boyer, Wald's chanteuse. Is 

II top-flight soloist and plenty easy to 
ook at. Her obanting in harmony 
with Wald's clarineting Is showmanly 
•nd scores heavily. Does three num- 
bers, 'Hip Hip Hooray,' 'Wonder 



Directly in contrast to the mystery 
themes of the dual screen bill this 
week, the Tower stage show accents 
music and comedy, and thus rounds 
out a serving of entertainment 
which even the most exacting patron 
must admit is a good buy for the 
35c top. ♦ 

Arnold Furst, seen later during the 
b;'l in his own magic act, doubles as 
m.c. and brings on the little tots, 
four four-year-old. girls who are rc 
cent 'Discovery Night' winners. The 
little girls sing a chorus of 'If You 
Build a Better Mousetrap,' and then 
go into a tap dance which is really 
okay when one considers their age. 

First standard act on is Henry 
Siemon, a ventriloquist, who does a 
neat turn with 'Archie, the custom 
ary flip dummy. Comedy bit at end 
of act. when Siemon presses the 
m.c. into service as the dummy for 
a chorus of 'Rosalie,' sends them oil 
with a loud hand. 

Deuce is taken by Hubert Dyer & 
Co.. blonde looker not only doing 
some nice work on the trapeze, but 
also assisting her male partner with 
his comedy acrobatic and balancing. 

Next on is Marilyn Ballinger, seen 
and heard in earlier weeks with the 
Tower orch on the stage, but doing 
a single in one this week. She sings 
two pops. 'My Devotion' and 'I Met 
Her on Monday,' with slight changes 
in words to fit. A local girl, Miss 
Ballinger has both looks and ward- 
robe, and she Is well liked by Tower 
patrons. 

Next-to-closing goes to Arnold 
Furst magician. Most of his tricks 
are familiar, but he has unusually 
smooth patter and a deft manner of 
delivery which puts him across. 

Bill closes with Saul Grauman and 
His 'Musical Stairatone,' built around 
a fancy flight of stairs which, when 
stepped on, ring bells of varying 
tones to produce harmony. Grau- 
man is assisted in his act by four 
blondes, seen in dance specialties 
prior to the finale. Climax comes 
when the girls play 'American 
Patrol' and other numbers as they 
do tap routines up and down the 
stairs. 

Nice business opening day, with a 
line out front ai the first evening 
show. Earl. 



PARAMOUNT, N. Y. 



(16) tvith 
£berl«, Kov 



Gene Krupa's tingling orchestra- 
tions, combined with a corking line- 
up of outside turns such as the Lane 
Bros., Bob Evans and Merry Macs, 
provide the Par flagship with sturdy 
stage support. 'Forest Rangers 
(Par), an elalwrate outdoor timber- 
land actloner in Technicolor, is on 
screen. ^ , 

Ray Eberle, with the Krupa band, 
is a decided asset. His vocals, widely 
exploited via radio and records, 
went big at show caught. He con- 
tinues with the click numbers of the 
previous week, 'When the Lights Go 
On' and 'White Christmas ' At Last 
My Love" is another of his easy 
listening pieces. Anita O'Day, also 
with the band, manages nicely with 
Strip Polka.' Her encore, however, 
is an unintelligible mumbo-jumbo of 
doubtful value though audience ap- 
peared to like it. 

Standout band number Is a hot 
^ive sesh in which colored trumpeter 
Roy Eldridge, admirably supported 
by the Krupa aggregation, sends the 
customers into high. Krupa crew for 
the most part Is stimulating and 
backs the outside acts strongly. The 
climaxer, however, 'American 
Bolero,* is no wham and could easily 
be dropped for any one of a score of 
}ieces which Krupa shows he can do 
jetter. 

Lane Bros., two boys in hlue, come 
through with some of the niftiest 
aero dancing seen around in a long 
time. Their rope-skipping routines 
stand out as of musical revue calibre. 
Bob Evans, ventriloquist, is another 
cinch with picture house audiences. 
His gagging is clever but the singing 
interludes are of sock proportions. 

Merry Macs, quartet comprising 
three boys and a girl, scored easily 
with five numbers of which a hill- 
billy tune entitled 'Pass the Biscuits, 
Mirandy' and 'Praise the Lord and 
Pass the Ammunition' typify the sort 
of material which they can sell best. 
'Old Gray Bonnet' and 'Devotion 
are among other melodies in their 
repertoire. Mori. 

APOLLO, N. Y. 

Andy Kirk Orch (15), Smith Bros. 
(2), Lucky Sisters (6), Timbu, June 
Richmond, Tim Moore, George Wilt- 
shire; 'Porachufe Nurse' (Col). 

Thanks to Andy Kirk's orch and 
June Richmond, this colored vauder 
has a good show this week. 

Miss Richmond Is outstanding. 
Does 'He's My Guy,' "Mr. Five by 
Five,' and "Hip Hip Hooray' to click 
big. For 'Five' the bass and a trum- 
peter come off the bandstand in 
zoot suit regalia to join the singer 
in a romp rendition that wowed the 
audience. 

Kirk's combo, consliting of five 
sax, three trumpets, two trombones, 
guitar, bass, drum and piano is hot 
without blasting the ears and plays 
a neat show support of the acts. It 
leaves the audience clamoring for 
more. 

Smith Brothers two hoofers, barely 
start the ball rolling. The Lucky 
Sisters (New Acts) are only white 
act on bill with a wide variety of toe, 
high-kicks and aero routines. 

Tim Moore and George Wiltshire 
are still on hand with comedy pat- 
ter that got good laughs. Timbu 
does a tightrope routine in a grotes- 
que monkey costume. Has some good 
tricks, like walking a hoop across 
the rope, but might dft better with 
out trying for laughs. 
Biz good. Fran. 



^«diiyBd«y, Oatober 28, 1942 



T-CI 



lOI 

•asjr oatalog. 

Vocal Bccom] 
ar« constuil 
muslo neatlv 
club groupinga, 
martial note, 



,-* 

ftar& ofi a 

'eissonB,' fjii 



companlmenta, and thej 
at di4 mcoallMit, fit tb( 

, wlth^i 



closes on one. too, 'Any Bonds To- 
day.' Crack arrangement of 1 Mat 
Her On Monday' follows 'caissons,* 
Cover takes the vocals on 36 Care- 
ful, It's My Heart* and 'Chiqulta,' 
and Lathrop and Lee break up the 
strictly orchestral stuff at thi9 point 
with their okay tapping. They're 
an attractive team (that skin-tight 
white silver gown Miss Lee fills out 
would have q^ddened even the 
heart of the late Ziegfeld) and dance 
with beguiling nonchalance. They 
should cook, up a flashier exit, how- 
ever, the one they have now is anti- 
climactic and weak. 

Band picks up again, with Brown 
on 'Take Me' and 'Kalamazoo,' the 
glee clubbers backing him up on the 
latter, and then Friday, the wonder 
dog featured on the screen in 'Eyes 
in the Night' (M-G). comes on for 
a few minutes. Canine was here 
for only first two shows today (23), 
too bad, since he accotmted for a 
swell spot, going through a flock of 
tricks under the direction of his 
trainer, Bill Steuer. Tiny Wolfs 
heavyweight hilarity in song and 
dance is on the nose, and a medley 
follows with Clyde Burke warbling 
White Christmas' and 'Serenade in 
Blue.' 

Next-to-closing brings on Cookie 
Bowers, a four-alarm click with his 
sharp mimicry. First time for Bow- 
ers around here in years and he's 
still a sharp, satirical observer of 
the ridiculous from whom no human 
eccentricity can ever be quite safe. 
'Bonds' number closes show with a 
bang. 

Biz. n.s.h. Cohen. 



KEITH'S, INDPLS. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 24. 
•Let's Make Whoopee,' tcith Jack 
Waldron, Four Earls, Cordan k 
Sawyer, Dawn Sisters (2), Joe 
Arena & Dog, .White Way Debu- 
tances (10); 'Attonttc Convoy' (Col). 



STANLEY, PITT 



Piltsburgh. Oct. 23. 
Blue Barron Bnnd (14): Lathrop 
& Lec, Cookie Bowers. Clyde Burke. 
Jimmy Brown, Billy Cover, Tiny 
Wolf, Charlie Fi.vhcr. Dick Mack; 
'Eyes in. the Wight* (M-G). 



Quick return for Blue Barron to the 
WB deluxer. He was last here just 
a little more than six months ago, 
but difficulty in getting attractions 
will probably bring a flock of hur- 
ried repeats these days. In Barron's 
case, its okay, for his sweet-styled 
music can stand an early rehearing, 
and what's more, he has a pre-sold 
local following due to the presence 
in his outfit of no less than four 
Pittsburghers — Tiny Wolf. Jimmy 
Brown, Dick Mack and Billy Cover. 
Latter, however, he's losing after this 
week, for Cover has decided to stay 
home and take a slafT job on KDKA. 
Barron's going to miss him, too, for 
the good-looking Irish tenor has 
been a deflnite asset since leaving 
the Baron Elliott orch here year ago 
to join his present boss. 

Barron personnel consists ot two 
pianos, two trombones, four saxes, 
drums, two trumpets, French horn 
and bass, and the polished Kyser- 
Kaye styllngs. with Just enough of a 
departure to give the outfit some 
distinction of Its own, are pleasant 
aitd restful. No brassy blares either 
to disturb the easy reverie of the 



Jack Waldron is the life of the 
party in 'Let's Make Whoopee,' UUe 
covering five acts of vaudeville and 
a line of girls. Surrounded by a 
good comedy cast, he gives a sock 
performance as m.c. in addition to 
his own routine. Splits his gags so 
as to have something new and 
funny to offer each time out. 

Waldron wrings all the humor out 
of a newspaper, gives the radio a 
himiorous gomg-over and springs a 
fresh stock of army gags in his m.c. 
spots. In his own turn, he presents 
a 'Cavalcade of Songs Everyl)Ody 
Hates to Sing,' with his own words 
to 'Melancholy Baby,* 'Hold Tight,' 
'Here Comes the Bride,' 'Happy 
Birthday* and "Let Me Call You 
Sweetheart.' Warbles 'My Mama 
Done Told Me* as sung by an Eng- 
lishman and finishes with Tm Oft to 
Yokohoma.' He's the standout in a 
show that has a lot of laughs. 

Cordan and Sawyer score with a 

?;ood-natured comedy takeoff on the 
adies of the WAACS, with words 
and music like 'while the boys are 
cooking soup we are marching with 
our group.' They also feature a cor- 
respondence school theme song and 
join the ensemble in a cockeyed 
Spanish cape routine that winds up 
the show on a high note. It's an 
okay comedy act. There Is a lot of 
rowdy fun in the stunts of the Four 
Earls, a skating troupe who perform 
the usual tricks and then Invite the 
folks in the audience to come up for 
a whirl. They spin a couple ot kids 
until they're dizzy and then get them 
to stumble across the stage to pick 
up two bits. The loser gets a quar- 
ter, too, plus lipstick prints all over 
his mug from one of the girls. For 
a topper, the two men skaters swing 
a heavyweight femme between them, 
all three landing in a heap for the 
big laugh of the act. 

Joe Arena, who comes on carrying 
his dog like a suit case, has a click 
novelty. He tumbles all over the 
stage, and pulls a glass of unspilled 
liquid out of his pants pocket after 
every routine. He skips the rope 
with his mutt, which has been 
trained to stand as stifT as a statue. 
The Dawn sisters get some laughs 
with their knockaliout ballet, tak- 
ing a lot of punishment in their mid- 
air collisions. The line of 10 girls, 
which is used frequently as a unit on 
this stage, adds a bright touch to the 
program with three smart dance 
routines. 
Biz, better than average. Corb 



MARCUS PLANS STOCK 
FOR ROXY, ATLANTA 



Chicago, Oct. 27. 

A. B. Marcus unit, which just 
finished date at the Oriental theatre 
to o.k. business. Is preparing to open 
a season of musical stock at the 
Roxy theatre, Atlanta. 

Marcus was forced to leave part 
of his company in Chicago, due to 
restrictions on rail travel 



tOEW'8 STATE, N. Y. 



Richards 



Adair Dancers (ai 
- -J.-- -J Otifton, A. Robins' 
MUTfah Ststers, Jomes Barton, Rubii' 
^•rling's Pit Orch; 'Panama Haltie' 



The Central with its 'girly show,' 
and 'Wme, Woman and Song' the 
burlesque uurdy gurdy at the Am- 
bassador, can take a lesson from the 
State this week on a fulsome yet in- 
offensive display of femininity. And 
Without production folderol, either- 
just plain vaudeville and yet plenty 
sexy. 

It's unusual for vaude to come up 
with a show predominantly female in 
talent, but maybe it's the influence 
of the draft. Anyhow, out of 12 peo- 
ple on this bill, there are nine girls 
and all of them pretty easy on the 
eyes. The men are James Barton, A. 
Robins and sleek-haired adagioist 
Dick Richnrds. whose dancing flash 
with tiny, toe-dacing Patricia Adair 
and four other femmes opens the 
layout. 

The extensive display of pulchri- 
tude includes quite a bit of talent as 
well. The opening flash, which re- 
turns for an adagio afterpiece, in- 
cludes some nice acrobatic dancing, 
though Richards' obvious posturing 
to the audience is sometimes a bit 
difficult to take. He and Miss Adair 
formerly did an adagio act and the 
four girls are little more than added 
s.a. 

Laura Deane Dutton, the cafe and 
radio singer, is a nifty-looking bru- 
net of good voice, but she makes two 
unmistakable errors in her turn. 
First is her delineation of famous 
singers and their famotis theme 
songs, but unfortunately she is not 
a good imitation of Sophie Tucker 
singing 'Some of These Days,' Ethel 
Merman chanting 'I Got Rhythm,' qr 
Helen . Morgan's sobbing delivery ot 
'Bill.' etc. Minus any similarity in 
delivery, that type of routine is n.g. 
Her second faux pas is in a parody 
of 'Praise the Lord, Pass the Ammu- 
nition.' iu which one of her lines is 
'December 7, remember that night.' 
She can be reminded that the Japs' 
attack took place in the morning. 
Otherwise she's a pleasant theatre 
act, pleasing the ears as well as th« 
eyes when singing 'Great Day' and 
'White Xmas.' 

A. Robins is in the trey spot fol- 
lowing Miss Dutton, and the great 
novelty, per usual, scores soUdly. 
Then the Murtah Sisters, three tall 
girls, sock over a refreshing parody 
of Three Little Sisters.' the song 
serving to Intro each and finally 
bringing on the zaney one of the 
trio. She has the making of a good 
comedienne, something of a cross 
between Cass Daley and Betty Hut- 
ton, but right now she's overdoing 
the mugging. After a straight, good 
delivery of "This Is Worth Fighting 
For,' they slip into a corny imitation 
of three debs singing opera and 
finally a jam version of "Rockaby 
Baby.' The audience gave them a 
show stop, but the girls begged off 
without singing an encore. 

Barton should be the nominal 
closer, but he doesn't like closing a 
show, hence the Richards and Adair 
afterpiece. This makes it look like 
a six-act bill, with Barton next-to- 
closing. He's an applause boff, from 
the teeoff vocal of "You Made Me 
Love You,' through the classic "Mad 
Dog' monolog and finally his version 
of a 'ballroom lizard,' in which some 
of his great softshoe dancing ability 
comes to the fore. Barton also was 
forced back for a speech, but like- 
wise nixed bids for an encore, some 
In the audience calling for 'Anna- 
belle Lee.' tune with which he has 
been prominently Identified. 

House was pretty well filled at the 
last show opening night (Thursdaj'). 

Scho. 



EARLE, WASH. 

Washington. Oct. 23. 
Johnny Long's Band with Helen 
Young. 4 Teens; Gene Williams, 
Rochelle ft Beebe. Paul Sydell t 
Spotty; 'You Can't Escape Forever" 
(WB). 



Johnny Long is graduating by easy 
stages from a program that appeals 
mostly to the windbreaker and 
sweater girl clientele. 

Soothing is 'Serenade' arrangement 
from 'Student Prince,' followed by 
soft and mellow strings and piano in 
'Summer Time' and a pip of blended 
chord melody for 'Shantytown.' 

Jitterbugs get a chance in the 
claphands routine for 'Praise the 
Lord and Pass the Ammunition.' 
worked up to a noisy interlude. 
Helen Young got 'em in high with 
'Five by Five' and 'One Dozen Ro.-Jes,' 
assisted by the band in latter num- 
ber. Show-stopper was Gene 
Williams, who has that certain some- 
thinc in his voice. Berlin's 'White 
Christmas' was such a wow he had 
to encore after flve bows. Four 
Teens with 'My Devotion' and a 
special satirical lyric for 'Penny 
Arcade' kept audience in good spirit. 

Interpolated specialties includes 
Rochelle and Beebe. who do a fnsi 
burlesque adagio and could hnvc 
stayed longer. Paul Sydell's doRs 
are nifty for muscular control. Lonr, 
finishes off with a patrotic flnnlc 
without any ostentatious flag wav- 
ing, but stirring. Arke. 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



CHICAGO, CHI 

Chicago, Oct.- 23. 
Bob Crosby Orch, Evelyn Famey, 
BUI,, Rayes, Ray b Trent, Judy Man- 
ners Bobcats, Eddie Miller, Bobbv 
Haooart. Malty Matlock. Jess Stacy, 
Nappy LanuiTe, Yanfc Lousen; 'Are 
Husbniids Necessary' (Par). 



Pleasant attraction at Chicago this 
week, with Bob Crosby's orchestra 
playing sock swing, the nice-looking 
young maestro crooning to good ap- 
plause, and a potpourri of standard 
acts helping to round out 45 minutes 
of solid entertainment. 

Band's 'Summertime' introduces 
acsregation to audience, followed by 
smart tapsters. Evelyn Farney, who 
is fast, clever, pert in her terps. 
Especially good is her interpretation 
of Stephen Foster tunes in tap-dance 
rhythm, scoring nice round of ap- 
plause. 

English comedian, Billy Raye.s, has 
a smart line of comedy chatter which 
he flres at the audience while jug- 
gling three white balls. The patter is 
fresh and amusing and Rayes' imita- 
tions of Greta Garbo and Boris 
Knrloflf as jugglers is hilarious fun. 
Only old thing in the act is come- 
dian's depiction of a man and woman 
threading an imaginary needle to 
sew on an imaginary button, but 
even this got a laugh. 

Jess Stacy, pianist, does a hot 
piano version of 'One O'Clock Jump' 
end Bobby Hag^art, bass fiddler, 

f lives out with a sizzling lowdown on 
Bugle Call tlag.' Eddie Miller and 
Nappy Lamare do the amusing 
•Strip Polka" with accompanying 
fans for a laugh. 

Judy Manners, the Crosby canary, 
does impersonations of Bonnie 
Baker, Helen O'Connell and Judy 
Garland doing the numbers that 
made them prominent; she's espe- 
cially outstanding. Fact that this 
vocalist hasn't quite shed her ap- 
parent rustic mannerism^ lends 
added charm to her performance. 

Ray and Trent are acrobats, and 
first-rate, too. They do some fancy 
juggling, to applause. Bit in which 
one member of team rolls along floor 
with partner In a handstand on 
former's wrists is especially excel- 
lent. 

Crosby sings very little in this 
show, but his 'White Christmas,' 
taken from brother Bing's picture. 
Holiday Inn,' and done in the tradi- 
tional Crosby style, got a great hand. 
Audience would have liked to hear 
more of maestro's vocalizing but 
five shows a day and a 45-minute 
stage show preclude more offerings. 
All In all, a good show. 

Biz very good. Loop. 



presentaUone. Shirley Lynn, former 
showgirl and now dancer here, 
doubles Into three or four sketches 
like a vet straight. Wear. 

PALACE, CLEVE. 

Cleveland, Oct. 24. 
Harry Howard's 'Bombshells of 
1943' with Vic Hyde, Masters & Rol- 
lins, Val Selz. Hal Sherman. Martin 
& Allen, Louie, Hile & Stanley, Line 
t20); 'Orchestra Wiues' (20th). 



STAR, BROOKLYN 



Jean Mode. Charles 'Peanuts' 
Bohn, Lovelti L,ane, Milton Frome, 
Jeanette May. Bernie Miller, Shirley 
Lynn; Showgirls (4), ponies 18); 
shorts. 



Messrs. Raymond apparently are 
putting on the type of fare wanted at 
this house, judging by the attendance 
at the first show Friday (23). 
Familiar blackouts done with the 
minimum of indigo lines, plenty ot 

Iiroduction numbers employing a 
arge chorus and showgirls, and a 
touch of vaudeville plus several fea- 
tured dancers make the present com- 
bo jell. 

There's no cheating on city regu- 
lations against burlesque. But it 
does seem incongruous that the 
snows must be kept so overly polite, 
with no semblance of bumps or 
nudity, when It Is permitted In night 
clubs and in legit .<!how.s currently in 
N. Y. Even the old .-sessTons with the 
candy butchers before the show 
starts are slashed to a minimum of 
the old tiresome sales patter. 

Producer Ned McGurn should take 
a bow for this lineup. He's framed 
about eight production number!;, 
none pretentious, but all stressing 
lemmes and action. And the show 
Mrutters are finally learning the 
.rudiments of terpsing. 

'Peanuts' Bohn, always rated a 
Clean burley funster, romps through 
Jour sketches to maximum returns. 
Hes genuinely funny, and lots bet- 
ter than the last time in N. Y. In 
addition, he's perfected his cartoon 
session, in which he does crayon 
drawings of comics characters and 
better known figures. It's a fast- 
"lovins stunt and scored. 

Vaudeville layout depends mostly 
on Jeanette May, standard aeriallst. 
She wows 'em here, her 60 lifts by 
one arm being a solid closer for her 
usual routine on the rings. Other 
vaude .stint Is a ballad .<ie.ssion by 
MUton Frome. huskv slralght. He's 
singing a group o< numbers from 
Hio Rita' for good returns. 

Lovey Lane. Umber-hipped dancer. 
>s spotted in two colorful hoof ses- 
sions. Works under wraps but easily 
conveys what she might be able to 
00 sans the 'don'ls' as to bumps and 
uncovering. Well liked by mob. 
jean Mode, former burley stripper, 
??P*"09 entirely on her looks for 
results In her single session. Attrac- 
u^^ hair-do and all-round shape- 
liness help because she, too, is not 
allowed to do a .strip or the bumps. 

uernie Miller, working in several 
sKiis, again Is clicking nicely with 
lis singing In the more elaborate 



naUSB REVIEWS 47 



This is the Palace's initial girl 
show of the semester, which makes 
It more welcome to house's clientele 
since latter has become a bit weary 
of a straight swing-band diet. 

Although every turn is a standard 
vaudeville act, they are pepped up 
by three colorful production num- 
bers and some .shapely eyefuls 
tagged the "Bomba-Dears." It's a 
flash combination that's giving the 
RKO de luxer a satisfying week. 

Hal Sherman displays clever foot- 
work in eccentric steps, but his 
'Hellzapoppin'— flavored gags didn't 
get across so well. Sherman's quips 
got better reactions later after being 
told to clean them up. 

Vic Hyde, still a one-man band, 
runs off socky impersonations of 
band leaders. His stunt ot playing a 
quartet of trumpets simultaneously 
hasn't lost Us novelty punch. Val 
Setz also steps up the tempo by at- 
tempting to knock down the elab- 
orate scenery while zipping around 
on a unicycle. juggling with his usual 
deftness. • 

Show has more laughs than most 
of these units ordinarily contain. 
Loudest chucklei hashed up by Mas- 
ters and Rollins, who have smoothed 
their slapstick clowning, sly steps 
and mugging down to the convulsive 
groove. Martin and Allen offer one 
of the best strong-men and balanc- 
ing acts seen here this year. Lowe, 
Stanley and the seven-foot, nine-inch 
Hite repeat their knockabout comedy 
dances with enough spontanlety to 
rate a smashing hand. 

Duo ot Richards and Corion is not 
outstanding as ballroom terpers, but 
they are given the benefit of hand- 
some backdrops and smart ensemble 
work by the chorus cutles. Letter's 
costumes are especially short and 
chic, causing the bald-headed boys 
in front row to pop their eyes when 
the gals skip out on a runway. 

Pull. 



EMBASSY. N. Y. 

(NEWSREELS) 



While the clips showing our cap- 
ture of Guadalcanal (Fox) and a 
brush between a large British-Amer- 
ican convoy and Nazi air-raiders in 
the North Sea (Paramount) offer the 
excitement of battle, the most acute 
projection of drama in the current 
week's celluloid news' parade is 
bound up in the narrative of Wendell 
L. Wlllkie's tour of China. Pathe's 
announcer describes it as 'one of the 
most extraordinary pilgrimages of 
modern times.' A mental review of 
the sights contained In the clip and 
their <.piritual implications might 
lead some spectators to regard the 
descriptive as somewhat of an un- 
derstatement. In any event the clip 
bears the qualiflcatlons of a historic 
document. 

The Solomons Item, pictorialized 
by the Marine Corps, presents In 
quick snaches tl-e approach to Guad- 
alcanal of our tianspoits through 
heavy seas, the landing of the Ma-* 
rincs, the capture of the air field 
with its burned-out hangar and the 
examination of .seized Jap arma- 
ments. Of actual flghting. outside a 
couple salvos from surface vessels, 
the release imparts nothing. 

Far more action is to be found In 
the report of that large convoy's ex- 
perience with Nazi botnljcrs and 
submarines. One transport, the vic- 
tim of a bomb, is seen enveloped in 
smoke. A lighter plane from our 
side, which led the counterattack, 
darts into the .•^ea. but the pilot is 
rescued. An.ithcr e|)l.-ode is that of 
the sailors from a .'^iinken tran.«port 
being transferred from a mine 
sweeper to the decks of a more for- 
tunate merchaiitnian. raran-.oiint ap- 
pends a piquant oonimentary to this 
recital of HpH's Corner.' Fieighler- 
men back in the Slates from a similar 
voyaue give tesliinor.y nf the bravery 
of the .--l-.ip's Runnrrs while under at- 
tack, and voice thtir readiness to 
take out another freighter. 

With tl»e locales lO.OOO miles apart, 
there are two clips which harbor the 
same elemental tug. They are scenes 
of Britain's soldiers returning from 
battle to their families. One is about 
the Canadians who fought at Dieppe 
(Par) and the other home furlouKh 
centers around Australian .■■oldiors. 

An interesting contribution from 
the home front is that demonstrating 
how the Coast Guard executed a test 
evacuation of thou.-^ands from Cam- 
den N J. (Universal 1. From Metro 
comes the piece about King George's 
bestowal of the Cross of Malta upon 
the people iif that island as a ti ibute 
to their valiani resistance to contin- 
uous onslaught from Axis bomber.'--. 

Oder. 



Saranac Lake 

By Happy Benway 

Saranac, N. Y., Oct. 27. 

Earle Larrimore, who staged a fine 
health comeback here, is now direct- 
ing and producing 15-minute pro- 
grams bloging famous names of the 
theatre over WNBZ. 

Harry Barrett (Juggling Barretts), 
though 82, after a siege of blindness 
was seen strolling down the main- 
stem unaccompanied, eyesight part- 
ly regained. Charlie Barrett, the 
younger member of the family, doing 
well, but still can't walk. 

Leonard Derene, manager of the 
Terrace theatre, N. Y. (Brandt 
Chain)), popped in and mitted his 
frau at the Will Rogers, who is get- 
ting good reports. 

Carl Kern, who took time out from 
the Rogers to greet his family in 
Fairmont, West Va., is back at the 
san doing the original bed routine. 

Leandria Rinzler, who made the 
grade here and left for the big town. 
Is here for a general checkup. The 
verdict was the same — okay. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abe Kramer, of As- 
sociated theatres, Cleveland, in to 
bedside Ben Nadler, who. is staging 
a fine comeback. 

William Matthews, hoofer who 
saw service with Ziegfeld 'Follies' 
and many Broadway productions, 
doing an up-for-three-mcals in the 
main dining room, which means un- 
limited exercise soon. 

Many thanks to Jay Velie, of 
Larchmont, N. Y., for his donation 
of the 16 m.m. film taken in Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

Mrs. Roger Kcene hopped in from 
Boston, Mass., to ogle her hubby, 
who is staging a great comeback at 
the Rogers. 

(Write to (hose who are III.) 



Doit Review 



Sigmund Romberg Unit 

(ABENA, PHILADELPHIA) 



Philadelphia, Oct. 21. 
Sigmund Romberg with Orch (47), 
Marie Nash, Grace Pantrini, Gene 
Marvey. Garfield Swijt, William 
Brailowsky. 



A musical banquet, with accent on 
the dessert. 

That's how most ot the audience 
felt at the end of the two-hour con- 
cert by the 47-plece aggregation 
brought here by Sigmund Romberg 
for a one-nighter to begin his tour. 

It's a new idea — this presentation 
of one of America's immortal com- 
posers in the flesh to purvey his own 
tunes. And although the stunt 
wasn't advertised extensively, there 
was a fair house (2,900 payees; 
$2,500 gate). The concert was pre- 
sented in the unmusical atmosphere 
of the Arena, which is more adapt- 
able for prizefights, hockey games, 
wrestling matches, etc. (The tour is 
under direction of the William Mor- 
ris office.) 

But despite the cold atmosphere, 
the audience warmed to the strains 
of the music that's been hummed for 
the past three decades and sung by 
practically every bathroom tenor. 

The first half of the program was 
a potpourri of popular operatic arias, 
semi-classical operetta numbers, 
marching .songs and the like. Among 
them were 'MIgnon Overture' (A. 
Thomas), 'Wine, Women and Song' 
iJohan Strauss, 'Grenadier March.' 
'Selections of Franz Lehar,' Midnight 
Bells' (V. Heuberger) 'Student 
Prince' (Romberg) and Romberg's 
Own 'March of the Owls." written 
and played for the benefit of the 
hinulred.s of Temple University 
students present (Owls is nickname 
for Temple). 

Grace Panvini. coloratura, was in 
fine voice with arias from the 
opera. 'Dead City.' as weil as the dif- 
ficult but popular 'Bell Song' from 
'Lakme' Garfield Swift, baiitone, 
wa.-: satisfactory, but apparently a 
trifip under-rehearsed with I Got 
Plenty nf Nothin' from "Porgy and 
Bess.' as well as teaming with Gene 
Marvey. tenor, in a novelty tune 
'The Window Cleaners,' by Kalman 
and Ruby. 

The .second half of the program 
containcti most of the highlights. Af- 
ter several orchestra selections 
(Chopin Fantasie. the 'Kilties March' 
and Kolo.' a Serbian folk dance), 
Marviy scored heavily with Ave 
Maria.' which brought him three 
curtain calls. Miss Panvini and 
Swift then came on with a tuneful 
duet of 'Tell Me Daisy' from 'Blos- 
.some Time.' The orchestra then 
played a four-melody medley — 'Se- , 
lections by Krcisler,' a Russian Folk I 
dance. 'Malagucnena (Alneniz.) and! 
Lecuona's "Andalucla." I 

Then came what most of the audi - ' 
cncc had bccli wailing for. Romberg 
ielin(|uished the baton to William! 
Brailowsky. .seated himself at the 
piano for a songfest of his own hit 
tunes, with Marie Nash and Gene 
Marvey handling the vocals. Miss 
Nash, an eye-filling blonde with a 
magnificent voice, particularly 
wowed the audience with her 
soprano warbling of the Romberg 
tunes. Shnl. 



Uncle Sam's Roll Call 



Continued from page 4 



ferred from there to Miami Beach, 
then to Salt 'Lake City and finally 
to Fort Stanley Wright, Tacoma, 
Wash., where he is at present. 

Charlie Boy, son of Ciro Rimac, 
rhumba band leader, and who was in 
his father's unit for several years, 
Army. 

Leo Spinelli, veteran newsboy fa- 
vorite of show crowd and nationally 
publicized as only newsle in country 
to peddle his papers wearing a tux- 
edo for every opening night of note. 
Army. 

Carl Eagle, son ot Charlie Eagle, 
Stanley manager, upped to sergeant's 
rating in ballistics department at 
Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md. 

Sammy Roen, pa. and personal 
manager for Baron Elliott's band and 
formerly an assistant in WB public- 
ity department here, army. 

Jerome Roth, son of Israel Roth, 
owner of Penn, nabe, and associated 
with his father until 18 months ago, 
promoted from first lieutenant to 
captain at Camp Lee, Va. 

Eddie Palmer, nitery m.c, army. 

Sid Dickler, cafe p.a. and band- 
leader, army. He's a brother ot 
Milton Karle (Dickler), who was 
Johnny Long's p.a. until called up 
several months ago. 

Rex Trout, cafe entertainer known 
locally as 'one man band,' army. 

Johnny Mitchell, Jr., son of radio 
and theatre organist, army. 

George Lazard, Jr., son of veteran 
Nixon Cafe host, upped from second 
to first lieutenant. 

Regis Burns, manager ot Rex in 
Corry, Pa., army. He's nephew of 
Blatt Bros., circuit owners who 
operate the Rex. 

John B. Prioletti, shipper at 20th- 
Fox exchange, army. 

George Basle, of Basle theatre 
staff, Washington, Pa., army. He's a 
brother of William Basle, who's been 
in the service for several months, 
and Gene Basle, proprietor of house. 

Nick and Alex Notopoulos, sons of 
A. N. Notopoulos, of Altoona-Publix 
theatres, army. Nick was manager 
of his father's Olympic, and Alex 
was also a theatre manager before 
he was admitted to the bar and be- 
came an attorney. 

Richard T. Jennings, manager of 
Norwin Theatre Co.'s two houses in 
Irwin, Pa., commissioned a second 
lieutenant in army air corps. 

Roy Sternagle, former manager of 
Harris-Denis theatre, graduated as a 
pilot last week at Maxwell Field, 
Ala., and received wings and second 
lieutenant's bars. 

Gabe Rubin, owner and operator 
of Art Cinema, foreign film spot 
here, for last six years, army. House 
will be managed by his brother, Doc 
Rubin, for duration. 

Larry LeonardI, of WB poster 
room, army. 

John Scott and Fred Gottlieb, both 
of NSS. army. 

Lee Phillips. WCAE announcer, to 
Kelly Field, Texas, as an army 
aviation cadet. 

Jeriy Kurtz, Tech drama school 
graduate and a junior writer for 
Metro on coast when called up. grad- 
uated over weekend from Officers 
Candidate School at Fort Monmouth, 
N. J., and conlmi.ssioried a second 
lieutenant in Signal Corps. 

Milton Broudy, formerly of Col ex- 
change and son of Dave Broudy, 
theatre musician, army. He's the 
third of Broudy's three sons to go 
into the service. 

Jackie Fields, local rep for music 
coin boxes and the- former welter- 
weight boxing champion of the 
world, army. 

Jack Harvey Gets His Wish 

Jack Harvey, screen and radio 
writer, who always wanied to go 
Fouth for the v/inter. hart to join 
the U. S. Army to realize his am- 
bition. He's now with the head- 
quarters company of an infantry 
regiment in Florida, some 3.000 miles 
from California where he was when 
he ioined up. 



6 Cameramen In Ft. Worth 

Fort Worth, Texas. Oct. 57. 
Six Hollywood cameiaincn who 
had worked in California before 
their • induction into mililaiy .serv- 
ice, met on a troop train entering 
Fort Worth la.st week and spent 
.-several hours together at I he USO 
center here The mcrr w h'jse knowl- 
edge of cameras uot for each a quick 
promotion to sergeant were Sorgts. 
William Randolph. Ji., San Ber- 
nardino: 'Dutch Todd and Leonard 
Weinert. both of Hollywood; 
Richard Spiner. North Hollywood: 
Dirdley Porter. Glendale, and Eddie 
Fay, Los Angeles. 

Cleve. Canteen's Dance 

Cleveland, Oct. 27. 
Sixlyfive jukebox operators that 
compose the Phonograph Merchants 



Assn. are putting their shoulders be- 
hind a benefit dance at civic audi- 
torium Nov. 21 for the new Slag* 
Door Canteen here. 

Three name orchestras, including 
Charles Spivak's. in addition to thre* 
local crews to alternate in the seven- 
hour dance that will go on until 
4:30 a.m. It fill be more or less a 
'Swing Shift' dance for workers in 
defense factories, highlighted by acts 
from hotels and niteries, at $1.25 per 
head. 

Phonograpi) merchants also picked 
'I Lett My Heart At Stage Door 
Canteen' as their No. 1 November 
tune for heavy plugging in 4.000 
local jukeboxes to boost the affair, 

Detroit's Duo 

Detroit. Oct. 27 
Paul Gilbert, m.c. Club 509, Army. 
Reade Pierce. violli!i>:t with Jimmy 
Clark's orchestra, Army. 



Varied Coa.st Assortment 

Hollywood, Oct. 27. 
Jay KIrby, screen actor. Army Air 
Force. 

Bill Roberts, screen actor. Navy. 

Jerry Pacht, studio reader. Army. 

Harold Adams, studio technicisn. 
Army Air Force. 

William Kent, theatre manager, 
Marines. 

George Webb, studio artist. Navy. 
Gerald Mayer, Jr., press agent. 
Navy. 

George Goodale, press agent, Ferry 
Command. 

David Rose, sound technician. 
Army Air Force. 

Howard Cozad, sound technician. 
Army Air Force. 

Leon Rasmussen, photo editor. 
Army. 

Eddie Jones, nim press agen^ 
Army. 

Don Upp, studio technician. Army. 
Jack Brinker, film press agen^ 
Navy. 

Earl Kemp, studio technician. 
Army. 

Syd Fogel, assistant director. 
Army. 

James Anderson, assistant director. 
Army. 

Bob Sill, studio press agent. Army. 
Dale Armstrong, press agent. 
Army. 

Lou Goldberg, treasurer of Wil- 
liam Morris agency. Army. - 

Ruth Penny, studio fashion editor, 
WAVES. 

Don Porter, screen actor. Army 
Signal Corps. 

Salvatore Martino, studio props^ 
Army Air Force. 

Bill Riley, cameraman. Navy. 

Arthur Umiker, assistant director, 
Army. 

Richard Qulne, film actor. Coast 
Guard. 

George E. Stone, film actor, Army 
Air Force. 

Victor Mature rec. listed In the 
Coast Guard on a permanent basis. 

Lou Lindsay, film editor. Army 
Signal Corps. 

John Schwartz, film projectionist. 
Army. 

Robert Benjamin, film attorney. 
Army Signal Corp--. 

Irving Conklin. film projectioni.st, 
Army Air Force. 

Ring Lardner. Jr., .screen writer. 
Army. 

Bill Burney. studio technician, 
Navy. 

Joe von Strohcim. prc-s agent, 
Army Signal Corps. 

Theodore Reeves, .screen writer, 
Army Air Force 

Tom Brown, .screen actor. Army. 

Leonard Mann, .icree actcr. Navy. 

Henry Lewis, script clerk. Army 
Air Force. 

Ben Welden. .icree.i f^<:t^■K•,■ Army. 

Fred Williams, studio technician. 
Navy. 



New Act 



LUCKY SISTERS (61 
Dancing 
15 Mins. 
Apollo, N. Y. 

An okay sextet of good-looking 
gols who have a wide range ol terp 
versatility. 

Opening number h.i-; five of the 
femmes doing a prcci>ion toe rou- 
tine in jockey costumes. Then the 
other gal solos with high kicks and 
assorted handflips. Three return .n 
neat nautical garb for a comedy rou- 
tine that garners laughs, with one 
of them suffering from falling Irou- 
.sers. 'These are follov/ed by another 
duo doing front flips with a rubber- 
tipped cane as a fulcrum For a 
finale all six are on .-tni-.c doing a 
precision acrobatic rou'me that is 
good but slow. 

' Plenty of product on i ii<] flash. 

I With pruning should conne _belter 
j-iarin? anfl a 



Frnn. 



48 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



Variety Oills 



WEEK OF OCTOBER 30 

Naracrals Id connection with bllla below Indicate openinf day of 
•how, whether (ail or split week. 




raSW TOBK CITY 

8tiite (2»> 
Dick Siablle 
Grade Barrle 
Jimmy Rue 
Snmmy WhImIi 
N Rne & >f W'ntprfll 
AKHON 

I<4»p%ri« (30) 
Aiiili'rWH Sis 
Vill Oifborn« 



We won Bros 
Jerry & Turk 
M'ASHINOTON 
Capitol (90) 
Rhythm Rocketii 
Juy C Flippen 
Erttlle HRn)<^y 
Mnry Itrlnn 
Juily Stnrr 
T\p\\ Trouiip 
Mnrinn WakonoM 




NEW YORK CITY 
Paramount 

Gone Krupu lltl 
Tho Merry -Mu'a 
}1nb Evane 
Lano BruH 

CHICAGO 
Chicago (30) 
Casfl Lonia Bd 
3 Siillorx 
Hector & Pale 
T.e Brun Sis 
Davo Barry 

Brffal (30) 
Jimmy Lunrefd Bd 
)Job Howard 
Miller Bros 



Lola & Mabel Srolt 

DfryrRoiT 

MlrhlKHD (30) 
Biib (."roHhy Orch 
Billy Reyea 
Ray & Trent 
Evelyn Fnrney 
MIAMI 
Olympbi (£8-31) 
The Ruton.^ 
T'Onic ft Short 
I'olh- .T.-nhhiM Co 
C .V: C Stroud 
Johnny Bnrnep 
MINNKArOl.lH 

Orplipunt (30) 
Cnb Ciiltiiwuy Tld 




BOSTON 
Boston (30) 
Horace Hfidi Ore 
(23) 

Dillv RoNO Rev 
CLEVKLAND 
PaUce (SO) 
Jane Withers 
Jerry Wald Ore 
Johnny Downs 
Carroll A Howe 
(23) 

Bombshells of '13 
COLVMBI'S 
Palacp (3-6) 

Charlie Barnet Ore 

Key Taylor 

Cnokto Bowers 

r Remos & Toy Bye 
(«-«») 



4 Ink Spots 
Lurhy Mllliiiiler On- 
Si.sifT TJ'.iriic 
Gordon & lluf^ers 
VvK l.eK Iljiif.H 
DAYTON 
Colontnl (30) 
Bombshells of '43 
(43) 

Rny Herbeck Ore 
Bonnie Baker 
Joe & J McKenna 
H Wllllnmu 3 
ROCHE.MTRR 
RKO (30-2) 
4 Ink Spots 
Lucky Mllhnder Ore 
Sister Thame 
Gordon & RoRers 
Peg Leg Bates 




NEWARK 
Adama (30) 
Tony Pastor Ore 
Sandy I*ang Co 
Howard St Shellon 
CondoH nrt>.'4 

PASSAIC 
Central (t9) 
Tommy Tucker Ore 
Henny Youngman 
Rnllo Jtt V Pickert 
7 Frcddysons 
PATKRSON 
Majntlr (29-1) 
Nt'Htor St Bobbins 
C Doucheiiy CIrls 

(2-n 
Myrtle DuneeiHn 
Tho Jollli»*.*rN 
Thi» Drakes 
rilKI.AIIEI.PIilA 
Cnrman (30) 
Hollywood Co-Kds 
Paul Nnl.m 
Ini'liii' CtiTi'ti 
Iroiip Vermillion Co 

Fny'K (SO) 
Roxyottes 



Olive White 
Watson Sis 
Arline Harris 
Dolly Dawn 
3 Novak Sis 

PROVIDENCE 
MelropolltikB (30-1) 
Charlie Splvnk Ore 
Dlosa Costello 
Jack Durant 
Monroe Bros 

WASHINGTON 
Hon-ard (30) 
Pay Titrrell Ore 
Marc Biillfro 
Pearl Bailey 
JuRKlIng Jewels 
Deep River Boys 
Dnunv St Edith 

WATERBI RY 

Poll's (2H-20) 
Funznflre 

tVORCt'.STER 
PlymoGth (-26-211) 
Tony Pawlor Ore 
Johnny Downs 
T.nrr\- Siort-h 
Syl\ In & ClenuMtro 



Cabaret BiOs 



NEW YOBK CITY 



NEW TOBK CITY 

Strand <3«) 
Phil apltnlny Ore 
(*S) 

Stan Kenton Ore 
3 Stooffee 
Jack Carson 
Martin Bros 
Dorsen Russell 
PHILADELPHIA 
Earl« (S«) 
Sliep Fields Ore 
Mlnnevltchs Rajicals 
Lathrop & I^e 
(!S) 

Andrews Sis 
Will Osborne Ore 
^Ves8on Bros 
Jerry & Turk 
FITT8BirRGH 
aianley (3A) 
Frankte Masters Or 
Ren B»rt 
Tip, Tap A Too 



(2S> 

Blue Barron Ore 
LAthrop & 
Cookie Bowers 
VTICA 
Stanler (S-S) 
Ink Spots 

Lueky Mllllnder Ore 
Pen Leir H«ieB 
Gordon & Rogers 

<n-M) 
noblT>' Hyrne Ore 
Reatrlre Kay 
Dnve Barry 

n'ASHINOTON 
Earle (30) 
Roxyettes 
J llulst A Milady 
flenor Wenres 
<23) 

Johnny Lonir Ore 
Rnelielte & Beebe 
P Pydell & Spotty 



Independent 



NEW YORK CITY 

M««lc Hall (22) 
Anthony, Allen & H 
8c I ma Cuvo 
Edwin Sleffe 
Jean Uuelis 
Norma Centner 
Whitey's Jlverdeers 

Roxy 
Jane Froman 
Bob Hannon 
1> & D Remy 
Nclaon 6ta 
Dave Apollon 
BroodhofHt Theatrr 

(2B) 
George Jcsscl 
Jack Haley 
Ella Logan 
The De Mitrcos 
Berry Bros 
Boh WMlltunn 
Con Collcano 
Olscn & •Shirley 
Lucille Norman 
Apollo (30) 
Paul Lavarre 

C«Dtml (20) 
I-ooney I^wls 
Chlik Hunter 
3 Poms 

Prlmrufp & Gold 
(2 to flin 

BBOOKa.YN 
MarliM (1st only) 

Mayla 

Temple & Toomes 
CI to flit) 

Mayfair (3lHt oalj) 

Mayla 

Temple St Toonics 

(3 to All) 

Bldgewood 
(28th only) 

Dawn Cooper 

filMrldan &. Everett 

(^ to fill) 

BJdc«wood 
(SOth only) 

R St Shirley Dahl 

Philip Nflsel 

(3 to nil) 
Star (301 li only) 

C 'P«»nnut»' Bolin 
ATLANTIC CITY 

Rtfvl Pl^r (Iflt nnly) 

Hollywood Co-Kds 

Pnul Nolnn 



Dolly Dawn 
Jackie Green 

1 Vermlliiun Co 

BALTIMORE 
nippodronw (30) 
MaJ Bowes Rev 
Rajah Rabold 

Stute (29-31) 
Myrtle Duneedin 
Joe May & Green 
Byrne Sis Rev 
BRIDOEPORT 

I-yrk (28-2A) 
Louis Armstrong Or 
Stepin Fetchlt 
Danny & Edith 
Joyner St Foster 
CAMDEN 

Towers (30-1) 
Rennld ^ Rudy 
Martin & Plorrnz 
DovnI. Merle T-^** 
Bob Carney 
6 Naval Cadets 

FUZABETH 

LIbeHy (20-1) 

2 rtiyinplcs 

3 licartH 
Lee Marmer 
RoRM S- riifford 
Geornre Downey 

FALL RIVER 
Empire (27-29) 
Harmonl<-n Rascals 
Murphy Sis 
Olyn T.andirk 
Mnrtln St Florenz 
Eddie Mills 
HARRIflBI'ROH 
Slate (2-4) 
Bobby nyrn* Ore 
Rosalind Gordon 
Boh Csslon Co 
HARTFORD 
Rtate (30-1) 
Billy Rose Rev 
JAMAICA 
Jnmalcn (29-1) 
Billy A Ann Tlttis 
Arno & Arnette 
Rsmonn 
Cy Reeves 
3 Coeds 

LYNBROOR 
Lynhrook (31) 
51 A Shirley Dahl 
Philip Nagel 
<H to nil) 



Aqaarlam Rest. 

I'M Farl.-y Ore 
Itlil llertnlnlfl-e 

I'eKKy Anno KIIIm 
'^ynn St .Mnnniine 
Norma l.ii<-ero 
y.H OKd«>n 
l-lu^-i) Siuiirl 

L>oii S) Ivio Ore 

Robftrto Ore 

Ilill'H any OO'e 

Ethel Gilbert 

Hnri-y f>onclly 
I'hnrllfi Mnum 
llcrnle tlrnuer 
n.iy iiij's gunrielie 
Ctlfr S4irlel> 
( Mldrnwn) 

Hnxvl Si-oti 
Rcvuers 
B Hl R Kraft 
Eddie Mathews 
Bill Moore Ore 
Toddy WUson Oro 
Cnfe Hoclely 
(Vllluge) 
Dorothy Knox 
Albert Ammoni 
Pete Johnson 
Relchman Lewis 
Sam Gary 
L & L Young Ore 

Caalao Bawia 
.Sinu Tnraaova 
Oypsy Mnrkoff 
George Sattan 
Xadia & Sasha 
Larry .Murphy 
Dmitri Matvienko 
Kris Kay Ore 
Nicholas Hatlhey O 

CerutH'B 
Brlcktop 
Unrland Wilson 
Eddie Steele 
4 Chantlclcere 
Chateau Miulerne 

Muryon Dale 

Dorothy Tanner 

Terraio Hoys 
Clob 18 

FranUle Hyere 

Bud Sweeney 

Carrie FInnell 

Vince Curran 

Lillian Fitzgerald 

Diano Fontane 

Hazel McNulty 

Oaye Dixon 

Jerry BlancHard 

Jne Frisco 

Gordon Andrews O 

FranUle Froeba Ore 

Coparubana 

.Toe G. (^wls 
Berry Bros. 
Connie llussell 
Pierre D'Angelo 
Olga San Juan 
Fernando Alvarez 
Samba Sirens 
Ted Stracter Ore 
Fr;ink Marti Ore 

Jack Dempoey't 
McForlnnd Ore 
Rons MacLcan 
Mill Hf ith 3 
Dlumond Hontralioe 
Harriet Hoctor 
W C Handy 
Pansy the Horse 
wnilo Solar 
Calts Farm 
Hilly Wells 
Four Fays 
Hermnn Hyde Co 
Luclenne St Ashour 
Eddie Eddy 
Perllia 

Virgmla Mayo 
Pedro Lopez 
Juno Melva 
Great Daniel 
Emma Francis 
Norino RohlnHon 
Nclllo 't)url{ln 
Billy Banks 
Perry Bruskln 
Roy Fox Ore 
Sid Prusflin Oro 

Jimmy Duvyer's 
Bobby Heath 
Pat O'fjhca 
Arlenc 
Bea Foley 
Frances O'Connell 
Mario Daley 
Dorothy Mack 
Mnrlene Francis 
Paula Valera 

El Chico 
Dnrlta St Valero 
CoDBuelo Aforcno 
Gloria Belmonte 
3 Qiiltnrs 
.Tai-k Navarro 
Del Dura Ore 
Juniiita Snnabrla Or 
Hcroinn del Toro 

El Morocco 
Chaunccy Grey Ore 
Chlqulto Ore 

Fnmnui Door 
ZorKa 



Frances Wayne 
NIrk Jarretl Ore 
(■reenwlrh Village 
Inn 

B*»nny Fields 



Sandro Rosatl 
Bennett Qreen 
Jerry Oreon 
Bunny Howard 
Hotel FenmiTlTaiila 

(Cafe Bouse) 
Bob Allen Ore 
J Rodriguez Oro 
Hotel Pierre 
(CotllllOD Boom) 
Eddie Mayehoff 
Brenda Forbes 
Myrus 

Ellsworth ft Falre'd 
Stanley Melba Ore 
Hotel Plaxft 

(PenUan Boom) 
HUdegarde 
Bob Grant Ore 

Hotel Booeevclt 
Guy Lombordo Ore 
Walter Pernor Orch 
Hotel Bttvoy Plan 

(Cafe Lounge) 
Morton Downey 
Paul Barron Oro 

Hotel Shenitnn 

(Satire Huom) 
Jerri Blanchnrd 
Townsmen Ore 

Hotel 8t. Hegle 

(Irldlom Room) 
Elhei Smith Ens 
Paull Sparr Ore 
(Maisosettei 
Bob Terry Ore 
Freddy Miller Oro 

Hotel Tuft 
Vlncont l^^pez Ore 

Hotel U'lilrinrr- 
Aetnrln 
\^'edKn-nnil Room 
Oracle Fields 
Cieorgf'S St Jalna 
Kmil Culemun Oro 

Hotel Wonvlrh 

(Rulelgit Ronm) 
Vlrkl Goorpo 
Snnde Williams Ore 

Hor^cane 
Willie Shore 
Cnbot & l>rej*den 
A Iphonsc Berg 
Rancorr St Cannon 
Jerry Bergman 
J»'rry Kruger 
Vincent Plrro Ore 
DU-lt Warren Ore 



Francis Carlyle 
Bob Field 
Jean Mode 
Mardl-ania Reel. 

Btliel Shutta 
Bert Frohman 
Roy Rogers 
Rlehards-Adrlenne 

Monte Carlo 
Sonny Kendls Ore 
Quinton Ore 
Narlta 
Joe Fejfr 

l»tb Hale CInb 
Steve Murray 
Barbara Lee 
Chlqulta Venlzia 
Mickey Mallory 
Milt Mann Ore 
Ooyi Clob 
Billy Daniels 
Pete Brown 
Willie Dukes 
Toy Wilson 
Dnby Hlne»< 

Old Roumiinino 
Sntllo Diinks 
Freddie Bernard 
Ada Lublno 
Ginger Lnyne 
Joe LaPorte Ore 

Place Menunte 
Bill Farrcll 
Vincent de Costa 
Art Tubertlnl 
Ernest Franz Ore 
Queen Mnry 
Noel Toy 
.Fonu Ci>lli*»r 
Cnrlyle Sin 
Carol Chapp(«l 
mil Glass Ore 

Queens Terrace 

Phil FoHtor 
Sunan Carol 
Jeaiio ,<C- Phillips 
Adnni}) ^: Dell 
Jack Allyn 
Ned Hnrvey ore 

Hnlnhow drill 
RuHs Smith Ord 
Vera Sa noff 
InnKard & Alan 

Rrihilmw K<Mim 
L«i> Krl.tinan <"»rc 
llflen TainirN 
l.eonunl Elliott 
Vli'tnria Cf»rdova 
nnii!:i 



AlUn Coe 
Dave Unell Ore 
Eddie Rotb Or« 
Coloe l n— 

Ralph Cook ^ 
De Maye, M'ore ft H 
The Appletona 
Loe Royee 
Va) Ernie Ore 
Lucille Si Richards 
Don Lang Oro 
Edcewater Bcacb 
Hotel 
(Marine Bm) 
Henry King Oro 
Hurge & Maye 
Pelletlers 
Richard Gordon 
Dorben Ols 

Rltel's 
Octotto Ore 
Eleanor Lullon 
Rnlhebellar 
Louie ft Oang 
0100 CInb 
Danny Thomae 
Msgh-y Girls 
Mark Flahor Ore 

888 CInb 
Gus Van 
Ruth Wayne 
Karr ft Mage 
Mark Tnlont Oro 
Johnny Honnort 
Gtirrlch Stagrbar 
June Price 
Aarni Boys 

Downbeat Rm 
Kal Si the Fiddle 
3 Sharps ft Flats 
Gladys Palmer 

(irncmero lintel 
(tihiHs House Hm) 
Don Fielding Oro 
.N'eva Patterxon 
Helslngw 
(Vodvll I^innge) 
Frunk^ Payne 
Doroth'y Davis 
Chet Robles 
The DulTleldB 
John Trio 

ivunhue 
Florenro Srhubert 



Barney Bt«h*fd« O 
Vlerr» HawaUaas 
HeleD Bamner 
L'AI«loB 
Splroe Stamoa Oro 
Owendolyo Veausell 
Murray ft Simon 
George Davroo 
loobel de Uaree 

tm SaUe Hotel 

< Pan- Am Room) 
Al Chamborlain 
Joee Mansanerea O 

Latin Qnnrtev 
V. Bragale'a Oro 
Eddie Prlppe Oro 
Bernard Da nee re 
Jackie Heller 
Anita Alvarez 
Joe Norman Ore 
Palmer Honae 

< Empire Boom) 
Oris Williams Ore 
The Hartmana 
Carlyn Truas 
Walter Long 
Del Rlos 
Abbott Gle 

Sherman Hotel 
(Cettk) Cnfe) 
Qene Korwin Oro 
Jaroe Sia 

(Pantlier Room) 
Woody Herman Ore 
3 Makebellevee 
Carolyn Gray 
Ruth Pryor * 
Alfred Floyd 

608 Clob 
Paul Mall 
Vera Allen 
Jon ft Ingbord 
l^e Camp 
Del Ohrel 
Itnmnyne 
Dinne I^ure 
Alma ft Roland 
Florcnza 
606 Gls 
Dolly Sterling 
Sol Lake Oro 
Tripoli 3 

Ynr Rest 
Geo Scherban Oro 
Tsorralne Westfall 
Claudia CoralU 



ATLANTIC CITY 



Alpine. Tnvem 

Curnmn I.elund 



BOOKING THE NATION'S LEADING INDEPENDENT 
VAUDEVILLE THEATRES 

EDWARD SHERMAN AGENCY 



NEW YORE 



BEVERLY HILLS, CAL 



Lenny Kent 
D ^ -E Dwight 
Joan Brandon 
Rene ft Laura 
Dlnorab Ore 
Enoch Light Ore 
Hnrana-Mndrld 
Valero Sis Ore 
Anita Sevilla 
Jose Fernandez 
Terrl I*a Franconi 
Trio MIxteco 
LIU ToH«s 
Vlllarlno 

Don Ollberto Oro 
Hickory Honse 
Ancll Sweet 
Norma Shepherd 
Eddie South Ore 
Hotel Aator 
(Aotor Boot) 
Alvino Bey Oro 
King Sisters 
Hotel Be I moot 
Plaza 
(GInsa Hat) 
Jack Marshall 
Paul Wlnchell 
Stadlers 
Jerry Mahoney 
Bill Johnson 
Roslta ft Deno 

Anita Rosal 
Kay Penton 
Bobby Parks Oro 
Hotel BUtmore 
Heasley Twins 
Hazel Pro-nklln 
Hay Heatherton Ore 

Rbtel Brevonrt 
Roaalle Grant 
My are 

Dana Collier 
Jan Brunesco 
Jackson HInes 
Hotel ComnrMMlore 

(CentDTT Boom) 
Four Vs 
Leo Sisters 
Marylin Duke 
Zlggy Talent 
R ft E ReypH 
Peter Rotunda Ore 
Vaughn Monroe Ore 

Hotel EdiMm 
Bobby Byrne Oro 
Hotel Kosei llonee 
(Casino on Park) 
Don Brown 
Kerwin Somorvllle 
Judith Arlon 
Dolores On- 

Hotel Lexinglon 
(Hawalltfo Hm) 

Kahala 
Talima 
Momlkal 
LanI Oro 
Kea Lake 
LeIlanI laea 
Hotel Lincoln 
(Bine IKoom) 
Helen Forrest 
Johnny Mac A foe 
Harry James Oro 
Hotel UcAlpIn 
(Morlne Grill) 
Gladys Tell 
Johnny Messner Ore 
Hotel New Yorker 

(Terrace Room) 
Benny Goodman Ore 
Mob Russell 
Ronny Roberta 
Audrey MUIt 
(ieorve Banjas 
(Jrai-e May 
Blsselle & Farley 
Hotel Park Central 

(Cocoannt Grure) 
Daro ft Curda 
Vaeht Club Boys 
l.a^Hra & CuHt'lminn 
Arturo Arturos Ore 
Hetancourl Ore 
Bunny How;ird 

(Royal Palm) 
Dell O'Dell 
Jack Reynolds 



Iceland Beslikomal 

Danny White 
Brady ft Bariun 
Nlld St Nadynne 
Penn ft Devon 
KIkl 

Les Kramer 
Frances Miller 
Linda Fagen 
Jean Harvey 
Jane Waring 
Ted Eddy Oro 
Angelo Ore 

Jimmy Kelly'e 
Joe Charter 
Glendu Hope 
Bcnee 
Denlse 
Lorna Rose 
Roslta ft Romero 
Montmarte Boys 
Margaret Grey 
Faith Arlen 
Joe Capello Ore 

Helly'e Stable 
Leonard Ware I 
DIanne Reed 
Dixlo Roberta 
Hunny Hrlgga 
Dorothy Manners 
Tholma Carpenter 
Walter Fuller Ore 

Ln Coagn 
Georgle Price 
Estellia 

Clalro ft Arena 
Carmen DeRlvero 
Jerri Vance 
Carlos ft Carlta 
Mochlto Ore 
Jack Harris Ore 
Ln Martfnlqae 
Betty Daniels 
Mary Parker 
Jackie Miles 
Martlnlqueens 
MaxI Bergere Oro 
Morales Ore 

Latin Quarter 
Helen Carroll 
J.ade Ling 
Stanley Twine 
Kamarova Ballet 
(ill (jalvan 
Mazonne Apaches 
Carol King 
Armando & LIta 
I » R Chadwlck 
Wally Wanger Ens 
Mob Fuller (C) 
.lane Wood 
Pamela Britton 
Dr. Giovanni 
Don McGrano Oro 
Coney Ore 

1^ Vie PiirUlenne 

Mbby Holmnn 
C.abrlelle 

I.eon ft Eddie's 
r.dilte Davis 
Adr-ii4n Dancers 
4 Kit Katn 
Kirk ft Madeline 
Paula Drake 



Hngera Corner 

Johnny Pineapple 
Hany l.ef court Ore 
Jean Claire 
Pat Itooncy. Sr 
Ross Maclean 
Harold Green 

Kuban Blen 
Max!ne Sullivan 
Fred Keatnig 
Delta Rhythm Boys 
Ruth Berman 
Julius Monk 
Herman ChltHson 
1111 Balnl 
Bubbles La Rue 
Riwslan Kretchma 
Daria Blrsc 
Darla SokolHUnya 
Senya Karavaelff 
Michel Mlehon 
MIeholas Matthcy 
Valdlmir Kaynloff 
Nastia Pollakova 
Marusla Sava 
Cornolla Cedolhan O 

Splvy's Root 
Splvy 

Arthur ninke 

Stork CInb 
Oracc Rellly 
Charles Baum Ore 
Ted Steele Ore 
The Place 
Irene Berkley 
Pat Ring 
Evelyn Brock 
Skeets Tolbert 

tbnngl Clob 
Al ('uster 

Tondelayo ft Lopez 
Savanna Churchill 
Dick Montgomery 
Columbua Ore 
Venwlll«e 
Bon Culler Ore 
Panchlio On- 
Mary Raye ft Naldl 
Gloria Gilbert 
Avla Andrews 
Cyrel Rodney 
Carolyn Mrirwh 
8 Ver-slghfl 

Vllhige Horn 
John Grlftln 
Blentons 
Dlani* Davis 
Alkali Tke 
Al Robinsnn 

Village Vananard 
nirhaid l> Bennett 
Tony Forrar 
Belly Garrett 
Toddle Hpvwood Ore 

Ulvel 
Rob Lee 
Mlyun Dell 
Chaa noivmnn Ore 
Th!-fil"re Hroo««s 
Pauleas 

Tommy Hayden 
f>orlM Nellson 



Don Bennett 
cure Anderi^on 
Eva. Margie. Mary 
Chiitean Renault 
Hid Rose 4 
3 KnlghiH & Day 
Cllquot Club 
Snmniy Harris 
Tonl Sorrell 
Raiiiona 
Ruth \Varn>n 
Ruiliie Martin 
□nbc Cunimings 



Jackie Martin 
Kllnlne Ellis 

Kl Morocco 
l>anny Hart 

awi Cafe 
Six Lovllee 
P Traveri4 ft Men 
Shirley Stewart 

On h lee Inn 
(Black Home Pike) 
Nan Demar 
J OH Spud 
RuHM Taylor 
Earl Applegate 
Tiny Klein 
Marge McGurk 

<irob'i Cafe 
Bin Ockenlander 
Herman'e Maele Bar 
Al Miller 

Peach Orchard 
Dolly 

Charlie King 
Penn-Atlantio Hotel 

(Palm Boom) 
Al Francis Oro 

Tnlly-Ho TnTcm 
(White Horse Pike) 
Paul JefTi-les 
Commodores 



BOSTON 



CHICAGO 



Amhansndor Hotel 
(Pnmp Boom) 

John KIrby 
nlsmnrck Hotel 
(Walnut Boom) 

Art Kassel Oro 
Crlurla Hart 
T ft F Vallett 
Maurice ft Maryen 
II. Smith Gls 

(Tavern Boom) 
Ediih Lorand Ore 

niackhawk 
ChIco Marx Oro 
Skip Nelson 
iThe Alblns 
KlIlHO (Tooper 
Woody ft Belly 
ninckotone Hotel 
(Ballnese Rm) 
Johnny Duffy Oro 
Pntll Clavton 

(Mayfuir Room) 
Dwight Flske 
Nell Bondahu Oro 



Brevoort Hntel 
(Crystal Room) 

Tony ft Lisa 
Bob Billings 
Brown l>erby 

Three Ryans 
MarKio Kelly 
Wacky Wayne 
Diane Bnrry 
Jack Prince 
Betly Farrell 
Sherwood Gls 
p L-hell ft Blanks Or 
Ted Smith 

Chez I'nree 
Sophie Tucker 
M.-tta Hurl 
Callahan Sis 
Ailoriiblox 
l.ou Breeze Ore 

Club Alithnm 
I'nuletto l^al'lerre 
Harriett Nnrrls 
Floronco White 
Jean T>ixon 
Cnl Iter^ori 
Cassandra 
Del Esiee 



Beachcomber 

Sammy Dale's Oro 
Artie Donn 
Bob Robinson 
Virginia Marlln 
Barbara Long 
Ted Phillips 
Clurlo ft lludflon 
Dcrna Marie Girls 
BeacU'Charmcrs (6) 

Bllnstmb'e 
Peter Bodge Ore 
Boyd Heathen 
B ft Maxlnc Clayton 
Pape ft Conchlia 
Trio Continental 
Casa Manana 
(Theatre-Clob) 
Eddie Lands Oro 
Jack Shea 
Sei-gt A-Flat 
(*randall Sin 
Tony Marcey 

(Musical Bar) 
Alice O'Leary 
Adrian O'Brien 

Chib Mayfnlr 
Billy Oooley Oro 
Don Rlvo Ore 
Cross ft Dunn 
Ray English 
J. l.onevgan Girls 
BallHtores 
Henrlqueita Brazil 
Club Vunlty Fulr 
FranKie Nowton Or 
Klon'nc)! Kay 
Ginnlu t.)'Keefe 

Cuvoanul Uruve 
Mi'kcy Alpert Ore 
Alfred Pineda Oro 
Buster Kelm Rev 
Billy Paino 
Grace Rellly 
Lucille Rich 
Jay Howard 
Nuthnno Urns 

(Melody Lounge) 
Herb I.ewiH 
Copley PItizn 
(Ovul Roi>m) 
Itiiiiiun U:tnin.-t Ore 
Jonii lltlw.irdd 
Jiilin Huyjiradt 
Mario jfe I'turla 
(Merry-Ou-Round) 
Mark Gilbert 3 
Copley Square Hotel 

(.Music Itoi} 
.lohnny (Nde 
Donald V'un Wart 
El'not Froihiiigiiam 
Ta nya 
Hill Yates 
Cnnnlf Baxter 
Peggy Haiigart«^r 

Crawford House 
P. Saudiftird Uio 
Salty Keith 
Fox ft Hounds Club 
(Rhnmbii Coelno 
Room) 
Charlptt Wolk Oro 
Don Dudley Ore 
Hurry Slnvkwi>ll 
Georges ft Niinnettc 
Pnul Wlnlck 
Edna Wilson 
Stella Ray 

Hl-llut 
Pete Itermon Oro 
Frank Petty 
lintel nmdfnrd 
(Roof <*unlen) 
Andy Jacohscns Ore 

(CIrrns Ronm) 
Kenny Brilliant 
Lucille ft J Maloney 



Hotel Eoeeg 

Buddy Smlth'a Oro 
Jack Manning Ore 
Bin Cronin 
Dorothy Dennle 
Sally Harris 
Dot Dunlea 
Paul Sis 

Hotel FensgnCe 
(Satire Boom) 

Ruth Landl- 
Al Robinson 
Alkali Ike 
Walter Lubaehe 
Hotel Lenox 
Bob Hardy Oro 
Gloria Carroll 
Guy Princlpato 
Hotel SUtlet 
(Terrace Room) 
Jack Bdwarda Oro 

(Cnfe Rouge) 
Saivy Cavlcehio Ore 

Hotel Vendome 
(Fife A Drum Bm) 
Jimmy MeHals Ore 
Jolene 

Nan Vincent 
Helen Douglas 
Elaine Morrison 

(Vendome Boom) 
Oscar Elgart Ore 
Ken 

Milton George Oro 
Rubs Howard 

Ijitln Qnorter 
Tony Bruno Oro 
Don Rico Oro 
Hose Marie 
Hlaie Bros. 
Mangc-nu Dancere 
Fay Carroll 
Tiilla Werniuth 
Annette Leonard 
Rita Coughlln 

Hlo Casino 
Harry de Angells O 
Harry Roso ft Co 
Nat Renard 
Frankle Kent 
earlier Sisters 
ID Dancing Rioteere 
Bu\ter Kelm Rev 
Hawkins ft Lonya 
Nplaon ft March 

(tiard^ I^nge) 
F ft May Dearborn 
Ruth Wallace 
Savoy 
Sabby I^wls Oro 

tieven Hcae 
Karl Rohde Ore 
Vernon Russell 
Gloria Clair 

Stenben'e 
(Vienna Room) 
Lew Conrad Ore 
Harold ft Lola 
Carl ft Fay Simpson 
XoHkn 

Jimmy Marr 
Doris Abbott 

The Cave 
Don DiBona Qro 
Jaek Fisher 
Tamara Dorlva 
Edna Roecrs 
Pr'co ft Pr'e Selandl 
Frank Fnntalno 
Jimmy Marr 
Plr-ettos E 

Tic-Toe 
Ella Fitzgerald Ore 

Village Bam 
Kcrnpla of Korn Ore 



CLEVEUin) 



.Aiptne TlUnve 
Lauretta A Clymaa 
3 Sophie Ladlea 
Sen 4b Wong 
Myron Ryan 
Bruce Norman 
Willie Mattblae Oro 
Greffory A Baymond 

EldotnAn Gtab 
Napua 

Ilona do Bournat 
Hotel Carter 
Cbarlee Wick Ore 
EBtroUtoe 

Hotel. Cleeelnnd 
Bernle Cummlne O 
Hotel Fennny Ball 
E'klne Butterworth 

Hotel Uollenden 
Bob Hall 
Allen ft Rovol 
Mata Montorla 
Henri 



Sloan ft Gary 
Sammy Wmkins O 

Hotel Blatter 
Barry Wlnion Ore 
Ln Conga CInb 
ChleU Albergo Oro 
Undoay's Skybar 
Four Aces ft Queen 
Marya Manley 
Poison Gardner 
Peorl de Lueca 

Monaco** Cafe 
Charles ft Duprez 
Eileen O'Brien 
Carolyn Watis 
Franc Reynolds 
Veraatlllans Oro 

31M aub 
Barry Parks 
Virginia Rae 
Hal Hall 
Don Walah Ore 



DETROIT 



Bonk-Cadlllae Hotel 
(Book Caelne) 

Copacabona Revue: 
Estello ft LeRoy 
Cartde Doxier 
Betly Jane Smith 
Andrlna 

Jere T McManon 
Samba Sirens 
Betty Apple 
Jun Martel 
Ben Young Ore 
(Slotor Bar) 
Vie Abbs 4 

Hi»n-ery 
Arthur Trncey 
Louis Tops 
Ratllo Aces 
Tullnh ft Miy 
Gold Dust Twins 
3 Merry Maids 
Carlos ft Dolores 
Harvey Stone 
Donn Ardcn Co 
Johnny King 
Benny Resh Oro 

Brase Ball 
Del Parker 
Skcetcr Palmer 
Roy SwarU 
Earl Beauilrle 
Jeannle Rand 
^'•iHanu\ tt 
Helene Churi:«o 
Aliixinc Turner 
Paul Baron 
Lynn t^- Laxuronl 
Sylvin FrooH 
Bob Steveiuon Ore 

Club Congo 
Congoottes 
Larry Steele 
Nina M McKliiney 
Nortons 2 
Lurenza Rul>ei)son 
Wallace BroH 
Jlotcha Drew 
Viola Jefferson 
Claudia Ollvor 
Congo Ore 

CInb San Diego 
Lois Lee 
Bob Hopkins 
Hoffman Sis 
Vickie Kaye 
Juanlta 

Don Pedro Ore 
Cinb Three M 

Calypso Kids 



Claudia McNeil 
Pete Nugent 
Joan ft \'ernon 
Morton Brown 
Tayloreiirs S 
Sam Fouche 
Jo.i-Anna Holmes 
George Sanders 
Lanky Ifowninn Ore 

Haymarkrt 
Ferdinand the Bull 
l*aiine ft Ktisii 
Wilson ft M.irletie 
Mel Sn>di'r 
Wolly Join 
Charmettes Ore 
London Chop Hoooe 
Terry l.nivlor 
Ethel Howe 
Ruby Ore 
Sammy Diberl Ore 
Okie Wayne Clab 
Jimmy Clark Ore 

l*alra Bcacb 

Gua Howard 
l'hi>t|)!4 Ciillfiitiine 
B Carilner <.:iila 
Don Hobio Dro 
Buynle 

Linda Mnodv 

H. )>:* ft W.»!.l 
Adr^Liid.- .M.idnlt 
MitVjty ft lli-iich 
Carl M-mniT 
Itoyuleitc:* 

Geo. I>urry Ore 
Siiki 

Culleiie ft Itarry 6 
Ballard ft Kaye 
Jackie llllhard 
Boriiie Green 
Pete \'M'rii Ore 

Club Tlirce 006 
Two JukerH 

I. ?nlypHn Kids 
Pete Nugent 
Claadia MrNeil 
George Sandi-rs 
M 'Swlni>' Brown 
Jon* Anna Holmes 
S Tayloretlea 
Lanky Bowman Ore 

Wonder Bar 
Aylene Mason 
Eddie Paisley Ore 
Charles Cuatello Ore 



FHILADELFHIA 



Alpine Musical 
Bar 

Riff Bobbins 3 
Irene Barker 
Benny the Bnm'e 

Alma 

Eddie Toung 
Scamps (4) 
Anita Chandler 
CInb Ball 
Barbara Blaine 
Jackie Beekman 
Wlnton ft Dane 
Balllovelles 
Earl Denny Ore 
Marlon Powers 
Luis Fernandez Ore 
Stmtford Garden 
(BeBevne Stmtford 

Hotel) 
Walter Miller Orch 

Bea Franklin 
Stewart ft Lea 
Tonl Hart 
Clarusa 
Gale Manners 
Billy Marshall Ore 
Cadillac Tavern 
Harry Dobbs Oro 
Anita James 
Vic BarlHon 
Billy Elton 
Roye Sis 

Carmen'H Mnslcal 
Bar • 

Dons Elliott 
Black-Eyed Peae 
Geo Debllt 
Joacuhlno Schllnk 
3 Dukes 

Cnrron'e 

Eddy Handley 
The Heatwaves 
Marian Colby 
Oalnes Ore 
Carrollettea 

College Inn 
Carlta 

Yvonne K^rr 
Jack Spangler 
Lee Warwick 
Viola Klalss 

De Oorgne Cafe 
Joe Helnsley 
Billy MrKee 
Gems (3) 

l>l PIntoe 
Crescent (6) 
Doc Smith 
Baron l*e 
Troy ft Brown 
Dlplntnnettes 
3 Hlrke 

Pedro Blanco Oro 
Embatsy 

Mlldreil Duncan 

EmbasNyepha 

Itlla Lopez 

Erlrk Hliumba Ore 

Vickl G.'orgo 

Ji-ann*' King 

Geo ClifTord 

Par Shcrlln Ore 

Germanlown Bar 
Snm Prico 

(H Wnlton Roof) 
Roso Gnllo 
Frukson 
Jerry Bergen 
Bubbles Shelby 
Ruth fMoyton 
Uie Girni-tlos 
Glamour Ols 
Eddie De Luca Orr 
Caney Rhumha Ore 
R Monchlto Ore 

(Continued 



llopklns'Rathskelter 

Bernurdeites 
Pat Bernard 
Johnny Cnblll 
Kay Hamilton 
Raps ft Taps 
CInrn Evans 
Tony Bennett Ore 
Hotel PbUadelphlan 
Don Maosey 
Betty Johnson 
Jon Arthurs 

Lexington Casino 
Billy Moroseo 
Irene Kaye 
Iggle Wolflngton 
Eddie White 
The Brandowe 
Rays 3 
Ted Oliver Oro 

LIUIe Bnthekeller 
Beverly Page 
The St. Clairs 
Margie Winters 
Johnny ft George 
Ann Howard 
Tim OTonnor 
Victor Hugo's Oro 
lM*e Chancellor Bat 
Curt M'eller 
Tonl ft Earl 

Uinelrel Tavern 
Ed McGoldrlck 
Sally Foy 
Antia Thome 
Sissy Olnnle Loftuo 

Moravian Bar 
Kenny ShnfTer (3) 
Cookie Williams 

Murray's Bhyttua 

Bnr 
Fay Wray 
Dotty King 
Mary Lo\e 
Shirley AmPS 
(iene Marshal 
Dotty King's Oro 
Nell i>lechan'e 
Ming ft Ling 
Vev Ames ** 
Dotty l.andy 
Serenaders 
Frank Murtha 
Geo Marchetil Ore 

Old Falls Tnvem 
Lilly RuHSO 
Ernie Magee 
Ja(*1C' Hutchinson 
Dotty Vollnrd 
Billy Hays Ore 

Open Door Cafe 
Day. Dusk, Dawn 
Dot Lull 
Delntars Ore 
Klolse Mark (C) 
Chick Mullery 

Fmnh Fnlumbo'e 
Grooveneers 
Zoln Grey 
Ins Wayne 
Franklo Schlutb 
The Pa.ftines 
Jeanelles 
Vand;i ft Johnny 

Powellon Cnfe 

Joe Jovenelly 
PriiucHs Nina 
Charlie ll-iy 
Nan O'Roirrke 
Billy Kelly 
JOiUi \';in 

Rendczvoo* 
D'^lovd M i« k.t> p 
Wendell .Max .ti 

Kits Carlton 
JoH Stern Ore 

on page 54) 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



LEGITIMATE 



49 



Pro and Con on Early Smi Curtain 



Question ol early Sunday curtains on Broadway appears to be con- 
troversial, judeing from responses Irom the managers, and it Is doubt- 
ful ii there will be any concerted action to start performances sooner 
than usual. Those who favor early curtains suggested 2 p.m. for 
matinees and 8 pjn. at night, arguing that Qie average person dines 
earlier on Sundays and would be attracted to theatres that provide a 
chance to reach home sooner, what with the usual early Monday 
workday start 

Other showmen say there is nothing to that argument. They claim 
that people take their time on Sundays, eating lunch and dinner later 
than ordinarily. Those managers claim that boxoffice activity on 
Sunday evenings is liveliest around 8:30, and ticket sales extend until 
nearly 9 o'clock. Ads will be inserted in suburban papers, asking 
theatre-goers there what their preference is, in an effort to clarify 
the issue. 



Legit Stock Brodies in Key Cities; 
luity Still Thinks It Can Go Over 



Eqi 



Autumn slock on Broadway and 
out of town has come a cropper, 
one outfit on Broadway and three in 
other cities having suddenly halted 
Saturday (24). After a single week, 
the stock 'season' at the Morosco, 
N. Y., ended. Opening show was 
'Bird in Hand', with other plays sup- 
posed to follow. Stocks in Cincin- 
nati, Columbus and Milwaukee simi- 
larly halted. First named stand had 
been reported to have started prom- 
isingly. 

Equity is still confident that stock 
can be operated successfully, espe- 
cially on the road, if properly pre- 
sented. To date most of the man- 
agers who tried that policy out of 
town were virtually new to the field. 
Pointed that they started with guest 
stars, whereas when stock bloomed 
ai'.i there were more than 100 such 
companies regularly on the boards, 
the showings were quite different. 

Stated that stock, to have seasonal 
appeal, should have leading players 
who become established in the vari- 
ous communities. It takes between 
six and eight weeks to build up a 
clientelle and popularize the leading 
character people. While the guest 
star idea has worked out as a gen- 
eral rule in summer stock, same did 
not apply in the recent city show- 
ings. 

On Broadway the poor business 
attendant to 'Bird' proved the con- 
tention that the theatre zone is too 
highly competitive for stock, unless 
there be exceptional performances. 
'Bird' immediately sought cut-rate 
support, which reduced the chances 
of bettering an even break. It Is 
definite that N. Y. theatres cost too 
much to operate for mild grossers 
such as slocks. 'Three Men on a 
Horse' Ls faring somewhat better at 
the Forrest, but, despite improve- 
ment in takings last week, show op- 
erated In the red for the second 
week. 

'Bird' had a stock setup in the 
salary end, but when it stopped the 
status of the players was switched to 
that of productions. That means they 
were paid two weeks salary and 
also received rehearsal pay. In stock 
one week rehearsals are permitted 
without rehearsal coin. Status of 
Three Men' is still not definite and 
is presently on a production basis, 
playing eight performances weekly, 
whereas in stock 10 times are rl- 
lowed. If another j>lay, with at least 
six of the present "Three Men' cast, 
is put on at the Forrest, outfit will 
then be regarded as stock. 



SIDNEY HOWARD AWARD 
AIDS ^WINTER SOLDIERS' 



Playrights have made a grant of 
$1,500. known as the Sidney Howard 
award, to assist in the production 
of 'Winter Soldiers,' a drama based 
on the defense of Moscow last year, 
which a group known as the New 
School for Social Research is ready- 
ing. Usually the award is not made 
until .•spring. Grant does not con- 
form lo the conditions established, 
but ihe Playwrights explain they 
wish to aid the work of a new 
dramatist. Shepard Traube is stag- 
ing 'Soldiers.' 

Award is in memory of Sidney 
Howard, who was originally of the 
Playwrights but who met death 
tragically in 1939. His fellow author- 
ni.magers decided to honor his mem- 
or.v by an annual grant lo a new 
writer having had no previous .sub- 
stantial success in the theatre rather 
than to n playwright whose work 
was eslabli.shed. 

Dan Jones, who wrote 'Soldiers,' 
is a Vale man with Hollywood ex- 
pemence. It is his first play to be 
produced. 



EDDIE FORMAN AGAIN 
CLAIMS 0.&J. % DEAL 



Eddie Forman, gag writer, charges 
Olsen tc Johnson, producers of 'Sons 
o' Fun,' with having resorted to 
'fraud' in successfully opposing his 
suit to collect 1% of the gross re- 
ceipts of the show tmder an alleged 
oral contract. Forman's accusations 
are made in a motion before Supreme 
Court Justice Morris Eder, who tried 
the case last June and rendered a 
verdict in favor of the comedians, 
upholding their contention that the 
writer was hired on a weekly basis 
and that he had been paid in full. 
Justice Eder has reserveid decision. 

The new evidence which, accord- 
ing to Forman, throws an entirely 
different light on the case, is a $125 
check which he has located since the 
trial and which, he charged, the de- 
fendants suppressed. 

Forman's complaint was based on 
an oral agreement whereby he was 
to get authors' royalties of 1% as 
well as billing as being co-author ot 
the script. He was paid $1,500 in 
advances, he said, and sought an ac- 
counting of the play's take as well as 
damages for not having gotten credit 
of authorship. 

Olsen & Johnson testified that they 
had hired Forman in January, 1941, 
to assist in preparing the material 
for their current production and 
that he was to be paid $250 a week 
for his services. 

Forman, they stated, worked for 
five weeks and three days and was 
paid $1,375, that he had received his 
last check on March IS, 1941, and 
that thereafter they had no further 
contact with him. They stressed 'Jie 
partial payment of three days' work 
to show that he was hired on a sal- 
ary basis, and they denied that there 
had ever been any kind of agree- 
ment to pay him royalties or to pro- 
vide him with billing as co-author. 

The newly discovered check. For- 
man contended in his affidavit, dis- 
proved the testimony of the defend- 
ants and supported his contention as 
to the amount he was paid and that 
the $1,500 he got was an advance on 
royalties. 

Olsen, in an affidavit opposing Ihe 
motion, told Justice Eder that 'he 
couldn't follow the reasoning' tie- 
hind Forman's demand for a new 
trial. The new check, he argued, 
proved nothmg either way about sal- 
ary or royalty and the 'suggestion 
that Johnson and I suppressed evi- 
dence is offensive.' - 

He admitted, however, that 'he 
April 15 check did modify some of 
the testimony about the date and the 
amount of payments, but that it 
wasn't of sufficient consequence to 
warrant a new trial. 



ATAM WAGE DISPUTE 
GOING BEFORE WLB 



Managers and the Association of 
Theatrical Agents & Managers have 
been advised that future efforts of 
the latter to obtain an increase in 
salaries will be staged in Washing- 
ton next Wednesday (4). Communi- 
cations to the effect were sent both 
factions by James R. Steelman, head 
of the U. S. Conciliation Service, an 
arm of the War Labor Board, who 
stated that a three-man board would 
hear pro and con arguments. 

First attempt to settle the argu- 
ment did not jell, one conciliator 
(James William Fitzpatrick) holding 
two sessions in N. Y. ATAM seeks a 
general boost of approximately $25 
weekly to members' pay, which 
ranges from $100 to $175 weekly, 
basing their claim on the rise in the 
cost of living since 1938. Agents 
and managers say their jobs are not 
steady employment and that their 
remuneration, which the Showmen's 
League of New York Theatres con- 
tends is ample, is not as big as it 
seems. 

Managers declined to make an 
offer of any increase, but may 
change their minds at the Washing- 
ton confab, it is intimated. Whether 
the three conciliators are empow- 
ered to settle the dispute, or whether 
it must ultimately be passed upon 
by WLB, is not clear. Managers 
probably will be represented by 
Marcus Heiman, J. J. Shul>ert and 
James F. Reilly, while ATAM will 
send Oliver M. Saylor, Richard 
Maney and . Sidney Cohn to the 
huddle. 



HIKE IN ROAD 
SHOWS THIS 
SEASON 



Six $4.40 Musicals Now on B'way, With 
Big Trade Even Acceding to Sat Tilts 



AnwNowSet 



Peter Amo's musical, referred to 
as a cartoon revue, is more or less 
definitely due on Broadway shortly 
after New Year's, after showing in 
Boston for two weeks starting at 
Christmas. Show has a tentative 
title of 'Hit The Ceiling,' but an- 
other name will be announced. Re- 
hearsals are dated to start around 
Thanksgiving. 

Arno's show will be of the in- 
timate type and is likely to be spot- 
ted in the Royale, N. Y. It is among 
a number of musicals that were due 
in the fall, but set back for various 
reasons. 



Although show business is con- 
cerned over the possibility of trans- 
portation jams because of commod- 
ity and troop movements, there are 
considerably more legit road shows 
now than there were last fall at 
this time. Legit booking bottlenecks 
have already developed and bookers 
are puzzled as to how they can spot 
shows in key stands. 

Situation is explained by the tour- 
ing of several revivals and vaude- 
revues in legit houses. In addition, 
some of the standouts on the road 
are playing two weeks instead of one 
in certain keys, and the general re- 
sult is to tighten the bookings for 
other shows, which appear to be left 
out on a limb. Solution is to keep 
such shows playing in stands not in 
regular itineraries, provided the 
jumps are not too difficult. 

There is a real house shortage in 
Chicago for the first time in many 
seasons. Decrease in legit houses 
there was further heightened this 
season by the Grand going over to 
films, bookers keenly feeling the ab- 
sence of that spot. The Woods, 
which was a potential house, al- 
though in pictures for years, is now 
entirely out, building have been 
taken over by the Jesuits. 



Stagehands Also Call 
'Wine' Legit, Bot Unions' 
Group May Upset That 

New York stagehands union, 
which recently classified 'Show 
Time,' Broadhurst, as legit, has 
classed 'Wine, Women and Song,' 
Ambassador, similarly to the sur- 
prise of Broadway. It is well 
known that 'Time' is a straight 
vaude performance, while 'Wine' is 
vaude or burley-revue. Deckhands, 
however, say their ruling is based 
on the established policy of thea- 
tres played, both being legiters since 
the time they were built, although 
the Ambassador has been used for 
films and other shows at various 
times. 

Managers have objected to the 
union's stance and it is possible that 
the deckhands may be reversed by 
the committee formed by the thea- 
tre craft unions to classify the type 
of shows presented in legit theatres, 
motivated by the resurgence of 
vaude-revues. Committee is headed 
by Paul DuUzell, of Equity, and 
SoUy Pemick, of the stagehands. 
It's stated that whatever action may 
be taken will not be retroactive, but 
the stagehands acted on their own 
and it is understood the musicians 
union will act similarly. 

So far as the stagehands are con- 
cerned, pay of the beads ot depart- 
ments is not affected, but other 
members of the crew work on a per 
performance basis. As 'Wine' goes 
on 16 times weekly, grips and 
clearers get virtoally double the 
wage of legiters on an eight-time 
weekly twsis^ 'Time' plays 12 times, 
so the crew there gets 50% more. 

Men are being paid under protest 
waiting a final ruling from the tmion 
committee. If the latter classify 
future vaude-revues as legiters, ac- 
tors would also get more pay for 
all over eight performances and 
their Sunday status would be in- 
volved. 



JOLSON, HALE SETTLE 
SUIT ON mTS' WALK 



Actors Get Sleeper Fare 
If No Sleepers Available 

Equity hss ruled that in the event 
that .'bleeping accommodations arc 
not provided when making overnight 
jumps, the cost of the berths shall be 
paid the players. 

All standard contracts call lor 
lower berths, but Equity is aware 
that, because of war emcrKCiicy, 
trnnsporlalioii accoiT)niodal:on.s can- 
not always be obtained. ."Man.-iijcr.s 
have voiced no objection to paying 
casts Ihc eciiiivalcnt of Ihc .-.Iccper 
fare, .such item.- bcinu mclirlcd in 
the 0|jera;i!iK outiay iiii.M'.ay. Su^c- 
haiid.s' contracts nl.-o call for ber;h.« 
at the maiia;;er.-' cxpcn.sp. .md il >s 
under.vtnod thrir union v.i\\ follow 
suit in the matter of the men being ' 
paid when sleepers are not possible./ 1 



The $100,000 damage suit brought 
by George Hale against Al Jolson 
over the lalter's quitting 'Hold on to 
Your Hats' was settled on the eve of 
trial when the case was called before 
Justice John E. McGeehan in N. Y. 
."lupreme court. 

That the dropping of the suit was 
based on a cash consideration was 
revealed by Jolson's attorney, Louis 
D. Frohlich. of Schwartz & Frohlich. 
He refu.sod, however, to specify how 
much. 

Hale claimed a contract with Jol- 
son, calling for his appearance in the 
show from January to August. 1941. 
and charged that Jolson. in violation 
of the agreement, walked out on 
Feb. I, 1941. while the revue was 
making 'substantial profits,' neces- 
.sitaling the closing of the show. 
Jol.son. in his answer, said that he ' 
quit on advice of physicians. He ; 
contended that his health would | 
have been seriously impaired had he ■ 
conimued in the show. I 

Moreover, Jblson rhaintained, the | 



Memories of Ashton 



New York. 

Editor, 'Variety': 

I note with great Interest your 
reference to Ashton & Mitchell, the 
London theatre ticket agency. I 
have very pleasant memories of that 
grand old gentleman, George Ashton, 
who once explained to me the way 
John Mitchell started the theatre 
ticket business. 

It appears that in those days, the 
'linkmen' who were flunkeys who 
accompanied their masters and mis- 
tresses to the opera and ballet were 
given passes which entitled them to 
seats at the back of the house. Ap- 
parently they preferred to stay in 
the local saloon (there were plenty 
of hams in those days) and John 
Mitchell purchased the passes from 
them and resold them to the general 
public. 

Actually, Ashton & Mitchell did 
nnl go out of business, but moved 
from 33 Old Bond street to Stafford 
.street, but I understand they were 
bombed out and apparently have 
been able lo get back to their former 
stand. 

P. E. Bewshea. 
Manager, BritLsh Overseas Airways 
Corp. 



There are six musical shows on 
Broadway with a top of $4.40. Not 
all are in the hit class, but that is 
not because of the price scale. Also, 
some of heaviest grossers among 
them are playing Sunday. Not only 
are there more 4-40ers than show 
circles figured could operate in N.Y. 
at the same time, out the business 
drawn by the leaders on Sundays 
is an eye-opener. 

A year ago it was not thought 
that there was enough patronage on 
Sunday for high scale attractions. 
That was first proven a fallacy by 
'Son O' Fun,' Winter Garden, and 
right afterward by 'Banjo Eyes,' 
among the best draws during Its 
stay at the Hollywood. Recently, 
'Let's Face It,' Imperial, another 
musical holdover that is still in the 
big money, went to Sundays and its 
b.o. pace was materially improved. 
Two new major musicals. 'Count 
Me In,' Barrymore, and 'Beat The 
Band,' 46th Street, promptly went 
on a Sunday schedule, although 
neither drew a favorable press. Both 
are $4.40 top. The only other musi- 
cals at that scale not going for Sab- 
bath showings are 'By Jupiter,' Shu- 
bert, and 'Star and Garter,' Music 
Box. 

War Wages 

Observed at the boxoffices that 
some of the people asking for the 
highest price tickets are anything 
but substantial in appearance. 
Bankrolls appear from rather shabby 
pockets, indicating that those thea- 
tregoers are making goodly money 
in war plants, or benefited by 
boosted earnings indirectly, and 
when they come to Broadway they 
seek the best. That applies partic- 
ularly to Saturdays and Sundays. 

Half a dozen shows have been 
noticed upping prices at the end of 
the week, Saturday night in partic- 
tilar. Only musical to do so is "Fun,* 
which goes to $5.50 and has had that 
scale from the start. Not all its 
tickets orinted at that price are dis- 
posed ot, the boxoflice being elastic 
and cutting the rates when custom- 
mers ere inclined to walk away. 
'Show Time,' regularly $2.75 top, is 
$3.30 Saturday night, whUe the 
ers are inclined to walk away, 
increase the price by 50c. 'Fun' 
gets the biggest percentage of its 
gross at the weekend performances. 

Broadway is high on straight 
shows on the way in, pricipally be- 
cause of encouraging reports. One 
or two are 'uelng kept out of town 
for fixing, even though regarded as 
sure things. 

Showmen are dubious about Bos- 
ton as a testing point because of 
form reversals. Most pertinent case 
in point Ij The Eve of St Hark,' 
mildly accepted in the Hub, but 
ringing the bell solidly in N. Y. The 
drama, at the Cort, is topping the 
straight play group. Among the In- 
coming plays that have provoked 
the most controversy is The Skin of 
Your Teeth,' opinions being sharply 
divided to the effect that it will 
either be a sock on Broadway or go 
l)oom. 

In tlie Yiddish 'field Molly Picon 
easily tops in 'Oy Is Dus a Leben' at 
the former Jolson's. Show got $12,- 
000 at $2.75 last week, quite profit- 
able. Many parties help the business 
in uptown spot 



i 



contract gave him the right to step 
out if he didn't average $2..500 a 
week for four consecutive weeks. He 
alleged that fie hadn't hit that ave- 
rage for the four weeks prior to his 
exit 



EXTEND CUTS ON LEGTT 
DUAL 2 MORE WKS. 



Cut salary arrangement between 
players in 'Hello Out There' and 
'Magic' Belasco, N. Y., has been ex- 
tended another two weeks. Actors 
are getting the Equity minimum pay 
of $50 weekly, plus a percentage of 
the gross tops $6,200. claimed to be 
tlje figure at which the legit double 
bill breaks even. Takings have been 
under that figure from the opening, 
but some attendance increa.se was 
reported last week. . 

.Contract between the show and 
the house calls for the latter being 
guaranteed $2,700 per week, sho,.. 
management paying all expense back 
of the curtain line. That includes 
the stage crew numbering 15 men, 
whereas there are 11 people in the 
casts. Eddie Dowling. co-starred 
with Julie Hnydcn. is the presenter 
of the dual bill, but Eliz,ibeth Miele 
i.s the backer. 

Shuberts operate the houie under 
nn arrangement with the David Bel- 
ascO estate.' 



50 



LBOITIMATB 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



Plays on Broadway 



THE DAMASK CHEEK 

('..111— 1\ III lhi'.>i' :i.iH prpx'nled At thn 
I"'.ii li..ii»-. N. v .. 11. 1. ■J2. by Dwiglit 

Ji ^ \\'iiii:ii<. \vii:t..ii l>> Jdhn \'Hn Drul(*n 

nii-l l.io>.l .M.>ii>)*: I 'I. It'll nubHon stuiTcd: 
Hirtu»>l liv \:iii Diiiii'i): Helllnff ailU 

( iisiiiincx ill ICi •! Sii\i>i : H 3<i I'lp. 

Jth'i'lri Mi-Mi mil VMni-a Utibson 

W.i. I I Itulh VIvlBK 

Mi«. If.iit.l.ill M-.i-KMrot DoURlaH» 

N Muv)' Mli'harl 

liMittiii.' K.iii.i;.!! Jotin Totzel 

Jtliiiii> lt:ili>l:ill Mvion Mt-Cormlrk 

i'iiiih Loiiuniiiiiii oieKie Ifolm 

Mii-liiiiM i;.iniln!l IVliM' l>^f>rnani)i>% 

Nvil 11.11'lint; idiii.-hary Scolt 



oritics 
a Chi- 



be a feminine draw 
caniage trade, ought 
moderately successful 



This should 
and plus the 
to provide 
enganemoiii 

The Daiiiiisk Cheek' is a period 
comedy. d.Tled 1909. There are 
humorous rcforencc.-; to events of 
that lime, pleasantly reminiscent to 
those who may be regarded as vin- 
tage playgoers. That percentage of 
audiences will go for such lines 
which will probably not register 
with the younger generation. 

Opening night the performance 
was at least 15 minutes overtime, 
traceable to the writing rather than 
the pace which should have been evi- 
dent during the tryout in Boston, 
where the play was rather mildly 
received. However, it is a N. Y. 
story, therefore more appealing in 
its native habitat. 

Flora Robson. starred, who came 
from England I wo seasons ago for 
'Ladies in Retirement,' appears in a 
comedy part for the first time over 
here. She is essentially a character 
woman, so her present assignment 
surprised professional circles. 

Miss Robson plays the part of 
Rhoda Meldrum. a wealthy British 
girl, over to visit her aunt, Mrs. 
Randall, who regards her as eligible 
for matrimony. Although not so at- 
tractive Miss Robson is of the whole- 
some type, a woman in her thirties. 
Mrs. Randall hopes there will be a 
romance between Rhoda and her son 
Jimmy, even though they had been 
brought up more like brother and 
sister, and it works out that way in 
the end. Perl)^ps the part is some- 
thing of a test of Miss Robson's 
talent. She definitely makes it a 
winning one. 

Jimmy is a fairly successful fellow 
who has gotten himself enamoured 
«f Calla Longstreth, a blonde actress. 
His ma gives a dance in the upper 
east side house in honor of RhMa, 
but it is made the occasion when 
Jimmy announces his engagement to 
Calla, whom Mrs. Randall dislikes. 

During the evening Rhoda shocks 
the proprieties by going ofl with 
Jimmy's dilettante friend, Neil, for 
a ride in Central Park. A glass too 
much of champagne spurred the 
English cousin to that 'escapade,' 
which provokes considerable fuss. It 
is that little incident that awakens 
Jimmy to the realization that he 
picked the wrong girl for a wife. 
Calla confesses to Rhoda that she 
doesn't really love Jimmy, just wants 
security, and the English visitor's 
check book is handily used. There is 
■ hair pulling match between the 
girls which is enlivening. 

Myron MtCormick is a very good 
ohoice as Jimmy, a nice substantial 
guy not overly bright, but Margaret 
Douglass, as the emphatically ma- 
ternal Mrs. Randall, nearly runs 
away with the play during the first 
t\vo acts. She is an excellent actress. 
Celeste Holm, tob. is well up in the 
going with her Calla, understandably 
a bit petulant over finances. Zachary 
Scott is okay as Neil, while the ado- 
lescent Randalls are in the promising 
hands of Joan Tetzel and Peter 
Fernandez. 

There are references to 'The 
Easiest Way." which, with Frances 
Starr (touring now in 'Claudia'), 
was the sensational drama of the 
period and a special slip in the pro- 
gram announces the Eugene Walter 
play at the then StuyvesSnt theatre 
(later Belasco). That adds to the 
pleasantly nostalgic qualities of 
Damask.' ihee 



1B07 and lasted four weeks, 
being blamed for picking on 
cago-made attraction. Anyhow, some- 
body sold a bill of goods to Georges 
Gersene. who came over from Paris 
during the World's Fair with the 
idea of staging playlets at the French 
pavilion. 

There was a silly report of big 
money being expended on the re- 
vival, but the fact is there seem- 
ingly never was a more economical 
musical. Show has one setting, an 
exterior. Better 'productions' were 
common in vaudeville. Some coin 
went to period costumes, but they 
should not have cost much. 

As for the performance, it is laugh- 
le.<.s. Plans were for hoking it up, 
but that was master-minded out, 
leaving an antique book. Story per- 
tains to a place that administers 
the Keeley Cure to habitual drunks. 
Persons with the d.t.'s are supposed 
to be comic, but the reverse is in- 
variably true. There are several 
romance.<;. but the participants are 
mostly unattractive. 

Howard is a cast replacement and 
On briefly a couple of times until 
the finale, where he was originally 
slotted. There he warbles such num- 
bers as 'I Wonder Who's Kissing Her 
Now.' He has been welcome with 
those dittie.'t in late spols like Bill's 
Gay Nineties. Diamond Horseshoe, 
etc.. but a.s a pepper-upper for a 
show like 'Girl' his contribution 
hardly helps. 

One number in the score is okay, 
it being 'Penny for Your ThougRts,' 
duetted by Irene Hilda and Lee Sul- 
livan. The ensemble backing it up 
is the nearest to a production num- 
ber. Mis.'i Hilda is American-born, 
but is said to have scored abroad, 
particularly in France. Stated among 
other appearances that she was fea- 
tured at the Folies Bergere. Miss 
Hilda impresses as too coy, but it 
may be the material. 

Vickie Cummings is unfortunate in 
drawing a part in this outfit, but her 
rather sunny per.sonality does count 
in carrying the story, such as it is. 
She deserves a better break. She 
works with Red Marshall, who 
hardly gets to first base. Rae Mc- 
Gregor does well as a dancer, on her 
toes a bit and also semi-adagio with 
a couple of lads. She is the liveliest 
person in the show. Duke Norman 
is o1<ay in a couple of hoofing bits. 
There is a male quartet curiou.<;ly 
billed the Sophisti-Kids. and another 
such group is the Buccaneers. 

Scale is $2.75. indicating that the 
management was tactful in pricing it 
less than the usual straight play top. 
It didn't help any charging $4.40 the 
first night Ibee. 



also Termite Lov« Song,' by Hal 
Raynor. 

Opening night's turnout and recep- 
tion notwithsUnding. 'Topsy and 
Eva' will hardly survive this new re- 
vival for long. It just doesn't meas- 
ure up to what theatregoers demand 
these days, aiid Duncans can't keep 
two-hour show going with thair 
black and white shenanigans plot. 
The romantic passages are lost, as 
little effort Is made to project them 
seriously. It's all filler and back- 
ground for Rosetta's Topsy, and that 
isn't filling enough for an evening»in 
theatre. Duncans should let Eva go 
to heaven and send Topsy back to 
where she growed from, and let it 
go at that. 

Equity Abjures 
Deeters Draft 
Deferment Idea 



Aroused by newspaper accounts of 
Jasper Deeter's request for draft de- 
ferment of members of his Hedge- 
row theatre troCkpe, about 20 mem- 
bers of Actors Equity petitioned the 
association's council in protest yes- 
terday (Tuesday). Petition urged the 
Equity Council to pass a resolution 
condemning Deeter's action, but that 
body failed to act on the matter. 

Feeling among council members at 
yesterday's meeting appeared to be 
that Equity's attitude on draft de- 
ferments is too well known to re- 
quire clarification or comment. It 
was noted that Equity has never 
asked deferment of any of its mem- 
bers and that more than 600 Equily- 

es are currently serving in the 
rmed services. 

Petition of the members ques- 
oned the right of Deeter, the di- 
ector of a Little Theatre using only 
semi-professionals, to represent him- 
self as speaking for actors or the 
acting profession. On the ground 
that the Hedgerow request for draft 
deferment might lead the public to 
believe professional actors hold 
milar views, the petitioners urged 
the council to clarify the situation 
publicly by an official resolution of 
condemnation. 



Inside Stuif-Legit 



In the olTioa of Dwlght Deere Wiman thera Is allegedly a six-page dia- 
gram of a house In the east sixties, N. Y., tha locale of "The Damask 
Cheek,' which he produced at the Playhouse last Thursday (22), iphe 
sketches are by Lloyd Morris, who collaborated with John Van Druten in 
writing the comedy. Explanation of the diagram by Charlie Washburn, 
p.a. for the play: 'Morris, formerly professor of literature at Columbia U 
is an authentic duck who wants the actors to exit or entrance up or dowii 
the right steps and that the sun shines through the right window. Also he 
doesn't want anyone to say they had to go up an alley to get Into the 
house.' 

Washburn got out a slip on 'The Easiest Way,' Inserted in the program. 
That drama, produced by David Belasco in 1W9, is mentioned in 'Damask 
Cheek.' Excerpts of notices on 'Way' are quoted, former critics mentioned 
including Alan Dale, American; Acton Davles, Sun; Louis V. Defoe, World; 
Rennold Wolf, Telegraph; Adolph Klauber, Times, and Ashton Stevens! 
'Evening Journal.' Latter mention was rung in, Stevens being a Chicago 
critic and a friend of the press agent. 

Tom Weatherly is press man for the Wiman office, but he jumped off 
with his own show, 'Little Darling.' at the Biltmore Tuesday (27) and is 
agenting 'By Jupiter' (Shubert), so Washburn was called in to handle 
'Cheek.' 



'Counsellor-at-Law,' which John Golden will revive with Paul Muni, 
who starred in the original presentation, a real hit at the Plymouth, N. Y., 
in 1931, was the first play which Elmer Rice put on as author-manager. 
His three subsequent tries in the dual capacity were the reverse, all being 
more or less of a propaganda nature. Rice put on 'We, the People' at the 
Empire, then took over the Belasco, where two more of his dramas were 
shown. 

First was 'Judgment Day,' which provoked such a difference of opinion 
that it nearly started a battle royal among critics. Equity was on the 
verge of getting in on the argument at the instance of Rice, but it changed 
its mind, along with other managers also steamed up. There had been a 
succession of bad notices. 

That flare-up was mild in comparison to Rice's next play, 'Between Two 
Worlds.' which got thumbs down. Author spoke his mind again and this 
time told the critics that they didn't know what they were talking about 
and questioned the mentality of one and all. Then Rice declared that 
he was through with the theatre. He walked, but after a period of re- 
flection changed his mind and became one of the Playwrights Co., an 
organization of author-producers that aroused caustic comments if not 
anxiety among the other managers. 



NIXON, Pnr, TO REPEAT 
LAST YH'S LEGTT HITS 



Play Out of Town 



TOPSY AND EVA 

Hollywood. Oct. 26. 

George S)iiir<-r iirenenln DtmcRn Si]«iriB In 
revival <jf 'Tupsy and Kvu' In iht-^i* tn-tx 
book hy ('nihc-rltie 4'hlshifltn rushlriK tutt 
g€tl«(1 l>y 'I'lx-le T'liirH Culitn : niUKlr.il 
acme by Dunran Sl»iei)<: boi>k HtAKC'l l>y 
Rovatiii Ouni-Ho Rn<J Koh^i' Oriy : muvlt-Hl 
nnnnxemfntH l»y VIvInn Dunctin: dHiM-fn 
alHRed by Hud Murmv. Ai Music Boi, 
Hollywood. Ofl. W, •42: $1.50 lop. 

(Trf^i: Vivihii and Kiu«euii Diin<-Hit. Opr^ 
Irufle WHlk<»i-. VlrgH .hibanccn. Kny K«< ey. 

i>'ui vvhtJ. i.oIh Wliijilun. 1 1 y 

l.oi)gbney. Roger (liay. Anne O'Neal. Mt- 
«'h;iel Builfi . Ine* (toi man. i'oo Twld. 
P.Tli i» Ih KniLT. Chiirle^ Willmir.tt. HhioIiI 
H«'(i((i'. Myi ()p K»i Kunoii. shAi i v Cb nitron, 
11) Souihoin H'OlMft. lu Til kHnliink*. Ouiii Jn- 
men QijHitei. 



Time, Place and the Girl 



.Miisi.'.il i I 

M)iti>.ri,>i,i, N. 
b> Ci-ktiuPs l>. 
M. 11, null I'l.i 
H.>n>,i,l. »:.|| Ir 
III l.ilii 



I\ ii) iwi, a. Is HI ilio 

v.. 11.1. Jl. l-.', iir..i.riii,.,| 
i:*-i-'.ii,': wiltti'n by Will 
■ II'. I:, .x.laiiix mul .lor. K 
i-li-.l r,'\ i.«i,iii* liy Will M„i- 
N>ir; Ixl.H :<n,l m.^ikmik 



.Miiilil>'l': 
i| IUiiiIhII: 



■ Ilii.K l.y 



Will I I 

«■ .1 : il.iiii 
J'hiiI il..|»m,l . 

MiK. 'I\il< 

M.llv Ki-llv 

J.,0 llii»';ii,l 

A Ciil.l' 

3*,llil I 'tlMMIIIi:,!., Ill . . . . 

J.iliiiiiy >l . I.» 

>li. liiiv.il 

>ii Alli.n,l:.,il 

3>;*\virni'0 r'.iiiili.ini. 

M-ll'^Cllir.! I I, (Will, I . . . 

Willie 'Jiili-.ill 

A I'ulli-«'iiiiiii Jumt^f 

B.illfihi K-'l- .\ 



li> H. 
nitii 



l„|. 



Aliiyiul: S' 

Kv,>ly II 

.VUkip (*uiiiinlnKK 

InP jr.fU:, i-tl 

IniilP:^ l>lillll|.» 

l.fc SilHIvjili 

Kill' M^iinliHl 

Iliilfp .'•Viliin 

I'°ii-il KiilitiK 

.. .Itli liiiiil Wni lii 

liHnp Ihlihi 

Duki* .\tirni!iii 

liillinn 



Any show dating back 40 years 
figures to be corny, especially if it 
be musical comedy — that's Time, the 
Place and the Girl.' in spades. 

Only the persistence of Joe E. 
Howard, one of the oldest singers of 
a.k. song.s extant, explains how the 
show wa.s revived. He wrote the 
ccore originally and part of the book. 
About 10 years ago Howard revived 
•Girl" in Chicago, where it was orig- 
inally presented, but no dice then 
either. Show was oiTered In N. Y. In 



If the Duncan Sisters can make a 
go of this dated and creaky takeoff 
on 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' they'll have 
to do it on their own. While opening 
night audience of old-timers, senti 
mentalists and well-wishers gave 
si.iters i sendofT generally reserved 
for top-flight stars of current era, it 
not a true criterion of what's to 
follow, especially in Hollywood. It 
is recalled that the gals gave Chicago 
a long-run record with the piece 
some 18 years ago, but the theatre 
has passed through many transitory 
changes since that golden-period of 
stage successes. 

Duncans are getting along in years 
and Vivian is not that doll-like Ev 
another generation knew. Rosetla i 
still the same old Topsy, and sh 
flippantly cued a piece of business o 
the age question, which was bandied 
around freely among auditors, when 
she told Eva. 'It's too late for tha 
standing on the head biz and othc 
tricks' Gals are getting along 
years, but they do gel around. 

Mob out front was in such ap 
plauding mood that they eve 
brought the mitts together for Simon 
Legree. Grandad would never hav 
stood for that. It's Duncan Si.'-ter 
all the way. and show lags when 
they're not on stage. Support isn't 
any too strong, and only outstuiiders 
are Inez Gorman, vocalist, and 
Sherry Cameron, danseuse. Latter 
must be part of streamlining, wl'ici 
is evident only occasionally in dialog 
and tiewcomers to the score, which 
includes 'Praise the Lord and Pass 
the Ammunition.' There wasn't a wa 
in '24. Sam Coslow also contributed 
a number called. 'When It's Sweet 
Onion Time in Bermuda.' There' 



Will Morrissey is billed as having revised the book of the 'Time. Place 
and The Girl,' which opened at the Mansfleld. N. Y., Wednesday (21). but 
says that all of his ideas and material were ditched. He wanted to hoke 
up the oldie musical comedy, which dates back nearly 40 years, by the 
use of stooges and asides, but at the last minute it was decided to use 
what is virtually the original book. Edgar MacGregor was called in to 
re-direct, but could do little with the material at hand. Morrissey 
claims he is down for 2% of the gross, anyhow. If any. 

William B. Friedlander went out of the staging department. There 
were last-minute cast deletions, Clarence Nordstrom for one being 
dropped. Part was nearly written out, but was turned- over to Joe 
Howard, who makes brief appearances. Originally he was supposed to 
come only at the flnale for old time ditties. 

Some of the management were aware the flrst night was laying an egg 
and proceeded to drown their sorrows after the performance, flguring 
correctly the show would get a press lacing. Cost to raise the curtain 
for the one-setter was $23,000, a trivial production nut since that amount 
Included salary guarantees on deposit with stage unions. 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 
Nixon theatre here, in order to 
keep going, will play a flock of re- 
peat engagements next month, but In 
each case the shows coming back are 
those that did big biz when they 
played here last year. 'Tobacco 
Road's' back this week 'for the ninth 
ime, but this is an annual visit and 
can't be strictly included in the 
string. 

Bona nde repeals start Nov. 23 
with 'Claudia,' and continue with 
Watch On The Rhine', Nov. 30, and 
Arsenic and Old Lace' Dec. 7. In 
case of 'Arsenic,' however, it will 
at least be a different cast, the origi- 
nal Broadway company headed by 
Boris Karloff coming here this time, 




. Hay-Foot, Straw-Foot 

lYALE DRAMATIC ASSN.I 

New Haven, Oct. 22. 
Operetlu In ino rii ti*. M> Hcpiiffi. Jliralt by 
oiiii JlHi'bHil) Hiifl OiiiHi' MHniin(>rj)l»h) 
iiiiKKPeleil by Bliii-y by ^Kilwnril BuyUlii. 
i))u>ii- by Jeromu K^rn: hIhiipU by Murllmn- 
.MHi'iilmll: SPIIInRn by Duin-uii SlURrI: fiiM' 
i;i:iie..i by Paiiblit >lHvi.p.i: niuiil'-iil illipr' 

.Ini-iib Si'llWiil-tZiliiir: Y:ili> Kli«l> i-luli rii 
ipi liir. .Mhi'iiIiiiII Hii i llliitolliPH' ; iiiHHPnlPU by 
V:ilc DrHinrilir Acxn. HI ( 'nlv.'i Mil \' tliPUll'P, 
.\nv lliivcn. Oil. 1"-". 'ri. K'.'JU liip. 

(■iii.1: Kvplyn Wvekoff. jHiriPM t'. D.inRlrtr. 
\tilr-y if. Hlinpy. Mmy .l|.rr..iy WpHpk. 
■I:m k A. Sli'(,ubp, Dnvlil I,, Hiilliilph, Miid- 
.•iPiiio Thi.rnlf.n. Anne (IlliHiiii. .Miii-y Wnl- 
■ »■><. DhvIiI K<.| cn-iiii. Jr.. llPnrKP K. 11111. 
I.'.iiin ''uniti.-k. .Ii.. DPHn Wiiiki', p;Hrl B. 
sliui.i^iii. Uiiuifliiti S Allen. r,«oniiril H. 

\er. TliuntMft K. .N'liyen. Juhii W. Mm - 
iiHi.ii, ShiiiiipI .1. \VHi;i.liirT. .li.. KPniiillli 
.\l.'l)i,ntii<II. U'i'lliiin H. CMiT. .Tp:in nui-K.ird. 
SiiKi.iiii,- 'l*iil-'"l. John D. Kiel. Iiei-, .Inhn O. 
llip'-ii, Kiiiniy l.iiii Ki'liler. .Ihihpm A. Wlill- 
liiuip, .ll'.. Drnil l-tl)|Pi. f'HUl jHfTP. 



Following the daytime practice air raid alert Thursday (22), legit man- 
agers voiced protest over the timing of such events and have asked Mayor 
LaGuardia to change the start of future tests. Alert began at 2:30 p.m., 
just as matinee crowds neared theatres. All traffic came to a dead stop 
and all pedestrians were herded Inside buildings. Result was that persons 
with tickets could not reach theatres in time, as the alert lasted 20 min- 
utes, while lines at boxoffices quickly melted and the ticket sales became 
inactive in lobbies and agencies. 

Suggestion to the mayor is that if more afternoon practice alerts are 
ordered on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays, the starting time could 
as easily be put at three o'clock, which would mean no interference with 
niatinee attendance. 

Last week's afternoon alert reaction in the Stock Exchange was similar 
to that on Broadway. In the face of a rising market, trading dropped to 
dribble, with many securities not traded in at all from the time the 
sirens sounded until the three o'clock closing bell. . 



Michael Myerberg. producer of 'Skin of Our Teeth,* is said to have shed 
25 pounds since he took on the Thornton Wilder script last January. Pro- 
ducer was repeatedly turned down while trying to assemble backing for 
the show. That the play may turn out to be one of the season's sock hits 
is just another instance of how" things go In the unpredictable show 
business. 

Play was originally written with the Fredric Marches and Ilka Chase 
in mind for the leads. Shift to Tallulah Bankhead in place of the latter 
was made on advice of a topflight actress who read the script. 

Alexander Incze (Ince) has a piece of the Show and is following along 
in the preliminary stages prior to Broadway. Incze was publisher of 
Stage mag in its attempt at rejuvenation a couple of years back. He 
plans to revive the publication. 



As part of the National Theatre 
Conference that fostered 'Eve of St. 
Mark.' the latest Jerome Kern-Otto 
Harbach-Oscar Hammerstein opus, 
'Hay-Foot. Straw-Foot,' was given 
its premiere here at 'Yale prior to 
other presentations at U. of Minne- 
sota. Duke. Stanford and possibly 
U.C.L.A. Each college will olTer its 
own interpretation of the production, 
in some cases using co-ed choral 
groups and in others, as here, con- 
flning same to male groups like Yale 
glee club. 

Current work Is result of an Idea 
(Continued on page 92) 



The N. Y. Historical Society last week paid tribute to and presented 
Professor George C. D. Odell, of Columbia University, a gold medal for 
his 'Annals of the New York Stage.' A 13-volume history comprising 
the period from 1700 to 1888, the 'Annals' is a work that Prof. Odell 
hopes to further expand to include the period from 1888 to 1900. 

'Burns Mantle can take on from there' it was jestingly suggested 
the presentation ceremonies last Friday afternoon in the auditorium 
the Society. Mantle, the N. Y. News critic, has written, for the past 
years or more, an annual resume of the N. Y. theatre. 

Dr. Odell, who is 76, started attending the theatre when he was 
and is believed to have seen more plays than any other person. 



There was a deal pending whereby John Golden was to have sent 
'Claudia' from tha St. James, N. Y., to Brandt's neighborhood houses in 
Brooklyn and the Bronx, operating with J. J. Leventhal shows. Plan 
was called off. Golden deciding to keep the comedy on Broadway. St. 
James will house 'Without Love,' week of Nov. 9, at which time 'Claudia' 
will be moved to another theatre. 

'Claudia' is now In Its 23rd week of its pop price return engagement, 
original run having been 56 weeks at the Booth. Golden is giving the 
show's proflts to various war charities, latest beneflciary being (Thina 
Relief. 



Minor statement in the New Haven review of 'Skin of Our Teeth' in 
last week's issue of 'Variety' gave Frank Bevan program acknowledge- 
ment for assistance on the show, but he had nothing to do with the .set- 
tings, as reported, which are solely the work of scenic designer Albert 
Johnson. Bevan helped on another phase of the show. 



Wednesday, Ocitolicr t8, 1^41 



Chi Legit Pace Strong: 'Spring' Fme 
$13m 'Jnnior Miss' Neat $13,000 



ChlcMO, Oct. 27. 

Legit here U, racing afoM •! «- 
ceUent pace, with 'Oood Nlgit 
Ladies,' in ite 28th week at the 
BlBckBtone, stiU leading the pack. 
'Junior Miss' and 'Spring Again* axe 
holding up nicely, and 'Maid in the 
Ozarks,' advertising as the funniest 
show since 'Tobacco Road,' Is picking 
up steadily. 

Estimates for Last Week 

<Good NlfU Liadles' (Blackstone) 
(28th week) (1,200; $2.75). Smash 
116,000 last week. 

'Junior J«l«s' (Harris) (6th week) 
(1000; $1.65). Sailing along smooth- 
ly' got fine $13,000. 

•auid In the Osarki* (Great North- 
ern) (6th week) (UOO; $2.20). Man- 
agement making use of 'Tobacco 
i^oad' in advertising, telling people 
this is funnier show. Made profit 
with $5,000 gross last week. 

'SpriDK Asatn' (Selwyn) (2d 
week) (1,000; $1.65). Thanks to 
American Theatre Society subscrip- 
tions, exceUent $13^00. 

SYCAMORE' OK 
$11,000 IN HUB 



Boston, Oct. 27. 

Straight - vaude 'Priorities' still 
tops the local legit list. Got sock 
$25,000 in second week and started 
something new here with a Sunday 
show (25) to a good house. 
Esttmates for Last Week 

Bosten Comic Operm Co., 'Gondo- 
liers' and 'Patience' (3d and Anal 
week-split) (Majestic) (1,667; $2.20). 
Weaker than previous repertory bills 
in drawing power, but caught esti- 
mated $9,800. dandy. 

'Coest In Honse' (Plymouth) (1,- 
400; $2.75). Neat take at about $9,- 
600, but quit after one week. 

•Life WUJi Faihcr' (WUbur> (3d 
and last week) (1.227; $2.75). Went 
to $17,500, terrific, and pulled out in 
favor of 'Junior. JlSiss,' 

'Triorities' (2d week) (1.590; $3.30). 
Three matinees and Sunday show, 
novelty here, brought this vauder 
well above $25,000, fine. One more 
week to go. 

"My Sycamore' (Colonial) (2d 
week) (1,643; $2.75). Guild-ATS 
show quoted around $11,000, pleas- 
ant Luntfi' 'Pirate' opened here last 
night (Monday). 



6ALT0CRIX PAN teeth; 
B.O. GOOD AT $19,800 



Baltimore, Oct. 27. 

Negative reception by crix here 
nicked the bullish advance built for 
The Skin of Our Teeth' at Ford's 
last week, cutting down what point- 
ed to a smash week to a nevertheless 
healthy take estimated at $19,800. 
New Thornton Wilder play, with 
Fredric March, Florence Eldridge 
and Talulah Bankhead starred, cre- 
ated considerable local discussion on 
}ts Saroyanesque technique. 

(Current is 'Lady in the Dark,' set 
for a two-week stay starting today 
(Tues.). Strong advance already in 
the tai. 



'Road'}9,200b Toronto 

„ ,^ Toronto, Oct. 27. 

Holdover here of Tobacco Road,' 
nrst tune shown in Canada, saw 
Hoyal Alexandra scoring estimated 
nice $9,200 as followup to $11,000 on 
nrst stanza, with 1,551-seater scaled 
at $1.50 top. 

Two cold, wet nights hurt, but 
Koad could have held over here 
'hird week but for commitment 
at the Nixon, Pittsburgh. 



OPEN FOR BOOKINGS 

Near theatres... booking offices. 24-hour 
switchboard service... special house de- 
livery, messages taken. Maid and valet 
services available. 

a ROOMS (Serving Pantry) . . . fr«m $ 70 
' ROOMS (ram $100 

4 ROOMS (2 Moarnt) .... from $US 

5 ROOMS (a hoHn) from $135 

6 ROOMS (2 bonis, lovotafy) . froai $140 

SofM tmrmmd and dupJeji operfMaff 

101 West 55th Street 

( Corner of 6lh Avenue ) 

Hou^lasLEUiman Ei Co. 

Monooemenl 
l5Eail49thS*r«e» PUim 3-9200 



L Barrymore'i 'Corn' 
Fine $19,000 in Cleye, 



Cleveland, Oct. 27. 

Best reception Ethel Barrymore 
ever got hare In mor* than a dozen 
visits was given to her '(Jorn Is 
Green." Emlyn Williams' vehicle did 
smash evaning and matinee biz at 
the Hanna, getting estimated $19,000 
in nine performances. 

'Papa b AU' Is ourrent Milt 
Krantz handing out free ducats to 
all 18-19-year-olds who enlist In the 
Army this week. 



mUDIA' BUILDS TO 
STRONG ISG IN LA. 



Los Angeles, Oct. 37. 

'Claudia' rolled up a neat profit 
in its second week at the Biltmore, 
chalking up estimated $15,000. Lip 
service la playing important part in 
the b.o, spurt end third week may 
even top the first two. Play is rated 
as one of the best all-around produc- 
tions to play the downtown house. 
'Student Prince' and 'Blossom Time' 
are booked in for one week each, 
starting Nov 8. 

'Blackouts of 1942,' at the Holly- 
wood El Capitan, pounded into the 
18th week with a bountiful $13,200, 
and that means another ripe melon 
to l>e cut up for the backers. Fort 
McArthur yardbird revue, 'Hey, 
Rookie,' at the Belasco, posted strong 
$7,500 in its second week. 

(j«orge Shafer, longtime lessee of 
Hollywood Playhouse, now El Capi- 
tan, reopened the Hollywood Music 
Box wiUi a revival of the Duncan 
Sisters' Topsy and Eva.' Ads call 
it a two-week limited run. 



mw' Gets Panning, 
N.G. )10,000 in Pitt 



Pittsburgh, Oct. 27. 

'Merry Widow' had tough sledding 
last week at Nixon. 'Modernized' 
revival of Franz Lehar operetta got 
the most brutal set of notices ever 
dished out to a show here and had 
to be content with estimated slim 
$10,000 at $2.76 top, with the mats 
going, for $1.65. at face of the re- 
views, however, that figure's not too 
bad, since diows which have fared a 
lot better from the reviewers have 
done much poorer at b.o. 

Hurting, too, no doubt, was the 
competition of the week before, when 
■This Is the Army' took a mighty 
chunk, nearly $56,000, out of the 
town's legit entertainment allotment 
for the month. 

'Tobacco Road' Is current at $1.65 
top. It's show's ninth time here. 

"Best Foot' 14G in St. L. 

St. Louis, Oct. 27. 

After one week of darkness, Amer- 
ican, sole legiter here, brought in 
'Best Foot Forward' for a one-week 
stand and, with plenty of stiff op- 
posish, George Abbott musical did 
fair biz. Piece encountered opposish 
from the New York Columbia Opera 
Co., Firemen's Thrill Show ;nd 
Rodeo, and cuffo show in which Con- 
rad Nagel and Bea Wain made p.a. 
in opening of War Chest campaign. 
Eight performances of 'Foot.' with 
the house scaled to $3.30, grossed es- 
timated $14,000. 

New edition of 'Hellzapoppin' 
opened one- week engagemenl last 
night (Monday) at $3.30 top. 

'Prince' 8G in Indpls. 

Indianapolis, Oct. 27. 
The Student Prince,' here for the 
first lime since 1935, did estimated 
lusty $8,000 In four performances. 
Thursday through Saturday, at $2.75 
top at English's (1,500 sealer) this 
week. Advance interest Is brisk in 
both 'Be-st Foot Forward' and 'Angel 
Street,' splitting next week at the 
house. 

Season is making great start here, 
with bookings in steady stream and 
only five dark nights between Oct. 
12 and Nov. 18. 'Papa Is AU' is dated 
for Nov. 2-4; 'Tobacco Road." week of 
Nov. 9; 'Claudia.' Nov. 16-18. 

'Arsenic' 17G in S. F. 

San Francisco. Oct. 27. 

Arsenic and Old Lace," was still 
strong in its sixth session here. 

Comedy got estimated $17,000 at 
$2.75 lop in the 1.500-seat Geary. 



LEGITIMATE II 



M'19iGinMilw. 

Milwaukee, Oct. 27. 

gWhen 'Hellzapoppin' came into the 
Bvldson theatre last season with 
idle Garr and Billy House, the 
wiseacres said it wouldn't do biz be- 
catise Olson and Johnson were not 
In the cast, yet It did capacity. When 
the show came back last week with 
Lew Parker and Jackie Gleason, 
they again said it wouldn't click. 

However, when the count-up came 
Saturday night (24), 'Hellz' had 
beaten its previous gross with an 
estimated $19,500 at $2.75 top. 

lADV 4TH BIG 
$35,000, PHELY 



Philadelphia, Oct. 27. 

Gertie Lawrence's 'Lady In the 
Dark' turned in a whale oi a fourth 
and final week, which was not sur- 
prising in view of cancellation of the 
two Saturday performances of her 
third week at the Forrest due to the 
star's serious attack of laryngitis. 

Last week's other show did not 
fare so happily. This was Tom 
Weatherly's tryout of the new Eric 
Match comedy, 'Little Darling.' 
There was a sharp divergence of 
opinion among the critics, but it was 
lack of marquee names that held 
biz down. 

Last night, Philly was host to 
four openings. Most spectacular was 
Irving Berlin's big service show, 
'This is the Army,' which opened a 
two weeks' run at the Mastbaum 
(Warner film house) with an $11 
top. Dramatically most important 
was Michael Myerberg's production 
of Thornton Wilder's fantasy, 'Skin 
of Our Teeth,' with Fredric March, 
Tallulah Bankhead, Florence Eld- 
ridge and Florence Reed. It's at the 
Locust lor two weeks. A revival of 
'The Merry Widow,' with Muriel 
Angelus, started a run of similar 
length at the Forest, and 'Life With 
Father' began a three-week return 
engagement at the Walnut, where it 
had a highly successful run two 
years ago. 

Estimates for Last Week 
'Lady in the Dark,' Forrest (4th 
week) (1,800; $3.85). Cancellation of 
two third week performances, due 
to star's illness, resulted in a capa- 
city fourth week at nearly $35,<M)0. 

'Little Darlinc,' Walnut (one week 
only) (1,700; $2.20). Tryout was 
greeted by sharp difference of criti- 
cal opinion. Only about $6,500 in 
single week here. 



LUNTS' riRATE' SMASH 
$27,000 IN WASH. H.0. 



Washington, Oct. 27. 

The Lunts, in 'The Pirate,' rang up 
estimated $27,000 for the second 
week at the National theatre, two 
grand more than for the first seven 
days. Swollen gross was due to 
heavy window trade at regulation $3 
price, without cut-rate American 
Theatre Society subscriptions. 

Test of Theatre GuiM's two-week 
policy on E street comes with *Mr. 
Sycamore.' Ketti Frings' fantasy has 
nQ marquee dynamite, with ATS 
watching closely take for the second 
week, which will have no subscriber 
support. 

Value of names is demonstrated by 
heavy mail order applications for 
•Skin of Your Teeth,' which has Tal- 
lulah Bankhead. Fredric March, 
Florence Eldredge and Florence 
Reed dated here for Nov. 9. Appli- 
cations are also trickling in for 
Katharine Cornell's 'Three Sisters,' 
due here week of Nov. 30. 



Torgy's' Del 2d, $26,500, 
Bigger Than 1st Week 



Detroil, Oct. 27. 
All three legit houses are in op- 
eration here, with Jane (jowl mov- 
ing in with 'Old Acquaintance' 
Thursday i22) to keep the Lafayette 
rolling along on its popular-priced 
policy. 

Cass climbed up to a big second 
week, with "Porgy and Btcss' col- 
lecting an estimated $26,500 after a 
big $22,500 in the first week at the 
$2.73 top. Could have stayed longer, 
but was moved on for Katharine 
Hepburn in 'Without Love,' which 
opened here Mor.day. 

Henry Duffy's new musical, 'Life 
of the Party,' continued at a good 
pace into its third week, register- 
ing approximately $12,500 last week 
at the Wilson at $1.65 top. 



'Papa' $6,000 in Buff. 

Buffalo, Oct. 27. 
'Pzpa is All," in for three-day stint 
at Erlanger last week, was hypoed 
to oke money by Guild subscription 

li.M. 

At $2.75 top. upper tier biz was es- 
pecially .sturdy, estimated gross 
Ijcing tlfite to $6,000. 



B way Maintains Fme Legit Pace; 
$19,000, 'Count; 17a Both 
Disappointing, 'St. Mark' SRO 18G 



Big weekend business continues to 
highlight Broadway and most musi- 
cals are now playing Sundays. Not 
much change in grosses last week 
and no new standouts. Last week 
had three arrivals, 'The Damask 
Cheek' standing a fairly good chance. 
'Time, Place and The Girl' was 
heavily panned, while 'Bird in Hand.' 
put on as a stock show, fared so 
badly in the press and at the box- 
office that it was yanked after one 
week. 

Estimates tor Last Week 

Keys: C (Comedy), D (Drama), 
CD (Comedy-Drama). R (Reuuc), 
M (Musical), O (Operetta). 

'Angel Street,' Golden (46th week) 
(D-789; $3.30). Eased off last week, 
when the takings were around $10.- 
500, and that is very good money for 
one set import. 

'Arsenic and Old Lace,' Fulton 
(92d week) (CD-893; $3.30). Run- 
ning along to profit every week and 
still figured to last into winter 
period; slight dip last week, when 
the pace was around $11,000. 

'Beat The Band,' 46th Street (1st 
week) (M-1,347; $4.40^. Rather dis- 
appointing first full week, when the 
gross topped $19,000; not real money 
for major musical; playing Sundays 
with expectation of upping pace. 

'Blithe Spirit,' Booth (50th week) 
(CD-712; $3.30). Moved up to $12.- 
000, which is good money in ',his 
spot and at pace English comedy 
can extend well into new season. 

'By Jupiter' Shubert (21$t week) 
(M-1,325; $4.40). Management 
tickled at strength of draw, which 
continues to be virtual capacity week 
after week, with the gross approach- 
ing the $28,000 level. 

'Count Me In,' Barrymore (1st 
week) (M-1,104; $4.40). Another 
new musical that went on Sunday 
schedule; business estimated around 
$17,000, or bit more, which is dis- 
tinctly under pace expected after 
strong Boston showing. 

<Hello, Ont Tberc' and "VUgle,' 
Belasco (4th week) (D-1,000; $3.30). 
Continues at around $5,500; cast 
helping by taking limited pay with 
expectation of business improving; 
players will get percentage, if and 
when. 

'Jaale,' MUler (7th week) (C-940; 
$3.30). With a flock of parties help- 
ing, laugh show with partly juvenile 
cast is getting good money for house; 
rated well over $13,000. 

"■Janior Miss,' Lyceum (51st week) 
(CD-1,004; $3.30). Completing a 
year's stay and engagement should 
extend into.winter; Studays helping 
the pace to around $12,000. 

■Let's Face It,' Imperial (48th 
week) (M-1,450: $4.40). Slightly off 
but attendance regarded as great for 
show that has played 11 months; 
should go well Into new season; 
$29 000 

'LIUIe DarUng,' Biltmore (C-991; 
$3.30). Presented by Tom Weatherly; 
written by Eric Hatch; opened 
Tuesday after brief tryout. 

'M7 Sister Eileen,' Beck (96th 
week) (CD-1,214; $1.65). Picture 
version opened at Music Hall Thurs- 
day; whether it will affect stage con- 
tinuance should l>e indicated this 
week; around $9,000. 

•Life With Father,' Empire (154th 
week) (C-1,062; $3.30). Run leader 
going along profitably both ways and 
likely to outlast good pari of list; 
over $11,000. 

'Rosalinda,' 44th St. (0-1.32S; $3..')0). 
Pre.sented by Lodcwick Vroom for 
New Opera Co.; Johann Strau.ss oper- 
etta, known also as 'Die Flcdermaus.' 
dates back many years; new version 
opens tonight (28). 

'Sons o' Fan,' Winter Garden (47th 
week) (R-1.519; $4.40). Get;, most of 
its gross at weekends, when house 
c.ip.icity and uppcd Saturday night 
scale counts; somewhat off, but over 
$30,000 claimed. 

'Star and Garter,' Mu.sic Box (18th 
week) (R-991; $4.40). One of the 
most consistent sellout .ittractions, is 
getting $24,000 weekly, which means 
.standees. 

'Strip for Action,' National (4th 
week) (C-1,162; $4.40). For a shgw 
that created difference of opinion, 
this one is doing alright; not selling 
out. but gross approximates $20,000; 
better than some musicals. 

'Stars on Ice,' Center (15th week) 
(R-3.000; $1.65). Ice skating revue 
is on nine-performance basis and 
holding belter pace than anticipated; 
around $30,000; big at weekends. 

'The Damask Cbetk,' Playhouse 
(1st week) (C-865; $3.30). Opened 
late last week, drawing rather good 
press; matinee strength indicated: 
better line on money chances this 
week. 

'The Eve of St. Mark,' Cort (3d 
week) (D-1.064; $3.30). Getting about 
all house will hold at scale: quoted 
at better than $17,800: is surpri.sc 
hit of fall period «o far. 

'L'ncle Harry,' Hudson '22d week ) 
(D-1.042: S3.30). Showing more box- 
office strength than anticipated and 
.should extend into win'or: 



week's takings quoted well over 
$11,000. 

'Vickie.' Plymouth (C-1,075; $3,30). 
Sixth and final week; laugh show 
had limited appeal from start, witii 
the average slightly more than $7,- 
000 weekly; goes to subway circuit; 
next attraction here. The Skin of 
Your Teeth,' due Nov. 18. 

Added 

'Claudia,' St. James (original en- 
gagement 56 weeks) (return engage- 
ment) (22d week) (C-1,520; $1.65). 
Plans to send stayer into neighbor- 
hoods cancelled and another house 
will be booked; makes some money 
at around $6,500 or over, and profit 
goes to war charities. 

'NaUvc Son,' Majestic (D-1,716: 
$1.65). Brought back for repeat after 
playing neighborhood spots and 
road: opened Friday and got good 
press; was not a success originally 
at St. James. 

Vande-Revnes 

'Show Hme.' Broadhurst (6th 
week) (1,142; $2.75). Looks like a 
stayer, with attendance excellent; 
vaude show rated over $26,000 in 12 
times weekly. 

'Wine. Women and Sodx,' Ambas- 
sador (4th week) (1,200; $1.65). SUrt- 
ing to ease off, .especially in bal- 
cony; rated around $11,000 last week, 
which provides mild profit. 

Bevlvals 

•Three Men on a Horse.' Forrest 
(2d week) (C-1,195; $1.65). Improved 
somewhat to approximately $5,000. 
but needs more to operate success- 
fully. 

'Time. Place and the CUrl,' Mans- 
field (M-1,050; $2.75). Opened last 
midweek and drew severe panning; 
old musical In one set has very llttM 
chance. 

'Bird In Hand.' Morosco. After 
mild press, business was so weak 
that show was yanked Saturday after 
one week and Idea of stock her* 
abandoned. 



CINCY'S POP LEGIT 
FOLDS AFTER 3D WK. 



ClnciimatLJ>ct. 27. 

Pop legit try in themOle 2^00- 
seat £mery auiditorlum folded Sun- 
day (25) at end of the third wedc't 
engagement. Closing show had Syl- 
via Sidney, and Staats Cotsworth in 
'Pygmalion' and grossed approxi- 
mately $5,800. Previous plays were 
'You Can't Take It With You,' with 
Fred Stone, and Francis Lederer In 
'Pursuit of Happiness.' 

Eastern backers of the venture 
dropped several thousand dollars. It 
is estimated, Long jumps and fail- 
ure to link several neairby cities for 
a circuit figured in the flop. A simi- 
lar attempt with nop-prlced road 
shows was made here In 1934 and 
brodied. 

Cincy gave good support In first 
half last week to 'Student Prince.' In 
the 1,300-seat Cox at $2.76 top. On 
four night performances and a single 
$1.65 top matinee, the gross (vas ap- 
proximately $8,000. It was the show's 
ninth time here. 

Porgy and Bess' at $3J0 top 
opened a six-day engagement Mon- 
day (26) night in the Taft theatre, 
2,500 seater. 




Hct. LOO CLAXTOR 
c/o Variety, Hollywood 




THROW A POSEY TO 

DAMON RUIVYON 
The 1942 O'Henry 
Direction: Wm. Morris 



52 



Wednesday, October 28, I942 



Literati 



War Corrrspondrnl Casualties , tone' of Time mac only U. S. piibli 
Bvion D;irnlon s arcidcnlal dealh ca'io" "^i- aii-fxpicssc<l to Latin | 
on llu- Aiislralian front tail week ! Ami-'' 'i^^a- Clium maR. which is the 
marks another in the rapiJly grow- : chief source of U S. news for most | 
ma list of war correspondents who of the expatriate Yankees south of; 
have met death ir action. In his the border, overly stresses discour- 1 
nexl-l..-last despatch for The New a."!'"*! fac'o's about U. S. and United; 
York Times, which assiKned him to Nations' war effort, consequently. 
General MacArthurs headquarters j ch'uding the piciure which is being | 
Down Under last winier. Darnlon I fO'i^'Ocd 1° Lal"ios from other 
summed up the meatcr dilficulties : ^ou'.co''- ., . , . ■ 

encountered bv iho present-day cor- ; Time has a wide circulalion among 
respondent in comparison to the war' I-<lii> American leaders, many of 
reporters of World War I. His anal-' whom speak Knglish. 
ogy was based on his experience as 

an American soldier-observer in, Schuster's Pet Hate 

France during the last eonllici and , M. Lincoln Scluisler, the book 
those as a reporter during the pres- ; publisher, has a phobia against the 
eiit one. ■ wartime typewriter .strategists and 

As indicated in his article, which ' r.ndio commentators who 'sulTcr from 



succeeding Joe H. Torbett, resigned. 
Salisbury formerly held a similar 
post on Gannett's Saratoga Springs 
Saratogian. 

Robert O. Ryder, former editor of 
the Ohio Slate Journal. Columbus, 
O., chosen a member of the Ohio 
Journalism Hall of Fame by the Ohio 
State University School of Journal- 
ism. His name will be formally add- 
ed to the list of 40 other Ohio jour- 
nalists posthumously honored by the 
universiiy at the annual Hall of 
Fame dinner. Nov. C. 



appeared in the Times Wednesday over prediction. 
(21). simultaneouslv with the from- 1 Schu.^ler likes to quote Benjamin 
page announcement of his death Stollberg, economist and author, who 
along with the wirelessed condo- defines 'a military expert as one 
lences from General MacArlhiir to ! who avoids the small errors as he 



the Times, the war reporter today 
hasn't the facilitie. of World War I 
correspondents. Pointing up this 
viewpoint, he staled in part: 

"These war correspondents (of 
World War I) came, looking very 
clean and well fed and asking a lot 
of questions. You took one look at 
them and knew there wasn't a cootie 
among them. You disliked them.' 

Other American correspondents 
killed in action were Ralph W. Barnes. 
N. Y. Herald Tribune, in a British 
bomber crash In Yugoslavia; Mel- 
ville Jacoby. Time magazine, in an 
Australian plane accident; Webb 
Miller, European manager of United 
Press, during a blackout accident 
near London; Don Bell. NBC cor- 
respondent, bayoneted to dealh by 
the Japs in Manila, and Harry Percy. 
United Press, who succumbed to 
malignant malaria in Cairo. 

Jack Singer, former sports writer 
for the N. Y. Journal-American, who 
last spring switched to International 
News Service as a correspondent in 
the South Pacific: Witt Hancock. As- 
sociated Press, and William McDou- 
gall, United Press, are among those 
'missing,' the latter two since the 
fall of Java, and Singer since a 
naval task force operation in the 
South Pacific recently. 



iweeps on to the grand fancy.' 

No Typewriter Strategy 

Hollywood i.<; beginning to under- 
stand what President Roosevelt 
meant by typewriter strategy.' Film 
industry reps huddling with Harold 
Hopper of the WPB yesterday 
(Tues.) in Washington complained 
that the Government has been requi- 
sitioning studjo typewriters like mad. 

High-priced authors sitting around 
without typewriters, not to mention 
auditors, impresses the industry as 
'not cricket.' 

Situation was clarified somewhat 
when officials pointed out that the 
Government wants only the newer 
make.'; of typewriters. Hollywood is 
welcome to all of the pre-1935 vin- 
tages. 



IMth Anniversary of La Prensa 

Unusual worldwide response of 
press for the 100th anniversary of 
the birth of Jose C. Paz, founder of 
La Prensa, most Important South 
American daily, is generally re- 
garded as a tribute to the leading 
pro-democratic sheet in Latin Amer- 
ica. 

Although Prensa made no espe- 
cially strong effort to get adjective- 
filled testimonials, messages from the 
United Nations capitols were unusu- 
ally strong and official irreetings 
were marked by the lack of declara- 
tions from some of Argentina's own 
officials, who haven't liked Pren.^a's 
decided pro-democratic tone, par- 
ticularly since (he outbreak of war. 
In contrast, me.'i^ages from U. S. 



Srully's lOlh AnnI of 'Fun' 

Frank Scully's 10th anniversary of 
hLs 'Fun in Bed' series is being cele- 
brated thi-i season. 

M. Lincoln (Simon &) Schuster 
and author Scully were Columbia 
classmates, and when the latter be- 
came invalided, both hit upon 'Fun 
in Bed' series of books which have 
been solid sellers through the years. 



WB's 'Night Shift- 

'Night Shift,' laid in a midwest 
nilery. is the second book by Ma- 
ritla Wolff who, at 22, authored 
'Whistle Stop' for Random House. 
It won the Avery Hopwood prize 
last year. 

Warner Bros, already has pur- 
chased 'Night Shift' which RH is 
also publishing. 

LITERATI OBIT 
E. G. Center, 77. veteran Texas 
newspaperman, died recently in Dal- 
las after a brief illness. A former 
Texas state senator, he was general 
manager of the old Fort Worth 
Gazette, worked in Austin as a staff 
correspondent, city editor and man- 
aging editor, founded the Cleburne. 
Texas. Telegram, was co-owner of 
the Waxahachie. Texas. Enterprise 



Secretary of State Hull, leading | was once managing editor of the 



U S. officials and others were all the 
more comment-provoking. 



L. A. Boom for Newsmen 

Newspaper men in Los Angeles, 
known for years as a low-salavy 
town, will .soon be drawing the fat- 
te.'^! envelopes in their history. Guild 
and owners "have been negotiating 
for some time, but the new figures 
will be set by the War Labor Board, 
and both the employers and ihe 
workers will have to take if. willy- 
nilly. 

Understood the new weekly wages 
for rewriters. copy dcskmen -ind 
five-year beat men will be aioinifl 
$76 for afternoon papers and $84 for 
the morning side, a general increa-.e 
of approximately 10%. Meanwiiile 
the newspapers in town are making 
plenty of coin, more than they ex- 
pected under wartime conditions. 



Waco. Texa.s. News. 



Mo. Daily Suspends 

The Carthage, Mo., Democrat, a.m. 
daily since 1888, suspended publica- 
tion Saturday (24). Former Slate 
Senator A. L. McCawlcy. who ac- 
quired the property three months 
ago, declared that mechanical diffi- 
culties and a shortage of competent 
help was the cause. 

"The late Cornelius Roach, one-tiinc 
Secretary of State and later a banker 
in Kansas City, published the paper 
for years. "The shuttering of the 
Democrat leaves the daily Held to 
the Evening Press, published by W. J. 
Sewall. 



Time Mag Too Pessimistic? 

Kicks from several countries in 
Latin America have been piling up 
In regard to the alleged 'pessimistic 



CHATTER 

Telegraph editor of the Times- 
Herald, Moose Jaw. Sask.. Floyd 
Da.sh h.-us joined the Royal Ca- 
nadian Air Force. 

Genoa Magaroff. in Hollywood for 
a month gathering material on the 
Canteen, is returning to New York 
to confer with publishers about a 
new book. 

Publication date for 'Continuous 
Performance.' biography of A. J. 
Balaban by his wife. Carrie Balaban. 
has been set by G. P. Putnam & 
Sons. New Yo;k for Nov. (i. 

Dinty Moore, editor of the Gren- 
fell. iSa.sk.) Sun. has enlisted in 
the Canadian army. New editor of 
the paper is Colin R. Campbell, 
formerly of The Leader-Post, Re- 
Sina. 

Chicago's Downtown Shopping 
News, which has never before made 
play for theatrical advertising, has 
instituted pa.ge show biz chatter 
and ads. and wili go after more such 
business. 

Francis H. Sherry, telegraph edi- 
tor of the Troy (N. Y.) Record and 
also its music critic before entering 
the Army, has been commissioned a 
second lieutenant in the Quartermas- 
ter Corps. Camp Lee, Va. 

Ruth Waterbury is new prcsi'dent 
of Hollywood Women's Press Club. 
Other new officers are Kay Proctor, 
v.p.; Bertha Jancke. secretary; Kay 
Hardy, treasurer, and Liza Wilson, 
Gladys Hall and Kalherinc Albert, 
directors. 

Gerald H. Salisbury Is new man- 
aging editor of Frank Gannett's Al- 
bany (N.Y.) Knickerbocker News, 



Current Road Shows 

I Oc t. 28-Nor. 7) 

'Adamant Kve' i Iryoul >— Geary, , 
San Francisco i2-7) (premiere). | 

'Anjel Street' (2d Co.)— Harlnian, ; 
Columbus, O. i28): English, In- 
dianapolis 129-311: Paramount, To- 
ledo (2i; Plymouth, Boston (4-7). 

'Arsenic and Old Lace' (1st Co.) — 
Capitol. Salt Lake i2Bi; Auditorium, 
Denver (30-31 ); American, St. Louis 
(2-7), 

'Arsienic and Old Lare' (3d Co.) — 
His Majesty's, Montreal (2-7). 

'Best Foot Forward'- English, In- 
dianapolis (28); Harlman, Columbus, 
O. (29-31): Nixon, Pittsburgh (2-7). 

'Blackouts of 1942' (vaude)— El 
Capitan, Hollywood (28-7). 

'Claudia' (1st Co.)— Biltmore, Los 
Angeles (28-31); Civic Auditorium, 
Pasadena, Cal. (2i: Lobero, Santa 
Barbara (3-4); Municipal Audi- 
torium, Long Beach (5-6); Russ 
Auditorium, San Diego (7). 
•'Corn is Green' — Victory. Dayton 
(28); Shrine, Ft. Wayne (29): State 
K'tlamazoo (30): Keith's, Grand 
Rapids (31): Palace, South Bend (2); 
Parkway, Madison. Wis. (3); David- 
son. Milwaukee (4-7). 

'Gettini; Gei lie's Carter' (stock) — 
Windsor. Bronx (28-1 ). 

'Gilbert and Sullivan' — Court 
Square. Springlleld. Mass. (28); Shu- 
bert. New haven (29-31); Metropoli- 
tan, Providence (2-4); Klein Audito- 
rium. Bridgeport (5-7 J. 

'Good Night Ladies'— Blackstone, 
Chicago (28-7). 

'Helliapoppin'— American, St. Louis 
(28-31); Hanna. Cleveland (2-7). 

'Her First Murder' (tryout) — Mc- 
Carler. Princeton (28) (tryout); 
Community. Hershey, Pa. (29); 
Playhouse. Wilmington (30-31); Bush- 
nell Auditorium. Hartford (2); Ma- 
sonic Auditorium. Rochester, N. Y. 
(4); Erlanger. Buffalo (5-7). 

'Junior Miss' (2d Co.)— Harris. 
Chicago (28-7). 

'Junior Miss- (3d Co.)— Wilbur, 
Boston (28-7). 

'Lady In the Dark'- Ford's, Balti- 
more (28-7). 

'Let Freedom Sing' (stock)— Flat- 
bush. Brooklyn (28-1); Windsor, 
Bronx (3-7). 

'Life of the Parly' (tryout )— Wil- 
son, Detroit (28-7). 

'Life With Father* (2d Co.)— Wal- 
nut. Philadelphia (28-7). 

'Maid In the Ozarks'— Great North- 
ern. Chicago (28-7). 

'Merry Widow'— Forrest, Philadel- 
phia (28-7). 

'Mr. Sycamore* (tryout) — National, 
Washington (23-7). 

'Old Acquaintance' — Lafayette 
Detroit (28-7). 

'Papa Is All'— Hanna. Cleveland 
(28-31): English. Indianapolis (2-4); 
Hartman, Columbus, O. (5-7). 

'Pirate' (tryout)— Colonial, Boston 
(28-7). 

'VoTgy and Bes.s'— Taft Audito- 
rium. Cincinnati (28-31); Slude- 
baker. Chicago (2-7). * f 

■Priorities of 1942' (vaude)— Shu- I 
bert, Boston (28-31)- Erlanger, Chi- i 
cago (3-7). I 

'Private Lives'— Masonic Audito- 
rium, Rochester, N. Y. (30-31); Royal 
Alexandra, Toronto (2-7). 

'Skin of Our Teeth' (tryout)- Lo- 
cust, Philadelphia (28-7). 

'Spring Asain'— Selwyn. Chicago 
(28-7). 

'Stage Door' (stock) — Mosque, 
Newark (2-7). 

'Student Prince' — Davidson, Mil- 
waukee (28): Orpheum, Davdnport 

(29) ; Shrine Auditorium, Des Moines 

(30) ; Coliseum. Sioux Falls, S. D. 

(31) : Auditorium. Denver (2-4); 
Capitol, Salt Lake City (6). 

'Sweet Charily' (IryouD— Shubert, 
Boston (2-7) (premiere). 

'This Is the Army — Mastbaum, 
Philadelphia (28-7). 

'Tobacco Road'— Nixon, Pittsburgh 
(28-31); Cox, Cincinnati (2-7). 

'Topsy and Eva' (tryouD— Music 
Box, Hollywood (28-7). 

'Vickie' (stock)— Flalbush, Brook- 
lyn (3-7). 

'Watch on the Rhine'— Convention 
Hall, Tulsa. Okla. (28); Melba. Dal- 
las (30-31): Majestic, Ft. Worth (2); 
Paramount. Austin (3): Texas, San 
Antonio (4i; Music Hall, Houston 
(5); Municipal Auditorium, New Or- 
leans (7). 

'Without Love' (tryout)— Cass, De- 
troit (28-7). 



Shows k Rehemal 



Xlfellne'— Oilbart MllUr. 

'WioUr Soldltrt'— Sohool ot 
Social Research. 

'Th* Willow •■4 I'— Donald 
Blackwell, Aaymond Curtis. 

'Great Big Doorstep' — Herman 
Shumlin. 

'Three Sisters' (revival) — 
Katharine Cornell. 

'Fare Thee Well'— Marie L. 
EReins, Ed. Choat*. 

'Sweet Charity '—Alfred 
Bloomingdale, Shuberts. 

'Arsenic and Old Loco' (3d 
Co., road)— Frank McCoy. 



College Play 

Continued from page M 

Hay-Foot, Straw-Foot 



cxprcs.scd by former West Pointer 
Edward Boykin (West Point in Civil 
War days is play's locale). About 
three years ago, the original play 
was given a brief airing in St. Loui.s. 
but nothing came of It. Recently 
Harbach, et al., rewrote the script 
and brought lyrics, etc., up to date 
on a lighter plane than the original 
heavily dramatic story. 

Although 'Hay-Foot' Is billed as a 
play with music, it is strictly out of 
the 191S-vintage operetta formula 
and its Broadway chances must be 
figured In that light. At present it 
ranks with musical ventures of Ihe 
"Sunny River' type, which hold much 
merit In their particular field but 
just don't appeal to lovers of the 
machine-gun rhythm in demand 
these days. 

The lads of Eli's dramat, with aid 
from the university drama depart- 
ment, plus outside talent, have given 
'Hay-Foot' an auspicious springboard 
lest. Catching the spirit of the play's 
four-year span extending from 1861 
to '65, cast offers a better than ac- 
ceptable version of West Point activ- 
ities at that period. Evelyn WyckofT, 
as the post chaplain's daughter, car- 
ries the femme lead and pleases in 
personality and singing, although not 
given much chance to shina in latter 
department. George R. Hill and 
Louis Connick,' Jr., as tha hay-foot, 
straw-foot cadet combo, • are well 
cast, as is Susanna TaFel, as a femmc 
heavy. Top tHesp honors go to 
Emmy Lou Kehler, who registers as 
a romantic barmaid. Excepting Miss 
WyckofT, voices individually are 
pretty weak, but get good results in 
ensembles. Glee club (33) works 
from the pit and adds a vital punch 
to the score's rendition. 

Scripters have dona a fairly en- 
tertaining Job on the book and Kern 
has provided a score that rates more 
than passing mention, with a wide 
variety of sentimental, stirring and 
comedy tunes. Instrumental end of 
production is handled via two pi; 
anos, with Frank Taylor, Louise 
Holt and Edward J. Olbson at ihe 
ivories. Bone. 



COn the Upbeat 
; Continued from pace 4* 

I sextet of singers and dancers, all 
i part of the band, added. Outfit re- 
i turns to the Shangri-La, Philadel- 
; phia, today (28). Improvements 
I were made at tha suggestion of 
; Dewey Yessner, who operates the 
; spot and has taken an Interest in the 
orchestra. 



Please OWI 

Contlnaed from page i 



help to smooth relations with our 
principal ally. 

OK on Columbia's 'Lovelier' 

Washington critics were asked to 
scan 'You Were Never Lovelier' and 
give an off-the-record opinion as to 
whether there was anything that 
might offend good neighbors south of 
the border. Columbia played safe 
in this instance. Originally the pUa 
was to set the locale in either Ar- 
gentina or Chile. When the cam- 
eras rolled neither country figured 
prominantly^ Producers had a rep- 
resentative from Argentina on tha 
.set and he passed on everything that 
mi.ght be controversial. As screened 
it is a musical bon bon, disdaining 
the war, and with nothing to which 
South America might object. 

OWI has no legal right to censor 
films and seeks none. It can sug- 
gest, and these suggestions are po- 
tent enough to be commands to pro- 
ducers who are wise politically. Sam 
Goldwyn shelved 'No Greater Glory' 
after going to considerable expense 
on the reissue, because Manuel 
Quezon, president of the Philippines, 
found things In it that were ob- 
jectionable in war times. Lowell 
McUetl of OWI advised it; Goldwyn 
assented without a struggle. 

With shortage of product, ques- 
tion of release may arise on some 
reissues, particularly those relating 
to Russia. Some features, made be- 
fore the war, treated the Soviet fa- 
cetiously, and some poked jibes at 
Moscow's flve-year plan. Regard- 
less of their entertainment values, 
such features will not be permitted 
on the current film market. 

Office of War Information says, 
unofficially, it Is well pleased with 
Hollywood, thinks It Is doing a flna 
job In sustaining the war effort. But 
thoughtless incidents may creep into 
pictures which will require' much ex- 
planation and even be the subject 
of diplomatic exchange. To avoid 
this OWI will look these features 
over before they get the go-ahead 
passport to foreign markets. 



Spread of Buying 



Continued from page T 



Lloyd Hammons, formed indie distrib. 
on the payroll as organizer. Outfit 
is putting on a vigorous drive for 
members. It has around 30 theatres 
at present. 

Another booking-buying combine. 
Associated Theatres of New Jersey, 
is gradually growing in size. Dur- 
ing the past week it added the 
Forum at Metuchen, N. J. to its list, 
bringing it up to 18. 



Ruth deary's f\va-piec« all-girl 
band will open at the Coq Bougc, 
New York, Nov. 11. 



Dan Brittain and WBEN orchestra 
are doubling nightly at Main-Ulica 
ballroom on fringe of downtown 
Buffalo. 



Bill Ludwlg new drummer with 
Brad Hunt's orch in Pittsburgh, re- 
placing Billy Carmirhael, Army. 



Art Farrar orch out of Pittsburgh 
pulls out next week for an extended 
southern tour, opening Nov. 3 at 
Palomar Ballroom in Norfolk, Va. 



Frankle Masters band pencilled 
into Stanley theatre for week begin- 
ning Friday (30), with Tommy 
Tucker following. 



Jach McCarthy doubling into floor 
show at Villa Madrid, Pittsburgh, as 
featured vocalist from Mickey Ross 
band. 



Bill Miller, Charlie Barnet, pianist, 
to b« inducted this week. No re- 
placement set. 



Mich. Indies' Boying Pool 

Detroit, Oct. 27 
Intent on strengthening its buying 
combine, the new Michigan Inde- 
pendent Exhibitors Association has 
named Lloyd C. Hammond, picture 
producer for 30 years, as organizer 
in the drive to bring all independents 
in the State into the fold. 
* Convinced that too many exhibitor 
organizations founded as buying or- 
ganizations have been short-lived or 
I (disrupted b^ a lack ot unity in its 
I membership, Hammond was named 
I by Joseph P. Uvick, secretary of the 
I MIEA, to cover Michigan county by 
I county and bring in a solid territory 
! for representation. Hammond's stu- 
dio, which produced trailers and 
such shorts as 'Film Fumble.s,' has 
been on a curtailed schedule through 
the freeze on raw film stock. 

With a good foundation laid for its 
purpose, the new membership drive 
will be aimed primarily In the out- 
State district to put the program on 
a full Michigan basis. It is believed 
that while the more extensive buying 
groups in the past have folded be- 
cause of the difference in interest In 
Ihe various districts, the present time 
nnds the exhibitors in greater unity 
then in the past. On top of that, 
the MIEA polled the state on getting 
the various views of the exhibitors 
for the shaping of Its platform. 

Following the out-State roundup, 
the new setup here will concentrate 
on lining up the independents in the 
cities but for Its basic purposes Ihe 
general Michigan membership i^ 
more vital. 



Eddie Metcalf, sax, Joins Tommy 
Tucker; Clyde Hunter replaces Walt 
McGuffln, trombone, and Jack Gor- 
don, guitar, is to be added. 



Taft Jordon. trumpeter formerly 
with Ella fitzgeram band, has 
formed • Mvei)-piec« combination 
handled by Mo« Oaie. 



Phllly's Co-op 

Philadelphia, Oct. 20. 

A buying cooperative, formed here 
by a group of indie Philly exhibs 
to pool film buying power, has de- 
cided to hold up putting it into op- 
eration until the Allied Caravan's 
own buying plan starts to function. 

If the Allied plan is successful, 
the local group will go along, drop- 
ping its own program, leaders of the 
group said. 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



GHATTEB 



5S 



Broadway 



Vernon Duke, composer, now in 
Coast Guard. 

Louis Calta doing nitery column 
for N.Y. Times. 

AlBD Cross (and Dunn) lost mother 
In Chicago last week. 

Harold Hodner, Warner theatre 
execT returned from Chicago. 

Staee Door Canteen has been 
slickrt up with new coat ot paint 

Elmer Rice to Coast for two weeks 
to huddle with Arthur Homblow, Jr. 

Dusky songstress Lena Home fol- 
lows Morton Downey into the Savoy- 
Plaza. 

George Alabama Florida has writ- 
ten his 'life story." Also opened pub- 
licity offices. 

Guy Bolton has written new play 
but went to Coast for six weeks at 
Metro studios. 

Lillian Jenkln.s, assistant publicity 
director, Madison Square Garden, in 
Polyclinic hospiUl, flu. 

Sol Lesser back to the Coast to 
sUrt shooting 'Stage Door Canteen,* 
which he's producmg. 

Sheila Graham (Westbrook), for- 
mer film columnist, to the Coast on 
a visit with her daughter, Wendy. 

Hildcgarde Newton joined USO- 
Camp Shows flackery under Maxwell 
Fox Halls from Boston office of the 
USO. 

The Motion Picture Letter of the 
film business, issue No. 4 for October, 
devotes much space to the salvage 
drive. 

•Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse 
are writing a new ending for their 
'Strip for Action' comedy at the 
National. 

W. Stewart McDonald, Warner 
theatre executive, returned to the 
homeofflce from Ohio yesterday 
(Tuesday). 

Organist Lew White has a piece of 
Torgy and Bess.' Now going into a 
Balto legit stock Idea, with rotating 
guest stars. 

Francis Harmon, executive vice- 
chairman of the film industry's War 
Activities Committee, ill at the 
Regent hospital. 

Al Jolson figured out he's flown 
110,000 miles in war entertainment 
bips alone in Alaska, Caribbean and 
England-Ireland. 

New Ronnie's Steak House on Slst 
owned by Ronnie Crooks, of Wall 
Street, and Joe Heller, owner of 
several Miami spots. 

Paul Martin, Morning Telegraph's 
columnist, in West Side hospital due 
to kickback of injuries suffered 
years ago in an auto accident. 

Fox Movietone newsreel celebrated 
its 25th anniversary last week. Also 
the date 15 years ago when Movie- 
tone launched first sound interviews. 

Fred Finkelhoffe, Jr., due into the 
Army. Just to make sure, his bride 
has hung a huge identiflcation tag on 
his wrist watch 'return to Ella Lo- 
gan.' 

Benny Fields tested by Metro for 
Gentlemen Be Seated' (which may 
also be called "Mr. Bones'), forth- 
coming saga of minstrelsy, .starring 
Mickey Rooney. 

Arthur Mayer is writing friends 
plugging Henry Epstein in the com- 
ing election. Epstein is running for 
•ttomey-general of N. Y. state on the 
Democratic ticket. 

Mary A. Bergen, formerly of the 
staff of the Stanley theatre, Pitts- 
burgh, has shifted to the Warner h.o. 
to join the personnel department 
under Ralph W. Budd. 

Robert Craven out of 'Claudia,' 
St James, to become war ambulance 
driver, Guy Spaull replacing. Rob- 
«rt Shayne out of same ca.^t. re- 
placed by Richard Kentlrick. 

Robert Douglas. English actor who 
has been seen on Broadway in 'Brief 
Moment' and other ^lays. is cur- 
rently in New York on furlough. 

V t '"^'"''er of the Fleet Air Arm. 

Robert S. Benjamin, counsel for 
Mthe Labs and Producers Releasing 
t-orp., is now a first lieutenant in the 
U. S. Army signal corps. He was a 
^rtaer in Phillips. Nizer. Benjamin 

In the last three weeks 14 adole.s- 
^nt femmes on the Par lot have re- 
placed as many youths, who have 
moved into uniforms or factories, 
aecs report the female of the mes- 
«nger IS more speedy and accurate 
"wn the male. 

fi&f?!'*' Coldwyn arrives today 
iwed.) from Sun Valley, Idaho, for 
;J"-<;?y stay in New York to con- 
inli*"*" ^'"'sn Hellman on an orig- 
jnal yarn. Don Hartman. of Gold- 
*yn studio production staff, arrives 
a few days later. 

^,^™rgie Price, now at La Conga. 
X i 8et married at noon on Oct .31 
So. whose dad, George 

Marshall owns the Washington Red- 
In Sr wedding will lake place 

penhouse apartment 
;y5"^e Pecora officiating. Immedi- 
■wy after, the group will leave for 
the racetrack. 

1 

for 



Air Corps dance at the Lord Tarle- 
ton hotel there was turned down last 
week. Gal is Mary Lou Yahner. 
Seems she had a previous engage- 
ment. It made P. 1 news. But all 
was not lost, for Gable. Miss Yahner 
turned up at his dance, too, shortly 
before the good-night waltz. 



By LCB Recs 



Armida held over at Turf night 
club. 

Fats Waller orchestra into Happy 
Hour niterie. 

Hotel Radisson's Lounge Pierre 
has Frankie Gleson's orchestra. 

Curly's nitery has Oakley Yale, ac- 
cordionist for floor show headliner. 

L. E. GoWhammer, RKO district 
manager, back =n harness after 
pneumonia. 

Lyle Bay and Dan Stimmler of 
National Screen entered U. S. mer- 
chant marine. 

Alvin eliminates Thursday night 
performances to permit burlesque 
roadshows to ma'c-; jump to Kansas 
City. 

Kenneth Rogers in from San 
Antonio to take post of Alvin (road- 
show burlesque) producer, replacing 
Jean Evol. 

Minneapolis Symhony orchestra's 
first concert of new season was at 
Fort Snelling induction center under 
USO auspices. 

Val Van Tilburg and Vernon Mc- 
Reavy, localites, have organized in- 
door circus headed by Terrell Jaeobs' 
wild animals. 

Harry Hamburg, Paramount's Des 
Moines branch manager, here to 
confer with Harold Field on deal for 
letter's Iowa circuit. 

David Evidon, son of Warners' ad 
sales manager, promoted to first 
class torpedo man with submarine 
crew at Pearl Harbor. 

Three new acts into the Hotel 
Nicollet Minnesota Terrace's Moor 
show with Tony Di Pardo's orchpstra 
are Rex Weber, Kay Vcrnoi\ and 
Jules and Joanne Walton. 



By SI Shaltz 



Bob Wieting has been named film 
editor of WIBG. 

Lee Kyser, WIP vocalist, is 
doubling during the day at a local 
shipyard. 

For the first time in more than a 
decade, Philly had four legit open- 
ings Monday (20). 

Jerry Gaghan, in charge of T. J. 
LaBrum publicity office, now han- 
dling Shangri-La publicity. 

Lou Yessner, operator of Shangri- 
La, reveals he started at a pitch 
stand on site of his nitery 30 years 
ago. 

A two-weeks' engagement of Gil- 
bert and Sullivan operas has been 

eencilled in for the Forrest starting 
lec. 7. 

Sigmund Romberg and Irving 
Berlin were guests of the press at 
two luncheons held simultaneously 
Wednesday (21). 



Washington 



Louis Prima into the Victory room 
of the Hotel Roosevelt Nov. 3. 

Capitol theatre orchestra featur- 
iiiK this week 'I've Got a Right to 
Love,' by Lt Mel Wettergreen. 

Blue Barron's band, engaged foi 
(he Hotel Willard's HaUoween fes- 
tivities. Hou.<« will .set up cocktail 
lounge adjoining the ballroom. 

Lunts did a Sunday night stunt at 
Stage Door Canteen. Alfred donned 
the apron of a busboy and Lynn Fon- 
tanne officiated .socially with Joseph 
E. Davics of State department. 

Rick La Falce of Warners' pub- 
licity department wouldn't take no 
from his draft board. Asked for a 
review, got it goes in for non-com- 
bat duty. 

Dorothy Lamour volunteered to be 
first Hollywood star for 1943 Birth- 
day Ball Celebration. No decision 
yet as to whether there'll be a Jan. 31 
big night. 

Variety Club initialed District 
Commissioner John Russell Young 
to honorary membership. Carter 
Barron and 'John J. Payette were 
Kings for a Day at ibe luncheon. 

Hotel 2400 now staffed by person- 
nel put on the loose when Air Corps 
took over Atlantic City hotels. Roy 
Comfort and his Riviera Guardsmen 
arc the red-coated musicians who 
formerly played Mayfair Lounge. 
Claridge hotel. 

Glasses clicked last week and hors 
d'ouvres were passed for Sam Ga- 
lanty's 'You Were Never Lovelier' 
party at Variety Club; Leo Brady of 
'Count Me In' at Carlton; Adolphc 
Menjou and Ralph Bellamy at Carl- 
ton; Johnny Long at Neptune Room, 
and Veronica Lake at Carlton. 



Buenos Aires 

By Ray Josephs 



'B^ •?*'^^'*'"y. who does a .specia 
wngside Seat at War Front' for 
Newsreel Theatres, Inc. (Embassy 
tl,« II 'c" " "''St lieutenant in 
W» u^.' '^""y Air Corps. He h 
wen chief editorial writer on tl 



as 
the 



N V n wr 
riir.V .1"^ Mirror for some time. 
J''Kely that McCrary may serve at 
S«t, as liaison officer .between the 

n »5<l„British Air forces, 
v*^"^ 9^lJ.^'* invitation to a Uni- 
^yerslty of Miami coed to attend an 



'Army' Pronto 

— Continued from pa(e 1 ^ 

at 25c. and SOc. so that as many as 
possible may enjoy the morale im 
pact of the soldier revue. 

Berlin convinced the Army offl 
cials that toe much would be lost if 
the show ployed in huge stadiums. 
He is even concerned about the 
effect of the show in its current 
two-week dale at the 5.000-scat 
Mastbaimi in Philadelphia. Berlin 
thinks a 2,000-seat theatre large 
enough, if all the values arc to 
reach every auditor in the house. 

Meantime, Casey Robinson lias 
completed the screen adaptation, 
which Berlin has approved. Director 
Michael Curtiz and producer Hal 
Wallis. with Robinson, are due east 
soon to huddle with Berlin. 

Kale Smith, Ginger Bogers 

Berlin, during the week's layoff of 
the show last week, huddled with 
Kale Smith and Ted Collins and 
will have Miss Smith reenacl in the 
film 'God Bless America,' which she 
first introduced. The song, first lime 
in film form, will be dramatized, as 
actually happened, from its career 
in the 1918 soldier show. 'Yip Yip." 
and its resurrection as the World 
War 11 patriotic hymn. It was 
crowded out of 'Yip' and didn't see 
popularity until a quartcr-of-a-ccn- 
tury later. Incidcnliilly, the song to 
date has earned SlO.i.'OOO for the Boy 
and Girl Scouts of America Founda- 
tion, to whom all profiU and copy- 
right have b^n assigned. 

Ginger Rogers may be the Eileen' 
of the Stage Door sequence m the 
show, the only other fcmmc in the 
cast beside Miss Smith. Marquee 
names will be 'borrowed' from Uncle 
Sam for the film version, but Ihc 
entire all-soldier cast will be em- 
ployed basically as is. Incidentally, 
the company have been given new 
ratings, many of Ihcm master ser- 
gcanfs, the top non-com brevet. 



Pampa Film will distribute Iberia's 
'El Comisario de Tranco Largo.' 

Francisco Reich opened Gaumont. 
new 2,400-seatcr in Congreso zone. 

Pampa signed Jose Olerra and 
Pcpita Serrador for coming season. 

Miguel Gomez Bao added to cast 
of 'Claro de Luna' at Sono. Pict fea- 
tures Legrand twins. 

Lumiton signed Roberto Airaldi 
for two-year pact and actor Marciso 
Ibanez for two more. 

Marcos L. Sanchez named presi- 
dent of Asociacion de Empresarios 
Cinematograficos. Venacio A. Ru- 
biio is v.p. 

U. S. Negro singer Aubrey Pankey 
in benefit concert for Comision Sani- 
taria Argentina de Ayuda a las De- 
mocracies. 

Lumiton set Carlos Hugo Chris- 
lensen for 'Novia de Primavera' 
('Spring Bride'), original by Julio 
Porter. Maria Duval likely for lead. 

Cia de Teatro Nacional de Comedia 
will reopen 'Retorno a la Tierra' 
'(Back to the Soil'), by Ernesto P. 
Mairae, with Enrique de Rosas di- 
recting. 

Francisco Alvarez and Felisa Mary 
inked for principal roles in 'Los 
Hijos Artiflciales' CArtiflcial- Chil- 
dren') at San Miguel. Antonio Mom- 
plet megging. 

•Yo Tengo 17 Anos' ("I'm 17 ) 
passed 50th performance at Teatro 
Paris. Stars Alfredo Canena. Tulia 
Ciampoli. Ricardo Canales, Maria 
Podcstu and Maurice Jouvet. 



merly at Holel Nixon lounge in 
Butler, Pa. 

Patricia Rice, well-known local 
model, has one of the leads in Catho- 
lic Theatre Guild's 'Letters to 
Lucerne.' 

Pvt. Phil Davis, WCAE continuity 
chief who was recently inducted, has 
been assigned to Army recruiting 
station here. . 

EdnavGoldbach, asst. in contract 
department at WB exchange, and 
Jack Hai^ley, Army medical staff 
sergeant, married. 

Lige Brieir Kenyon manager, got 
his Silver Plaque from M-G for 
exploitation excellence during Exhibs 
Forum at MPTO meet 

John Maganotti taking Spanish 
lessons, probably the result of all 
those Latin-American shows he's 
playing at Villa Madrid. 

Mrs. Moe Silver back from New 
York, where she picked up flock of 
costumes for 'Gay Nineties Revue' 
her Victory Women will present 
Friday (30) at Carnegie Music Hall. 



Chicago 



Dave Alber in town en route east 
after visit on Coast. 

Sydney Goldberg, Metro booker, 
leaves Oct. 28 for Army. 

Bill Bishop, Metro press agent, 
bedded at home with bronchitis. 

Morris Silver of the William 
Morris Agency back after being east. 

Bill Frederick, of Frederick Bros.' 
New York office, destined for the 
Army. 

Irving Yergin, Warners press 
agent, to Coast for a few weeks' 
vacation. 

Sol Jacobson to St. Louis ahead of 
"Spring Again,' which closes its run 
at the Selwyn Nov. 7. 

George West Monogram franchise 
holder for Cincinnati, St. Louis and 
Kansas City, in town. 

Chico Marx played host to Woody 
Herman, Henry King. Ben Bernie 
and Art Kassel and Jack Robblns, in 
from New York. 

Harry Goldman, former Warner 
.salesman, stopped at local exchange 
to say he's slated for Officer's Candi- 
date School in Miami. 

Margaret Callahan, remembered 
as ingenue in 'You Can't Take It 
With You,' here from New York to 
join her husband, Lucien Self. 

Sugar Cooper has left Chico 
Marx's band to freelance. She is re- 
placed by Armide, whom Ben Pol- 
lock brought out here from the Coast 
two years ago for appearance at the 
College Inn. 



Hollywood 



La Guardia 

Centlnned from page 1 



Pittshnrgh 

By Hal CobcH 



Nine women in Dr. Fritz Reiner's 
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra this 
I season. 

I Wall Framer and the missus back 
I from a show-shopping spree on 
' Broadway. 

Nelson Maples has replaced Lloyd 
Fox at the Cork and Bottle, down- 

■ town cocktailcry. 

Ernest Nell, announcer at WJAS- 
' KQV for seven years, now with 
I WHK in Cleveland. 

Bud Crozier okay again after an 
automobile accident and has rejoined 
Baron Elliott's band. 

Maurice Spitalny airing 'Song 
; Without a Name," written by Alicia 
: Fuller, of the KQV staff. 

Orville K. Larson, from Western 
i Reserve U. the new technical di- 

■ rector at the Playhouse. 

Tech drama .school doing Shaw's 
■Heartbreak House' under the di- 
I rection of Mary Morris. 

Dixie Dunbar closed at Stanley 
Thursday night (22) and opened al 
Villa Madrid Monday (2«). 
, Bill Sartori, U salesman who was 
a lieutenant in the last war. trying to 
set his old commission back. 

Dale Harkne.ss has joined the key- 
board gang at the Music Bar. He 

■ plays for the dinner session. 

Fred Kelly, local boy with 'This I> 
Army.' uppcd from corporal to .ser- 
geant while show was playing home 
town. 

Tiny Miller, who's in the show, is 
also doublini" as press-agent for the 
Nut House, now that Sid Dickler's in 
khaki. 

' Betty Ellen Morris has replaced 
I Madelyn Ward on Bernie Arm- 
strong s Friday nite commercial oyer 
KDKA. 

P1ayhou.se Grill now featuring 
organ music by Jimmy Orncr, for- 



Gotham has a Music Box Canteen 
on lower Fifth Avenue, a United 
Seamen's Service Canteen in the 
George Washington hotel at Gram- 
ercy Park and an American 
Women's Voluntary Services canteen 
at the Hotel Edison. 

West S6th St. Canteen 
Latest entrant in the list of serv- 
icemen's canteens in N. Y. City will 
be Front 13' due to open at 13 West 
56th Street on Nov. 13. Building was 
donated by Henri Bendel. coutourier, 
who is also donating garb for open- 
ing night fashion show and for sale 
on first fioor. Second floor is slated 
to be an intimate nitery and bar. 
Third floor will be a servicemen's 
canteen. 

Mrs. Otto Preminger is lining up 
the show for the opening weeV. 
Opening night they hope to sell 100 
tables at $100 each. Staff will be vol- 
unlecrs. with the hope being that the 

I nilcry will become a profc.ssion.ils' 

' hangout. 

All profits are to go to (he Russian 
War Relief, with the sponsors, who 
include Tallulah Bankhead. Elsa 
Maxwell and Mrs. William Morris. 

: Jr., insistent that the Russo org is 
supervising the setup even lo han- 
dling the books. 



Grace Hayes laid up with siiui.s. 
Basil Rathbone laid up with in- 
fluenza. 

Mary Pickford recovering from 
surgery. 

William Saioyan visiting at Metro, 
peacefully. 

Otto Brower celebrated his 25th 
year in pictures. 

Fred W. Beetson back from two- 
week business trip. 

Smiley Burnette, cowboy actor, 
adopted a baby girl. 

Michael Arlen in town for hi.s first 
film scripting job at Metro. 

Pcrc Weslmore, temporarily in tha 
Coast Guard, reclas.sified lA. 

John O'Connor, Universal exec, 
vacationing at Palm Springs. 

Lester Cowan back from three- 
week business trip to New York. 

Harold Hopper returned to Wash- 
ington after huddles with film lead- 
ers. 

Ginny Simms and Jane Wyntt 
.sponsored two Liberty ships at Rich- 
mond, CaL 

Upton Close, radio commentator, 
being sued by his wife for $14,737 in 
back alimony. 

Herb Drake, former press agent 
for Orson Welles, to handle publicity 
for King Vidor. 

Brod Crawford, Dennis O'Keefa 
and Big Boy Williams took their 
preliminary physicals. 

Templeton Fox in Hollywood to 
join her husband. Bob Welch, Jack 
Benny's radio producer. 

Edward Small returned from the 
east where he bought a number of 
yarns for future filming. 

Buddy De Sylva sat for a bio- 
graphical sketch to be written by 
Ducal O'Laim for Ciillior's. 

Edward Dmytryk pinch hitting (or 
Irving Reis who is too ill to direct 
Hitler's Children' at RKO. 

Virginia Walker Hawks, former 
.screen actress, divorced William B. 
Hawks, producer, in Reno. 

Constance Bennett returned from a 
visit with her husband. Corporal Gil- 
bert Roland, in Washington. 

Mrs. Howard Hawks su.stained a 
compound fracture of the ankle 
when thrown from her horse. 

Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Herbert 
Marshall and Gene Lockhart to Can- 
ada for the Victory Bond Drive. 

Martin Kosleck hospitalized for 
treatment of an eye injury received 
on the 'Chetnik" set at 20th-Fox. 

Sue Carol continues as agent tor 
Sheila Ryan for the duration of tht 
player's contract with 20th-Fox un- 
der arbitration ruling. 

Henry King returned to 20th-Fox 
to resume his director chores after 
serving with the Civil Aeronautics 
organization In the east. 

First Lieut. Sandy Cummings. aide 
to Brig. Gen. Rufiu Ramey at tha 
Fort Riley Cavalry School, passinf 
his furlough in Hollywood. 

Major Alexander P.' de Seversky 
east on a lecture tour after complet- 
ing his first and only film role in 
'Victory Through Air Power' at the 
Walt Disney studio.' 

Robert B. Hunt formerly with 
Warners and Universal, now a film 
writer with th£ Army Air Fore* 
training film production laboratory 
at Wright Field. Dayton, O. 



SL Louis 

By Sam X. Homt 



Juke Box Label 



Continued from page 



in service. So the newspapers picked 
' up move stories and editorials on the 
; Juke Box Outlaws.' 
' What has the operators here ca.sl- 
iiig around for a more dignified 
name again is that the juke spots 
have been doing a big business but 
the small fry, getting out of hand. 
! have brouqht on public agitation for 
: a curfew, a cleaning up of the un- 
1 .supervised dance centers where the 
music comes from records or a 
.straight ordinance ruling out such 
contrivances under the present '.slot 
machine' ban. 
I Once before a new name for juke 
boxes was sought— in a public con- 
test— but nobody remembers now 
' what the winning name was. It 
, il never caught on. The boys who 
I peddle the platter gadgets like lu 
call themselves coin-machine opera- 
I tors. 



'Ice Follies of 1843,' headed by tht 
.Shipstads and Johnson, opens a four- 
day stand In the Arena, starting 
Thursday (29). 

Eddie Cochran, slejght-of-hander 
and monologist, iif currently headlin- 
j ing floor show at Club Continental, 
; Hotel Jefferson. 

Mrs. Leo Yancey. Sullivan. 111., 
I whose husband's sight has failed, has 
I taken over his job as projectionist in 
I the flicker house they both own. 
! Louis P. Lochner, former manager 
of the Berlin bureau for AP, drew 
BOO to a lecture at the Y.M.H.A. last 
week. The admish scale was 7&c. 

Tony Matreci, manager of the Up- 
town, has obtelned a non-(om job in 
the Navy, and Miss E. tiarkin has 
succeeded him at the flicker house. 

Conrad Nagel, Bea Wain and the 
'Wings Over Jordan* Negro choral 
group from Cleveland made cuffo 
p.a. to open local $4,800,000 War 
Chest drive last week. 

The hillbilly show sponsored by 
Davis and Burns, of Memphis, at the 
Municipal Auditorium last week, 
drew 12.000 payees, with the house 
scaled from 40c to 75c. Netted a neat 
profit 

A 43- foot model of the U.S.S. Mis- 
souri was presented by the Motion 
Picture Industry of St. Louis to the 
U. S. Navy for recruiting purposes. 

: Mrs. Sclma O'Hare, mothfer of Lieut. 

, Eddie O'Hare. St. Louis naval hero. 

I christened the model on the stage of 
the Fox theatre. 

Fanchon & Marco has booked three 
stage shows for Its downtown de- 
luxer. Amba.s.sador. One of Maj. 
Bowe.s' units opens Friday (30) and 
will be followed by the Andrewi 
Sisters and Will Osborne's band on 
Nov. 30 and Billy Rose's 'Diamond 
Horseshoe Revue' on Nov, 27. 



54 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 



OBITUARIES 



RALPH BAINGEB 

Ralph Rainger, 41, hall of the 
eongwriting team of Robin-Hainger, 
was killed in a plane crash last 
■week in the west. 

Further details in Music Section. 



ADDIE CHEBBT 

Addie Cherry, 83, of the Cherry 
Sisters, died Oct. 26 in Cedar 
Rapids, la. 

Details in vaude section. 



GEORGE N. ABMSBT 

George N. Armsby, 66, a director 
and chairman of the finance com- 
mittee of Loew's, Inc., died Sunday 
(25) in Mt. Sinai hospital, N. Y., fol- 
lowing an operation and illness of 
a few days. A member of Ijoew's di- 
rectorate for many years, he also 
was a director of the Capitol Theatre 
Corp., General Outdoor Advertising, 
Transcontinental and Western Air 
Co., and numerous other big cor- 
porations. He was chairman of the 
Curtiss-Wright Corp. directorate 
and served as president of the Ban- 
camerica-Blair, this being formed 
|rom a takeover of Blair Sc Co., N.Y. 
banking institution. 

Armsby served in the First World 
War as a member of the Priorities 
Committee of the War Industries 
board. He went to Europe as a board 
member in 1918 and while there was 
named director of tin supplies for 
this board. 

Survived by widow, the former 
Collette Touzeau, ex-actress, and by 
son and daughter of a former mar- 
riage. Funeral was held yesterday 
(Tuesday) afternoon from St. Bar- 
tholomew's, N. Y., with top Loew's 
(Metro) officials and other film ex- 
acutives attending. 



property man with the Jack Haverly 
minstrel show. 

He had been out of show biz for 
many years at the time of his death. 

No immediate survivors. 



MABK MABGOLIS 

Mark MargolLs, 48, ' in the film 
business 30 years, died in Indian- 
apolis Oct. 21 after a brief illness. 

Margolis was with the Art Craft 
Picture Corp. from 1914 to 1918 and 
was studio manager for Roberston- 
Cole from 1918 to 1920. After four 
years with First National, he went 
into the exhibition end of the busi- 
ness and operated a chain of theatres 
until 1937. He was the owner of the 
Rivoli theatre, Indianapolis, until his 
retirement two years ago. 



CHABLES VAN NOBMAN 

Charles Van Norman, 53, who as 
'The Great Van Norman' had toured 
the world a number of times as a 
stunter, died Friday (23), at his 
home in Milwaukee. He was born 
John Bennett in Saginaw, Mich., be- 
came a trapeze performer, then an 
elephant leaper and a balloon para- 



land Reed, E. S. WiUard, BilUa 
Burke, among many others. 

Survived by son, three grand- 
children and seven great-grandchil- 
dren. 



HABBT HANSON 

Harry Hanson, veteran tradepaper 
newsman and for more than 25 
years the 'Variety' correspondent In 
S'>uth Africa, died unexpectedly last 
week in Capetown, South Africa. 

'Variety' has assigned his son, Joe 
Hanson, to continue representing it 
in South Africa. 



WILLIAM L. HABT 

William L. Hart, SO, former thea- 
tre owner in Akron, O., died Oct. 17 
at Saranac Lake, N. Y., after an ill- 
ness of several years. He went to 
Saranac a few years ago when his 
health failed. 

Survivors include widow and 
brother. 



EDWABD SAINT 

Edward Saint, (Sesrad), archivist 
and business manager fOr Mrs. Harry 
Houdini, died Oct. 22 in Hollywood. 
He was former president of Los 
Magicos and a prominent member of 
the Society of American Magicians. 



EBNEST L. FINLET 

Ernest L. Finley, publisher of the 
Santa Rosa (Calif.) Press Democrat 



HABBT GOODWIN 

Harry Goodwin, 62, one of the 
original members of the Avon Com- 
edy Four, topnotch vaudeville turn 
for more than 20 years, died Satur- 
day (24) of a heart attack at St. 
Luke's hospital. New York. 

In 1901 Goodwin, Charlie Dale, 
Joe Smith and Irving Kaufman, all 
of whom had been amateur come- 
dians on New York's east side, 
teamed as the Avon quartet. They 
were an immediate success. For 
over two decades they were stars of 
all the vaudeville circuits. In 1914 
they gave a command performance 
before the King and Queen of Eng- 
land, at the Royal theatre, London. 

The team broke up in 1922, with 
Goodwin going his own way in 
vaudeville, while Smith and Dale 
bscame a twosome. They're still 
among the star vauders. 

Married twice, Goodwin's first wife 
died and his second marriage ended 
in divorce. Two sisters survive. 



Bills Next Week 



Contlnaed from page 4S ; 



Boman OrtlU 
Don & Dores* 
Ue« Wayn* 
Jewel Ello 
Danny Richards 
Dave McHarrlH 
Marty Oavlne Urch 

timm't Car* 
Hcleno Martin 
La Vodia 
Allen Sher 
Billy Richards 
Kings of Rbytbm 
MIka Ray Oro 
Sclolla'a 
Frankle HIchardaop 
Little Skeeter 
Kaye & Grey 
MurgIc Smith 
Bob Karl 
aertio Taylor Ors 

Shang-RI-La 
Barney Itapp Oro 
Julie Lynn 
Jack Millard 
Roddy Stewart 
Shirley Wyatt 
Barbara Cole 
Mort Donis Oro 
Rossi Sis 
John Langdon 
Diana Qray 
The Blanchards 
Harmony Sextet 
Floradora Girls 

Silver 1j>k» !■■ 
tinrlo & Maria 
Audrey Sears 
Col Geo Used 
Alice Lucey 
Mickey Fomllant O 
Bod Bay Oardens 
Blackle Johnson 
Kitty Hcmllng Oro 
Dawn Lovely 
Dolorea & Rossini 
Beatrice & Danny 
Agnes Willis 

Town Tavern 
Len Parker Oro 
Jerry Marcclla 
Rlla Zane 
Geo Vogt 
Thunderbolts 
Syd Golden 
esth St. KathakellM 
Jack High 



chute jumper. But in 1903 he became and Santa Rosa Republican, and 



a bicycle stunter, which he remained 
until 1935, when he retired, after 
having survived accidents that 
hospitalized him 86 times. 
Widow, Nelda, survives. 



DON ALLEN 

Don Allen, 33, production manager 
for Standard Radio of Hollywood, 
died there Oct 23 after a lingering 
illness. Deceased started In radio 
nearly 19 years ago as guitarist with 
a singing group and shortly after 
joined the announcing staff at 
KFWB. Six years ago when Jerry 
King resigned as manager of KFWB 
to organize Standard Radio, Allen 
went along with him as production 
manager, which post he held up to 
his illness. Surviving are the widow 
and three chlldron by a former 
marriage. 



EBNIE VAN ZANDT 

Ernie Van Zandt, for 14 years 
musical arranger for the Weaver 
Brothers, died Oct. IB following a 
heart attack at his home in Forsyth, 
Mo. 

He first became associated with the 
Weavers in 1930, and had worked 



owner of station KSRO, died Oct, 24 
in Santa Rosa, 



BRUCE SYDNEY 
Bruca Sydney, S3, screen actor, 
died Oct. 18 in Hollywood. 



Mrs. Mary Albanese, mother of 
Nick Albanese; owner-operator of 
the Showboat, Canton, O., night club, 
and formerly of the executive staff 
of the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus 
and other shows, died Oct. 20 in 
White Cross hospital, Columbus, O. 
Two other sons also survive. 



Frank Beddy, 68, receptionist at 
the Motion Picture Producers & Dis- 
tributors Assn. New York office for 
20 years, died Oct. 22 after a brief 
illness. Will Hays and his staff at- 
tended the funeral services Satur- 
day (24). Survived by widow. 



Juanlta 
Ruth Haney 
Qracs Heuaon 
Jacqueline Herman 
Tvonns 

Harry Adar Ors 
Bwaa Olnb 

Frances Carroll 
Vincent Rlzzo Or* 
PuBsy DeCarmo 
Flaah Lane 
Grace Huson 
Duke McHale 
Dorothy Mann 
The Merrymen 
Armand Camp 
Marty Doha 
Lea Bohn 

Trans Atlanlle L'te 

Sally LaMar 
Richard Boch 

MHh Cenliiry Clnb 
Dorothy Johnson 
Don Crist 3 
Men of Rhythm 
Venice flrill 
Anions Bove 
Bobo Cansino 
Harry Nichols 
Don NIcholaa Oro 

Weber's Hot Bran 

Camden 
Ray O'Day 
Blair & Dean 
Guardemen 8 
Saxons . 
MnfTon 

Jules Flacco's Oro 
Ratha'r Eldoradlana 
Wilson's 

Art Mathues 
Jos Hough 
Geo Baquet Oro 
Helen Lane 
Joanne Kendall 
Ginger Harris 
Oath Berney GIs 
Yacbt Cinb 
Joan Corez 
Pen Raymond 
Ann Tally 
Helen Jerrico 
Harry Holly 
Victor Nelson Oro 



Ethel Mason 
: I Mohameds 
Dnow Bdmonds 

Trsloa 
Joey Reynolds 
Freddy Ross 
Bddls Meyers 

Taoht Clnb 
R Middleman 
Arthur Blake 
DeSlmone Dancers 
Josepblne Delmar 
Kirk * Madeline 
CblQUlta 

Sby-Tos 
• Swing Arlstocrates 



LOS ANOiXES 



Mrs. Dora H. Edwards, 57, wife of 
Jesse R. Edwards, owner of Edwards 
Carnival, died in Webster, O., Oct. 22. 



Dora A. Edwards, wife of J. R. Ed- 
wards, owner-manager of the J. R. 
Edwards Shows, died Oct. 21 at her 



CHARLES DOBIAN 

Charles Dorian, 49, assistant and 
cecond unit director at Metro for 16 
years, died Oct. 21 on a train near 
Albuquerque, N. M., following a 
heart attack. He was on his way 
home from Des Moines, la., where he 
had filmed backgrounds for 'Women 
In Uniform." 

Former vaudeville actor, Dorian 
entered pictures in 1917 and later be- 
came assistant to Clarence Brown. 
He was rated as one of the best as- 
£istants in Hollywood and turned 
down numerous offers of full direc- 
torship. Among the stars he helped 
to direct on the Culver City lot were 
Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Lon 
Chaney, Joan Crawford, Ramon No- 
varro, William Haines, Lionel Barry- 
more and Clark Gable. 



JULIUS SINGEB 

Julius Singer, 62, an associate of 
Carl Laemmle in the early days of 
the film industry, died Oct. 24 in a 
film theatre on upper Broadway, 
N. Y., following a heart attack. At 
one time Singer was shorts sales 
manager for Universal and in recent 
years has handled the 16-millimeter 
and no-theatrical departments of the 
company. Most recently, he has been 
manager of the Little Car-negie thea- 
tre, N. y: 

Survived by Widow. Funeral held 
Monday (26) night. 



Ralph Rainger 

A Grand Guy 

MILTON BERLE 



with them during their tours over 
the RKO and other vaudeville cir- 
cuits. 



ELVAN 'FUZZY' COMBS 

Elvan 'Fuzzy' Combs. 29, clarinet- 
ist and vocalist In Henry Busse's 
orchestra, died Oct. 19 in a San 
Francisco hospital from pneumonia. 
He was stricken several days earlier. 

Before joining Busse's orchestra 
three years ago. Combs had been 
with Herbie Kay's band for eight 
years. 

Surviving are widow, Jean Webb, 
a singer, and an 18-month-old son. 



THOMAS HABPEB 

Thomas Harper, 84, former circus 
showman, died last week in Lansing, 
Mich. 

Becoming interested in show biz 
^: a boy, Harper soon afterward 
Joined the Barnum and Bailey cir- 
ius. He became a boss camvasman 
%nd continued in that position when, 
show became combined with the 
oiitflt He had also been a 



^^^^^ 



FBANK M. KOONTZ 

Frank M. Koontz, former minstrel 
man, died Oct. 20 in Elmo, Mo. 

As a youth, Koontz appeared with 
various minstrel companies in the 
middle west, but later he abandoned 
the stage to become a travelling 
salesman with a wholesale grocery 
company in Kansas City, Mo. 

Survived by a daughter, Mrs. Alice 
Bain. 



home in Wooster, O. She had been 
secretary-treasurer of the shows for 
several years. Husband survives. 



Mrs. Nina ScottI, wife of orchestra 
leader William Scotti, died in Rock- 
ville Centre, L. I., Oct. 25. Two sons, 
daughter and sister survive, besides 
her husband. 



Enos W. Btchardson, 67, for 20 

years a flutist in Greene's Opera 
House orchestra, Cedar Rapids, la., 
died at his home in Cedar Rapids 
following a long illness. 



A. S. Schleslnger, 76, died of a 
heart attack. In Des Moines, Oct. 18. 
Father of Dorothy Berke, ' dancer 
now retired in Des Moines. 



JUAN BdSELLO CLAR 

Juan Rosello Clar, 44. pic critic 
and press agent for Jesus Grovas & 
Co., producers, who conducted a 
thrice-weekly film chronicling pro- 
gram over station XEOY, died In 
Mexico City, Oct. 19. 



HARRY BABFOOT 

Harry Barfoot, 88, oldtime stage 
actor, died recently at his home in 
Brooklyn. He had . performed with 
Otis Sklnne^ ^^^^^^^^ln, Ro- 



Jacob A. Wagner, 78, former pres- 
ident and charter member of the 
Circus Fans of America, died Oct 
20 at his home in Des Moines. 



Brother Steps In 

Youngstown, O., Oct. 27, 
Carmine Ficocelli, who with his 
brother, Michael, is co-conductor of 
the Youngstown Symphony Orches 
tra, will report to Fort Hayes, 
Columbus, for Army duty on Oct. 21. 
He is the 13th member of the orches 
tra to enter service. 

'It is at times like this that one 
realizes the value of two conductors,' 
the draftee said. 'My brother, Mi- 
chael^ wUldo^ework of both'. 



Band Box 

Billy Grey 
Mae Brewater 
Geo Tibbies Ors 
Billy Lankin 

Bar of Hoals 
Ann Triola 
Bill HolTman 
Michael Edwards 
Dick Winston Ore 

Blltmore Bowl 
Harris & Shors 
Penny Lee 
Donald Novls 
Marjorle Day 
Joe Rcichman Oro 

Casa Manana 
Ersklne Hawkins O 

Cocoannt OroTS 
Freddie Martin Ore 

EnrI Carrolls 
Gall Gall 
Happy Fclton 
Dorothy Ford 
Wlore Bros. 
Beryl Wallace 
St Clair & Day 
Aurora Miranda 
Roily Rolls 
Shirley Wnyns 
Al Norman 
Manny Strand Oro 
Michel Ortiz Oro 
FlorentlDS Garden 
Fred Scott 
Mills Bros 
Sugar Geise 
NTG's 'Army' 
Gertrude* Nieaen 
Diamond Bros 
Francis & Grey 
Jeanne Foreman 
M Marcolllo Ore 
Grace Hayes ixKlf* 
JImmIe O'Brien 
Maurice O'Brien 



Dolores Gay 
Grace Hayea 
H Carroll ft Paulina 

HollTWOod Tropics 
June 'Kit' Carson 
Harkers St Dale 
Paul Neighbors Ore 
Dick Thomaa 

Hoase of Mnrpby 
Beth Reynolds 
Charley Thorps 
Larry Burke 
Bob Murphy 

Loolslana 

Al Gale Band 
Les HIte Oro 

Hscambo Cafs 
Phil Ohman Ore 
Richard Smart 
Eddie LeDaron Oro 
rnlladlDm 

Jimmy Dorsey 
M Malneck Oro 
Slnpay Mules 

Ben Blue 
Sliaw & Lee 
Joseph Kirk 
Lorraine Elliot 
Tommy Mack 
Norma Squires 
Patricia Page 
Joe Plumer Ore 

Slrsets of Paris 
Art Tatum 
Mead 'Lux' Lcnla 
Murray McEkron 

Swaiiee Inn 
Charlie Davie 
Ivis Anderson 
Trianon 
Ray McKinley Ore 
Tronvllle Clnb 
Leo Morgan Ore 



PITTSBUBGH 



Alpine Lodge 

Jimmy Oanibic Ore 
Jack Leary 
Adrian & Clintlie 
Gregoi'y. R & C 
Helcne & Navarre 
Floren'-e Hinlow 

Arlington Lodge 
Pall Allwcs Ore 
Helen Foster 

Bnlronodes 
Bob Lnznr Oro 
Dale Spohror 

Bill Green's 
Baron Elllud Oro 
Mnry Krcig 
Babe Ithodes 
Bill Bickel 

Bins Ridge Ian 
Lou Lucky Ore 
Cornell Cooper 
Booglr-Woogis Clnb 
Cozy Harris 
Maxie Simon 
Dancing Buddy 
Boog Sherman 
Joey Brown 
Oinii>.<< Mason 
Harry Comorado 

Club Petite 
Jack PecK Oro 
Molly Paplle 
Eddie ShaRner 
Ralph Springer 

Colonial 
Bobby Bergan Ore 
V Cork and Bottle 
Lloyd Fox 

Eddie Peyton's 
Eddie Peyton 
Marlon Muilcr 
51 Clnb 
Max Tarahio 
Pat McCauloy 
Linda Cotta 
Sally Rice 
Mary Steele 
Carta Moors 

Hotel Fort PHI 
ICcn Ballcv Oro 
Johnny .Miiehcll 
Harry Walton 
Jessie Whoatley 

Rntel Renrr 

(Silver Grill) 
Dorothy Matthews 
Esquires 
„ (Ony M's) 
Dorothy Nesbitt 
Hotel: 71b Avenas 
Frank Andrlnl 



Argentinians 

Hotel Rooasvelt 
The Kaalhues 
Sal RecchI 

Hotel Bchenley 
Billy Hinda Oro 
Joy Lind 

Hotel Wm Penn 
(Chatterbox) 
Bob Astor Ore 
Mnrria Rice* 

(Continental Bar) 
Billy Catlzone 
Lonox Gordon 
Deno Belli 
John Fritz 

Merry-Go-Ronnd 
Howdy Baum Ore 
Leon Fields 
Dcrtay Sis 
Madeleine Gray 
Miss Paddy 

Music Bar 
Betty Falvo 
Lillian Morton 
2 Jays 

Tanya Tamarl 
Dale Harkness 
Randolph & Garcia 
Betty Smiley 

New Hlllorest 
Marty Schramm Ore 

Nixon Cafs 
Al Marsico Oro 
Bob Carter 
Lester Ohman 
De Mar & Dcnise 
Gum Gulll 

Nut Honss 
Piccolo Pete Ore 
Hal & Dolly 
Joey Kline 
Jimmy Muzzo 
Tiny Miller 
Ted Blake 

Kite Court 
Ray Dunn 
Pat McOowan 
Murray Ross 
Jerry Tagress 
Tommy Mandres 
Orchard Inn 
Benny Burton Or< 

Oasis 
J Peppers 

Pines 
Don Rutter 
Bill LeRoy Oro 
Jacques La Belle 
Redd's Cafs 
Rudy Paul Oro 
Tommy Meehan 
Peggy Wallace 
Gloria Lloyd 

Sqnlrrsl Coop 
Dothory Mason Bd 



i&ilUEil 



Ore 



Union Grill 
Sammy Waltsrs 
Frank Natals 
Mtks Bandrstto 

Vnu Hadrti 

Etal Covato Ors 
Mark Lans 
Dlxls Dunbar 
Jack McCarthy 
Lola ft Andrs Dors 
Flo Miller 
Lord ft Lyon 

Vlatorr Longs 
Victory I 



SAN FEANCISOO 



Palace Hotel 
(Boss Boom) 
Henry Buses Oro 
St. Francis Hotel 
(Mnral Boom) 
Harry Owens Ore 
Hllo Hattle 
Mark Hopkins Hotel 

(Peacock Coart) 
K Dunham Dncrs 
Herbis Holmes Oro 
Sir FranclN Drake 
Hotel 
(rerslan Boom) 
Chick Oandall's Oro 



Bal Tabaria 

Chaney ft Alvarei 
L Cole A His Debs 
Wlllkle ft Dare 
H Hughes Dncrs 
Bill Ciinord's Ors 

LMo Club 
Donald Novia 
H Payaee Dncrs 
Roland Drayer Ors 

8M Clnb 
The Hackers 
Vonna 
Jean Slater 
Rayburn Girls 



Chicago Opera Casts 

Chicago, Oct. 27. 
Second opera of the Chicago sea- 
son will be 'Lucia de Lammermoor* 
with Lily Pons, James Melton, Rich- 
ard Bonelli and Virgilio Lazzarl, to 
be presented Wednesday evening, 
Nov. 11. 

'Aida' will be presented Saturday 
afternoon, Nov. 14, with Dusolina 
Giannini, Kirsten Thorberg, Giovanni 
Mertinelli, Lawrence Tibbett, and 
Virgilio Lazzari. 

Saturday evening, Nov. 14, ig 
'Faust,' with Richard Crooks, Rich- 
ard Bonelli, Nicola Moscona and 
Margery Mayer. 



MARRIAGES 

Leona Newman to Dave Boxer, 
Sept. 19, in N. Y. He's a booker for 
Universal in N. Y. Marriage has 
been kept secret until now. 

Barbara Blaise tb John Elliott, in 
Chicago, Oct. 18. Groom is Juvenile 
in company of 'Spring Again.' 

Gloria Ingles to Ensign Laird 
Dobenspeck, in New York, Oct 21. 
Bride's in 'Strip for Action.' 

Ellen C. Glattes to Frederick W. 
Famoll, in Toledo, Oct. 23. Bride is 
nitery dancer. 

Helen Bull to Charles Slagle, in 
N. Y., Oct. 23. Both are in 'Stars 
on Ice,' Center, N. Y., groom being 
one of the Four Bruises. 

Mrs. Nellie Anderson to Edward 
Lefleur, in Hollywood, Oct. 24. 
For years she played mother roles 
on stage and in pictures. Bride is 
72; he's 74. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. Berle Adams, daugh- 
ter, Oct. 18, in Chicago, Father Is 
booker with General Amus. Corp. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mandel. son, 
in Chicago, Oct. 22. Father Js a 
Warners' exchange salesman. 

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Schneider, 
son, Oct. 20. in New York. Father is 
manager of Columbia Pictures' pub- 
licity department. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Higgins, daugh- 
ter, Oct. 20 In Los Angeles. Father 
is radio writer there. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Danz, daughter, 
in Seattle, Oct. 21. Father Is a 
Seattle theatre man. 

Mr. and Mrs. Billy Cover, son. In 
Pittsburgh, Oct. 18. Father's with 
Blue Barron band. 

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gould, son, Oct. 
22, in New York. Father is in radio 
department of The N. Y. Times. 

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Beat, daughter. 
In Pittsburgh, Oct. 23. Father's for- 
mer continuity chief at KDKA and 
now running his own radio adver- 
tising studio in Pitt as well as man- 
aging Art Society concert series in 
that city. 

Mr. and Mrs. Alton Alexander, 
daughter, Oct. 26, in New York. 
Father Is radio producer 

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee, daugh- 
ter, Oct. 20, in Detroit. He is a 
booker for night clubs in Detroit. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Burgess, son. 
Oct. 21, in Detroit. Father is owner 
of Club Top Hat, Detroit. 

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jaflfe. son, Oct. 
24, in New York. Father is theatrical 
attorney; mother is actress Jean 
Muir. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Lively, son, 
Oct. 24, in Los Angeles. Father is 
film writer; mother the former screen 
actress, Jeanne Harbor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Baker, son, 
Oct. 26, in Los Angeles. Father is 
radio singer. 

Mr. and Mrs. Si Shaltz, son, Oct. 
27, Philadelphia. Father is assistant 
city editor of Philadelphia Record 
an^Jarle^MsuigiM^**^^^^^^ 



Wcducsiky, October 28, 1942 



55 



'Real-Thing' War Pictures 



iL.ar with the cooperation of the 
British Army, Air Force, Navy and 
?rown film units In various war 
zones and at home, are to be re- 
leased in the United States on a 
commercial basis, by eight major 
distributors under an agreement 
with the BrltUh Ministry of Infor- 
mation. U. S. dlstrlbs will select 
most suitable material from entire 
BMI output, which will be made 
available for release by Paramount, 
Columbia, Metro, RKO, Universal, 
Warners, 20lh-Fox and United Art- 
ists. Initial deal is for one year, and 
Involves six or more features plus 12 
or more shorts. 

Some of the best war pictures 
made during the current conflict 
vill never be seen, because the 
(cenes shot in terrific air, sea and 
land battles in the Arctic, the Eng- 
lish Channel and along the coast of 
France are at the bottom of the seas 
together with the men wVio made 
them. 

In some instances the beginning 
and the end of pictures have been 
lost on the way back to port. Much 
o( the battle zone pictures made 
have been landed safely and It is be- 
lieved that there will be enough of 
these films to provide for a full re- 
leasing schedule. 

Cameramen will write the stories 
In celluloid, although under (he di- 
rection of studio technicians and 
writers who know both the war and 
the technical conditions. 

Total number of . pictures to be 
made is uncertain because it will de- 
pend on the volume of footage that 
British and Allied Nations camera- 
men get back with. 

Cooperation of British forces in 
getting footage for commercial re- 
leases indicates the importance at- 
tached to presenting the British and 
other United Nations war efforts to 
the American public. 

U.S. Fix tor Eocland 

British Ministry of Information 
will be taking those American films 
made in war zones, such as John 
Ford's 'Battle of Midway,' for com- 
mercial release in Great Britain. 

Among the features to be pro- 
duced by the BMI will be 'America 
Goes Into Action' and 'Western Ap- 
proaches,' latter dealing with U. S. 
and British fleet action in the At- 
lantic. Other pictures will be made 
about submarine warfare, the com- 
mandoes, air forces, and so on, all 
from footage taken in battle. Shorts 
will deal with various wartime prob- 
lems for the most part. 

Sidney L. Bernstein, director of 
the film division of the British In- 
formation Services, soon returning 
to England, in an interview in New 
York this week paid tribute to Low- 
ell Mellet for his understating and 
skill in handling the task of film co- 
ordination. 

Bernstein stated also that it was 
obvious that Hollywood is stripping 
for action, that directors, writers, 
producers and company heads arc 
beginning to understand the proper 
methods for tackling the Job of pub- 
lic information. He believes that the 
results of this awakening will be- 
come manifest within the next six 
or nine months in forthcoming re- 
leases. 



Contlnoed from page 1 

tions 



as a wartime m«.ve that may 
develop into a normal operation. It's 
up to the gals themselves. 



Hire Chi Girls 

Chicago, Oct. 27. 

Entire technical staff of girls has 
been hired and trained to service 
W9XBK, Balaban & Kate television 
station in the Loop, handling the 
controls, studio cameras, operate the 
audeo and ■ video controls, power 
panels, and serving as stage man- 
agers and announcers. 

Stage manager is Fran Harris, for- 
mer radio actress. Others include 
Jean Schricker, former office worker 
and Rachel Stewart, former soda 
dispenser, both woritmg as camera- 
men, Margaret Durnel, onetime film 
router nnd Esther Rojewski, elec- 
tric appliance worker, as power 
panel operators, Pauline Bovrov, 
commercial arti.st and video control, 
and Jean Mintz, former secretary 
on audio control. 

Girls are known as the Women's 
Auxiliary Technical Television staff, 
otherwise the WATTS. They present 
one-hour-a-day in television broad- 
casts, including playlets, monologues, 
fashion sketches and musical enter- 
tainment. Technical gang has been 
trained and i.s supervised by Archie 
Brolly, only male technician left at 
.'Station. 



Bernle Sandler, 20, whose orches- 
tra had regular spots on WEBR and 
WBNY from nearby WilUamsville 
Glcn two years ago. Inducted Into 
U. S. Army and leaves Nov. 6. 



»l'«T«tcfrcj.s (WHAT THEY THINK 

On B way Still Unsettled 



Harry Salzman, formerly as.so- 
clated with Clifford C. Fischer, has 
not yet closed a deal for his tent 
circus idea in New York's midtown 
area, probably on the site of the old 
Hippodrome on Sixth avenue. Salz- 
man's plans are complete, even to 
heating plans for the tents. 

Salzman reputedly claimed Jules 
Brulatour and Gilbert Miller as 
sponsors of the circus, with Miller 
to be the 'presenter,' but Miller 
denies any connection with the out- 
fit. According to Miller's office, the 
circus plans were submitted to him, 
but the legit producer refused any 
part of the project. 



ANOTHER MICH. AREA 
PUTS NIX ON CARNIES 



Detroit, Oct. 27. 

The rebirth or con games with 
carnivals has resulted in their ban- 
ning in several area.s in Michigan. 
Late.<:t to rule out the carnivals Is 
Dearborn, Mich., who.'^e chief of 
police. Emry R. Evans, made a two- 
year fight for the new ordinance. 
It not only nixes carnlcs. but the 
new law forbids 'outdoor vaudeville 
dancing and so-called girl shows.' 

In fact, it will be a toush job for 
a circus to get into the major suburb 
here, since the law provides that 
only circuses without "midways, 
sideshows or carnivals' can come in. 
About the only exemption are two 
mechanical rides, Ferris wheels and 
merry-go-rounds. 



Seeking Edna Bush 

Los Angeles, 

Editor. 'Variety': 
I am coming to you as a last re 



;0f half-baked orchestrations of 
j knock-kneed themes. No climr..\es. 
I Take the finale of 'The Woi ld at 
' War.' The screen has a stirring 



sort. I have tried for several years '""r*"'"". °' marching soldiers 



to locate my cousin, who has been 
in the show business many years. 
Traveling in different directions we 
lost track of each other and my 
mother is more than anxious to find 
her. Her name was Edna Rush when 
I last saw her. She was the daugh- 
ter of Minnie Bud Harrison who 
passed away a few years ago. 

Minnie Bud Harrison married a 
man named Rush, also In the show 
business. He was manager of several 
burlesque .rhows. two of them 'Puss 
Puss Review* and 'Hollywood Scan- 
dals.' 

Lieut. Gladys Bush Carter, 
'Women's Ambulance Corps). 
2008 West 7th St., Los Angeles. 



the orchestra do? 
Give us a solid 



Wants Martial Marching Music 

Camp Barkeley, Texas, Oct. 20. 
Dear 'Variety': 

I'm curious to know whether your 
aim reviewers have the same reac- 
tion I had to the music in such Gov- 
ernment films as 'Salvage' and 'The 
World at War.' 

Here, in the Army, our films shown 
to groups for non-technical training 
purposes have a piece of main title 
and end title music that is brassy, 
footteasing. It's as whistleable as the 
Paramount News or Fox Movietone 
title music, which the boys on many 
a post know backwards. 

So what do we get from the 
screen in these other pix? A Jumble 



And what does 
Play a march? 
theme? 

No. We get something th.nt sounds 
like a truck full of collections from 
the scrap drive. Grating, un- 
rhythmic cacaphony. AM the build- 
up of the picture is lost In the 
harmonic mashed potatoes. Soldiers 
don't march to that sort of music. 
Nor do hearts beat to the sort of 
music these pictures have splattered 
out of the horns. 

Maybe the producers (whatever 
I branch of the U. S. Government they 
are) ought to hear that very corny, 
but very effective end-title of our 
Army training pictures. Or maybe 
they ought to see the Paramount or 
Fpx newsreels. 

Let's march to victory, to height- 
ened morale. We'll never get there 
with dishpan dissonance. 

Yours for martial music, 

A Second Lieutenant. 

P.S. — Rather you didn't us a name, 
although mine is on your 'Variety' 
subscription list. Just wanted to 
pass on a very strong impression! 



Or idea St 



By NAT KAIIN 



COLLEGE GAMES 

SATURDAY, OCT. 31 



GAMES 



WINNEBS 



ODDS GAMES 



Ona Munson 

Continued from page 2 s 

he gave her the assignment of pro- 
ducing 'Victory BeUes,' an all-girl 
show for all-soldier audience. She'll 
also take the show to nearby camps 
every week to get the full advantage 
of directing. 

Back east Miss Munson followed 
up her long stage career with radio 
work and appeared In as many as 25 
programs a week. On the Coast five 
years, her radio work has been alter- 
nated with pictures but she did 
manage to get In four years as 
Edward G. Robinson's vis-a-vis gn 
Big Town' before that program was 
washed out by Rinso. 

While a precedental move by CBS 
here, Miss Munson must share the 
rarity of producing from the distaff 
Bide with one or two others. Cur- 
rently Joan Cannon U handling 'Dr. 
Christian,' having Inherited the job 
from her former boss, the ex- 
Dorothy Barstow (now Mrs. H. K. 
McCann). Betty Buckler, up to a 
year ago, produced 'The Second 
Mrs. Burton' for Benton & Bowles, 
?iru '^'^"a Bourbon, now with Ward 
Wheelock in the east, formerly di- 
rected for th, t agency here. 

If Miss Munson make a creditable 
showing in her first producer job— 
and the odds are greatly in her favor 
t'Ue to long experience and popu- 
larity in the craft— others of her 
tender can be expected to get seri- 
ous consideration from the big sta- 



' EAST 

Boston College — Georgetown B. C 

Tlie Eagles won't find the Hoi/aa any setups. 

Bucknell — Lafayette Lafayette 

Mav wind up in a tia. 

Carnegie Tech— Plli Pitt 

Pttt is the stronger oi two weak teams. 

Coltynbla — Cornell Colambia 

The Lions are due ]or one upset uictory. 

Darlraoalh-Wm. ti Mary Dartmoath 

The southerners to suffer first defeat. 

Fordham-St. Mary's Fordham 
The loop trip jrom coast to weaken Gaels. 

Harvard — Prinrelon Princeton 

The Ti!7er attack is functioning strongly. 

Holy Croiis — Colgate Colgate 

The Crusaders fnay sneak through. 

Maryland — Fla. Fla. 

ria. travels in faster company. 

Penn — Army Penn 

Penn has flock of breakaway backs. 

Syracuse— \o. Car.-Pre-F. Pre-Fllght 

The first dc/eot for the Orange. 

Temple— MIcb. SUte Mich. Slate 

State showed plenty last week. 

West Va.— Penn State Penn State 

Stole rapitali:es on the breaks. 

Yale — Brown Brown 

Mnrgnrila won't be stopped two weeks in o row. 



SOUTH 

Auburn— IklliiS. Slate Miss. Stale 

Auburn is having on off year. 

Clemson — Wake Forest Clemson 
Clemson con score more o/tcn. 

Georgia — Alabama Georgia 

Best game of the week. 

Duke — Ca. Tech. Ga. Tech. 

The Blue Devils may upset 'em. 

No. Car.— No. Car. SUte No. Car. 

The Tarheels to resume their uiinning ways. 

Rice— Texas Tech. Rice 

Rice ha.t a better rounded otlock. 



San Francisco — Sania Clara Sanla CUra 

The Broncs back In win column. 



3-1 



Even 



2-1 



S-9 



Even 



t-5 



8-5 



Even 



8-5 



Even 



7-5 



2-1 



S-5 



5-8 



t-1 



Even 



Even 



8-5 



2-1 



12-5 



WINNERS 
Trnn. 



Tennessee — La. Stale 

Clfera-Fuson to down State. 

Texas — SMU Texas 
The Longhoms are best in the southwest. 

Texas A&M — Arkansas Texas AAM 

The Aggies are due. 

TCU— Baylor TCU 



ODDS 
0-9 



2-1 



Even 



Even 



The Homed Frogs to stay unbeaten in a close one. 



Tulunr. — Vanderbllt Tulaoe 

Tulane is ploying on home ground3. 



WEST 




Indiana — Iowa Pre-Flight 


Pre-Fllght 


This is a toke-your-pick. 




Iowa — Purdue 


Iowa 


The Hawkeyes can score. 




Iowa Slate — Oklahoma 


OkU. 


An easy one for the Sooners. 




Kar a>: — Nebraska 


Neb. 


No question about it. 




Michigan— Illinois 


Mich. 


P;ck it out of a hat. 




Minnesota — Northwestern 


Minn. 


The Gophers are roIKng again. 




Mis^-nurl — Great Lakes 


Missouri 


The Cndcis have slipped. 




Marquette — Detroit 


Marquette 


Murqiieite has the stronger oltack. 


Notre Dame — Navy 


N. D. 


The Irish arc greot op;>ortunisls. 


Wisconsin — Ohio SUte 


Ohio SUte 


A battle of unbeaten teams. 




FAR WEST 


Calif — Oregon 


Calif. 


Calif, lias the more impressive 


record. 


UCLA— SUnford 


UCLA 


Stanford shouldn't be held too lowly. 


Wash. — Oregon SUte 


Wash. 


It's on Washington's gridiron. 




Wa-;h. Stale— Cat. Pre-F. 


Wash. Slate 


A close gome. 




NOV. 1 




Vlllanova — ManhatUn 


Man. 


The Jasjyers make the breoks. 





Even 



Even 



12-5 



3-1 



4-1 



Even 



Mnil Racketeering Ushers 
M^r RnN[ling Circus' One 
Day Stand b Knoxville 



Knoxvllle. Tenn.. Oct. 27. 

Plenty of mud and a racket worked 
by ushers had Knoxville circus fans 
saying 'never again' after Rlngllng 
Bros, circus played two sell-out per- 
formances here Friday (23). A 
heavy downpour Thursday night 
left the old airport, used as circus 
grounds, a field of mud. 

Announcement in the morning 
paper that this probably would be 
the last . circus for the duration 
brought out huge crowds, some of 
whom were victimized by ushers. 
The ushers charged SOc extra for 
seats they held out In the top rows 
of the general admission section, al- 
though fans had already paid for 
seats. They also put up extra seats 
hidden between rows and pocketed 
SOc apiece for these In the reserved 
seat section. 

Circus officials, informed of this, 
said, 'you bring in the usher.s In- 
volved and we'll take care of them.' 
The afternoon paper pointed out that 
it was up to the circus to police its 
employees. 

The show track and rings were 
lorn up and muddy, as was equip- 
ment and seat.?, and the performers 
moved .«o slowly that John Ring- 
ling North him.self got out on the 
Hack trying to speed things up. 



'Seir u. s. I 

Continued from page 1 ^^^ J 



2-1 



Even 



5-8 



tile opeibtion of the film business .s 
not to be disrupted. The present 
hope is reported to be that as much 
I leniency will be shown in the man- 
power situation as in the earlier days 
of the war in Great Britain. It was 
; not unlil the last year or two that 
, the urgent demand for additional 
manpower ultimately took numerous 
studio technicians, producers and 
players to the colors in Britain. 
I Reason for the confab on Improv- 
I ing publicity on the film business 
I war effort resulted from field re- 
; ports picked up during the Septem- 
ber tx>nd campaign. It was learned 
I that in some places the average man 
i ' the street oddly enough, held the 
^ opinion that the picture businoss did 
Even [ not do much of a Job in selling war 
; bonds and stamps last month. 
Even ! Others got the idea that the indus- 
; try was liald for carrying on the 
drive. 



3-1 



9-5 



I2-S 



9-5 



Even 



NATIONAL PRO LEAGUE 
SUNDAY, NOV. 1 



IrSmi 



Smith and Collins 

Continued from page 1 — ; 



Bears — Llonii 

Any doubt about it? 


• 

Bears 


S-1 


Giants — Sleelers GUnU 
The Giants must stop Pitt's Dudley. 


8-8 


Packers — Cardinals 

Ditto. 


Packers 


4-1 


Redskin: — Eagles Redskins 

Aninhnr for the Eastern chomps. 


5-1 


Dodgerit — Rams Dodgers 
The Jtains* passing may harry the Bruol.-s. 


13-5 







STANDING 
Won, 119; I,o«l, 63; Pel., 641 



day war bond marathon Wednesday 
via WJSV. 

Senators heard from Collins on hia 
and Miss Smith's campaign to' fur- 
ther the Writers War Board cam- 
paign to popularize the last stanza 
of The SUr Spangled Banner' and 
expressed approval. 

Those present at the luncheon 
were: Senators Hattie Caraway, 
Ark;insas; Sheridan Downey, Cali- 
fornia; James M. Mead, New York; 
Ernest W. McFarland, Arizono, 
W.-l'r- F. CvoTSc. GcT"'" 



56 



Wednesday, October 28, 1942 




one DOZEH ROSES TO A LOVELY SOHG STIR 






NOW 



INAUGURATING NEW STAGE POUCY AT 
THE ROXY THEATRE, NEW YORK, OCT. 28 






Exclusive Management 

William 







Igency, Inc. 

New York — Cleveland— ^Chicago- 
Hollywood 



''Jane Froman is an eye-tonic and 
a show-stopping chanteuse. Her 
looks, style and original song deliv- 
ery had first nighters applauding till 
their Palms smoked." 
—ROBERT COLEMAN, Daily Mirror 

''In the decidedly de luxe show . . . 
headliner Jane Froman sings most 
engagingly a gamut of hit tunes.'' 
— HERRICK BROWN, New York Sun 

"Triple A indorsement to the most 
seductive thrush — ^Jane Froman." 

—LOUIS SOBOL, 
N. Y. Journal-American 

"Jane Froman is easily the show's 
standout looker, a delightful warhler 
with a routine of tuneful ditties." 

— ^IBEE, Variety 

"She has always been one of the 
favorites of this column. After hear- 
ing her new radio show last night, I 
repeat, 'a swell singer'." 

—BEN GROSS, Daily News 

"In fine voice for the debut of her 
new radio show, Jane Froman in- 
vested 'Begin the Beguine' with a 
wealth of melodic flavor and dramatic 
flash and applied an ingratiating 
sense of color and cadence to her 
music." 

—BOB LANDRY, Variety 





"Jane Froman is the most gor- 
geous,' glamorous singing lass who 
ever worked under, the moon of 
Mi^mi. Tab her the number one of 
them all." 

—JACK KOFOED, Miami Daily News 

"A patrician loveliness of face, 
form and voice, topped off by her 
stunning gowns and coiffure, repre- 
sents the finest popular singing star 
ever to visit our town." 

—DOROTHY DEY, Miami Herald 

"Sincere, frantically beautiful and 
in complete command of the finest 
voice in the cafe world, she is a 
showman's dream and a customer's 

—WILL DAVIDSON, 
Chicago Tribune 

"There's a piquancy and winsome- 
ness in Jane, a freshness of person 
and voice that make her thoroughly 
enjoyable. The customers glowed— 
and clamored for more." 

—JOHN HURLEY, Chicago Sun 

"I know every girl singer of songs 
in America and I 'don't know anyone 
who looks as good and can sine so 
well." 

—BILLY ROSE 

"Nothing so soulful as her reading 
of Gershwin's yearning billet, doux 
ever hit the Stadium in its 25 years 
of varied life." 

—LOUIS BIANCOLLI, 
World-Telegram 



EXCLUSIVE COLUMBU RECORD ARTIST 






Scanned from microfilm from the collections of 
The Library of Congress 
National Audio Visual Conservation Center 
www.loc.gov/avconservation 



Coordinated by the 
Media History Digital Library 
www.mediahistorvproiect.org 



Sponsored by 

•.\^<i| Department of 

i::^[r Communication Arts 

: University of Wisconsin-fvladison 

http://commarts.wisc.edu/ 



A search of the records of the United States Copyright Office has 
determined that this worii is in the public domain.